Can you get the image quality of a DSLR in a compact camera?
Many people probably think of DSLRs when it comes to serious photography, but the high-quality compact category are now also shaping up as an exciting alternative.
For the serious photographer looking for something smaller, perhaps a second camera to their DSLR, sub-$300 compacts don't offer the same image quality, zoom, or lens quality.
The next step up is a "serious" quality compact. These cameras have existed for years now, in the form of models like Canon's G9 and G10, and Nikon's P6000, but now it seems compact makers are going to new lengths to give high-quality images without the bulk of a DSLR.
As well as Olympus, who told use their new EP-1 compact will give pictures as good as their own DSLRs, Sigma has also launched a new compact with high-end pedigree.
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| The Sigma DP2: front view |
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| The Sigma DP2: back view |
Sigma says its new DP2 is the "world's only all-in-one compact camera with the full standard spec of an SLR" - a claim serious DSLR enthusiasts will surely look at very closely.
The reason is the DP2's SLR-sized APS-C image sensor, which is 20.7 x 13.8mm, larger than a cheap compact point and shoot camera. The DP2 is a 14MP camera, shoots RAW, and like other enthusiasts compacts like the Canon SX 200 IS and G10, offers shutter and aperture priority shooting modes.
If you're looking for a quality camera without the bulk of a DSLR, Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds G1, which has interchangeable lenses and is smaller than a DSLR, is a good step. But if you want to go really small, the next logical step is a truly high-quality compact, like the Sigma DP2.
What you won't get with the DP2 are interchangeable lenses, something that is possible with the equally small Olympus EP1. And despite the hype about the DP2's image quality, the jury is still out until we get our hands on a model to review.
While we're yet to see official Australian pricing or availability, we spoke to Paxtons camera store in Sydney, who told us they expect the DP2 to arrive around the end of July.