Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Quentin on August 18, 2012, 04:23:09 pm

Title: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 18, 2012, 04:23:09 pm
Not much info on the new DP2M so I thought I'd post a few of my own

Actually I have been somwhat blown away by the quality.  I believe the phrase is gobsmacked.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/_SDI0083.jpg)

Quite difficult to get accross the impression of fine detail, natural colour and general wonderfulness in small posted images

Here is a link to full rezz shot https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Don_Fullrezz.jpg (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Don_Fullrezz.jpg)

Tha absence of moire is a big advantage on shot like the following portrait

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Man.jpg)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/_SDI0030.jpg)

Shoreditch Kiss

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/_SDI0029.jpg)

Break in Whitby Street

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/_SDI0022.jpg)

Simple, easily navigated menu system, well built, superb fixed lens 45mm equiv focal length, good colour, but most impressive of all is the outstanding acutance and detail.  I own a NEX-7 but have not picked it up since the DP2M arrived.

Quentin




Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on August 18, 2012, 05:02:48 pm
Quentin, nice photos!  Not just the camera, of course, but your vision behind the capture.  They got me thinking about the DP2.  I'm deciding what I want in a smaller-camera size.  I have the SD1 for infrared work, and have been processing the raw files in the Sigma software to produce tiffs that I open in PS.  How do your process the files?  Are you shooting raw?  And then what do you do?  I think I happened onto my workflow because PS/ACR wouldn't open the Sigma files.  I haven't checked back on that as I've been absorbed in some other projects.  Or maybe you have to upgrade to PS6 (or maybe that doesn't read the Sigma files either.)  Anyway, I'd be interested to hear what you do.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 18, 2012, 06:38:29 pm
Quentin, nice photos!  Not just the camera, of course, but your vision behind the capture.  They got me thinking about the DP2.  I'm deciding what I want in a smaller-camera size.  I have the SD1 for infrared work, and have been processing the raw files in the Sigma software to produce tiffs that I open in PS.  How do your process the files?  Are you shooting raw?  And then what do you do?  I think I happened onto my workflow because PS/ACR wouldn't open the Sigma files.  I haven't checked back on that as I've been absorbed in some other projects.  Or maybe you have to upgrade to PS6 (or maybe that doesn't read the Sigma files either.)  Anyway, I'd be interested to hear what you do.  --Barbara

Hi Barbara, thanks.  I always shoot raw.   PS6 does not yet support DP2M files, so I use the reasonably straightforward Sigma Photo Pro software, convert to 16 bit Tif files and then post process in PS6 Extended.  I shoot and process using neutral colour setting, drop down the shapness setting and NR.  Seems to get the job done, as they say  ;D

I am seeing something very special with the DP2M files.  Not sure it its the Foveon sensor or the lens - probably a combination of both.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on August 18, 2012, 11:34:54 pm
Quentin, thanks for the answer.  That is the same workflow I've been using, except that I like to have zero sharpening in-camera and apply it myself.  I trust the menu choices would let me do that, though I understand some cameras apply some sharpening regardless of what you do.  And, come to think of it, the files out of my old SD-14 seemed sharper than expected to begin with.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 19, 2012, 07:02:25 am
Barbara,  conventional wisdom is to leave sharpning until the last stage in the process, but then if you think about it, if (and its a BIG if) the camera manufacturer understands their product, logically they should be able to match their sharpening algorithms to the sensor and (with a fixed lens) the lens more exactly than any third party provider.  So I allow Sigma Photo Pro to add a touch of sharpening, i.e. at a setting of -1 (setting are -2 through to +2).  Works for me.

Now, I have tried uprezzing DP2M shots using Photo Zoom Pro 4 to 200%, which gives you a file about 168mb (8bit, or twice that for 16bit).  In the trials I have so far done, using carefully taken shots, the resulting image, with touch more sharpening added using a low setting in FocalBlade 2.02 did not look obviously uprezzed.  I'm not sugesting it was quite as good as a native file that size, but it was pretty close.  Not a lot worse than a file from my Hassy H4D-50.   I believe there are three reasons for this.  First, there is no moire at the limits of resolution, due to the Foveon sensor.  Second, the images are exceptionally sharp to begin with, i.e. the native data is very hgh quality and artifact-free. Third, the DP2 seems good at differentiating subtle colours so the images look natural to begin with (if you get the colour temp right).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on August 19, 2012, 07:44:30 am
Thanks Quentin, the D2pm is a fascinating camera. I may have purchased one already had it been a bit more compact (and money not an issue).

It seems to leave all the other compacts pretty far behind in terms of image quality. Actually, at lower ISOs, the only non MF camera clearly ahead in terms of image quality is IMHO the D800. All the other APC or FF sensors are at best on par, if not behind.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pingang on August 19, 2012, 08:53:08 am
Beautiful!  I was still waiting for mine to arrive, which is almost 3 weeks late. I use DP-1 and DP-2 and without think twice I ordered the DP-2 M.
I shot with SD-1 Merrill for a lingerie work last week with good result but bad experience. The result is of course quite good, shot in studio with 50/1.4 so that is 85/1.4 as on a Nikon D800E which I have one in the shoot as well. Surprisingly, in studio situation with a little dim light, the Sigma SD-1 M was actually focus more decisive than D800E.
However, as issue with digital these days, you can't help but shoot in sequence and SD-1M hit the buffer like in seconds and then I have to slow down quite a bit to wait for the camera to refresh from its buffer - on a fast CF card, to say exactly, it is actually slower than an IQ180.
Anyway, the result is wonderful although I really don't like the Sigma software.
How's your experience with the DP-2M buffer?  Although it could have not such a big factor as shooting DSLR.

BR,
Pngang
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jeremypayne on August 19, 2012, 09:22:27 am
there is no moire at the limits of resolution, due to the Foveon sensor.

A Foveon sensor is susceptible to luminence moire ... No?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Bart_van_der_Wolf on August 19, 2012, 11:56:20 am
A Foveon sensor is susceptible to luminence moire ... No?

Well, actually it aliases the same in R, G, and B, unlike non low-pass filtered Bayer CFA filtered sensors arrays which have more R and B aliasing than G aliasing. But you are right, the Foveon sensor array also aliases, perhaps even more because it doesn't have an AA-filter.

Cheers,
Bart
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 19, 2012, 02:00:05 pm
The reality is there is no visible moire, aliasing artifacts or the like.  In this repect it is fundamentally different from other cameras I have owned, or still own, up to and including the Hassy H4D-50.  Maybe any aliasing cancels itself out.  A significant advantage of RGB photosites or their equivalent (like the muti shot backs and of course scanning backs) is this is one defect they don't visibly suffer from.  They don't require AA filters to kill moire because there is none.

Pinang, the DP2M buffer fills up pretty quickly.  It then takes a few seconds before it clears.  The camera also gets very hot so its sucking down power at a frightening rate from the battery!  I think Sigma should have specified a bigger battery.

From Thaxted, Essex, England today (Gustav Holst wrote the Planet Suite in the church)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Thaxted_Roof.jpg)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Thaxted_Candle.jpg)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Thaxted_Cupboard.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on August 19, 2012, 02:22:08 pm
I am remembering now that I had attributed the sharpness of the out-of-camera files of the SD-14 to its lack of an aa filter, and the same result can be seen in the SD-1 files.  Significantly less sharpening was needed in the editing workflow compared with a Nikon D3.  And I can appreciate that the same would be true for the
DP2 Merrill.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on August 19, 2012, 02:27:46 pm
Quentin, when I went back and re-read your earlier answer to my question about workflow with the files, you mentioned getting the color balance right.  How good is the camera's auto-white-blance? --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fine_Art on August 19, 2012, 03:59:07 pm
How does it handle Caucasian skin tones? Didnt the older foveons tend to give people sunburn?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 19, 2012, 05:28:23 pm
Barbara, auto white balance seems surprisingly accurate

take this as an example

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/knives.jpg)

Quentin

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on August 20, 2012, 02:58:41 am
Thanks for the response.  And I must say your photos are intriguing!  When I think about how I need to improve as a photographer, the "vision" thing is big.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fips on August 20, 2012, 03:26:07 am
Quentin, very nice photos indeed! Thanks a lot for posting them. May I ask how the focus speed compares to the previous DPs? How well does manual focusing work?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 20, 2012, 08:27:02 am
Quentin, very nice photos indeed! Thanks a lot for posting them. May I ask how the focus speed compares to the previous DPs? How well does manual focusing work?

Hi there,

Not fast!  Acurate yes, but any half decent dlsr would wipe the floor with it.

Manual focusing works just fine.  If you have it set to manual focus assistance with auto focus, then with the shutter release half pressed, turning the focus ring gives you a 100% close-up view for precise focusing.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Yiorgos on August 21, 2012, 03:00:23 pm
Quentin: What about higher ISO performance? How high of an ISO would you be willing to use in low light? I know that this is subjective, but it's better than nothing to a prospective buyer like me. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 21, 2012, 05:41:32 pm
Quentin: What about higher ISO performance? How high of an ISO would you be willing to use in low light? I know that this is subjective, but it's better than nothing to a prospective buyer like me. Thanks.

No idea as yet; looks Ok  at 400 IS0 but thats as high as I have gone so far

Now, a touch of Shoreditch Usain, Sclater Street, London, courtesy of the talented Autralian street artist Jimmy C

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Usain.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 22, 2012, 05:37:21 pm
Hello,

I do have the Dp2m also and use it for some extended professional work. This is a wonderful tool with an amazing glass on. Perfect bokeh, no astigmatism, telecentric and apochromatic. For me it is a legendary lens and I just work my way to tame the camera. It give wonderful outputs.

Just have a look at this and bear in mind that the full resolution picture can be stretched to 175/185 % of her original size and looking more sharp than any 5D MK III configuration.
Now we should cross our fingers and pray that Sigma work on a FF DP :)

I will post here some more photos in the future to illustrate what can be done with this little thing.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LUIS GUEVARA on August 23, 2012, 06:51:48 pm
Very nice images . Thank you for sharing them and your thoughts about the camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 24, 2012, 12:31:59 pm
Hulyss, Hi

Just saw your images-  great work.  Love it ;D

Are you using the close up accessory lens?  I have one on order.

Agree about the camera.  Lens is spectacular.  Sigma showing what they can do when they put their minds to it.

Quentin

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 24, 2012, 03:43:04 pm
Hulyss, Hi

Just saw your images-  great work.  Love it ;D

Are you using the close up accessory lens?  I have one on order.

Agree about the camera.  Lens is spectacular.  Sigma showing what they can do when they put their minds to it.

Quentin



Hello Quentin,

No I don't use the close up lense. I don't know if I will buy it or no because I already have the close up lens of my DP2s. The cropping possibility of the DP2m + his excellent bokeh do the job for now. (But I will buy it, I know me ^^).

The close-up lens should improve the already excellent bokeh, I think (or give some special effects).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on August 24, 2012, 06:35:16 pm
Thanks for sharing all!
This camera looks very interesting indeed. Quentin, I have a question for you (and others who have experienced the DP2M)
I come from a film (medium format) background and I have been looking for a digital camera that can match both quality and feel of
my mf film camera. I now own a D800E and i find the quality very good indeed. I would also like to have a compact digital camera with
a prime lens (50 mm range) and one that feels and handles more like shooting film. The DP2M look just like the thing I am looking for.
So my question: In terms of color, detail and feel, how well do u think it behaves like a film camera?
And is the quality of the raw images somewhere as good as the d800's? (not counting sheer resolution)

Oh yes: where have u all ordered one already, and for what price?

Thank you very much!

Cheers,
Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 25, 2012, 03:42:17 am
Thanks for sharing all!
...
 I would also like to have a compact digital camera with
a prime lens (50 mm range) and one that feels and handles more like shooting film. The DP2M look just like the thing I am looking for.
So my question: In terms of color, detail and feel, how well do u think it behaves like a film camera?
And is the quality of the raw images somewhere as good as the d800's? (not counting sheer resolution)

Oh yes: where have u all ordered one already, and for what price?

Thank you very much!

Cheers,
Ricky

Ricky

I'm in the UK and got mine from Clifton Cameras.

A comparison with film is difficult because they are so different.  All I can say is that from your description, you fit the right profile to enjoy the DP2M.  Both the lens ans sensor are outstanding so you can't go far wrong...Just expect to work a little (as with film) to get the best from it.

One point I'd make on value for money.  Some think the DP2M is expensive.  In fact I worked out it cost me about 25% the price of a single one of my Hasselblad lenses...   Given the quality possible, and the superb lens, I think its a steal.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on August 26, 2012, 08:33:20 am
Thanks Quentin!

Yes I am looking for a camera that makes me work a little. To slow me down and make me think and look carefully.
This is maybe my main problem with digital and it is why i love film so much: it slows me down and in the end gives me more keepers
and more the feeling I am realy doing work that matters.

How do u feel about the Foveon sensor? (I have no experience yet with it)
It may not like you say be comparible with film, but does it realy have a different 'look' than
a normal Bayer patern sensor photo? (including the incredible sensor in the d800)
I am not saying i am looking for something 'better' but do the prints realy look and 'feel' different than say from a NEX 7?

I hope I am not being to abstract, but I think you will know what I mean.

Cheers,
Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 26, 2012, 02:19:19 pm
I think the DP2m is the digital equivalent of the kodachrome 64.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on August 27, 2012, 04:50:04 am
I think the DP2m is the digital equivalent of the kodachrome 64.


With Kodachrome, you could always see the image before you shot it.

My only experience of screens on the back of cameras is with the Ds 200 and 700 and the cellphone. The cellphone (Samsung) is impossible to use intelligently because I can't see anything on it in sunlight; those on the Ds are seldom switched on - if ever - because I find I can trust Nikon's Matrix.

So, my question is, would a DP2 Merrill be any use out in sunshine, where I fear the screen would go as black as on the cellphone, and if manual focussing is done via screen, then how are the two, viewing and focussing, possible in sunlight? I stress, I have no experience of these types of cameras, but would be interested to know if the thing would replace the cellphone (which I would be perfectly happy to do); it looks a lot smaller and lighter than either of my Ds!

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 27, 2012, 05:09:49 am
Thanks Quentin!

Yes I am looking for a camera that makes me work a little. To slow me down and make me think and look carefully.
This is maybe my main problem with digital and it is why i love film so much: it slows me down and in the end gives me more keepers
and more the feeling I am realy doing work that matters.

How do u feel about the Foveon sensor? (I have no experience yet with it)
It may not like you say be comparible with film, but does it realy have a different 'look' than
a normal Bayer patern sensor photo? (including the incredible sensor in the d800)
I am not saying i am looking for something 'better' but do the prints realy look and 'feel' different than say from a NEX 7?

I hope I am not being to abstract, but I think you will know what I mean.

Cheers,
Ricky


Hi Ricky, I feel  great about the Foveon sensor.   Its not perfect, of course.  In the DP2M, it has been married with a near perfect lens, so it works well.  It has a different look, in my view.  Sigma Photo Pro is a bit limited but it works well.  There is a lot of highlight headroom but to maximise it in that software might require two decodes of an image.  I think I agree with Huyliss it is a bit like Kodachrome 64 in some ways.  A downside is shadw areas can look unsaturated in the reds and yellows.  This can also lead to some green casts at darket frame edges sometimes.  A bit of post processing can sort it out.

Talking about making you (or me ) work, here are two shots I took yesterday in Buy St Edmunds of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.  The purpose was partly to see how far I could push the DP2M as a medium format "lite" camera.

The second image is a stitch of three images.  The final image size in 8bit is 94mb.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Ceiling%20Abstract.jpg)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Bury_Pano.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 27, 2012, 05:16:42 am
Rob

All I can say is the screen is better than most but like you say, its a pain in bright sunlight - but useable.  The accessory viewfinder I have can be a help here.  On the other hand,  I tiried using a polariser on the DP2M yesterday, and it was nearly impossible to check the effect or whether it was polarising properly.  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on August 27, 2012, 10:22:33 am
Thanks, Quentin; seems like it wouldn't make me any the happier then... I suppose the bottom line is that there simply are no neater ways to getting a planned shot than via the old and trusted tehniques of yesteryear, bulky and heavy (relatively) as the tools are. Woe is me.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on August 27, 2012, 10:35:59 am
Just a quick note that I wil be reviewing the DP2 beginning this week.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on August 27, 2012, 12:35:38 pm
Thanks Quentin!

Great shot by the way

Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 27, 2012, 12:37:47 pm
Just a quick note that I wil be reviewing the DP2 beginning this week.

Michael

Thank you Michael :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on August 27, 2012, 12:51:33 pm
Michael,

I am looking forward to that very much! I hope you will be able to write something about this
camera in respect to it's ' uniqueness'  in terms of 'feel and look'  instead of resolution and sheer facts. That would be very interesting indeed.

I hope you'll have a speedy recovery and I wish you all the best Michael

Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 27, 2012, 01:17:36 pm
Just a quick note that I wil be reviewing the DP2 beginning this week.

Michael

Well, Michael, I would suggest you treat it a bit like a fine wine.  It takes time to "breathe".

I will be interested to see if your own conclusions match mine.   Other photograpaher's views are always interesting, particularly yours but as you may have surmised from this thread, I have already formed my own!.  ;)

All the best with your recovery.  I owe you lunch or dinner in London  :)

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: deejjjaaaa on August 27, 2012, 02:00:20 pm
Just a quick note that I wil be reviewing the DP2 beginning this week.

Michael

grab an evaluation copy or Iridient Rawdeveloper (and SilkyPix) for raws...  SPP is a very limited converter... unless, of course, it is a sunny day and base ISO
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on August 27, 2012, 03:37:15 pm
grab an evaluation copy or Iridient Rawdeveloper (and SilkyPix) for raws...  SPP is a very limited converter... unless, of course, it is a sunny day and base ISO

I don't see the DP2M listed as supported by Iridient.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: deejjjaaaa on August 27, 2012, 09:54:19 pm
I don't see the DP2M listed as supported by Iridient.

Michael


true, I forgot that the last version supported SD1/SD1Merril, but not yet DP1Merril/DP2Merril  :(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 28, 2012, 12:03:53 pm
Having shot with the DP2M for the last couple of weeks, here is my thumbnail sketch of the good, bad and the ugly:

The Good

 - Astonishing sharpness and micro detail, unprecedented in any similar camera I have used and exceeding by some margin the nominal 15mp spatial resolution of the Foveon sensor;

- the ability to interpolate to match or exceed higher resolution Bayer (mosaic) type sensors, approximating (in my tests) 28mp equivalency (maybe higher or lower depending on subject.   As always, your mileage may and very probably will vary);

- Subtle differentiation of natural colours lending a fresh "veil has been lifted" appearance to images - the Foveon magic is in evidence here.  Images just look "right"

- Superb class leading 30mm lens, with almost no CA, and outstanding resolution from center to edge;

- Simple minimalist design and easy menu system.  

- tough metal construction

The bad (and ugly rolled in to one)

- Poor, under developed, raw software.  Does the basics well enough, but no curves function, for example, and frequent crashes (on my Windows machine).  Tendency to blocked shadows.

- Not good above 400 ISO, where noise becomes an issue;

- Some vertical fine "banding" sometimes seen in areas of even colour such as the sky.  There is a lot of noise (excuse the pun) about this on some forums. My take is that the issue is overstated.  I have seen it, but a quick run though your favorite NR program (mine is Neat Image) selectively applied cures the issue.  However, it is unclear whether or not this is as inherent hardware problem that cannot be fixed in firmware of software, or if we might expect a firmware / software update to attack and solve the problem.  If it is an inherent problem, why, and what is the future for yet higher resolution Foveon sensors?  For my part, give me the occasional banding, if removing it would reduce resolution.

- a tendency to go a bit "green" at the edges in low light, and some faint purple blotching at ISO 200 and above in some shadow areas, requiring remedial work in Photoshop

- fixed focal length lens (but what a lens!  Who needs zooms anyway!!)

- no built in flash (if you like that kind of thing) and no viewfinder (optional accessory available but of limited use, but better than a poke in the eye, I suppose)

For me, this camera has been a total revelation.  The heck with the problems (real as they are), the upsides are so great (for me) I have scarcely been able to pick up any other camera in the last few days.  I have never before seen,  in any camera short of high end medium format and digital scan backs,  such pixel level quality and resolution.  

Game changer?  Sorry, its a whole new game.

Quentin



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 28, 2012, 07:54:09 pm
Hello Quentin, (first I want to say I'm very happy to be on Luminous Landscape, it is a quality place populated with quality people, a real heaven coming from DPr or french forums ...).

I have my camera since the 11 of this month. And I recoup almost ALL your "thumbnail sketch of the good, bad and the ugly" despite some little variations and here is my own little return:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=541418;image)

The good:

# What I like with the DP, being a former DP user since the DP1, is the ergonomic, yes. It is very user friendly, pure and simple.
# The lens is just awesome, coming from some Zeiss on my D700 and some use of a S2. It is why I protect it with a Helioplan UV SH-PMC 49 x 0,75.
# You can screw the lens hood over the filter, so it protect the filter too because the hood is sort of square windowed as you can see above.
# The sensor is what I qualify as a photo revolution, a real. Richard Merrill and his team really did something to the photography and this is not marketing; just facts.
# The colour output is really film like, using also a lot of film (and building a large stock of Kodak ...  :( ).
# The white balance might be not very consistent BUT she is very just. I almost never need to tweak it on a single view.
# The overall output at this focal is better than what can produce the SD1m (Amen to the dedicated marvellous lens).
# When correctly exposed, no really need of any PP. The image is just and pleasing (this is a big evolution in SIGMA digital world, trust me).

Some examples just for the eyes no pp applied and OFC no sharpening applied:

Picture
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543263;image)
Crop
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543264;image)
 
Picture
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543550;image)
Crop
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543551;image)

And, for the quality of the bokeh:
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543273;image)
Crop for bokeh
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543275;image)

Well... you get it.

The bad:

# Battery life is poor.
# The raw developer is poor (but ... efficient).
# Not good above ISO 100 (I'm harsh but that's my exigences).
# Banding when using Nik Software Silver Efex, in some ways.
# Shadow transition problems on human skin. At the transitions zones, the skin turn in a variation of green and red.
# Because of the above I think (for portraiture) this camera will be Black and White only (If you play with shadows, like me).

EDIT: The problem can be fixed via PP in PS by going in hue Red +5 and Yellow -15. This work and give perfect skin colours/transitions.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=546066;image)

Conclusion

This camera is a very good camera if we like to be purist, to take our time to compose, seeking a soul in our shoots. There is some flaws at this young technology but it is promising it is why I continue to buy it. It contribute to the "effort" let say :) But I really want to see a 24x36 foveon one day. For me it will be a perfect colour street camera, landscape and B&W phototool; but, on humans, my primary camera will stay my D700 and my Zeiss (for now ^^ I wait a firmware).

EDIT: The camera can now be used as a portrait camera by using the PS routine above.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on August 28, 2012, 08:16:20 pm
I've had the DP2M for less than a day and only had time to do a few quick test shots. But I have to say that I am knocked-out by the image quality. Some of the issues that I saw with the SD1 gone, some of them are still there. The two reviews that I've read in this thread seem to provide a very appropriate perspective.

Lot's more to say in future but, this is not a camera for pussys.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on August 28, 2012, 08:35:08 pm
I've had the DP2M for less than a day and only had time to do a few quick test shots. But I have to say that I am knocked-out by the image quality. Some of the issues that I saw with the SD1 remain, some of them are still there. The two reviews that I've read in this thread seem to provide a very appropriate perspective.

Lot's more to say in future but, this is not a camera for pussys.

Michael

 ;D for sure :D

EDIT: I modified my review, look at my EDIT in my previous post. Skin color problem can be fixed via PP.

Example:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=546125;image)

After R+5/Y-15

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=546127;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on August 29, 2012, 09:23:26 am
Huyliss

Nice work on the skin tones.  Tends to reinforce the view that Sigma are not great in the raw software department.  No surprise there, then!  I don't have the lens hood but I am awaiting the close up accessory lens.  Great review, similar conclusions to my own (which I find reassuring).

Michael,

Glad we are apparently on the same page regarding image quality.  :)  Definitely a camera that rewards the careful and thoughtful photographer.
Title: On the use of AF Lock & Manual focusing mode...
Post by: kgelner on September 03, 2012, 06:30:29 pm
Thanks for the review, I enjoyed it... one thing of note though on using manual focus in combination with AF lock.   When in AF Lock if you switch to manual focus, it automatically sets the manual focus distance to where the AF was locked at.  So you can use this to switch to manual mode to verify exactly where the AF landed, and make slight adjustments from there if you wish.

Note that there seems to be some bug in switching between manual and AF modes that at times it reverts the AEL setting back to being AEL, instead of AFL...

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: JayWPage on September 04, 2012, 01:49:54 pm
I wonder if some of the DP2 Merrill users could comment on the dynamic range. What other camera is it comparable to?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 04, 2012, 04:35:23 pm
I wonder if some of the DP2 Merrill users could comment on the dynamic range. What other camera is it comparable to?

It is excellent.  The Cathedral shots I posted earlier in this thread show good detail in the stained glass windows without the need for bracketed exposures.  Expose for the shadows, and (within reason) you can recover the highlights.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Dave Millier on September 05, 2012, 03:39:48 am
It is excellent.  The Cathedral shots I posted earlier in this thread show good detail in the stained glass windows without the need for bracketed exposures.  Expose for the shadows, and (within reason) you can recover the highlights.

Hi Quentin

As a long time Foveon user (SD9, SD14, DP1), my reservations about the technology have always been: 

1) Luminance aliasing. This has always been there, given the absence of an AA filter. The new sensor seems no different: there are always visible jaggies on things like angled grass stems. Lot's of people seem oblivious to this but to me it's one of the biggest trademarks of digital imaging. I've been looking at a lot of images from the new sensor and it still seems very obvious to me.

2) Funky colour. Every version of SPP and every new Sigma camera yields a different colour response.  I find Foveon has a tendency to overly yellow/orange foliage in warm light and tends to blow reds very easily giving a flourescent radioactive look and also hue shifting to magenta or orange

3) Colour casts. My SD9 is too yellow, my SD14 too green/yellow. Fortunately, DNG profiles help a lot. The DP1 was quite neutral except for an occasional tendency to go magenta

4) Green edges. The DP series has been prone to a green cast at the edges.

5) Shadow noise, especially large blotches that conventional NR software can't deal with (usually considered the result of the huge matrix operations needed to extract RGB colour from the weird colour space of Foveon)

Can you comment on these aspects with the new camera?

 :D   (my 6 year old insisted on the smiley)

 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences -- Zone Focus? VF?
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 05, 2012, 05:26:31 am
Hi.  I am interested in some perspective on using the DP2M while zone focussing.  Sean Reid extols the virtues of the DP cameras for this method of working, in part (probably large part) because they have a thumb wheel dedicated to setting the focus distance (and the control has clearly marked distances on it).  As far as I can tell, the DP2M has removed this wheel and relocated focus distance control to a ring around the lens.  This ring has no fixed relationship to focus distance, and of course no scale.  As such, while the DP2M is leaps ahead of the DP2 in IQ, it seems it is not a tool that can be used for zone focus work.  Is this correct?  Is there any easy (preferably off-eye) way to set the focus distance?

Related: is the optional viewfinder usable?  Reviews of VF for other DP cameras have mentioned that the VF is a bit small and distorts, but not too small or too distorted to get in the way of use.  Comments from anyone who has tested one?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 05, 2012, 09:27:53 am
The DP2M does not lend itself to zone focusing. I know my friend Sean is a big fan of that style of working, but I'm not, especially with a longish focal length lens. Look at a DOF table that uses a small circle of confusion and see what your DOF would be. It's very small and so if you using zone focusing most of your picture will be slightly out of focus.

In the days of film when you could use a large COF this made some sense with very wide lenses, but not these days.

I didn't mention it in the review, but the DP2S has a focus confirmation light on the top panel where one can see it if using an optical VF. I didn't bother with the one from Sigma, I have a 40mm Voigtlander that works well.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 05, 2012, 12:36:36 pm
The DP2M does not lend itself to zone focusing. ... [Much goodness snipped.] ... I have a 40mm Voigtlander that works well.
Michael

Many thanks for covering what I asked, what I needed to know but didn't ask, and more  8) .  Here's to good health.  --Kirby.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jason Denning on September 06, 2012, 04:02:43 am
Hi

Can anyone comment on the dynamic range, I like to be able to raise the shadows sometimes significantly and coming from digital medium format I can so wondered how this fairs? I would live to get access to a raw file or tiff file if anyone is willing to upload one.

Thanks

Jason
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 06, 2012, 06:39:26 am
Hi Dave

See my comments below

Hi Quentin

As a long time Foveon user (SD9, SD14, DP1), my reservations about the technology have always been:  

1) Luminance aliasing. This has always been there, given the absence of an AA filter. The new sensor seems no different: there are always visible jaggies on things like angled grass stems. Lot's of people seem oblivious to this but to me it's one of the biggest trademarks of digital imaging. I've been looking at a lot of images from the new sensor and it still seems very obvious to me.


I have not noticed any.  Sometimes the appearance of aliasing is actually the edge of pixels which would disappear if the image  is rezzed up- something I saw with scan backs, which of course are also RGB for each pixel (and therefore sharp)

Quote

2) Funky colour. Every version of SPP and every new Sigma camera yields a different colour response.  I find Foveon has a tendency to overly yellow/orange foliage in warm light and tends to blow reds very easily giving a flourescent radioactive look and also hue shifting to magenta or orange


There is some occasional purple and yellow blotching in underexposed shadow areas.  Reds do blow a bit more easily than they should, so you need to be a little careful.

Quote

3) Colour casts. My SD9 is too yellow, my SD14 too green/yellow. Fortunately, DNG profiles help a lot. The DP1 was quite neutral except for an occasional tendency to go magenta


Michael mentions cyan skies in his review.  The overall cast on my camera using auto  is a little green.  Correctable either in Sigma Photo Pro and not significantly worse than other cameras I have used.

Quote

4) Green edges. The DP series has been prone to a green cast at the edges.


Still there in shadow or underexposed areas.  Probably the wost problem (for me ).  Something Sigma need to work on to provide some kind of correction in their software.  Of course it is possible to address the issue in Photoshop, but it takes time and is a particular issue with something the DP2M is otherwise very well suited for - stitching

Quote

5) Shadow noise, especially large blotches that conventional NR software can't deal with (usually considered the result of the huge matrix operations needed to extract RGB colour from the weird colour space of Foveon)


The biggest noise issue with the DP2M is hatching or banding in areas of even colour, like skies.  Again, Michael has mentioned this, and it does seem to come and go depending on the image.  With a well exposed image processed with "0" in Luminance noise slider (really, the mid-position), it is not visible in normal operation.  Turn all NR off, and/or manipulate the sky and it becomes increasingly evident.  I kill it altogether by running Neat Image selectively applied to the sky  (or other even areas) or turning up NR in Sigma Photo Pro

But lets not get carried away here.  There are these issues, but there are equally other areas where the DP2M does not have issues that other cameras do have, like colour artifacts and moire, which are just as much trouble to deal with as any of the issues with the DP2M. And then of course there are the extraordinary benefits in resolution and acutance / sharpness not seen outside of megabucks MF backs (if at all), meaning a more significant ability to upscale images to match much higher resolution Bayer sensor cameras.

The DP2M is not a perfect camera; it is a camera that rewards work in the hands of a skilled photographer.  It would probably be a disaster in the hands of the metaphorical soccer mom or casual user, but they are not the Luminous Landscape constituency  - are they? ;D

Quote


Can you comment on these aspects with the new camera?

 :D   (my 6 year old insisted on the smiley)


I can match that :D
 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on September 06, 2012, 10:28:15 pm
;D for sure :D

EDIT: I modified my review, look at my EDIT in my previous post. Skin color problem can be fixed via PP.
... After R+5/Y-15

Hulyss,

The skin color correction looks excellent in the profile image of the girl's arm and torso profile. However I noticed that the color of a portion of the girl's garment changed from a definite yellow to a definite orange type color.  Do you happen to remember what was the true color - was it the yellow (as shown in the pre-correction image) or orange (post correction image) or something in between?

I am very interested in this camera however it's a concern to me if in order to get rid of obvious color transition artifacts that I'll need to do extensive color correction on local areas.

Thank you.
Dan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on September 07, 2012, 04:34:19 am
Remember film?

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 07, 2012, 05:15:21 pm
Hulyss,

The skin color correction looks excellent in the profile image of the girl's arm and torso profile. However I noticed that the color of a portion of the girl's garment changed from a definite yellow to a definite orange type color.  Do you happen to remember what was the true color - was it the yellow (as shown in the pre-correction image) or orange (post correction image) or something in between?

I am very interested in this camera however it's a concern to me if in order to get rid of obvious color transition artifacts that I'll need to do extensive color correction on local areas.

Thank you.
Dan

Hello photodan,

Yes the yellow top changed colour. The real colour is more orange than yellow but, even the D700 is not very right on this. I would have done a mask, only on the zone; better than processing the whole image.

If there is no yellow in your shoot, you will have no problems at all. No luck for me  ;D

Hi

Can anyone comment on the dynamic range, I like to be able to raise the shadows sometimes significantly and coming from digital medium format I can so wondered how this fairs? I would live to get access to a raw file or tiff file if anyone is willing to upload one.

Thanks

Jason

Hello Jason,

Here is a link to the DR of the SD1m. The DP2m seems to have more DR than the SD1m, even with the same sensor. This is strange.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/sigma-sd1-merrill-1088902/review/page:5#articleContent
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 07, 2012, 05:50:54 pm
A little test I did today. Ok they are not the same tools and the test isn't scientific, at all. But I like it ;) (Be care, big files. let them charging. Exifs inside).

First the DP2m
http://www.hulyssbowman.com/tempo/DP2m.jpg

Second The S2 + 70.
http://www.hulyssbowman.com/tempo/S2.jpg

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 07, 2012, 10:48:14 pm
A little test I did today. Ok they are not the same tools and the test isn't scientific, at all. But I like it ;) (Be care, big files. let them charging. Exifs inside).

First the DP2m
http://www.hulyssbowman.com/tempo/DP2m.jpg

Second The S2 + 70.
http://www.hulyssbowman.com/tempo/S2.jpg

Thanks for posting.  I'd rather have the DP2M file -- but I can't conclude anything from that.  

My DP2M arrives Monday.
Title: Sigma DP2 Merrill Vertical Banding
Post by: Ligament on September 08, 2012, 12:56:42 am
Hi All,

Attached two files I took tonight with the DP2 Merrill and the vertical banding problem.

I have seen the vertical banding quite often in the 100 or so images I've taken since I purchased it.

How are you all avoiding this, and secondly how are you processing it out?

I converted from RAW in the Sigma Photo Pro software, 16 bit, ProPhoto space. Only adjust white balance and allow lens profile chromatic aberration to work. I try not to use anything else in SPP as it is terrible.

Open in Lightroom and make my adjustments there. Lightroom cannot get rid of the vertical banding so I do all my noise reduction and vertical banding adjustments in Nik Dfine 2.0.

Attached before and after Dfine 2.0.

I should comment that the microcontrast is impressive and I find myself dialing back the clarity slider in LR more often than not. The images are quite sharp and although some could benefit from sharpening, I'm finding it is not worth the noise enhancement.

The colors seem odd to me with a greenish cast to them that I am still trying to work out. I live in Seattle, WA with rather blue overcast light at all times and a very high Kelvin color temperature on average. Perhaps this has something to do with it, although on my bayer sensor cameras I have no such green issues.

You can download the RAW file, my TIFF file from SPP, and my post DFINE file here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/irihi9zhucl69jg/4Ap-ghH3Td

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 08, 2012, 05:31:10 am
To remove banding I either (1) turn up NR to full in Sigma Photo Pro, and selectively blend-in the NR reduced sky on a new layer, and/or (2) run Neat Image in Photoshop, again selectively applied to the sky (layers, or history brush), or whatever area needs it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 08, 2012, 05:38:54 am
Using the close-up lens outside its comfort zone

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Mousse.jpg)

I do some commercial stock food photography.  No, the DP2M is NOT best suited to it, but at a pinch it can work very well. the biggest issue is noise if the image is underexposed (which this was slightly).  In this shot, there was a fair bit of noise in the original decode top left and in the reds, and NR had to be turned up in Sigma Photo Pro to reduce it in the top left corner, and the out of focus raspberry in particular.  A touch of selective lens blur apled completed the job.

Then I ate it  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 09, 2012, 04:18:59 pm
Railway workers, DP2M, Mono in PS with toning

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Colne%20Valley%20Rail.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 11, 2012, 05:27:13 pm
Some random photos from my daily running trip :) Right click show picture.

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/243230_3692038507665_1468187582_o.jpg)

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/339946_3692047107880_1042193247_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MichaelEzra on September 11, 2012, 08:03:19 pm
How can I get this quality lens on D800e?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Robert Moore on September 11, 2012, 10:03:16 pm
I am sure one exists for the D800e... but it is really the interaction...lens, sensor, firmware.

I bought a DP2 Merrill ... and after a week purchased another. It sits in the closet should anything happen to
the first.

I have never had a camera that elicits such a strong response...it is like a Mamiya 7 and a Rollie 35 Platinum rolled
into one. Seems much wider at times than a 45 equivalent.

And I normally shoot Leica S2 and now a Canon 1DX...but for portable low iso it is unparalleled.

Who would have guessed....My Sigma DP1 was magical ... about 5 percent of the time. This hits 90 plus..

Bob
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 13, 2012, 06:51:38 am
Ok so here is some fresh news ;) :

SIGMA DP2m Firmware available. Not a pussy firmware at all, AF speed is now mind blowing, ISO can be increased by 1/3 stops ... and so on. Just awesome.

http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp2m-firmware.html

http://www.sigma-dp.com/data/DP2m_data/DP2M_FW_1.01_EN.pdf

An SIGMA photo Pro 5 have been updated. The gost update in it is the banding removal ;) Just awesome too.

http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/photopro.html


While other brands announce some exciting and not so exiting products and devices, SIGMA just blow our mind again. Well done.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: AFairley on September 13, 2012, 09:06:42 am
How can I get this quality lens on D800e?

Nikon PC-E Nikkor 45mm, $1800.  ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: artobest on September 14, 2012, 04:35:29 am

(... green edges ...)
Still there in shadow or underexposed areas.  Probably the wost problem (for me ).  Something Sigma need to work on to provide some kind of correction in their software.  Of course it is possible to address the issue in Photoshop, but it takes time and is a particular issue with something the DP2M is otherwise very well suited for - stitching


Could someone please post an example of this? I'm not sure whether the issue is a green periphery of the entire image or green fringing within the image ...

Ta!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 14, 2012, 07:06:44 am
Gradations :) ... at f4 , not even 2.8

(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/dp2m/12.jpg)
(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/dp2m/13.jpg)
(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/dp2m/14.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on September 14, 2012, 03:39:09 pm
Despite some reported issues with color transitions, based on the good reports here including Michael's review I've decided to take the plunge and buy a DP2M with a Sigma VF-21 optical viewfinder. As with all cameras I've tried to buy in the last year it's on backorder.

The main reason I'm posting this bit of personal info is in case the following is helpful to others: the Lens Hood availability issue.  I could not find a retailer that carries the dedicated lens hood (LH2-01), so I ordered it directly from Sigma USA yesterday from here  http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/lens-hood-lh2-01-for-dp2-merrill and it has now been shipped!

The following might be worthy of another thread someday:  I have a feeling I'm going to come full circle in my photo life - started out with an Olympus XA in 1981, went to 35mmSLRs, stereo,  medium format & large format (everything under the sun from 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x17, SLRs, twin lens reflex, rangefinders;  4x5", 5x7, 8x10 field cameras), 35 full frame DSLR (can't afford medium format digital), and find that for type of shots I now usually take,  I don't really need a DSLR, as long as I can get comparable image quality for moderate size prints. Having, say, a couple of mirrorless cameras that provide really high quality, easy to take on trips, and to just walk with around all day, is more of a benefit to me. Hmm, lighter tripod (or no tripod sometimes), small &  relatively quiet cameras that provide high quality competitive with full frame DSLRs for 16x20 color prints, street shooting and landscapes with the moderate focal lengths that I prefer (as opposed to sports and wildlife and extreme wide angle landscapes and such). These high quality mirrorless cameras are likely to become more prevalent in the future (although perhaps with very high prices in some cases like the new Sony RX1). I'm beginning to think I don't really need that clunky DSLR anymore; maybe I'll turn it into cash to indulge my ever-changing preferences :-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: AFairley on September 14, 2012, 04:06:45 pm
Despite some reported issues with color transitions, based on the good reports here including Michael's review I've decided to take the plunge and buy a DP2M with a Sigma VF-21 optical viewfinder. As with all cameras I've tried to buy in the last year it's on backorder.

I did the same thing but cancelled today after some soul searching; the DP2M is really too narrow for my usual subjects/shooting style, and the DP1M is just too wide.  So I guess I am waiting for the DP3M.  :-\
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 14, 2012, 07:24:45 pm
The DP1 Merrill is available and shipping in the US as of today. I expect to have one by early next week.

The key question will be, does its lens stand up to the one of the DP2M? Frankly, I'll be surprised if it is because the DP2M's lens is absolutely world-class in every respect.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jminor on September 16, 2012, 12:51:47 pm
Last fall I sold all my digital cameras & lenses with the single exception of the Ricoh GRD.  I'd hit the wall so to speak and felt my photography was going nowhere.  This spring the GRD snapped its last.  As the year went by I started seeing photographs, not in a gallery but out in the world.  I'd be driving along and look out at the passing landscape and "boom" a perfectly framed picture met my eye.  This started to happen more often.  A distant treeline with looming storm clouds, a half dead tree, a pattern of shadows on the lawn, ships in the harbor.  Photographs were everywhere!  So it's time to get back to it.  I love landscapes, and enjoy finding new things to photograph in old familiar places as well as exploring new locations.  I've had the nagging suspicion that I'd only be truly happy shooting landscapes with a large format camera.  After reading this article on the Large Format Photography site,

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/qtluong/example.html

That's exactly what I'd like to be able to do.  I enjoy looking at crops of my landscapes and finding things I hadn't noticed when I took the picture.  What a pleasant surprise to find this is possible a non conventional compact DP 2 Merrill.  I realize there is a big difference between the Merrill's output and a 4 x 5 sheet of film. But this small digital camera may be close enough for me.  After viewing Quentin Bargate's  (and others) photos and reading Mr. Reichmann's review I was sold.  And To get the most of what a practiced hand can produce with this camera I will take the advice of Mike Johnston of The Online Photograper fame, and work with this one camera, one lens, combo for a year to see what can be done with the DP 2 Merrill.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jimgoldring on September 16, 2012, 03:49:34 pm
Very impressive photos posted by Quentin and Hulyiss. The detail is just amazing to me. I wonder how many of the above shots were hand held and how many were on a tripod. I also started with an Olympus XA-1 in 1979 or '80 but I feel that I have become increasingly dependent on either an image stabilized body (Canon G10, S90 or Sony A55) or lenses with my older Canon 30D. Anyone else concerned about not having an image stabilized system for what appears to be a carry everywhere, jacket pocket size camera? I suppose that the answer is that it depends on technique and how steady you are but being able to do hand held shots with the G10, for example at 1/10 second or slower tends to spoil you.
Jim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 16, 2012, 04:52:14 pm
Hello Jim,

All my shoots was hand held :) I actually prepare a batch of  (sexy) models shoots with this camera, just to blow all your minds away ! ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MichaelEzra on September 18, 2012, 10:48:36 am
Sigma DP2 is a proof that 3D look of the 2D capture is not due to sensor size (we've seen many flat APS-C captures), but is specifically due to the quality of the lens.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 19, 2012, 04:31:48 pm
Here is a little portrait of my mate, done with this little strange and so sweet thing ;) Heavily compressed JPEG.

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247651_3720451577974_661724652_n.jpg)

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487532_3720455138063_1853523535_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on September 19, 2012, 04:42:49 pm
Hulyss if you post any more photos taken with that I'm going to have to go get one.  These are nice images! Thanks for sharing!

The only thing holding me back is that I don't want one more non LR4 compatible set of files.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 19, 2012, 04:44:10 pm
Very impressive photos posted by Quentin and Hulyiss. The detail is just amazing to me. I wonder how many of the above shots were hand held and how many were on a tripod. I also started with an Olympus XA-1 in 1979 or '80 but I feel that I have become increasingly dependent on either an image stabilized body (Canon G10, S90 or Sony A55) or lenses with my older Canon 30D. Anyone else concerned about not having an image stabilized system for what appears to be a carry everywhere, jacket pocket size camera? I suppose that the answer is that it depends on technique and how steady you are but being able to do hand held shots with the G10, for example at 1/10 second or slower tends to spoil you.
Jim

Hi Jim

Thanks - most of my shots are handheld.  Just can't get over how good this camera is.  In comparison some shots I took with the NEX-7 and Zeiss, which I have always regarded as an excellent combination, look lifeless  and ordinary.  Guess i won't be buying the new Hasselblad compact  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 19, 2012, 05:22:40 pm
Hi Jim

Thanks - most of my shots are handheld.  Just can't get over how good this camera is.  In comparison some shots I took with the NEX-7 and Zeiss, which I have always regarded as an excellent combination, look lifeless  and ordinary.  Guess i won't be buying the new Hasselblad compact  ;D

Ho damn !! Do not speak about that I try to forget. Brrrrrrr

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/393274_3720440817705_1296260336_n.jpg)

(http://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/377371_3720443657776_97023629_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on September 19, 2012, 06:54:14 pm
From a Hasselblad medium format digital back and Canon 5D MarkIII shooter background, I just can't believe I have been hooked with Sigma DP2M's IQ so much. Yesterday for the first time I spent some time and shot a few landscape photos with this little wonder. If you can use tripod, manual focus, manual exposure, low ISO and shoot RAW, you can achieve some amazing sharp images with this camera. The color and DR are fine too. Except the slow writing speed and poor battery life I don't see any major issues for slow pace landscape photography which I do most of the time. A few days ago I posted a message here saying I may switch to Sony RX1, not any more! I may use the money to get the DP1M too!
See attached images and let me know your comments. By the way does anybody try the DP1M yet? From the images posted on Flickr it seems to me the Dp1M is not as good as the DP2M. Posted photos all have strong purple fringes and the details look very harsh. I wish to see some good processed the sample images so I can be convinced to get that camera too.


Thanks,


John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 19, 2012, 07:21:08 pm
I've been using a DP1M for a week now. I'll have a review soon.

Basicly, the lens is the only difference between the models 1 and 2. It's very sharp in the center 2/3 rds, less so at the wide edges and somewhat soft wide-open in the corners. These clean up nicely by f/5.6. There's some vignetting and some chromatic aberration in the extreme corners. Nothing that can't be fixed in Lightroom in 10 seconds.

Remember, this is a 19mm lens (28mm eqiv). As such it is no different that other high quality wide primes. I don't know any lens in this focal range that is without these issues. They're simply hard to design and make.

The problem is that the sensor is so high accutance that even a really good lens is challenged. A lessor sensor would be less revealing.

The DP2M is an exception. The lens is simply superb, and beautifully matched to the sensor. This camera is going to be a classic, and unless one is looking for what's likely unattainable WA lens excellece, the DP1M will as well. Together they are a killer combo.

Hmmm. I think I just wrote the review.

Michael

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: petermfiore on September 19, 2012, 07:46:31 pm
Hmmm. I think I just wrote the review.

Michael

Michael
[/quote]

To my mind you did just that!!! Thank you.

Peter
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on September 19, 2012, 08:43:14 pm
 :-\  Dang. You have made me crave that DP2M, Michael. This camera sounds so right for an "f/8 and be there" camera. Photography is my hobby, and I don't carry my DSLR 24-7-365, mostly because I don't want to have it get stolen, but the DP2M would fit in a briefcase. Time to start budgeting...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on September 19, 2012, 08:59:09 pm
The DP2M fits in a large-ish purse.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on September 19, 2012, 09:11:35 pm
Thanks a lot for your message Michael. From a short  few weeks shooting experience with the DP2 M I suddenly found I can make some gorgeous nature images without my 5D Mark III and a bunch of heavy L lenses. When I found the 46 mm lens not wide enough I simply moved back or used DP2 M to shoot a few vertical overlapped images to stitch them in PP. I think the 28 mm lens will give me even better composition options.

By the way, could you recommend a light tripod and carrying case if I take the DP1 M and DP2 M combo for landscape photography?

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on September 20, 2012, 03:48:12 am
I just wonder if one fly in the ointment with this camera could be consistency of product. I may be totally out of date but I had the impression that Sigma lens quality control was below that of say Canikon (which may not be saying that much). OTOH it must be easier to control tolerances in a fixed prime lens than in an interchangeable autofocus zoom.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on September 20, 2012, 08:09:36 pm
Yes, Nigel, it should be much easier to control manufacturing variance in a prime lens, easier still to deal with a fixed lens, and it is much easier to design "normal" lenses with relatively few elements.

All manufacturers have variance. One of the Canon EF-S lenses, the 15-85mm f/variable, has had numerous reports of decentering - but if you get a good copy, it is a fine lens. Trust but confirm....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 20, 2012, 08:43:03 pm
The DP2M fits in a large-ish purse.  --Barbara

I carry the DP2M, with lens hood attached, in one of:
 - side pocket of cargo pants
 - front pocket of field jacket
 - front pocket of Think Tank Retrospective bag
 - front pocket of my small 15"-laptop-toting soft briefcase
 - front pocket of chinos (with lens sticking out)

IQ per volume is unsurpassed.  Cleanliness of details seems as good as or better than 24 MP full-frame Sony.  I have a whole set of test shots comparing the DP2M to the Sony a900 with Sigma 50/1.4 and the (identical to the Sony a900) Sony a850 with the Zeiss 24-70/2.8 at 45, but I haven't had the time to process them yet.

I, too, am looking for a small satchel to carry the DP2M, a herd of batteries, the charger, the close-up lens (works  ;) ), and -- since you can't put the lens cap on the camera with the lens hood attached (?!), the lens cap.  I guess I could use one of my full-frame lens pouches ... .

Today I ordered the Flipbac G2 tape-on grip enhancer.  Two days ago I ordered two more batteries, and a house/car charger.  Four charged batteries should last half a day, as long as you set everything to minimize power consumption.
Fwiw, I tried the Sigma VF but did not find it useful.  Not accurate enough for composition, imho, but the real problem was getting a consistent view while wearing eyeglasses.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on September 20, 2012, 10:20:56 pm
Does someone know any good quality telephoto and wide angle add-on lens I can put on top of the DP2M (through step-up or step-down adaptor) to get different focal length, like many other small cameras have? Will the IQ deteriorate a lot?

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on September 21, 2012, 11:23:32 am
Accepting all its limitations (which I could) this camera sounds as if it is capable, handheld at low ISO or on a tripod, of better IQ than anything I currently possess. However, before I press the "Pay Now" button, could anyone venture an opinion as to whether I would see an appreciable difference in printed image quality over a 5D2 with Zeiss glass (21, 28 and 35 in my case). Maximum print size on my 3800 is 17" x 34". I'd have to sell my least used Canon lens, probably 300/4 to pay for it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jimgoldring on September 21, 2012, 01:07:33 pm
I have a similar question. Would one be able to tell the difference in a 12"x18" or 16"x20" print compared to the Sony RX100 (the compact I was planning to get before I happened upon this thread) for example. In other words, does the vibrancy and almost 3D quality that one sees on a monitor translate to a noticeable difference in a large print?

Thanks,

Jim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on September 21, 2012, 01:25:30 pm
I have to say I'm very impressed with the DP2M so far. Something about the outstanding acutance and almost film like color response that is special. Love the bokeh also.

It has lots of limitations however as I see it as a ISO 100, maybe 200 camera only. So not selling my D800e.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on September 21, 2012, 02:27:41 pm
...
Some examples just for the eyes no pp applied and OFC no sharpening applied:
...
Crop
(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543551;image)
...


Is this really the color of the lips!? Both the skin and the lips look quite unreal, to me at least.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 21, 2012, 02:41:50 pm
Yes this is the true colors. We used a pink gloss on lips and skin is typical of a mix between Caucasian and Island people.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 21, 2012, 03:03:48 pm
This camera is all about image quality. Putting adaptor lenses on it would be a sacrilege.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on September 21, 2012, 05:09:21 pm
I have to say I'm very impressed with the DP2M so far. Something about the outstanding acutance and almost film like color response that is special. Love the bokeh also.

It has lots of limitations however as I see it as a ISO 100, maybe 200 camera only. So not selling my D800e.

Can you say more about this? or share some images?  I am very curious about the higher ISO performance 400, 800, and 1600
Title: "a sacrilege"
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 21, 2012, 07:53:08 pm
This camera is all about image quality. Putting adaptor lenses on it would be a sacrilege.

Michael

I agree.  In principle.  But I did wonder about Sigma's own close-up lens (perhaps not truly an "adapter lens").  I have a long way to go to get the most from the DP2M (I'm a pussy -- more on that when I cleanse the Sigma Photo Pro out of my pores), but I did purchase the Sigma Close-up lens for it (AML-2). Here are a couple of playing-around shots I recorded today:

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/713178/1%20of%202_SigmaDP2MwCloseUpLens_2012-09-21.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/713178/2%20of%202_SigmaDP2MwCloseUpLens_2012-09-21.jpg)

These are cropped from the originals.  The crops are c. 1550 x 1650 px and 1450 x 1000 px.  Minimal processing (as you can see from the chroma noise).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 23, 2012, 07:13:19 pm
From a Hasselblad medium format digital back and Canon 5D MarkIII shooter background, I just can't believe I have been hooked with Sigma DP2M's IQ so much. Yesterday for the first time I spent some time and shot a few landscape photos with this little wonder. If you can use tripod, manual focus, manual exposure, low ISO and shoot RAW, you can achieve some amazing sharp images with this camera. The color and DR are fine too. Except the slow writing speed and poor battery life I don't see any major issues for slow pace landscape photography which I do most of the time. A few days ago I posted a message here saying I may switch to Sony RX1, not any more! I may use the money to get the DP1M too!
See attached images and let me know your comments. By the way does anybody try the DP1M yet? From the images posted on Flickr it seems to me the Dp1M is not as good as the DP2M. Posted photos all have strong purple fringes and the details look very harsh. I wish to see some good processed the sample images so I can be convinced to get that camera too.


Thanks,


John

Some great shots there John.

The biggest issue I have with my DP2M is forcing myself to use anything else!

The DP1M I am on the fence about at the moment.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fips on September 24, 2012, 05:23:14 am
Can you say more about this? or share some images?  I am very curious about the higher ISO performance 400, 800, and 1600

I've only been able to play around with the DP2 Merill a bit at photokina but already there the limitations became obvious. Even in the official brochure - which has some lovely pictures from Morocco by the way - all images shown have been taken with ISO 100 and 200.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 24, 2012, 06:18:49 am
Forget using it at anything above 400 ISO.  Better yet, stick to 100 ISO, and carry a compact tripod.  Or another camera with better high ISO performance. 

The DP2M is a specialised niche product with a narrow operating window, capable of genius when used within that operating window, but otherwise limited - but I'm happier with a limited genius than I would be with a multi-purpose mediocrity.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 24, 2012, 08:22:35 am
Well put Quentin. No pussies allowed.

Michael

Ps: My SD1M review will appear later today or tomorrow. The lens isn't quite as good as the one on the DP1M, but for a WA is is very good. Hard to imagine anything better for the money.

Pps> I went out for a morning shoot in the country the other day. Great dawn light. Choices... D800e, Alpa STC with IQ180, or the DP2M and DP1M in a small bag. Guess which I went out with.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 24, 2012, 08:32:26 am
Well put Quentin. No pussies allowed.

Michael

Ps: My SD1M review will appear later today or tomorrow. The lens isn't quite as good as the one on the DP1M, but for a WA is is very good. Hard to imagine anything better for the money.

Pps> I went out for a morning shoot in the country the other day. Great dawn light. Choices... D800e, Alpa STC with IQ180, or the DP2M and DP1M in a small bag. Guess which I went out with.


I'm actually building a little full res Jpeg pack out of the DP2m. I will post it here later. I won't apply any PP to it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on September 24, 2012, 09:11:43 am
Forget using it at anything above 400 ISO... The DP2M is a specialised niche product with a narrow operating window, capable of genius when used within that operating window, but otherwise limited...

Which is kinda another qualifier that puts it squarely into medium format category ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on September 24, 2012, 09:46:00 am
I shot some ISO 800 the other day. Not great, but not really terrible either, especially in B&W.

But this really is an ISO 100-200 camera.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fips on September 24, 2012, 09:49:34 am
Michael, that's also my impression. In b&w the decreased contrast together with the rather pleasant noise gives sort of an analog look. One just needs to add some fake vignetting to compensate for the too-good lens.  :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 24, 2012, 10:47:25 am
Which is kinda another qualifier that puts it squarely into medium format category ;)

Or even film!  I remember, as I am sure many do, shooting Velvia at 50 ISO or Provia at 100.   We did it for the quality, not for the convenience.  

And yes, medium format digital is also not usually at its best at high ISO.  

It's a good idea to think of the DP2M in the same way.

I look forward to Michael's ruminations on the DP1M.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 24, 2012, 03:23:45 pm
Here is a little Jpeg pack of random photos, for the guys who do not have the beast. No PP have been applied just TIFFS out of SPP and saved as JPG out of Paint dot Net:

www.hulyssbowman.com/DP2m/PACK1.rar
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 24, 2012, 05:41:48 pm
Here is a link to a 9 image DP2M panorama of Cannes on the French Riviera.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Cannes_Panorama_Printready.jpg (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Cannes_Panorama_Printready.jpg)

The printed image is 24 x 100 inches at 300ppi

All images handheld, manual settings, stitched in PTGui.  The level of detail in the printed original is quite incredible.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on September 24, 2012, 10:43:57 pm
Ooh, la, la!! Wow!! You've definitely put me into a panorama mood.  Just gorgeous!  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on September 24, 2012, 11:29:24 pm
Hulyss and Quentin,
Thanks for sharing the files.  The crispness of these images reminds me of files from multishot backs.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: shadowblade on September 25, 2012, 08:05:36 am
Given the quality of these samples, I hope Sigma come out with a full-frame, 45MP (135MP in their terminology) Foveon sensor soon, with the same pixel density as their current 1.7x crop sensor. In a mirrorless system, it would be the ultimate non-medium-format landscape camera, optimised for low ISO settings. Just pair it with a few nice lenses (Leica with an adaptor comes to mind) and you're good to go!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fips on September 25, 2012, 08:11:34 am
Given the quality of these samples, I hope Sigma come out with a full-frame, 45MP (135MP in their terminology) Foveon sensor soon, with the same pixel density as their current 1.7x crop sensor. In a mirrorless system, it would be the ultimate non-medium-format landscape camera, optimised for low ISO settings. Just pair it with a few nice lenses (Leica with an adaptor comes to mind) and you're good to go!

And with built-in WIFI so you can use a tablet for live view and camera control. That would make an awesome view camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on September 25, 2012, 09:13:39 am
Gorgeous pano image! Due to the limitation of the 46mm lens of the DP2M I find myself to shoot pano more with the camera to get wider view for landscape images.

I like to know if you used vertical frames or horizontal frames to stitch this pano image? And did you use Nodal plate to move the camera a little bit behind the center of the tripod? Thanks! Here is the latest pano of the fall scene I shot the day before, 3 horizontal frames with DP2M.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: RobbieV on September 25, 2012, 09:23:11 am
Wow. Every time I check this thread to see new pictures I'm blown away. I have serious considerations to make now when thinking about my next camera purchase...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Marco Pampaloni on September 25, 2012, 11:17:59 am
First of all i need to say Hello to everybody, since this is my first post...i've been reading this forum for years but never posted..i am just shy, you know..:)

I am really interested in these Sigma cameras, especially the DP2M, since i own and use a Leica M8, which is well known for bad High ISO performance, i'd like to know how the DP2M compares to the Leica, regarding High Iso quality..is it even worst ?

Ciao!

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on September 25, 2012, 11:47:40 am
How hand holdable is this camera?  Can anyone comment on what's the slowest shutter speed they are comfortable shooting at?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: shadowblade on September 25, 2012, 11:53:22 am
And with built-in WIFI so you can use a tablet for live view and camera control. That would make an awesome view camera.

Exactly.

Sigma is hardly likely to corner the mass market from Canon, Nikon and Sony. But they can capture the niche markets, which the big players don't cater for - just like Leica and Phase One have done. And, with the Foveon, they happen to have the perfect sensor for low-ISO studio and landscape work. Put it in a full-frame mirrorless body, or a larger-than-full-frame panoramic format (in which case they'd have the entire market to themselves) and provide mounts and adapters allowing for the use of a wide range of lenses, and they'd have a large, if niche market for these bodies. Certainly better than trying to sell crop bodies with fixed lenses and poor high-ISO performance to the budget, sub-$1k crowd...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: RobbieV on September 25, 2012, 12:59:27 pm
Exactly.

Sigma is hardly likely to corner the mass market from Canon, Nikon and Sony. But they can capture the niche markets, which the big players don't cater for - just like Leica and Phase One have done. And, with the Foveon, they happen to have the perfect sensor for low-ISO studio and landscape work. Put it in a full-frame mirrorless body, or a larger-than-full-frame panoramic format (in which case they'd have the entire market to themselves) and provide mounts and adapters allowing for the use of a wide range of lenses, and they'd have a large, if niche market for these bodies. Certainly better than trying to sell crop bodies with fixed lenses and poor high-ISO performance to the budget, sub-$1k crowd...

What about a crop body (1.5) with good high-ISO performance, great lenses, great sensor, in-camera IS, weatherproofing and a sub $2,000 price? I think the new Pentax offering has great potential, but we'll have to wait and see. Fingers crossed that LuLa gives a review.

There's still something really attractive about working with a specialized system like the Sigma. If only the batteries and the software could be sorted...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 25, 2012, 03:31:23 pm
Gorgeous pano image! Due to the limitation of the 46mm lens of the DP2M I find myself to shoot pano more with the camera to get wider view for landscape images.

I like to know if you used vertical frames or horizontal frames to stitch this pano image? And did you use Nodal plate to move the camera a little bit behind the center of the tripod? Thanks! Here is the latest pano of the fall scene I shot the day before, 3 horizontal frames with DP2M.

John

Thanks John, Barbara, all.  It was always my intention to use the DP2M for stitching, not necessarily panoramas, but, say, three images to get a wider view and higher resolution (not that the stadard DP2M images lacks resolution, of course).  So what you are doing, John, is spot on.  And usually I shoot in portrait mode for stitching.  The Cannes panorama was handheld (carefully hand-held but I was not planning a panorama so I had to make do).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: shadowblade on September 25, 2012, 06:29:30 pm
They should offer it in a custom package with the Gigapan Pro, with special custom presets for optimal overlap, as well as a Photoshop plugin for optimal stitching and lens correction for this combination.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on September 26, 2012, 04:21:11 am
Very interesting indeed, stitching and the Sigma are made for each others!

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on September 26, 2012, 10:09:11 am
Just to check, as I understand it the DP2 Merrill has no B or T setting, but up to 30 sec is available in all modes, including manual?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - where did you buy?
Post by: NancyP on September 26, 2012, 12:23:57 pm
This isn't an item likely to make its way to St. Louis stores. I am not accustomed to buying cameras without at least handling one sample.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Raist3d on September 26, 2012, 02:59:15 pm
Quote
Forget using it at anything above 400 ISO.  Better yet, stick to 100 ISO, and carry a compact tripod.  Or another camera with better high ISO performance. 

The DP2M is a specialised niche product with a narrow operating window, capable of genius when used within that operating window, but otherwise limited - but I'm happier with a limited genius than I would be with a multi-purpose mediocrity.

Quentin

  I agree with a lot of what you said up there Quentin. Really. Though I think there are other geniuses options that are also not multi purpose mediocrities- in other domains.  I am happy the DP2M genius matches the domain you are most interested in.

- Raist
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: KirbyKrieger on September 26, 2012, 05:58:38 pm
Just to check, as I understand it the DP2 Merrill has no B or T setting, but up to 30 sec is available in all modes, including manual?

Afaict, the longest exposure duration is 30s.  This is available in Manual mode.  Depending on the scene, it is available in the other modes as well.  (Note that the user manual lists 15s as the longest exposure duration for S, A, and P modes.  My DP2M goes to 30s in each of these modes.  (Perhaps a firmware change.))
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: therron36 on September 27, 2012, 07:22:56 pm
I was wondering, given the cost of the DP2m, whether you could buy two of them and shoot in unison mounted on something like a RRS CB-10 rail?
Would this work or would I have serious parallax errors not able to be overcome by software or technique? Has anyone tried this?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on September 27, 2012, 08:33:03 pm
I was wondering, given the cost of the DP2m, whether you could buy two of them and shoot in unison mounted on something like a RRS CB-10 rail?
Would this work or would I have serious parallax errors not able to be overcome by software or technique? Has anyone tried this?

Besides parallax, how do you focus the 2 cameras at the same distance?

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fips on September 28, 2012, 03:56:49 am
Quote
Besides parallax, how do you focus the 2 cameras at the same distance?

If the AF should not work, simply do MF. There's a distance scale on the screen. The question is rather: How do you operate the shutters simultaneously (without using some awkward mechanical contraption)?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 29, 2012, 06:44:13 am
I'm now using the DP2M with the Nodal Ninja 3 MkII and EZ levelling head

Setup below.  Ideal compact very high quality combo, in my opinion.  Highly portable if used with a low weight tripod.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Nodal_Ninja.jpg)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 29, 2012, 07:19:40 am
Nice overkill setup Quentin :) Yes a light tripod is mandatory with the DP2m. I think I will use some Novoflex head on light carbon tripod. Did this little example shoot some days ago just for the skin tones, and this afternoon I will test the DP2m in macro mode.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=163082.0;attach=554391;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=163082.0;attach=554392;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=163082.0;attach=554393;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 29, 2012, 05:58:41 pm
Underkill my dear Mr H...  ;D

Nice skin colours.  Settings?

Some different colours

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/_SDI1164.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 29, 2012, 06:46:33 pm
Nice colours Quentin.

My setting was neutral color mode, no adjustment needed on the raw. Opened the Tiff in PS6 then settings >> hue/sat >> Red +5 >> yellow -12.

This trick can be applied on MFDB raw as well to correct some little problems on skin.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on September 30, 2012, 02:33:55 am
Nice overkill setup Quentin :) Yes a light tripod is mandatory with the DP2m. I think I will use some Novoflex head on light carbon tripod. Did this little example shoot some days ago just for the skin tones, and this afternoon I will test the DP2m in macro mode.


Astounding color and detail Hulyss!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on September 30, 2012, 06:12:29 am
Hi Huyliss

Might try that with Skin, which can be an issue.  I also usually shoot with neutral set and (outside) sunlight.  Auto white balance is a bit rubbish with the DP2M, too cyan.

The leaf shot was also on neutral, just a tweak of contrast in Photoshop. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on September 30, 2012, 02:30:36 pm
Here we go for some examples, hand-held, with the AML-1 accessory (previously made for the first generation of DP). Anyway, I recommend the AML-2 accessory, not this one, tricky with the AF. Enjoy ! All in neutral mode and no tweak. Just out of SPP.(compressed JPG ...)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555405;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555406;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555408;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555409;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555410;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555411;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555412;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555413;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555417;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555418;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555425;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=555428;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on October 02, 2012, 08:18:43 am
Michael R, did you receive a response back on your letter to Yamaki-san on making the raw format available to third party developers?   This is the only thing stopping me from getting this camera.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: derAngler on October 02, 2012, 09:10:39 am
This would also interest me.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on October 02, 2012, 10:18:31 pm
Of even greater interest to me would be an image comparison between D600 and DP2M.
24MP against DP2M's stated 46, spacial 15, and effective 26 MP.
Is anybody using both these cameras?
 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: focusgroup on October 03, 2012, 10:54:38 am
I have purchased this camera for one specific purpose - art reproduction.  I have just had the kit for a couple of days but the results are very good for this type of work.  For reproduction I primarily shoot using an arca RM3d and leaf aptus back.  This little sigma is so quick to set up and shoot that it cuts down the time to about 1/10th of what it usually takes.  The lens is an excellent focal length for reproduction work.  It is incredibly fast compared to my usual setup.  I haven't noticed any color cast issues but shoot a piece of white plexiglass and create a custom profile in capture one.  Overkill perhaps but in going from one studio to the next it is a bit of a safeguard. I find the subtle transitions in color and value to be quite accurate with this little camera.  It is a bargain for those who need the highest quality image in a controlled lighting environment.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 03, 2012, 01:13:57 pm
Hello Focus Group.

Me too I use this foveon to make reproductions. I didn't tried yet with the DP2m but did some contract with the SD1m. Very very good results under controlled light.

But I used the DP2m to shoot products and design and it work great for now. The following example is a 1963 Bieffe Boby who I use in my workshop for painting and all. Bad example too I did it in some minutes so do not judge me on the poor technique of this shoot ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=556308;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=556310;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 03, 2012, 03:27:58 pm
I suppose you can sync it to strobes with PW mounted on the hotshoe?



Thanks!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 03, 2012, 04:00:53 pm
I suppose you can sync it to strobes with PW mounted on the hotshoe?
Thanks!

Exactly.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 05, 2012, 03:30:49 pm
\\~Hogwarts~// I do not crop this time but I think you all get it ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=556922;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 06, 2012, 05:37:43 pm
Where the D800e fail and were a foveon win big times ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=556729;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=556730;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=557252;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=557253;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Bart_van_der_Wolf on October 06, 2012, 07:21:24 pm
Where the D800e fail and were a foveon win big times ;)

Despite the smiley, how do you know?
Do you have a direct comparison, or are you just guessing?

The D800E has a smaller sensel pitch, and as such an even higher sampling density (to somewhat offset the demosaicing disadvantage), even if it were limited to the DP2 pixel count. When we also include the much larger sensel count, the difference becomes even more significant if we use a similar FOV.

Cheers,
Bart
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 07, 2012, 03:47:24 am
Hello BartvanderWolf,

I seen last week the very example of what I say. Someone in a weeding got moiré with D800e on a jacket, a lot. With a Foveon it is Impossible. I wait a tester showing me moiré with a Foveon ;)

Since I use this technology, in conjunction with other technologies as well, I never got any kind of moiré. That's factual. Now I invite every one of you taking a D800e and going shooting a Bride fabric like in my photo ;) Do not cheat I will see it ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 07, 2012, 08:45:51 am
Of even greater interest to me would be an image comparison between D600 and DP2M.
24MP against DP2M's stated 46, spacial 15, and effective 26 MP.
Is anybody using both these cameras?
 

No but I did a comparison with a NEX-7 with Zeiss lens when I first purchased my DP2M in early August and the DP2M showed clear resolution advantages when rezzed up to the same size as the 24mp NEX-7.  

From my own increasingly extensive use of the DP2M, I have no doubt whatsever that it is resolving the equivalent of the upper 20 megapixels compared with "normal" cameras.  The "effective 26mp" is only ever going to be an estmate because the Sigma performs in a different way to other cameras (see above Hulyss excellent examples), and in some cases, it's subjective resolution appears to be even higher.  This makes it a perfect tool for stiching - my most recent example of which (2 row stitch) is a local church interior below - or anything with the potential for moire.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/St_Peters_Pano_Final.jpg (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/St_Peters_Pano_Final.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 07, 2012, 09:37:26 am
Lol Quentin you Psychic. Was doing the same in a church for sharing. Not a stitch though.  ;)

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/zfq0wej1x3rxv66/Church.jpg
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 07, 2012, 10:10:18 am
Spooky coincidence!

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Church_Details.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 07, 2012, 11:31:52 am
As a somewhat Foveon-skeptic (not about the merits of the technology but rather its implementation), I should chime in here to say that the DP2M has just blown me away.

Michael used the 'Merrills' almost exclusively on our recent outing, whereas I lugged the D800E kit.  Simply put, the accutance of the DP2M files blew me away (it's so true I said it twice in two successive paragraphs).

I've seen the absolute goodness an 800E is capable of, but I have also seen some not-so inspiring things - the same things I have seen crop up at times with every digital cam to date, namely mushy detail at closer-to-infinity distance in landscape. ( Save for the Phase on an Alpa -- others' not mine, I have neither the time nor the patience).

I can safely say that the DP2M (and only the DP2M - not necessarily the DP1 or the SD1) is a true rival to the very best 35mm CMOS cameras.  You have to see the files to understand.

My sense is that this is the result of a superb (because it is so simple) lens matched perfectly to the sensor. The same sensor on the SD1 simply didn't produce results quite like this in our shoot-out last fall.  Similarly, while the DP1 is very good, it is not quite to the standard of its  brother. Indeed, on Sigma's website some of the DP1 landscape shots show some pretty mushy detail, whereas the DP2 shots are all cracklingly sharp.

In a way, the DP2M is kind of like a mini tech-cam, the little-brother of a an IQ back with a perfectly matched Rody Digitar.  And it's only slightly less annoying to use  :D ;D (kidding). 

That said, I find the design of the DPs brilliant, but they kind of suck as cameras. 

Best analogy I have found to date is to the "Texas Leicas" - the Fuji 690s, which came in virtually identical focal lengths.  Those were my favourite landscape cameras for many years, so perhaps a pair of DPs might not be such a bad way to go!

Happy shooting!

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 07, 2012, 12:55:34 pm
ndelvin !! this is a declaration of love  ;D I feel you about to crack ;)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400852_3785098074096_1333517821_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on October 07, 2012, 01:34:36 pm
I agree, the magic is not only in the sensor, but rather the perfect pairing of a brutally sharp lens to its sensor. I'm fairly certain had the lens not be mated to this sensor, the accutance would be not nearly as perfect.

Also, the programmer of Raw Developer will have support for the DP Merrill series later this month! It would be heaven to get away from this god awful SPP.

http://www.iridientdigital.com/products/rawdeveloper.html

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on October 07, 2012, 02:17:46 pm
Ligament, it's Mac only.  Not for Windows.

I just ordered the camera and am now wishing for a Lightroom solution.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on October 07, 2012, 02:42:30 pm
I want to give credit to Michael, Quentin, and Hulyss for all influencing $1,500 out of my pocket.

I really appreciate all of your experience and sample images.  Thank you!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 07, 2012, 02:44:35 pm
I want to give credit to Michael, Quentin, and Hulyss for all influencing $1,500 out of my pocket.

I really appreciate all of your experience and sample images.  Thank you!

Thanks - but it's money well spent!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 08, 2012, 04:04:36 pm
Finally bitten the bullet and got an ex-demo version from Clifton Cameras for a suitable reduction!

I'm not sure (have an aversion to reading specs) of raw file size or how sensitive read/write speeds are to class of SD card - is a normal Class 10 card sufficient - 30 or 45Mbs? or reversing the question, what sort of card will significantly hamper speed of reording/playback?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 08, 2012, 04:49:36 pm
Hello NigelC,

Personally I use a Sandisk (always this brand) 16GB Extreme Pro @ 95Mb/s. I do not really care at the write speed because of the buffer. You can also continue setting the camera wile she's eating the files ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: KirbyKrieger on October 08, 2012, 05:58:32 pm
Finally bitten the bullet and got an ex-demo version from Clifton Cameras for a suitable reduction!

I'm not sure (have an aversion to reading specs) of raw file size or how sensitive read/write speeds are to class of SD card - is a normal Class 10 card sufficient - 30 or 45Mbs? or reversing the question, what sort of card will significantly hamper speed of reording/playback?

The buffer is the bugger, not the card.  I've used 30, 45, and 90 MB/s cards and can't tell any difference, even with drive mode at "as fast as possible".

Fwiw, there is very little about the camera that would encourage me to use it for action photography.  It is a relatively slow-to-use camera that has many of what are politely called "quirks", and makes files that are awkward to use well.  I see nothing about it that rewards creating excess data.

The buffer holds 7 RAW exposures.  If your situation requires that you shoot in bursts of more than 7, or more bursts than maybe one every minute (don't have a figure), this is (vigorously) not the camera for that situation.

RAW files are mostly c. 45 MB.
Title: DP2M tooooo tempting as perfect backpacking landscape camera
Post by: NancyP on October 08, 2012, 06:35:47 pm
Knock it off, guys - I am trying to save money here!  :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 08, 2012, 06:47:28 pm
ndelvin !! this is a declaration of love  ;D I feel you about to crack ;)

Oh I cracked when I saw the files off a few test frames I shot when we were in Algonquin last week.  Just add another grand to the ledger of how much my friendship with Michael has cost me  :D ;D

Seeing is believing.  I do wish the D1M was as good, but I'm not totally convinced.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 08, 2012, 08:38:21 pm
Just a reaction to KirbyKrieger's comments.  This camera is not slow-to-use; it is slow to process the files after you have used it.  If you don't have needs that exceed the capabilities of the buffer, you are good-to-go.  Also, I don't find the files awkward to use.  I easily and quickly convert the raws to tiffs in the Sigma software (this is indeed quick and easy), directing them to the same folder alongside the original jpgs and raws.  From there I import any files I want to use to either ACR via Bridge or right into Photoshop.  The files are so nice that very little editing is needed.  The files are real gems. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 08, 2012, 08:54:22 pm

I have to echo what Barbara says about ease of processing. SPP is crappy, but frankly I didn't find there was much to do beyond dialing-down the sharpening, setting WB and dark/light clipping points. These things SPP can do alright. Then it's over to LR. 

Not an ideal workflow, but not something that would keep one from using the camera.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 09, 2012, 05:25:40 am
The buffer is the bugger, not the card.  I've used 30, 45, and 90 MB/s cards and can't tell any difference, even with drive mode at "as fast as possible".

Fwiw, there is very little about the camera that would encourage me to use it for action photography.  It is a relatively slow-to-use camera that has many of what are politely called "quirks", and makes files that are awkward to use well.  I see nothing about it that rewards creating excess data.

The buffer holds 7 RAW exposures.  If your situation requires that you shoot in bursts of more than 7, or more bursts than maybe one every minute (don't have a figure), this is (vigorously) not the camera for that situation.

RAW files are mostly c. 45 MB.

No this will used mostly on tripod one shot at a time.  I just wondered whether type of card had a bearing on write speed - I once had an Olympus 8080 that took 15 secs to write a raw file before you could take another shot - bit annoying really!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 09, 2012, 08:40:27 am
.... dialing-down the sharpening, setting WB and dark/light clipping points......

Could you explain how SPP sets a dark clipping point? (apologies if this is a silly question)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on October 09, 2012, 09:16:39 am
The card has little to do with the delay. It's internal processing not writing that is the bottleneck.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on October 09, 2012, 09:19:08 am
Turn on the clipping indicator, set white balance, sharpening if you wish, and then use the exposure sliders to set maximum white and black without clipping. (Having a proper original exposure really helps). It's like scanning a transparency. You simply want to capture as much "real" data as possible.

Export as a 16 bit TIFF in Prophoto RGB and Bon's your uncle.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 10, 2012, 11:38:35 am
Good B&W Michael Rozynski :)

More Candy for ppl who want it ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558618;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558619;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558620;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 10, 2012, 12:06:16 pm
I wish you guys and gals would stop posting images.  I don't want to spend any cash right now.

Before I take the plunge, how is it for street photography?  I'm thinking of using the OVF.  I'm a Leica M guy who never really got on with the X100's MF, but loved the images.  Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: DP2 Merrill - lost the battle
Post by: NancyP on October 10, 2012, 05:56:22 pm
 ;)   Yup. More good intentions down the drain. Still, I currently have only one camera body, the Canon 60D, so it isn't unreasonable to get a second camera...... FWIW, the lens hood, extra batteries, and external optical viewfinder are on back order, but the closeup lens and circular polarizer filter are in stock. Now I am counting the days until the camera arrives....   :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 10, 2012, 07:29:23 pm
OK, now I'm a gonner . . .  but where to buy?  B&H on backorder.
Has anyone purchased directly from Sigma (same pricing as far as I can tell)?
Does Sigma have stock?

Thanks for any insight.  
Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 10, 2012, 07:46:51 pm
I don't know if Sigma has stock right now, but that is where I have made my purchases.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jimgoldring on October 10, 2012, 08:18:38 pm
Sigma has stock. I ordered online over the weekend and a DP2 Merrill arrives tomorrow.

Jim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 11, 2012, 06:34:58 am
I'm very happy to share with ppl who understand how work this machine (not like in my country where trolls want to annihilate every foveon threads). As you seen, the DP2 Merrill is not really human friendly (skin) but I'm sure most of you know what this kind of details can bring at a PP level. This sharpness give a large amplitude in PP work.

More ppl will use it extensively, more you will see what Michael mean when he say "this camera is not for Sisi's"  ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558833;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558835;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558806;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=558807;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: joezl on October 11, 2012, 11:18:24 am
I'm very curious about this camera. Has anyone compared the raw files with the Fuji x-Pro1 raw files? I'm trying to decide between the two cameras. My prints are 24 x 30 inches and larger, usually from stitched files out of a Canon 5D2. Any help would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on October 11, 2012, 11:23:18 am
Looking at the portrait of the girl with the sunglasses, though her facial skin doesn't look too bad, her right arm (left of pic) has a horrid chalky look to it that I last saw from four-colour litho printing machine proofs in the 80s!

I really do understand that for people shooters, as has been indicated elsewhere, this sensor may not offer an ideal solution. This leads me to wonder: if we recognize failures in skin because we are so familar with it, how much failure does it hide in other subjects which we are less familar with to the extent that we don't notice? That we don't notice may not be justification enough.

However, as with everyone else here. I'm more than impressed with the detail and how it stands up to onscreen enlargement.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 11, 2012, 12:29:37 pm
Looking at the portrait of the girl with the sunglasses, though her facial skin doesn't look too bad, her right arm (left of pic) has a horrid chalky look to it that I last saw from four-colour litho printing machine proofs in the 80s!

I really do understand that for people shooters, as has been indicated elsewhere, this sensor may not offer an ideal solution. This leads me to wonder: if we recognize failures in skin because we are so familar with it, how much failure does it hide in other subjects which we are less familar with to the extent that we don't notice?...

Can somebody please post a picture of a girl with (naturally) red/pink (instead of orange) lips? Pretty please?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 11, 2012, 12:50:08 pm
I'm very curious about this camera. Has anyone compared the raw files with the Fuji x-Pro1 raw files? I'm trying to decide between the two cameras. My prints are 24 x 30 inches and larger, usually from stitched files out of a Canon 5D2. Any help would be much appreciated.

Very different cameras. I have shot with both recently (the X-E1 actually), but not side-by-side.  For what it's worth, the Fujis are much better cameras - as cameras. They will also provide amazing IQ at ISOs up to 6400.  The Sigma is more of a base-ISO beast.

The Fuji also produces superb jpegs, especially with skin tones. The Sigma is a RAW-only proposition.

In absolute terms, however, under ideal circumstances, the Sigma will produce a more detailed image.

Think of it like this: the Simga is a mini tech-camera with a fixed lens.  The Fuji is a modern system-DSLR type camera by comparison. Personally, I will end up with a Sigma and keep my Fuji X100, but continue to be tempted on the "X" series.

- N.


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 11, 2012, 12:56:41 pm
I'm 100% OK WITH Nick statement.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: joezl on October 11, 2012, 01:39:28 pm
Thanks ndevlin. That's what I construed from all of the DPM2 files I've seen posted, though, judging image quality online is not something I put much confidence in. Having said that, the DPM2 files do have a hard to define reversal film like quality about them that I quite like. I tend to tolerate a lot of hassles if it means yielding the highest possible image quality. Thanks for your reply.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 12, 2012, 02:21:12 pm
I don't know if Sigma has stock right now, but that is where I have made my purchases.  --Barbara

Barbara,

Thanks, camera and lens hood in stock.  I ordered this morning.  2 spare batteries and close up lens are on back order.

Camera should be here tomorrow or Monday.  This site has cost me a lot of money (but it has also brought me even more satisfaction, education, and enjoyment!)
Anybody looking for an A900 and some nice Zeiss lenses?  LOL

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 12, 2012, 02:43:14 pm
Rand, you may not have known that the camera comes with 2 batteries.  But don't be dismayed that you have ordered two more.  This camera goes through batteries like they are chocolate -- eats them right up!  You will be happy to have 4 of them!  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 12, 2012, 03:07:25 pm
Rand, you may not have known that the camera comes with 2 batteries.  But don't be dismayed that you have ordered two more.  This camera goes through batteries like they are chocolate -- eats them right up!  You will be happy to have 4 of them!  --Barbara

Barbara,

Thanks!  I was aware of the battery consumption issue, and my order of the two extras was because of the excellent advice here!  Thanks again . . .

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on October 12, 2012, 04:08:31 pm
I've used my DP2M for about a week and I see a problem with how the files appear in Sigma Photo Professional 5.3.2 vs. how they appear in Lightroom (and other color-aware-programs). The primary difference is in color saturation and contrast, but perhaps also in white balance. It doesn't make a difference of what my SPP working space is, nor output color space. The files all look very flat in comparison to what I see in SPP.

I can't effectively edit in SPP, as the difference between what I see there and of the exported file in LR is too great, for many shots. I might as well just output SPP raws to Pro-Photo 16-bit Tiffs and do all edits in LR. The thing is though that most the files usually look 'better' to me in SPP - higher color saturation and contrast (for most but not all photos). Combined with the information I've seen from Michael and others that it's best to do some processing first in SPP (for raw files) and then save the images from SPP as Tiffs to be edited in LR or elsewhere, I find that seeing a big difference in many of the files creates more work for me, and in any case there shouldn't be this obvious difference. 

Has anyone else here encountered this problem?

I sent a message to Sigma, below:

"I have a DP2M and like the image quality. I shoot in Raw and I feel there is a problem with the color management in Sigma Photo Professional 5.3.2. The color saturation and contrast, and probably the white balance and color gamut is not the nearly the same when looking at the screen in SPP 5.3.2 vs. l  files output from SPP as Tiffs or JPGs viewed with color-aware programs like Lightroom and others. It doesn't matter which preferences selection of working color space I use in SPP and which output file color space I pick (sRGB, Pro Photo, same as Exif, etc.). The files come out the same and they all seem to have lower contrast and color saturation. Is Sigma aware of this bug and is it being worked on?
On a separate note: if would be GREAT if in the future the camera could output DNG standard files, or that you work with Adobe so that I could use Lightroom to work directly with the raw files.
Thank you.
Dan"
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 12, 2012, 05:24:14 pm
Dear photodan,

What you experiment is very strange. I use foveon since years and never experienced that. I adjust my raw and export 16bit pro-Photo too and open it In LR. There is no difference between the two software.

Working background colour can be VERY important on our perception of colours and contrasts and we often forget this crucial setting.

Also, the photo will appear crisper the first seconds you open it. This is normal. This is the Jpeg in the RAW who is displayed with a lot of crispness for whatever reasons.

Also, be sure shooting in neutral mode. Neutral mode will bring you the most dynamic out of the sensor. Tweaking saturation in SPP is more efficient than setting color mode like standard or vivid. It is too strong.

And, never forget to export in SRVB colour profile out of LR. Otherwise there is some problems ;)

Well... I know you know most of what I said. I swear there is not such inter-apps anomaly.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on October 12, 2012, 08:21:22 pm
I've used my DP2M for about a week and I see a problem with how the files appear in Sigma Photo Professional 5.3.2 vs. how they appear in Lightroom (and other color-aware-programs). The primary difference is in color saturation and contrast, but perhaps also in white balance. It doesn't make a difference of what my SPP working space is, nor output color space. The files all look very flat in comparison to what I see in SPP.

I can't effectively edit in SPP, as the difference between what I see there and of the exported file in LR is too great, for many shots. I might as well just output SPP raws to Pro-Photo 16-bit Tiffs and do all edits in LR. The thing is though that most the files usually look 'better' to me in SPP - higher color saturation and contrast (for most but not all photos). Combined with the information I've seen from Michael and others that it's best to do some processing first in SPP (for raw files) and then save the images from SPP as Tiffs to be edited in LR or elsewhere, I find that seeing a big difference in many of the files creates more work for me, and in any case there shouldn't be this obvious difference. 

Has anyone else here encountered this problem?

I sent a message to Sigma, below:

"I have a DP2M and like the image quality. I shoot in Raw and I feel there is a problem with the color management in Sigma Photo Professional 5.3.2. The color saturation and contrast, and probably the white balance and color gamut is not the nearly the same when looking at the screen in SPP 5.3.2 vs. l  files output from SPP as Tiffs or JPGs viewed with color-aware programs like Lightroom and others. It doesn't matter which preferences selection of working color space I use in SPP and which output file color space I pick (sRGB, Pro Photo, same as Exif, etc.). The files come out the same and they all seem to have lower contrast and color saturation. Is Sigma aware of this bug and is it being worked on?
On a separate note: if would be GREAT if in the future the camera could output DNG standard files, or that you work with Adobe so that I could use Lightroom to work directly with the raw files.
Thank you.
Dan"


I have the exact same problem. I believe this is a new problem they added as an enhanced feature in SPP 5.3.2. They removed the vertical banding SPP 5.3.1 was causing, and added this new problem for our pleasure, and to ensure SPP remained a piece of crap software.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on October 12, 2012, 09:40:31 pm
... There is no difference between the two software. ...   Also, be sure shooting in neutral mode. ...And, never forget to export in SRVB colour profile out of LR. Otherwise there is some problems ....

Thanks for your response Hulyss.  I do use Neutral mode, and I've tried exporting in sRGB as well as Adobe RGB and Pro Photo. I've run more extensive tests today, and I'm sure it's not my background color (I've tried different shades of gray in LR). The difference is not subtle on most shots.

Are you using SPP 5.3.2?

Dan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on October 12, 2012, 10:11:53 pm
I have the exact same problem. I believe this is a new problem they added as an enhanced feature in SPP 5.3.2. They removed the vertical banding SPP 5.3.1 was causing, and added this new problem for our pleasure, and to ensure SPP remained a piece of crap software.

Thanks for your response Ligament.

I think I just discovered something.

It appears that files exported out of SPP with a color space of Pro Photo or sRGB  are not tagged with a color space ID (or whatever the proper term is). I used Picture Window Pro to determine this. Files output with a color space designation of Adobe RGB are tagged, however it appears that the tagging is incorrect (files show the comparison disparity to display in SPP).  

Files output from SPP with the designation of sRGB are not tagged, however if I open the file as if it was Adobe RGB in Picture Window Pro (modified post 10/13: but w/o color management enabled) then the image looks almost identical with how it looks in SPP. This happens no matter what the working space designation in SPP is. (However I've not been able to find a way to save files such that Lightroom will import them with the proper appearing color space)

What a mess.

I wish I had a direct pipeline to the programmers at Sigma. Maybe this research finding would make it more likely that Sigma would fix it in the near term.  I don't have any confidence that my web-contact form I filled out at the Sigma USA website will catch anyone's attention.  Well, I've spent several hours on this stupid problem, including attempting to come up with a develop preset in LR to get around the problem (not successful yet). 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 12, 2012, 11:21:23 pm
I have not had a problem with any images looking under-saturated or appearing changed between the Sigma software and Photoshop/ACR.  I could provide a little background in case that helps identify a difference in what we are doing and help to isolate the source of your problem.  I updated the Sigma software once since acquiring the camera shortly after Quentin put up his first post on it.  I think that update took me from version 5 to version 5.3.  Has there been another update?  If so, I haven't done it.  I am working on a PC machine, in ACR and Photoshop.  I don't do any editing in the Sigma software, just export in 16-bit tiff mode, ProPhoto color space.  When I pull up one of these tiffs in Bridge, it is labeled with the ProPhoto space.  The comments about the camera settings made me pull up the menu info, and I noticed that I have been shooting in Standard rather than Neutral.  I would appreciate hearing what the difference is.  My images start out with a good level of saturation, needing very little in post.  Hope this may help some.  Maybe I shouldn't upgrade to 5.3.2?  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on October 13, 2012, 12:01:00 am
Perhaps the colorspace tagging issue is only happening on the Mac platform? Seems no windows users have the problem.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 13, 2012, 04:34:40 am
Yes, the window/mac issue might be the source of the problem. I use the last SPP and DP2m firmware, and I'm on windows platform. I heard that on Mac there is sometimes an issu but it can be solved by multiple try. (sometimes it tag sometime no).

Here is the full links for all updates :

Body firmware Updates at  October 13 2012 :

# SIGMA SD1 Merrill : Version 1.03 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/sd1m-firmware.html

# SIGMA DP2 Merrill : Version 1.01 >> http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp2m-firmware.html

# SIGMA SD15 : Version 1.04 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD15/firmware.html

# SIGMA DP2x : Version 1.02 >> http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP2x/firmware.html

# SIGMA DP1x : Version 1.03 >> http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP1x/firmware.html

#########################################################################

SIGMA PHOTO PRO update at October 13 2012:

SIGMA PHOTO PRO version 5.3.2 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/photopro.html

#########################################################################

SIGMA CAPTURE PRO update at October 13 2012:

SIGMA CAPTURE PRO version 1.0.1 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/capturepro.html

#########################################################################

MICRO 4/3 update at October 13 2012:

Olympus >> http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/index.cfm#sigma_l

Panasonic >> http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index.html

#########################################################################

The next update will be available late October / early November for body's with embedded Merrill sensors. This update will provide additional colour mode to obtain the legendary colour rendering of the SIGMA SD9.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on October 13, 2012, 10:30:05 am
Hi,
I am sure you are aware that LR applies its own settings on TIFFS and JPEGS, anything that's not RAW.
This happens with any camera.
Is this a possibility in your case?
regards,
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on October 13, 2012, 12:23:16 pm
Hi Hulyss,

I posted a message about the SPP 5.3.2 process questions but get no response. From reading your posts I feel you are very knowledgeable about the Sigma SPP software. So could you tell me what is the function of Exporting Setting and Import (under File in Review Window) in the software? How to use them? I played with it but don't see any effects to new images while I opened the saved XML setting.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 13, 2012, 03:29:27 pm
Hello Neways !!

I'm sooory ! I seen your post but today I'm booked fighting utter trolls on French web site and I'm getting lazy ;)

I answer you tomorrow if you don't mind :) 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 13, 2012, 04:09:23 pm
... today I'm booked fighting utter trolls on French web site...

"Honey, are you coming to bed?"

"I can't"

"Why?"

"Some guy on the Internet is wrong!"

 ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on October 13, 2012, 07:39:25 pm
I have a very similar DIY setup for my newly acquired DP2M, and what kind of overlap, or degrees, do you apply to get best result that require minimal trouble for any stitching software, assuming a vertically placed camera and a one-row shooting approach? All I want to do is to create a 1:3 ratio file, big enough to print at 15 x 45 inches on 17" rollpaper.

I suppose that I have to use manual and even hyperfocal focusing, to avoid focus discrepancies. So how do you do it yourself? What f-stop you have found to be ideal for this purpose?

I have never used hyperfocal on such small lenses (30mm is short, comapredto medium format's 90 to 180mm); is there any difference? Normally I would focus in to about 1/3 of the scene and use f8 to f11 and shoot away. But this was on a fixed lens on a Linhof 617, Fuji 617 and homemade 617 with 120mm.

Thanks in advance.

And no, I'm not returning to film.  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on October 13, 2012, 08:35:22 pm
 
For now am trying a work-around to the color space issue. There is probably a simpler way, however I haven’t found it yet. Maybe Photoshop provides a better means of corrected the color profile than the tools I have, but I don’t have that software.  It may seem a bit nonsensical but after trying many combinations it gets very close to what I see in SPP.  I use SPP 5.3.2, a free color profile converter (but it only works with 8-bit Tiff files) from here http://www.drycreekphoto.com/tools/profile_converter/, and Lightroom.

In SPP 5.3.2 I work with the raw file and make basic adjustments to exposure, color saturation, fill light, and White Balance. In preferences I select workspace as Adobe RGB, save the files as sRGB as 8-bit Tiff. Then I input the file to the profile converter: select Adobe RGB as the input color space, output to sRGB color space, embedding the profile. Some other combinations may work, however most do not, and surprisingly using an all sRGB flow in SPP and Dry Creek does not work nearly as well.  I import the converted 8-bit Tiffs to Lightroom and go from there.

It’s apparent that the problem affects both Mac and PC Win users, and that the problem is messed up color management in the latest version of SPP- 5.3.2, when working and outputting raw files (I don’t know about in-camera jpgs).

Re Michael Rozynski’s post about the color shifts between jpeg and raw, extrapolation that info  perhaps I should shoot jpgs until the color space issue is found. Interesting about the twitter post.

Re Kazuto Yamaki’s twitter about Foveon blue: I would hope he and Sigma is aware of the color space issue (talk about priorities :-). If it’s not fixed in the next month or so I’m afraid I just may say Sayonara to the DP2M camera.

Re BarbaraArmstrong’s post about maybe not upgrading to 5.3.2.  Seems to me like a good idea to stay put for now, with the prior version.

Re nandadevieast’s post that LR applies its own settings on TIFFS and JPEGS, anything that's not RAW. Yes, I’m aware of it, and if there is no embedded profile it is supposed to assume it’s sRGB. The problem is that the embedded profiles coming out of the raw-processed-to-tiffs-or-jpegs apparently have the wrong profile or messed-up profiles, and there’s no way in LR to change the profile assumption (that I’ve found anyway). 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on October 14, 2012, 12:30:13 am
The problem with staying with SPP 5.3.1, however, is the vertical banding issue that the software creates.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 14, 2012, 04:41:55 am
"Honey, are you coming to bed?"

"I can't"

"Why?"

"Some guy on the Internet is wrong!"

 ;D

;D  They are not wrong, they are French. They don't want to learn and don't accept some ppl have more knowledge than them on Foveon and techniques. That is fact so they always go in protestation (and they do not own any foveon ;) ), always. Well at least, some got the DP2m and now, know what I speak about ... But damn...

Well, you all know what I mean.

Myself, I feel very noob when I come on LL and see what you all produce. I will not come here to say you are wrong. I know I need to learn a lot from my few years of photography. But you can ask me anything about foveon technology  ;D

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

The problem with staying with SPP 5.3.1, however, is the vertical banding issue that the software creates.

SPP will have a fix by the end of the month or so. I'm sure SIGMA is working on the issue and some improvements will be made (I hope :) )

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Hi Hulyss,

I posted a message about the SPP 5.3.2 process questions but get no response. From reading your posts I feel you are very knowledgeable about the Sigma SPP software. So could you tell me what is the function of Exporting Setting and Import (under File in Review Window) in the software? How to use them? I played with it but don't see any effects to new images while I opened the saved XML setting.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

John

Dear John,

I explain you how work this function. You open a picture in SPP and apply the settings you want. Then you record and name your settings in the bracket I show you in the picture below. Then, go in menu, export settings and store your favourite settings in a file on your computer.

When you want to use a setting again, just go in menu, import settings, seek the setting you need and import it. Your named setting will be now available in the little scroll window.

I personally do not find this function very useful, or just when you want to share your settings with other ppl over the web or changing computer, because once recorded, they stay in the window.

Kind regards, and sorry for my French.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 14, 2012, 06:42:29 am
It Rain, but there is always an occasion to do photos :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on October 14, 2012, 09:54:48 am
Hi Hulyss,

Thank you very much for the details explanation. This function is useful for me to work on different computers with the software. So it looks like the saved setting is only limited to Tonal Adjustments not all the other settings, like white balance, color mode, CA correction, noise correction, etc. Have you found a way to save all these settings in the software so you can apply to new files?

Thanks and your English is perfect!

Here is the stitched DP1M image I shot a few days ago.

Happy shooting!

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NikoJorj on October 14, 2012, 10:26:37 am
"Honey, are you coming to bed?"
I knew this version : http://xkcd.com/386/ ;)

And I won't comment too much about us frenchies... ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 14, 2012, 11:04:16 am
Hi Hulyss,

Thank you very much for the details explanation. This function is useful for me to work on different computers with the software. So it looks like the saved setting is only limited to Tonal Adjustments not all the other settings, like white balance, color mode, CA correction, noise correction, etc. Have you found a way to save all these settings in the software so you can apply to new files?

Thanks and your English is perfect!

Here is the stitched DP1M image I shot a few days ago.

Happy shooting!

John

By the tests I've done, I can also save WB settings, noise reduction and so on. It work exactly the same way. It register automatically in the profile you named, just don't forget to re-save the settings (a sort of overwrite) once you move something. Nice photo by the way ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on October 14, 2012, 02:02:47 pm
Thanks and I will try to play with it. I just have a problem to activate the CA correction (Lens Profile) in my Mac in SPP 5.3.2. When I open the X3F file the Lens Profile slider grays out so I only have the manual slider available. I don't know why. I may need to do a clean un-installment of the software and re-install it to see the issue will go. Do you how how to do the clean un-installment?


Also I want to use a wide angle converter on top of the DP1M to make it wider then 28mm. I tried a Nikon WC-E6 but the IQ is terrible and gives me very bad vignette.  I heard the new Fujifilm Fujifilm WCL-X100 lens has a very good performance when it is added on the Fuji X100 camera. The sample images I saw so far show very little quality loss at the corners. I just wonder if it is possible to apply this lens to my DP1M through a reverse ring. What do you think?
n
Thanks for the kind comment on my photo and talk to you soon.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 15, 2012, 08:22:08 pm
My DP2 arrived today....
Was shooting some product stuff w/ my A900, and at the end of the shoot the battery was charged for the Merrill.
Grabbed some "stuff" plopped it down on some seamless... sloppily aimed my light and reflector.  Set the DP2M to ISO 100, A priority...
pushed the button . . .  exposure was about .6 of a stop under, so boosted it in LR... not exactly optimal.

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Misc/i-f8RVNnZ/0/X2/still-life-X2.jpg)

Zoomed in..

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Misc/i-fFZ57xM/0/X2/still-life-Edit-X2.jpg)
Literally the first shot out of the box...  HOLY COW... with some learning and practice this thing is going to be dangerous!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on October 15, 2012, 09:56:39 pm
Here is one of my first DP2M test shots, the door of an historic church nearby. This is apparently the jpg (semi-edited) of the Raw+jpg mode, although it is smaller than the RAW.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/88681310@N05/8092343858/sizes/k/in/photostream/

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 16, 2012, 05:01:56 am
This is one of the first pictures I took with the DP1M. It's been slightly cropped & the perspective corrected, & not much else.  It was taken just before dusk last night.

Not sure how these it will look on other screens (I have a 17’ laptop)  I am pretty hopeless at colour correction/image manipulation etc & hope to improve over time.

One thing I noticed on the weekend is that I think the DP1M & DP2M render the sky differently.  The DP2M has it a lot more cyan than does the DP1M.  I will test it again next weekend – same in-camera settings between the DP1M, DP2M & SD1M - & see what happens.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 16, 2012, 05:21:28 am
PS, I found two images from Sunday afternoon that illustrate the colour differences from each camera.  These are two out of the camera jpegs only reduced in size to post here.
They were taken minutes apart & I am sure the cameras were on the same colour settings.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 16, 2012, 03:15:30 pm
Were both the cameras set to a single setting, say, Sunlight?  I have noticed with the DP2M that auto WB is too cyan, but much better set to the appropriate setting for the light conditions, usually sunlight.  I have today taken delivery of a DP1M and will see if its colour balance is materially different using the same fixed colour settings. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 16, 2012, 04:00:03 pm
A little cat by the way ;) With a Spider  :)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=560831;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=560857;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=560858;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on October 16, 2012, 04:39:28 pm
NEED HELP !!!

I went out today to attempt shooting some panoramics at the Potomac River site(ca. 5 min. from home) with my brandnew DP2M, and I was able to master the exposures quite well (by using center weighted metering and locking the AEL).

This part of my test was succesful. But not the FOCUS! Since it was not a focus test, you can imagine that all 3 panos were horribly soft at 100% view.

HOW can I get everything in focus when you have objects about 4 to 5 meters (yards) away and the rest beyond that, plus infinity?

I used to shoot with 617 cameras and wide lenses (90mm to 120mm) before to do panos (and have used stitch-assist Canon-G cameras) but like to master the DP2M for this purpose as well, as I don't shoot film anymore.

Options:
1) selective AF focusing for each next scene shot?
2) hyperfocal focusing for entire scene? How would that work with this focal length?
3) other method?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 16, 2012, 04:53:41 pm
First there was porn, then ruin (urban decay) porn, now we have "detail porn"? ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 16, 2012, 06:47:04 pm
I have to echo what Barbara says about ease of processing. SPP is crappy, but frankly I didn't find there was much to do beyond dialing-down the sharpening, setting WB and dark/light clipping points. These things SPP can do alright. Then it's over to LR. 

Not an ideal workflow, but not something that would keep one from using the camera.

- N.
[/quote

In the adjustment panel the default value for sharpening is 0 - do you mean set a negative value?

I may be missing something but the white balance adjustment is infuriating. If you can't find a mid grey to select with the eyedropper, there is no fine adjustment of the K value (or I can't find one) - the only other thing is the pre-set values in the drop down box. (and using the eye dropper seems to make my computer crash!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 16, 2012, 07:41:33 pm
Were both the cameras set to a single setting, say, Sunlight?  I have noticed with the DP2M that auto WB is too cyan, but much better set to the appropriate setting for the light conditions, usually sunlight.  I have today taken delivery of a DP1M and will see if its colour balance is materially different using the same fixed colour settings. 

They were both set on AWB, Standard, and both had the in camera contrast turned down.  I looked at a few other jpegs taken on Sunday afternoon, & the DP1M certainly renders nicer blues. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on October 16, 2012, 09:06:39 pm
I used to shoot also with Fuji 617 (using 105 and 180mm lenses) and I would say that the DOF was much more shallow than you can get today with an APS-sized sensor and a 30mm lens.

Set the camera to MF, distance to infinity or just slighly nearer, and take all the shots you need.
 
If you feel so inclined, you can change the distance to 2-5m, (depending on your foregound), and take another set. Prior to stitching, crop the unsharp part from all images (foreground from the first set, the top portion from the second set), and send it to your stitching program.
 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on October 16, 2012, 11:33:47 pm
I used to shoot also with Fuji 617 (using 105 and 180mm lenses) and I would say that the DOF was much more shallow than you can get today with an APS-sized sensor and a 30mm lens.

Set the camera to MF, distance to infinity or just slighly nearer, and take all the shots you need.
 
If you feel so inclined, you can change the distance to 2-5m, (depending on your foregound), and take another set. Prior to stitching, crop the unsharp part from all images (foreground from the first set, the top portion from the second set), and send it to your stitching program.
 

Thanks. I will try again with infinity, then the same row with slightly less than infinity and if necessary even closer.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 17, 2012, 04:14:51 am
Given limited white balance control in the Sigma software, it's probably about time I got a Colour Checker passport (so i can also set camera profile for GH2 which is overdue). The DP2M instruction book refers to using a "white sheet" or equivalent for setting a custom white balance - pardon my ignorance, but will the off-white target in the passport work with the DP2 custom setting?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 17, 2012, 04:31:15 am
All natural goodwill !!

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=560934;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on October 17, 2012, 08:46:36 am
Hi all, this is my first post here  :D :D

I got a DP2M after reading you guys' posts   ;D
I found that in SPP, the X3F files were significantly darker (around 0.7 to 1 stop) than the embedded jpeg of the same image.  Is it normal?

I'm just wondering whether it is the nature of the X3F raw, or my camera actually has problems.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 17, 2012, 11:54:29 am
All natural goodwill !!

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=560934;image)

Er..... what am I supposed to make of this image - the relationship to the caption is opaque to me. Was this part of a swimwear catalogue shoot - illustrating the fitting guide section perhaps?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 17, 2012, 01:30:36 pm
Er..... what am I supposed to make of this image - the relationship to the caption is opaque to me. Was this part of a swimwear catalogue shoot - illustrating the fitting guide section perhaps?

It is a bad translation early in the morning :) Keep "all natural" ;) This is swimwear hand made by my wife :) If you like this I have more  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 17, 2012, 02:11:13 pm
Er..... what am I supposed to make of this image - the relationship to the caption is opaque to me. Was this part of a swimwear catalogue shoot - illustrating the fitting guide section perhaps?

In the States anyway, when something is really fantastic, like the DP2m, we frequently describe it as "tits".  That's the way I took it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 17, 2012, 02:18:51 pm
;D  They are not wrong, they are French.

. . .


This is so true.  I've spent lots of time in France, and observed and listend to many Americans' complaints about "The French".  Boiled down, the complaints revolve around the French use of Cartesian logic and analysis in everyday life, while the Americans who complain, well, don't think in a structured, analytical manner.  I've heard complaints revolving around the definition of sandwich, and whether a croque monsieur fits that definition. The position of the hotel staff is that a croque monsieur is not a sandwich, while the American guest insists it is.  The staff will not give in, and they are correct.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 17, 2012, 02:57:35 pm
Don't get me wrong, I'm French. But if I have one regret in my life it is not to be born in United States of America. Hopefully, I'm young enough to make this dream come true, so i will do my best to have the nationality.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 17, 2012, 03:45:05 pm
It is a bad translation early in the morning :) Keep "all natural" ;) This is swimwear hand made by my wife :) If you like this I have more  ;D

OK I now understand! Thanks
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 17, 2012, 03:54:23 pm
OK I now understand! Thanks

More girls then !!

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561111;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561114;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561115;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 18, 2012, 12:26:24 am
Don't get me wrong, I'm French. But if I have one regret in my life it is not to be born in United States of America. Hopefully, I'm young enough to make this dream come true, so i will do my best to have the nationality.



Come on in the water's fine here in the States!  The thing about The US of A is that it challenges the imagination.  It is everything good and bad you have ever heard about it.  I've lived and worked in Europe and I really like France, Italy, and Denmark.  Berlin is great as well.  I find the large cities in Europe and the US to be similar in culture, but Europe has better coffee, which is important to me.

T
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 18, 2012, 03:26:35 am
Hi all, this is my first post here  :D :D

I got a DP2M after reading you guys' posts   ;D
I found that in SPP, the X3F files were significantly darker (around 0.7 to 1 stop) than the embedded jpeg of the same image.  Is it normal?

I'm just wondering whether it is the nature of the X3F raw, or my camera actually has problems.

Thanks :)

Don't worry JCL212 this is normal. Do not rely on the Jpeg anyway. DP2m, as well as other SIGMA cameras, are RAW only if you look at quality.

Come on in the water's fine here in the States!  The thing about The US of A is that it challenges the imagination.  It is everything good and bad you have ever heard about it.  I've lived and worked in Europe and I really like France, Italy, and Denmark.  Berlin is great as well.  I find the large cities in Europe and the US to be similar in culture, but Europe has better coffee, which is important to me.

T

I like challenge ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on October 18, 2012, 03:44:42 am
Don't worry JCL212 this is normal. Do not rely on the Jpeg anyway. DP2m, as well as other SIGMA cameras, are RAW only if you look at quality.


Thanks Hulyss for your help :)
Your images and Quentin's ones were the reason to make me get this small, but yet powerful camera  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 18, 2012, 02:29:55 pm
Well I'm British and unsurprisingly have no regrets  ;D

I have added a DP1m and I am pleased to say it is very nearly as good as the DP2M.  The only real difference in quality is a touch of CA at the edges, which can be eliminated using the  default CA checkbox in Sigma Photo Pro And the very slightest sharpness fall of in the corners.  it's a good companion for the DP2M
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 18, 2012, 03:20:34 pm
Well I'm British and unsurprisingly have no regrets  ;D

I have added a DP1m and I am pleased to say it is very nearly as good as the DP2M.  The only real difference in quality is a touch of CA at the edges, which can be eliminated using the  default CA checkbox in Sigma Photo Pro And the very slightest sharpness fall of in the corners.  it's a good companion for the DP2M

Hey Quentin :) Gratz on your new acquisition !! I think you should rename the tittle of the thread to "SIGMA DP Merrill (1&2) Experiences". Can't wait to see what you are doing with the 1 ;)

Lotus:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561391;image)

Fluff on Taxus bacatta :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561397;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 19, 2012, 06:12:14 am
I have just taken delivery of the Cannes panorama taken using the DP2M; here is a quick camera phone shot of it in situ

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Pano_Phonehot.jpg)

Hi Hulyss, busy with the day job so I have not had much time yet to use the DP1M...will try and do so this weekend.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: 32BT on October 19, 2012, 08:30:32 am
I have just taken delivery of the Cannes panorama taken using the DP2M; here is a quick camera phone shot of it in situ

Looks impressive...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 19, 2012, 10:21:28 am
I have just taken delivery of the Cannes panorama taken using the DP2M; here is a quick camera phone shot of it in situ

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Pano_Phonehot.jpg)

Hi Hulyss, busy with the day job so I have not had much time yet to use the DP1M...will try and do so this weekend.

Nice!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on October 19, 2012, 10:29:40 am

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Pano_Phonehot.jpg)


wow.  very impressive :D

Hi Quentin, would you share with us what your set up is like to do pan-shot with DP2m?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 19, 2012, 11:03:05 am
Hi JCL212

Thanks for the kind comments

DP2M, Nodal Ninja 3 Mk2 pano head (perfect for the DP2M), leveling head, lightweight tripod.( Update: this is my current system but the Cannes pano was shot handheld)

Stitching is in PTGui on a Windows 7 machine.

This particular print is a Lambda light jet print by Spectrum Photo (http://spectrumphoto.co.uk/) in the UK, using their perspex system.  Very smart result.

The detail in this shot, printed at 24 inches x 100 inches, is incredible - easily large format level across the image.  Quite fun to look at and see new details previously unnoticed

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on October 19, 2012, 11:17:08 am
Hi JCL212

Thanks for the kind comments

DP2M, Nodal Ninja 3 Mk2 pano head (perfect for the DP2M), leveling head, lightweight tripod.

Stitching is in PTGui on a Windows 7 machine.

This particular print is a Lambda light jet print by Spectrum Photo (http://spectrumphoto.co.uk/) in the UK, using their perspex system.  Very smart result.

The detail in this shot, printed at 24 inches x 100 inches, is incredible - easily large format level across the image.  Quite fun to look at and see new details previously unnoticed



Hi Quentin,

Thanks so much for being so generous on sharing so much of your knowledge :)

I definitely will look into the Nodal Ninja 3 Mk2 pano head.  This little camera makes me pick up my passion to shoot landscape again, because it is so light to carry around, but yet so powerful!   ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 19, 2012, 03:25:17 pm
Quentin, your earlier post had indicated that this pano was shot hand-held, or is this another version? Interesting to read, however, about your pano head choice.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 19, 2012, 04:02:03 pm
Giant Pano Quentin  :o

Some more photos :)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561678;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561702;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561703;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561704;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 19, 2012, 05:05:11 pm
Hi Barbara, this was handheld but I have since moved to the Nodal Ninja system I use now.  For the Cannes panorama there were no close objects that would have made an accurate nodal point a necessity.  Fortunately the stitch is perfect despite being handheld!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 19, 2012, 06:19:36 pm
Quentin, your panorama is gorgeous, and all the more so seeing it up on the wall writ large.  I remembered your comment about doing it handheld because I have done a number of them that way, with good results with the DP2M and some other cameras.  I've wondered what I should get if I go to a specialty head, and so was also interested in your comments about your setup.  I'm sure with the handheld, aside from any considerations of loss of absolute stability, I'm losing some areas of the image top and bottom when it is stitched, as I'm not getting the precise registration I would get with a leveled tripod-taken series.  Keep showing us your results as they are both lovely and inspiring.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 20, 2012, 04:18:16 am
Hi Barbara, many thanks.  The advantage of a pano head and tripod as you know is that it removes most of the issues with stitching at the outset.  I have a tendancy to tilt a tad to the right when hooting handheld.  I think I have the horizon straight but then later I realise I was just a little bit skewed  ???   But the beauty of my current DP2M / Nodal Ninja / levelling head / lightweight tripod is the whole kit and kaboodle is lightweight, easily carry-able but large format pano quality.  I have used bigger pano set-ups before but I have needed to know in advance I want to shoot a panorama or I have just had to make do without a pano head with potential risk to the panorama.  Usually it is the latter.  

The other more subtle advantage is for the non-panorama panoramas - using the set-up for a larger file or wider but not obviously panoramic view.  Why lug around a huge medium format camera etc when you have similar quality available in a smaller more compact and versatile form? Of course that has been the case for some time but the quality of the DP2M files makes it a more compelling proposition, for me at least - particularly as I am not getting any younger!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 20, 2012, 04:34:26 am
Yes. The  advantage of the Merrill, one of his big points is his power and his weight. Even a D700 weight like a brick when I go out now (and I'm kinda young). For landscape he rules. But I have some problems, sometimes, with horizontal lines such as sea. Autopano do not stitch correctly some horizons (hand-held). I'm looking for a new tripod who is ultra compact. I seen it the other day but can't remember where. He is made like tent picket...

Some more photo from the toy store. Hand-held, all at 2.8 and somewhere near 1/30, 1/20... not bad for a 15 Mp non stabilized !

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561771;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561772;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561773;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561774;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561775;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=561776;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 20, 2012, 04:41:49 am
Looks geat Hulyss - but as we know, these are not ordinary pixels!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 20, 2012, 05:02:41 am
Looks geat Hulyss - but as we know, these are not ordinary pixels!

Yea it is great hand-held for a 15 Mpix at low shutter speed. I will try do do best photos next time I was in a hurry (and there were ppl looking at me ;) ).

EDIT: not ordinary pixels and not ordinary lens !!! The bokeh out of this lens is sumptuous.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on October 20, 2012, 09:41:26 am
My camera arrived last week.  I've been having difficulty with exposure consistency.  In both manual and aperture priority the exposures are not consistent from one shot to the next.  I get some over and some under exposed.  

I suspect it has more to do with me than the camera but I'm also suspecting that something is compromised while the image is being written to the card.    What steps are you all taking to minimize this issue if any?

Edit:  It is user error again.  Nothing is wrong with the camera.   I had bracketing on in a single shot mode.  Each time I clicked the shutter it went to the next sequence in the bracket.  This happened even when changing settings and regardless of the time between shots.   I was hoping I would soon graduate from the beginner forum but it's clearly back to summer school for me.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: villebon on October 20, 2012, 11:40:42 am


(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Pano_Phonehot.jpg)


Hello Quentin,

This is a spendid printed panorama. Congrats.

I imagine that all shots where taken as RAW? And did you have to double the rez as you save the images to tif?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 20, 2012, 12:38:12 pm
Hi villebon, and thanks.

I always shoot raw, and never interpolate in Sigma Photo Pro.  I've tried and the results were...poor.  You would also be stitching larger images than necessary.  Better to use a decent interpoloation program like Photozoom Pro (which I use) on the final image (post stitching) so long as you have enough memory! I dropped it down to 8 bits for the final size tweak.

This print ended up the size it did because I had intended to to print it at the max size my Epson 7900 can handle - 24" high.  In the end its a perfect size for the intended position. However I could have used a different size.  It has resolution to spare.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 20, 2012, 01:23:18 pm
Quentin, thanks for your elaborations on your shooting and work in post.  Would you mind telling us how you mounted the pano and how it is hung?  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 20, 2012, 02:28:06 pm
The printing and perspex encapsulation was done by Spectrum Photo

See http://http://spectrumphoto.co.uk/perspex-reverse (http://spectrumphoto.co.uk/perspex-reverse)

It's reverse mounted using a subframe.

The end result is very smart but pretty costly.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 21, 2012, 06:53:00 am
Yea. Printing cost a lot if we want to do it right ;) But this is a joy. The photo is alive after that :)

Some sky from yesterday night :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562163;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562167;image)

And some macro from today :)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562342;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562345;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562347;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562348;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 21, 2012, 05:12:17 pm
Quentin, so here I am back with another question.  I went to the Spectrumphoto site via your link, and after an introduction about the Perspex process, they say, "Please note Perspex reverse mounting is NOT available for Giclee prints."  Aside from my not liking use of the term "giclee," could they be referring to dye-ink printers?  Or do they just not want to take responsibility for the results with inkjet prints?  What does this mean?  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 21, 2012, 05:33:52 pm
Hi Barbara, it won't work with inkjet prints because the system uses silicon gel which is not compatible.  That is why they use Lambda C-type prints which are at least as good in any event.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 22, 2012, 02:08:56 am
Just a try of longer exposure. The new Merrill series has been gift with 15 more seconds of exposure. This one is 20' @ f5.6, manual focusing without any problem, no real loss of details at all.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562428;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562429;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: pflower on October 22, 2012, 05:54:40 am
Huylss

I liked the macro shots.  Were those with the AML-2?  If so how do you find it?

Thanks
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 22, 2012, 06:07:44 am
Hello pflower,

I did the macro shoot with the AML-1 lens and an adapter 49 to 46 mm. For me it seems to work good, so far. If you want the AML-2 there is no problem to find it in France, in some shops. here is a link : http://www.lapetiteboutiquephoto.com/boutique/liste_produits.cfm?type=22&code_lg=lg_fr&num=11

Morning walk with the Merrill :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562488;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=562490;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: anfat on October 22, 2012, 08:50:34 am
Hi all, I'm new to this forum as I own a DP2M from last friday; I love very much the camera but...it seems to me that it underexpose a lot, I think one half stop to one stop; I'm confused by what I've read on forums in the matter of sharpness in SPP for exporting tiff to lightroom or PS, that is which corrections do you make in SPP before exporting the file to other developers and how much sharpness do you do after the exporting? thanks
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on October 22, 2012, 12:11:47 pm
I had my first chance to shoot on Saturday.  I am still getting the hang of this camera, and one thing that I miss is the ability to steady your camera on your face using the viewfinder. I have been an SLR-only photographer since age 13, and never realized how much help that third contact point on the face gives to stabilization. DP2M is pretty unforgiving of even minimal movement. Now I am looking into some handy way to hook up the Hoodman to the camera, involving some combination of plastic from milk bottles, velcro strips, and/or elastic to create a harness for the Hoodman. If I like what I make, I may post instructions and snapshot. Re: tripod use: As for the A-S plate, I have a small "universal" plate which works - for portrait orientation, it will be necessary to flip the ball stem into the "90 degree" slot of the head.

SPP - ow! I am more convinced than ever that Lightroom is a brilliant program. SPP falls into the category of "oh well, I guess that it will do..."
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 22, 2012, 03:42:13 pm
Nancy: you're right about sensitivity to movement. With the best sensors, figure about 4-5x focal length for the minimum hand-holdable speed to kee full rez. Worse of course if there's a mirror or focal plane shutter involved.

I joked the other day that the DP Merrills are basically minature tech-cameras: tripod based (for both composition and stability, base-ISO, shot with self timer.  For optimum results, that's not too far from the truth. Used that way, the camera is potentially a fine-art tool.  Used casually, it's just a really bad point and shoot.

Anfat: you should adjust highlight, shadows, white balance and sharpness in SPP.  Sharpening is an interesting question. Michael has found (ro heard) that "0" in sharpening is actually not "nill".  You have to do in a negative amount to get a truly unsharpened file.  Personally, I find 0 to -4 are about right. That still might add some capture sharpening, but I don't object to that. I just sharpen less in LR4 -- which you would do anyway since these files are so sharp to begin with.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: villebon on October 22, 2012, 04:23:13 pm
Hello Quentin,

Thank you so much for your helpful reply. You have peaked my interest in doing panoramas with the Sigma DP2M!

I have downloaded PTGUI and presented it with a three jpeg images shots handheld to render a panoramo. To my surprise, it couldn't do it and asked me to do something with control points. CS5 Photomerge easely did it in a few minutes. So I looked elsewhere and found Autopano Pro and it automatically assembled the three shots pano in a few seconds. So I decided to test it to its limits.

Next I mounted the camera on a tripod, shot eight raw images. All converted to double size tiff in SPP, saved to disk and then I fed the images (2.77 gig total) to Autopano Pro 3.0 Beta trial. To my utter astonishment, it assembled the panorama in about 1.5 minutes and rendered a kind of semi cylindrical image (sides higher than center) of 26211 x 13399 pixels which I then had Autopano crop to a rectangular image of 25957 x 9545 pixels. Wow, the speed and ease of execution was something unexpected.

Even though it has 8 gigs of memory, the computing power of my desktop is best described as being mid level. So I'll give PTGUI another try, but I can see that it will be fighting an uphill battle!

Again, thanks for your clear explanations and taking the time to respond to my query.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 23, 2012, 03:22:46 am
I had my first chance to shoot on Saturday.  I am still getting the hang of this camera, and one thing that I miss is the ability to steady your camera on your face using the viewfinder. I have been an SLR-only photographer since age 13, and never realized how much help that third contact point on the face gives to stabilization. DP2M is pretty unforgiving of even minimal movement. Now I am looking into some handy way to hook up the Hoodman to the camera, involving some combination of plastic from milk bottles, velcro strips, and/or elastic to create a harness for the Hoodman. If I like what I make, I may post instructions and snapshot. Re: tripod use: As for the A-S plate, I have a small "universal" plate which works - for portrait orientation, it will be necessary to flip the ball stem into the "90 degree" slot of the head.

SPP - ow! I am more convinced than ever that Lightroom is a brilliant program. SPP falls into the category of "oh well, I guess that it will do..."

I have found the strap included in the box is quite useful - I have adjusted the length so that I can push the camera away from me with the strap around my neck which at least makes it steadier in one plane. Of course the rear LCD is a PITA for those of us who need reading glasses - something the smartphone/ipad generation just don't get.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 23, 2012, 09:43:55 am
Of course if you also use a monopod it sort of steadies it in 2 planes, but of course it may be just as easy then to use a tripod!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 23, 2012, 03:33:50 pm
Hi Villebon,

Software...never works as well as we as photographers do  ;D

I like PTGui, but if another program works better for you, then it makes a lot of sense to use it.  

I've been struggling this evening installing an Iomega cloud NAS disk.  Piece of cake, right?  Er...no.  I had to confront port forwarding in my home router.  Why?  Who knows.

And to think Windows 95 was supposed to herald an era of plug and play  :D

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 23, 2012, 04:18:15 pm
Three hand-held frame stitch in CS 6.

Ah the beauty of nature!

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-TL3KK48/0/X2/mountain-pano-version-four-X2.jpg)

Close in, ah drat - trash, graffiti on rock, debris...

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-zJ2chbc/0/X2/mountain-pano-version-four-X2.jpg)

Printed 50" wide it looks "at least" as good as pans from my a900 & Zeiss glass.  Maybe even .... (I can't bring myself to say it!)

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 23, 2012, 04:32:13 pm
Old tractor, single frame. 

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-Prj92w9/1/X3/SDI0007-X3.jpg)

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-Tjfbgh4/0/X3/SDI0007-X3.jpg)

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-KHWj6pt/0/X3/SDI0007-X3.jpg)

Many thanks to Quentin, Hulyss & others for the inspiration, information and huge dent in my pocketbook.  :-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on October 23, 2012, 11:41:45 pm
Has anyone figured out how to get rid of the splotches of colour that often appear in shadows ? Even at 200iso night shots seem to have random splotches of colour in the shadows. It's not very predictable so i'm not sure if it has to do with the light spectrum hitting the sensor or not.

Also, is it just me or does this sensor have streaks instead of noise when you finally do see it ? Seems like the initial preview of the image when loading inside the sigma software shows grain (for higher iso images) but then the grain gets blurred in a very unnatural way. Taking noise reduction down all the day does not seem to fix much, dark images still have the look of a dust and scratches filter in the shadows.

Image below is 200iso.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18779498/splotches.jpg)

Another example, this is a file as it's loading:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18779498/merrill_loading.jpg)

And this is once the file loads:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18779498/merrill_loaded.jpg)

It seems like the raw data looks uglier in the shadows than does the preview. What generates the preview and it's more natural noise vs the odd stuff that the raw file displays ?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 24, 2012, 06:55:26 am
For Michael Reichmann and other MAC users:

I work with X3F since ages and always used ProPhoto RGB as a working base on my calibrated PC+NEC chain.

Since the SD1m, many photographers start to look at the foveon technology and some are disappointed with the work-flow of Sigma Photo Pro and, often, a problem with colorspaces.

I never experienced such problems with SPP and that because I work on PC platform (I'm very allergic to MAC). At fist there is some basic settings to do in SPP in order to work in the desired colorspace. Just go in file >> preferences >> and, if like me you work in ProPhoto RGB, choose this colorspace like in the picture below:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563069;image)

As you can see, there is absolutely no colorshift between SPP ProPhoto working space and my lightroom ProPhoto working space (Same for PS6).

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563070;image)

The problem seems to be only on MAC (colorshift) , so just pray that SIGMA will improve the MAC SPP. Mabe SIGMA do not like MAC ;)

I just say that because apart the slowness, SPP work exactly as I want in a PRO working and calibrated chain ;)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 24, 2012, 07:21:53 am
And some B&W out of the M :) ISO 320 / f3.5

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=563100;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=563117;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on October 24, 2012, 09:38:27 am
Thanks to all here for the incisive reports of the DP2M. I have one now, after waiting months for stock to appear. So far it's blown my Hasselblad 203FE/CFV out of the water.
More testing to do. As others have said it has it's quirks, the worst of which must be battery life, but I think it's a great camera, and just what I've been looking for.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on October 24, 2012, 11:00:42 am
The preview is the embedded JPEG in the X3F - you can easily extract / save it via the File menu -> 'convert to JPEG'. The JPEG settings are your camera's picture settings like contrast, sharpness etc.

My question is more about why the jpg that is generated in the camera has noise at high iso vs mush when converted from the raw ? I would assume the raw contains some more "typical" looking noise in it rather than what I'm observing and the sigma software interpretation is different than what the software running in the camera does.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 24, 2012, 11:54:57 am
Speaking about noise, here is what I got with the M @ 1600 ISO ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167231.0;attach=563194;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167231.0;attach=563195;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167231.0;attach=563199;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167231.0;attach=563201;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167231.0;attach=563205;image)

It suck a bit in color but in B&W ... this is simply stunning !!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kuau on October 24, 2012, 01:59:31 pm
Hulyss
What version of SPP are you running?
When I was testing the DP2M, I was running SPP 5.32 on my Windows 7 machine, and when I output to ProPhoto the images did not match from SPP to PS6, I had to downgrade to SPP 5.31 for it to work for me and get a match.

Steven

For Michael Reichmann and other MAC users:

I work with X3F since ages and always used ProPhoto RGB as a working base on my calibrated PC+NEC chain.

Since the SD1m, many photographers start to look at the foveon technology and some are disappointed with the work-flow of Sigma Photo Pro and, often, a problem with colorspaces.

I never experienced such problems with SPP and that because I work on PC platform (I'm very allergic to MAC). At fist there is some basic settings to do in SPP in order to work in the desired colorspace. Just go in file >> preferences >> and, if like me you work in ProPhoto RGB, choose this colorspace like in the picture below:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563069;image)

As you can see, there is absolutely no colorshift between SPP ProPhoto working space and my lightroom ProPhoto working space (Same for PS6).

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563070;image)

The problem seems to be only on MAC (colorshift) , so just pray that SIGMA will improve the MAC SPP. Mabe SIGMA do not like MAC ;)

I just say that because apart the slowness, SPP work exactly as I want in a PRO working and calibrated chain ;)


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kuau on October 24, 2012, 02:03:05 pm
Nick,
Curious, I read your review on the Fuji XE-1, 35/1.4. How does the IQ at base ISO shot on a tripod, self timer compare to the DP2M?
Thanks
Steven

Nancy: you're right about sensitivity to movement. With the best sensors, figure about 4-5x focal length for the minimum hand-holdable speed to kee full rez. Worse of course if there's a mirror or focal plane shutter involved.

I joked the other day that the DP Merrills are basically minature tech-cameras: tripod based (for both composition and stability, base-ISO, shot with self timer.  For optimum results, that's not too far from the truth. Used that way, the camera is potentially a fine-art tool.  Used casually, it's just a really bad point and shoot.

Anfat: you should adjust highlight, shadows, white balance and sharpness in SPP.  Sharpening is an interesting question. Michael has found (ro heard) that "0" in sharpening is actually not "nill".  You have to do in a negative amount to get a truly unsharpened file.  Personally, I find 0 to -4 are about right. That still might add some capture sharpening, but I don't object to that. I just sharpen less in LR4 -- which you would do anyway since these files are so sharp to begin with.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 24, 2012, 03:55:31 pm
Hello kuau,

I always run the latest versions of software and never experienced any problems ;)

And I do not think I'm that lucky.

If you want to lol hard, have a look at this :

http://www.pbase.com/powerdoc/image/143367554/large

This was done with an X"PRO" 1 + a Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 = 3100 Euros of material.

Have fun  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kuau on October 24, 2012, 06:43:52 pm
Hulyss,
On your Windows 7 64bit system, are you running a custom monitor profile?
I did the test again and came up with the same results, image does not match from SPP 5.3.2 to LR4 or CS6 when I output to 16 bit tiff ProPhoto , though when I run 5.3.1 perfect match.

Steven

Hello kuau,

I always run the latest versions of software and never experienced any problems ;)

And I do not think I'm that lucky.

If you want to lol hard, have a look at this :

http://www.pbase.com/powerdoc/image/143367554/large

This was done with an X"PRO" 1 + a Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 = 3100 Euros of material.

Have fun  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 25, 2012, 02:40:09 am
Hulyss,
On your Windows 7 64bit system, are you running a custom monitor profile?
I did the test again and came up with the same results, image does not match from SPP 5.3.2 to LR4 or CS6 when I output to 16 bit tiff ProPhoto , though when I run 5.3.1 perfect match.

Steven


Hello kuau,

Yes for all of that. I use wide gamut profile, Win7 64. But I'm probably a lucky dude after all  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: photodan on October 25, 2012, 05:04:24 pm
Hello kuau,

I always run the latest versions of software and never experienced any problems ;)
And I do not think I'm that lucky.
...

I have (or had, as I don't have the DP2M anymore) the color management problem with SPP 5.3.2 and am running Win7 on a PC. Others have reported the same thing, with both Win and Mac platforms. 

So,  let's see.... since Hulyss is apparently running the latest version of the software, and may not be particularly lucky, then why is he not seeing the problem?  Ah, I think I have the solution to this mini mystery. Mon Dieu!, ... it must be that the French version of SPP 5.3.2 is different than the English language version, if there are two different versions.  Or if there is one version, then a parameter in the software that affects the display language messes up the color management, or ....

Therefore one might be tempted to conclude that besides being a more beautiful sounding language than English, French also yields benefits in software (at least when written by a Japanese photography company :-)

Ok,  I'm having just a little fun with the whole thing here.  However, even though it's a moot point for me personally I do hope that the bug will be fixed in the next version.  Having been a professional programmer in the business world previously to rising to my current level of incompetence in management, I know how frustrating it is as both a user and as one responsible for software - including the sometimes mysterious software bugs that make our lives at times more .. interesting.. than they need to be :-)

Dan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 26, 2012, 12:47:45 am
Just FYI.  I'm in US.  On PC platform. Win 7.  Outputting from SPP 5.3.2 as 16 bit tiff ProPhoto RGB.  No color shift when brought into LR 4.2 or CS6 on my profiled NEC PA271W. 

Rand

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rhossydd on October 26, 2012, 01:42:04 am
Of course the rear LCD is a PITA for those of us who need reading glasses - something the smartphone/ipad generation just don't get.
They will when they all start needing reading glasses in a few years.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 26, 2012, 05:54:31 am
 ;D photodan  :) I don't think so :) I'm also on NEC screen.

Some news for you guys :

# SIGMA PHOTO PRO version 5.4 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/photopro.html

# SIGMA SD1 Normal: Version 1.09 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/sd1-firmware.html

# SIGMA SD1 Merrill : Version 1.04 >> http://www.sigma-sd.com/download/sd1m-firmware.html

# SIGMA DP1 Merrill : Version 1.01 >> http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp1m-firmware.html

# SIGMA DP2 Merrill : Version 1.02 >> http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp2m-firmware.html

Many of your problems should be fixed with those updates + some fun additions ;)

For the ones who remember the first foveon DSLR , the SD9 and not the first foveon camera, the polaroïd x530 (which I still have), you will like the new color mode who will rock in landscape photo :)

Some examples :

In standard mode:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=563717;image)

And in the SD9 mode:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=563718;image)

Also there is a new gallery on SIGMA website, made by the photographer Kimio Yajima with DP2 Merrill

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/dp-photo-gallery/kyajima/index.html

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=563714;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on October 26, 2012, 11:28:43 am
Successfully updated firmware... and told the camera to then reformat the card.  Taking "forever" to reformat....  ???  Any secrets I should know about?  It has been a full five minutes or so and the "write light" is still blinking away.
HELP!  

UPDATE!  Solved my own problem by getting bold.  Camera wouldn't even turn off - so I pulled the card and then pulled the battery!  Yikes.  Put the card in my card reader on PC and saw that the update file was gone.  Put the battery back in the camera and turned it on and checked for Firmware Version. 1.2!  Put card back in camera and did the reformat command which worked immediately.  Camera must have 'hung' during reformatting command.  All is well.  Thought I'd share in case it happens to anyone else.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 26, 2012, 01:17:39 pm
Hey pips,

I'm new here and it's my first sigma. I'm a bit confused actually by the way it works, but it's just a matter of time I guess.

A question I have for you guys, is which settings do you use for street photography ? Point & shoot style I mean. Hyperfocal/DOF or do you just let the AF makes the job ?

Thanks

Hello Akira :)

In street, just set the camera on whatever mode you want. I'm always between standard and neutral. The AF do the job, much more when you set it for speed (there is a pre-set). Have fun with your new gear and don't forget to use him in high ISO, in B&w ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 26, 2012, 01:52:43 pm
Thanks for the reply man !

I consider buying a viewfinder actually, because I feel the screen is a bit useless when sun is shining on it. In this case, AF is difficult to use on the subject. What I'd like to do is to set up an infinite manual focus at F5.6 or F8 for example. But how far can I shoot for the result to be sharp for example ? If someone had a table for hyperfocal I'd be glad ! Thanks for your help ! :)

I will see what I can do for you :)

Anyway, here is a 800 ISO shoot I did today :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=139682.0;attach=563912;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ligament on October 26, 2012, 11:21:10 pm
I was eagerly awaiting SPP 5.4, so that the program would WORK. The color issues remain broken!

OMFG they STILL have not fixed this? Running OSX 10.8.2 on MacBook Pro Retina with 16GB RAM and large SSD.

Seriously, is there any more significant screw up a raw processing engine can have than not outputting to file the colors chosen and adjusted within said raw processor. What a bunch of clowns Sigma is. My lord.

I love the image quality of the SD merrill series, I own both, but Sigma is too incompetent to write functional software to use these cameras. I'm selling them both and Sigma, you have lost a customer for life for your utter incompetence. You've had plenty of time to fix this issue and you have failed, again.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on October 27, 2012, 01:03:04 am
Could someone clarify if the sigma photo pro software color space preference is just for the display window ? Or does the color space that is set there get backed into the file even if it's exported as a wider gamut color space ?

For example, if i have sRGB selected in the preferences the image on an older cinema display looks exactly like what I get when I export the tiff as ProPhoto into photoshop. When i select ProPhoto in the preferences everything looks washed out in the preview and looks normal in photoshop. I'm assuming the preferences are only a display thing vs actual working space. Can someone clarify if this is in fact the case ? It almost seems like sigma should have named the preferences color section "Display Color Space for X3F Files" instead of "Working Color Space for X3F Files" to avoid confusion assuming my assumption is correct.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on October 27, 2012, 02:49:16 am
Successfully updated firmware... and told the camera to then reformat the card.  Taking "forever" to reformat....  ???  Any secrets I should know about?  It has been a full five minutes or so and the "write light" is still blinking away.
HELP!  

UPDATE!  Solved my own problem by getting bold.  Camera wouldn't even turn off - so I pulled the card and then pulled the battery!  Yikes.  Put the card in my card reader on PC and saw that the update file was gone.  Put the battery back in the camera and turned it on and checked for Firmware Version. 1.2!  Put card back in camera and did the reformat command which worked immediately.  Camera must have 'hung' during reformatting command.  All is well.  Thought I'd share in case it happens to anyone else.

I had exactly the same problem.  Eventually I simply took out the battery.  then restart the camera.  and format the card.  everything now works like a charm :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 27, 2012, 05:24:53 am
For Michael Reichmann and other MAC users:

I work with X3F since ages and always used ProPhoto RGB as a working base on my calibrated PC+NEC chain.

Since the SD1m, many photographers start to look at the foveon technology and some are disappointed with the work-flow of Sigma Photo Pro and, often, a problem with colorspaces.

I never experienced such problems with SPP and that because I work on PC platform (I'm very allergic to MAC). At fist there is some basic settings to do in SPP in order to work in the desired colorspace. Just go in file >> preferences >> and, if like me you work in ProPhoto RGB, choose this colorspace like in the picture below:

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563069;image)

As you can see, there is absolutely no colorshift between SPP ProPhoto working space and my lightroom ProPhoto working space (Same for PS6).

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=167590.0;attach=563070;image)

The problem seems to be only on MAC (colorshift) , so just pray that SIGMA will improve the MAC SPP. Mabe SIGMA do not like MAC ;)

I just say that because apart the slowness, SPP work exactly as I want in a PRO working and calibrated chain ;)



I quote myself for the ones who have some problems with SPP. Of course, it work like a charm at home, I do not understand why it don't work on MAC (but I'm not a MAC guy so ... ;D )

Saying that SIGMA staff are "a bunch of clowns" will not help in any way, dear Ligament.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 27, 2012, 06:21:47 am
Was making some Makis last light and decided to shoot a bit :)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=139682.0;attach=564007;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on October 27, 2012, 07:55:56 am
Saying that SIGMA staff are "a bunch of clowns" will not help in any way, dear Ligament.

Then I wonder what we should call them.

FWIW I can't run either  5.3.2 or 5.4.0. on Win 7 64 they both crash when saving tiffs. 5.3.1 seems stable(ish).

Sigma should just open up to let other people deal with their files.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 27, 2012, 08:23:31 am
I think you should look first at your configuration. I use SPP since SPP1 and always on windows machines. XP/VISTA/7 all 64 bits and soon WIN8. I never experienced any problems with SIGMA software, and other software ether.

Sometime I strongly think it is operator fault and not really SIGMA fault, without any offence :)

################################################################################

Today I did some shoot with different lightings sources to see how good is the auto WB with the last firmware and it seems to work pretty good :
On this shoot there is 3 light source, a window, a led and a tungsten lamp in front the machine : The results are pretty ok for me without any adjustments :)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564038;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564041;image)

This shoot (yes I like doing Japanese food ^^) is done under a 400 watts halogen lamp :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564045;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564049;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: scrane on October 27, 2012, 09:10:22 am
There has been some discussion on this and a possible fix on DPReview:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3289811

I do not use a Mac so I cannot verify any fix. Good luck.
Sandy Crane
Boise, ID

I was eagerly awaiting SPP 5.4, so that the program would WORK. The color issues remain broken!

OMFG they STILL have not fixed this? Running OSX 10.8.2 on MacBook Pro Retina with 16GB RAM and large SSD.

Seriously, is there any more significant screw up a raw processing engine can have than not outputting to file the colors chosen and adjusted within said raw processor. What a bunch of clowns Sigma is. My lord.

I love the image quality of the SD merrill series, I own both, but Sigma is too incompetent to write functional software to use these cameras. I'm selling them both and Sigma, you have lost a customer for life for your utter incompetence. You've had plenty of time to fix this issue and you have failed, again.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on October 27, 2012, 09:23:18 am
Nancy: you're right about sensitivity to movement. With the best sensors, figure about 4-5x focal length for the minimum hand-holdable speed to kee full rez. Worse of course if there's a mirror or focal plane shutter involved.

Is that 4-5x actual focal length or 35mm equivalent?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: SB-1 on October 27, 2012, 11:54:20 am
Successfully updated firmware... and told the camera to then reformat the card.  Taking "forever" to reformat....  ???  Any secrets I should know about?  It has been a full five minutes or so and the "write light" is still blinking away.
HELP!  

UPDATE!  Solved my own problem by getting bold.  Camera wouldn't even turn off - so I pulled the card and then pulled the battery!  Yikes.  Put the card in my card reader on PC and saw that the update file was gone.  Put the battery back in the camera and turned it on and checked for Firmware Version. 1.2!  Put card back in camera and did the reformat command which worked immediately.  Camera must have 'hung' during reformatting command.  All is well.  Thought I'd share in case it happens to anyone else.

I had the same problem and resolved it with the same solution.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on October 27, 2012, 01:10:57 pm
I'm afraid it is too easy to blame Sigma instead of trying to figure out what is really going on. Take your example: I never had issues (or crashes) with SPP 5.3.2 (apart from the monitor profile bug) and 5.4.0 works like a charm. I run it under Win7 Professional. So here we go: two users, both running SPP 5.4.0 on Win 7 64. One experiences crashes, the other no crashes at all. Who is to blame (or more precisely: what causes the crashes)?



I'm running it on an extremely stable, lightly loaded HP Z800 which is dedicated to Photo work and video editing. This computer has never exhibited unusual behavior. I imagine it may be a conflict with the video card, maybe....but I am fairly certain that it will be SPP that is the weak link, I just don't feel that the development of this software is to the same standard as, say, LR. That said SPP runs fine on my laptop.


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 27, 2012, 02:11:43 pm
Dear akira :

When shooting sun, expose the sun in spot metering ;)

The DP2m should be exposed like film not like numeric camera.

The strange flare is normal. It is the reflection of the IR filter on the sensor (or the inverse).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 27, 2012, 03:36:41 pm
SIGMA cameras are not conventional cameras. People learn to like it or not. They cope with it or not. There is no shame in not liking SIGMA camera and moving to another brand, more easy to use. You need to cope with the kirks or transform them in advantages in your production ;)

I continue my travel in space and time with this new tool. I'm very habituated to SIGMA gear I owned all the SIGMA cameras since the start. Sometime I look very happy with my files :D and things sound easy in my way of communication but this is because I master the chain behind a foveon camera. This is years of training with some complicated files !!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a blind fanboy ;) I do own a whole FX nikon set and Zeiss but SIGMA is just ... different. And I love it.

Today, it is the training of High ISO. This shoot was ISO 1250 - f2.8 - 1/60 hand-held.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564203;image)

I Like the details it can keep even at high ISO

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564204;image)

And look at this OOF zone !! I love this grain. This is the nearest film grain that I have ever seen in digital. Of course, no editing.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564206;image)

Of course, B&W are sumptuous. I should go over in ISO but I'm a bit she with this camera ;)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564207;image)

And a last photo for tonight, Winter is Coming !

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=564209;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 27, 2012, 03:37:34 pm
"
... if it can't handle a simple sunfall...

No camera, film or digital, Foveon or Bayer sensor, can shoot straight into the sun (that high above horizon) without being blown out. Film might have gentler transitions, some sensors can handle it better than others, but blown out is blown out. A simple case of user incompetence.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 27, 2012, 04:14:35 pm
... shooting straight in the sun is possible with any cameras to the contrary of what Slodoban said...

You are right. Absolutely.

"Shooting straight in the sun is possible with any cameras."

Of course. Except it will result in sun and surrounding areas being blown out. Just like in both of your examples. And just as I said, some lenses will have less flare, some sensors will handle it better, film might have gentler transitions between blown-out areas and the rest, but it will be blown-out.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: scrane on October 27, 2012, 06:02:15 pm
This camera gives pixel peeping a new meaning.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 27, 2012, 10:22:20 pm
Nancy: you're right about sensitivity to movement. With the best sensors, figure about 4-5x focal length for the minimum hand-holdable speed to kee full rez. Worse of course if there's a mirror or focal plane shutter involved.

Is that 4-5x actual focal length or 35mm equivalent?

Think of it as either, and a range.  ie: 4x actual = 1/125th, which to me would be the dead-bottom to achieve full rez, and up to 1/250th (5x 35mm equiv) which is pretty much guaranteed to overcome any vibrations. 

There are no real rules, since every situation is different.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 27, 2012, 10:31:35 pm
Yes, nice crops. Something cold in your photos, interesting. But your makisushi are too thin ! :D

Anything for me concerning hyperfocal ?

Personally, I find hyperfocal a waste of time on high-rez digital cameras. For street, get a finder and use AF.

my 2c.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: joezl on October 27, 2012, 10:42:22 pm
Is anyone here using the Sigma with the optical viewfinder and, if so, how does it perform? Do you prefer it to using the lcd screen?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: SB-1 on October 28, 2012, 12:25:39 am
I've been working with the DP2M for a little while now, and I'm rather pleased all around. Aside from SPP, which isn't all that delightful to work with, I've been very happy with what I'm been getting, image wise. I've also been impressed by the snappy focus. I thought I'd add a meagre contribution or two to the thread:

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 28, 2012, 02:40:54 am
Hulyss, I particularly liked your interior at ISO 1250.  Nicely framed.  On a technical note, thanks for the blow-up of the clock-face.  The noise at that ISO looked soft and delicate.  Can one have "creamy" noise, in the same way we speak of "creamy bokeh"?  I'm enjoying my own DP2M, and thankfully haven't had any software problems.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 28, 2012, 04:18:56 am
Hello,

Nice shoots SB-1 :) And for you, Barbara :

(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/DP2m/12.jpg)

(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/DP2m/14.jpg)

(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/DP2m/13.jpg)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543299;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543300;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=543301;image)

Creamy bokeh :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: macti on October 28, 2012, 06:07:42 am
I´ve been following this thread for a while and begin considering buying a dp2m.

However I would like test a few things before spending:
how I get a long with processing dp2m-raw files with spp, if my computer copes with its large files etc.


So could some of you please share a dp2m-raw file.!! (I did not succeed to find a original raw file in the internet.)

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 28, 2012, 06:27:24 am
I´ve been following this thread for a while and begin considering buying a dp2m.

However I would like test a few things before spending:
how I get a long with processing dp2m-raw files with spp, if my computer copes with its large files etc.


So could some of you please share a dp2m-raw file.!! (I did not succeed to find a original raw file in the internet.)

Thanks.

You have some X3F for test here ;)

http://pond.org.uk/galleries/DP2M/slides/SDIM0889.html
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 28, 2012, 10:22:21 am
Hello...

I have been following the Red dot/grid/blotch phenomenon with some interest.  While searching the web it is noted that the Sigma DP Series is not the only manufacturer with this issue.  Sony and Olympus examples exist.  So, I was wondering about a couple of things that I will test when I get the chance.  

Does a lens shade or polarizer minimize or negate this effect when combined with a slight angle of 1 to 2 degree offset from directly into the sun have a positive effect. Does stopping down versus wide open or exposure length have an effect?

We all want our cameras to handle our own personal shooting situations.  This is not a big issue for me, but I could see where it would really bug someone who takes direct sun shots as a common artistic expression.  I am dissapointed that the DP2M is showing a grid, I wil also be dissapointed if my occasional Sunset becomes a PS nightmare or worse, a lost shot.

Best

Here is an Olympus ELP2 with a like issue....also, Sony RX100 suffers from this malady as well.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 28, 2012, 10:34:05 am
The Sigma DP line is indeed a minimalist fit and finish.  I have had several of these cameras and noted that the holding and gripping of the camera is not ideal.  My DP2M is usually on a tripod, but for the handheld shots I have found a camera skin and grip to help considerably.  A better anodized aluminum grip is on the horizon by on popular manufacturer.  I am hoping someone will come up with a halfcase soon...  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: macti on October 28, 2012, 03:22:55 pm
Hulyss: Thank you very much for sharing this link.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 28, 2012, 04:01:11 pm
How do you focus correctly without dof info on an external finder ? My purpice is buying one for framing but AF by being blind ? :/

Ok I think I won't find anything than crops to promote the camera in here, but no answers. :)

Here's your answer: This is not a street camera. If that's what you shoot,  get an X100 or Xpro-1.

If you want to use a DP-2M like that, then you shoot 'blind' with an OVF on top and put your AF subject in roughly the part of the frame you have set your AF point to...that is if you don't want to use the LCD. 

As I've said on here, the DP-2M should be thought of as a miniaturized tech camera. You don't see people doing 'street; with an Alpa either  ;)

Cheers,

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on October 29, 2012, 02:01:51 am
I'm sure a lot of people think taking pictures of fall colours at this point is a photographic sin, but I could not help trying it with the DP2 I acquired recently.

(http://blog.dominik.ca/wp-content/gallery/merrill/merrill_1.jpg)

(http://blog.dominik.ca/wp-content/gallery/merrill/merrill_2.jpg)

(http://blog.dominik.ca/wp-content/gallery/merrill/merrill_3.jpg)

(http://blog.dominik.ca/wp-content/gallery/merrill/merrill_4.jpg)

(http://blog.dominik.ca/wp-content/gallery/merrill/merrill_5.jpg)

They are a little bigger but the forum scales the images down.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 29, 2012, 03:17:37 am
This is not a "photographic sin" and it is greatly executed. Thanks for sharing :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 29, 2012, 10:15:11 am
Ok. I've seen some nice street shots made with the oldest version of the DP2 here : http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3105690#forum-post-39975383

It's not a street camera, but for my eyes it looks like it can do the job pretty well actually. Don't you think ? :)

You should admit you just don't know the subject enough to answer. Thanks anyway.

Kind regards.

No, I don't think. I don't view these images as an endorsement of the DP cameras for any purpose. If you are serious about exploring 'street' photography, pick a tool that is well suited to it.

There is also no 'Sigma position' on the 'issue' of the sun-spots, because this is not an 'issue'.  Digital cameras are known to sometimes react in this way when used in this manner. This is neither new, nor particularly notable  nor a defect. 

These forums are a good place to seek people experienced in photography and photographic equipment. But that is best in a respectful fashion.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 29, 2012, 01:25:34 pm
Foveonic, where did you get the skin and grip you added to the DP2M?  When I look online, I don't find anything for these Sigma models.  Also, I was hoping someone would have an answer for joezl's inquiry about the optical viewfinder.  In bright sunlight, this camera is indeed reduced to a "point and shoot" experience, and I am strongly considering getting the viewfinder myself just for framing.  Also, I would hope to see the forum take note of a Newbie's very appropriate question.  Does anyone have any experience with this little (albeit somewhat expensive) accessory? --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 29, 2012, 04:44:34 pm
Hatfield forest lake (Lee 75 ND filter system used - nice compact system for the DP2M and DP1M)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Lake_2.jpg)

and from my garden

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Plant.jpg)


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: villebon on October 29, 2012, 07:28:44 pm


"You should admit you just don't know the subject enough to answer. Thanks anyway."

Mr Devlin knows more about photography than you'll ever know in two lifetimes. Be careful with your answers.


"So finally I have my answer concerning the distances to be sharp according to the different possible settings. In the case this can help someone, I found an hyperfocal/DOF tool on this website : http://www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html
You can choose your camera, focal lens. Great tool !"

Have you really?  Unlike film, digital needs small COC. When those are applied, you'll find that your DOF is rather limited.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 29, 2012, 07:58:15 pm
Nice. Very nice according to the fact you don't know me nor my work. But nevermind. I could simply bring you back to what you wrote about being careful with answers, but what's the point...

I came here for answers to my questions, and except some craps crops, there's not much to share as experience except sharpness discussions. Henri Cartier Bresson said once sharpness is a bourgeois concept. It perfectly fit this thread.

I leave you now ladies, gentlemen. Don't worry, I won't ask anymore bothering questions to your perfect and brilliant eyes.

Best regards.


Missing you already....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on October 29, 2012, 08:19:36 pm
Ok. I've seen some nice street shots made with the oldest version of the DP2 here : http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3105690#forum-post-39975383

It's not a street camera, but for my eyes it looks like it can do the job pretty well actually. Don't you think ? :)

You should admit you just don't know the subject enough to answer. Thanks anyway.

Kind regards.



C U Next Tuesday!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 29, 2012, 09:00:30 pm
I am new here and I do not know if it is legal to publish seller addresses so I will just tell you to use a Google search for: "custom camera coverings" and you will find it.  Also, I would stack two skins....it covers the Sigma metal grip bumps better and gives a nice lusterous and thicker grip feel to the whole experience.  The pic I posted only has one skin in place.  I now have two....and I have removed the grip as I am holding out for a nice half case when they come out and they never accomodate anthing other than the factory body.  Or a Franiec grip when Richard gets around to making them....Just search: Franiec or Flipbac for the grip ideas...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on October 29, 2012, 09:16:02 pm

I think you're on pretty safe ground posting the link.  ;)

Barbara - Michael just put up a mention of the grip - it looks terrific.

Akira: photos are always a good bet. This is a positive crowd when people share their creativity.

Villebon: if don't know half that much. Maybe in four lifetimes. But thanks.  :-*

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 29, 2012, 09:32:29 pm
Skins....Two skins is way better...but a little expensive.
http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/SIGMA/DP2-M/DP2M_LeatherKit.php (http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/SIGMA/DP2-M/DP2M_LeatherKit.php)

Grips....Not bad, but check out the future products below.
http://flipbac.com/camera-grip-design-materials.htm (http://flipbac.com/camera-grip-design-materials.htm)

Future better products slated for production:
Grip: This guy is going to make the anodized grip for the DP2M (plans are done), look at the old DP2 grip on this page that he made.
http://www.kleptography.com/rf/ (http://www.kleptography.com/rf/)

Half Case:  I have written this guy...nice half cases for great prices..He has not committed yet to the DP2M, but I think he will......
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sqinno?ref=seller_info (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sqinno?ref=seller_info).

Okay Ndevlin...your a Senior Member....I let fly with some links..I should have paid closer attention to the site policy agreement, I hope its okay.....

PS.  The AML-1 works fine with the DP2M and it is half the price of the AML-2.  A reverse 46mm 49mm Step Up Down ring makes this close-up lens possible to use.

Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 30, 2012, 04:59:54 am
I would like a grip with a built-in longer life battery.  I have 6 Sigma batteries for my DP2/1m cameras and I still worry about running out of juice.  Alternatively an  external battery pack would be good.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on October 30, 2012, 05:16:14 am
Mmmmmm...tasteful skins  ;D

Interesting...I love these micro industries that allow is to accessorise our kit.  Some ideas are better than others.  Keep on it, Foveonic!

Skins....Two skins is way better...but a little expensive.
http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/SIGMA/DP2-M/DP2M_LeatherKit.php (http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/SIGMA/DP2-M/DP2M_LeatherKit.php)

Grips....Not bad, but check out the future products below.
http://flipbac.com/camera-grip-design-materials.htm (http://flipbac.com/camera-grip-design-materials.htm)

Future better products slated for production:
Grip: This guy is going to make the anodized grip for the DP2M (plans are done), look at the old DP2 grip on this page that he made.
http://www.kleptography.com/rf/ (http://www.kleptography.com/rf/)

Half Case:  I have written this guy...nice half cases for great prices..He has not committed yet to the DP2M, but I think he will......
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sqinno?ref=seller_info (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sqinno?ref=seller_info).

Okay Ndevlin...your a Senior Member....I let fly with some links..I should have paid closer attention to the site policy agreement, I hope its okay.....

PS.  The AML-1 works fine with the DP2M and it is half the price of the AML-2.  A reverse 46mm 49mm Step Up Down ring makes this close-up lens possible to use.

Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 30, 2012, 05:58:51 am
I just wish the DP Ms came with a drawstring cloth bag like my old DP1 did.  When I carry both DP Ms in a shoulder bag, the lens caps sometimes comes off which is a worry. The cloth bags would keep their surfaces from coming in contact with one another.  (I don't use a camera bag for them, I like that I can carry them both in a small everyday shoulder bag).  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Herb19 on October 30, 2012, 10:57:26 am
DP2M picture and 100% crop.

Herb
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on October 30, 2012, 01:49:32 pm
The first photo is very nice, I like the radial symmetry paired with the variable size water droplets. The second soft focus photo has interesting color, but the fuschia flare aperture image in the lower left - I just don't like that color in combo with the rest, looks too artificial. YVMV. Anyway, welcome. Abstract shots count as landscape too, in my opinion.

I myself don't see myself using DP2M as a "street" camera, unless you include posed portraits or urban landscapes as "street photography". I am not too comfortable with it yet, and don't have the "write time" ingrained in my head yet.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 30, 2012, 03:53:17 pm
... Here's a taraxacum shot with an old inverted 50mm above the DP2 lens to achieve a macro shot. A personal setup.
...
And here a thyme branch with the same method.
...

Very nice photographs, Akira!

The second one is a good example how a well-controlled flare can make, not brake, a photo.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 04:44:39 pm
Nice clarity on the first photo...very sharp and contrasty.  I might as well weigh-in on the DP2M as a street photography machine.  It would not lend itself to any speedy composition due to the lack of a rangefinder and a short gear ratio focusing mechanism.  But...their are a lot of ways to shoot the street.  Slow and thoughtful is an approach....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 04:50:55 pm
Hey Herb19 very nice!  Sharp....could you please post the 4 extreme corner crops from the leaf photo??  I know that is 4 crops but it would be much appreciated as a comparison series for other DP2 owners.

Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 30, 2012, 05:13:31 pm
Foveonic, many thanks for all the links.  Now the perplexing question is, which one?  Do we think that a camera outfitted with a skin (or 2) would fit in the Milich grip and L-bracket?  How does one "take off" a grip?  Isn't it glued on somehow?
Nick, thanks for your response about Michael's post, which I had seen.  I've never "accessorized" a camera in this way before.  I can see there is a whole new world out there for me to explore and consider.
Idillic, when I am putting more than one camera in a bag together, I pull a sock over the ones I'm concerned about.  I pull a lightweight cotton sock over my DP2M and slip it into my purse.  Works.
Akira, I did like very much your image of the taraxacum.  How does that work, using a 50mm lens in conjunction with the DP2M?  I've done very little macro work (just used the 45mm macro -- 90mm equivalent -- on my GH2, so you can see I really have almost no familiarity with techniques for this) and have no idea how you achieved this shot.  It is beautiful.
     I ordered this camera from Sigma as soon as I saw Quentin's remarks and photo posts, and read Michael's hinting at how impressed he was with it.  And I have been pleased ever since to have the pleasure of using it and enjoying the results.  If I could figure out how one actually uploads an image onto this site, I might consider whether to post some of my results, but I do feel intimidated by some of what I see here.  L-L has been a real source of knowledge and inspiration for me.  Many thanks to all who contribute.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Herb19 on October 30, 2012, 05:17:49 pm
Hello Foveonic,

Corners of the DP2M are all tack- and equally sharp from f/4 to f/8  :)
But maybe when I have time left...

Here is something more interesting. Pre process in Sigma Photo Pro, Neutral, -2 for Contrast and Sharpening and no noise reduction. Then process in Capture One Pro 7. Auto exposure/levels/curves and pre-sharpening preset 2.

Left my earlier posted SPP/Lightroom version, right SPP/Capture One Pro 7.

Herb
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 30, 2012, 06:01:23 pm
Hello :)

This is nice seeing so much new users and passion around the precious. He worth it ;)

In my corner (before working hard on Herb's LR pre-sets  ;)) I use my DP2m as my backstage camera and use it at High ISO.
So, during my last shoot, I did some Backstage parallel shoots who look very ok to me, colour and B&W. In this time of confusion (not the circle), were many ppl use "vintages" skins, instagram rendering and other plug in renderings (what I call "putting a soul in something who don't have soul"), the DP2 Merrill do it simply like film, in his own style :)

My grandma always said to me : "If you do it, do it with style !" A precept who fit particularly well to the DP2 Merrill isn't it ?  ;D

ISO 1000

Colour :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565173;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565175;image)

Black & White :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565163;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565165;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 06:16:26 pm
Yes.....VERY, NICE!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on October 30, 2012, 07:12:23 pm
Thank You Akira. Your shoots are stunning too !! I love seeing people playing and enjoying there gear :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 07:12:37 pm
Herb19 I share your findings as well.....here is some F11 work.  I am primarily a Landscape Shooter, so I was pleasantly suprised to find an extremely usable near diffraction free F11.  Here are my 100% crops.....They are near perfect (notice tiny softness in "top left crop" at the top left corner of the crop). this can be witnessed in all 4 crops.....but the lens is near perfect, which is really, really hard to believe. This is a shot of a childs quilt laying on the floor and auto processed in Elements. I hit my image upload limit for one post, see following post for dead center and original shot.  I have witnessed negligible softness in only the extreme, and I mean extreme corners of several other posted corner crops from other users. It is so slight and so minimal that it is hardly worth mentioning.  In one comparison I witnessed corner sharpness which easily bested an M9 with Summicron glass attached.

Herb
[/quote]
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 07:13:31 pm
Original quilt I took the crops from....plus the dead center 100% crop at F11.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on October 30, 2012, 07:43:39 pm
Foveonic, many thanks for all the links.  Now the perplexing question is, which one?  Do we think that a camera outfitted with a skin (or 2) would fit in the Milich grip and L-bracket?  How does one "take off" a grip?  Isn't it glued on somehow?
Nick, thanks for your response about Michael's post, which I had seen.  I've never "accessorized" a camera in this way before.  I can see there is a whole new world out there for me to explore and consider.
Idillic, when I am putting more than one camera in a bag together, I pull a sock over the ones I'm concerned about.  I pull a lightweight cotton sock over my DP2M and slip it into my purse.  Works.
Akira, I did like very much your image of the taraxacum.  How does that work, using a 50mm lens in conjunction with the DP2M?  I've done very little macro work (just used the 45mm macro -- 90mm equivalent -- on my GH2, so you can see I really have almost no familiarity with techniques for this) and have no idea how you achieved this shot.  It is beautiful.
     I ordered this camera from Sigma as soon as I saw Quentin's remarks and photo posts, and read Michael's hinting at how impressed he was with it.  And I have been pleased ever since to have the pleasure of using it and enjoying the results.  If I could figure out how one actually uploads an image onto this site, I might consider whether to post some of my results, but I do feel intimidated by some of what I see here.  L-L has been a real source of knowledge and inspiration for me.  Many thanks to all who contribute.  --Barbara

Barbara....all good ponderings.  
Not sure about the L-bracket being affected by the skins.
I have removed the skins on my DP2 twice already with no ill effect.
The Grip is also removable with no ill effect.
Close-up lens for the old DP2 works on this unit with a step down up ring and only costs 75$ on Ebay.

Best
  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on October 31, 2012, 02:00:15 am
If anyone from sigma is listening, it would be nice if the "monochrome" white balance preset was selectable on the camera and the preview image was black and white. That way when the raw files come in they are already set to the monochrome setting. Right now black and white can only be selected when shooting jpg. If the raw preset can't be done via firmware, can we at least have the ability to view the screen in monochrome ?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on October 31, 2012, 06:34:22 am
I joined a couple of pictures I took at Deakin University in Geelong today. They were two (handheld) shots with the DP1M. The join is not the best & I can always say it was crappy concrete formwork.  I had both DP cameras & I find I am using the DP1M 80% of the time mostly because I like photographing buildings.

The other picture was taken this last weekend with the DP2M.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Brucecairns on October 31, 2012, 01:32:42 pm
I've enjoyed reading this thread - and am waiting for my DP2 to arrive!

I had some interesting correspondence with Sigma UK today. I emailed them asking when they are planning to share their algorithms with Adobe and Phase One so that we can use LR/ACR/C1. I wasn't  really expecting anything other than a standard corporate response telling me how good the Sigma software is, but I received the following:

Thank you for your email and interest in the Sigma cameras. I understand
your comments about Adobe/Phase One compatibility. A few people have
requested this. As far as I have been told, we have supplied the
information to Adobe so hopefully in the near future our files will be
compatible.

Let's hope the guy is right!

Bruce
www.brucecairns.com (http://www.brucecairns.com)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on October 31, 2012, 01:57:36 pm

... Alone in the fog...

Ha!

I knew there must be a downside to all this detail porn! I can see power lines above the tree! DP2M actually penetrates fog in search for details, like a hound dog, or heat-seaking missiles. ;)

Nice picture, btw.
Title: Photo Pro manual
Post by: sigmasharpshooter on October 31, 2012, 02:57:00 pm
Hi all Foveon friends, where can I download a user guide/manual for Sigma Photo Pro? I can only find quite old versions on the net.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on October 31, 2012, 03:00:39 pm
Akira, thanks for the feedback on using a 50mm lens with the DP2M for macro.  I have an old Nikon f/1.8 (dating back to the 70's) and look forward to experimenting with it.  I've tried holding it in place on some interior subjects (tea towel and rug) just to see how the focus, etc. would work (I just move the camera back and forth), without actually doing any exposures, and am looking forward to something outside when this seemingly interminable rain in the Pacific Northwest lets up (next summer if not before --just kidding!).  Did you crop your shots to eliminate the prominent vignetting, or is there something else I should be doing?  Is there an optimal focus setting on the 50mm lens?  Thanks again. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: masabu on October 31, 2012, 03:07:27 pm
Bruce, that is indeed a great news.

I actually requested return authorization to B&H (retainer in the US) to return DP2M precisely because of the lack of LR support.   I was ready to pack my DP2M and say farewell to this camera.   Now I need to think a bit more. 

SPP is really not usable, slow, hard to control/adjust color and white balance and crushes frequently.   


Quote
Thank you for your email and interest in the Sigma cameras. I understand
your comments about Adobe/Phase One compatibility. A few people have
requested this. As far as I have been told, we have supplied the
information to Adobe so hopefully in the near future our files will be
compatible.

Let's hope the guy is right!

Bruce
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on November 01, 2012, 07:11:39 am
There are some amazing shots to be found on this forum and a lot of great info, thank you al very much!
I just recieved my dp2m and since I do not like to compose with a lcd screen, I prefer to use a viewfinder. (most of my shooting is handheld) However, since the dp2m has a 45mm effective view, I cannot decide wether to get a 40 or a 50mm viewfinder (voigtlander)
for it. Using it as a rangefinder type camera, a 40 would be more logical, but since I am so used to my Pentax 67 a 50mm would not be a strange choice perhaps. (The Pentax finder shows less then I actually am shooting)
This might seem a nitpicking question, but I think it is essential in my shooting flow. I'd thought maybe you guys recognise this situation and wanna share some thoughts.
All the best and happy shooting!

Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 01, 2012, 07:51:27 am
There are some amazing shots to be found on this forum and a lot of great info, thank you al very much!
I just recieved my dp2m and since I do not like to compose with a lcd screen, I prefer to use a viewfinder. (most of my shooting is handheld) However, since the dp2m has a 45mm effective view, I cannot decide wether to get a 40 or a 50mm viewfinder (voigtlander)
for it. Using it as a rangefinder type camera, a 40 would be more logical, but since I am so used to my Pentax 67 a 50mm would not be a strange choice perhaps. (The Pentax finder shows less then I actually am shooting)
This might seem a nitpicking question, but I think it is essential in my shooting flow. I'd thought maybe you guys recognise this situation and wanna share some thoughts.
All the best and happy shooting!

Ricky

Sigma makes a viewfinder for this camera.

It has often been said for the Sigma cameras to expose a little to the right when looking at your histogram, and this is why I personally like to keep an eye on that on the lcd screen, and make slight adjustments to prevent blotchy shadows. There is potentially (if you did it right) enough headroom to darken your highlights.

Using a viewfinder seems to presume that this camera is (like) a point and shoot, which it decidedly isn't. Each shot needs some attention.


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on November 01, 2012, 08:09:42 am
I will treat this camera as serious as I treat my MF camera, very seriously.
However, I am a intuitive shooter. When I made my composition (handheld) I 'know' when to press. People who shoot rangefinders will know what I mean, 90% is making a consious composition, but that 10% is intuition and what in the end makes a good shot, a great shot. (and where the fun lies IMO)

The Sigma finder is 40mm and the Voigtlanders seem to be a tad better.
Any more thoughts on the 40 / 50 finder question?

Ricky
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 01, 2012, 09:53:15 am
The end is near !

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565681;image)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on November 01, 2012, 11:33:31 am
Ricky,
The 50mm Voigtlander finder, which provides a slightly more magnified field of view than the Sigma's 45mm lens (35mm full frame equivalent), will show you less than the lens is capturing so you will always have a little more information in your photos than the viewfinder reveals.  Conversely, the Sigma finder will slightly crop the lens' true field of view so you will always have to be vigilant so as not to crop details out of your frame.

Janus' point above about paying close attention to the histogram in order to expose properly is well taken as the Foveon sensor requires proper exposure to avoid issues.  Someone made the point earlier on this thread that the DP2M is like a "tech cam in your pocket" and I think that point is very well taken.  Like a tech cam, the camera really should be tripod mounted to achieve the incredible pixel level detail the camera is capable of. 

There are up to 9 focus points you can select from in the menu.  The selected focus point will appear in the lcd but you'll only have a vague idea as to where it "might" be if you're using the external Sigma or Voigtlander viewfinders.  There are any number of compact cameras with EVF's that are much better suited to street photography and hand holding than the Sigma... but you probably know that.

Finally, the Hoodman HoodLoupe 3 is a useful accessory when side or backlight is washing out your lcd.  Uwe Steinmuller's Outback Photography shows the HoodLoupe 3 here: http://outbackphoto.squarespace.com/news/2012/10/18/sigma-p2-merrill-field-report.html  It provides 1:1 magnification with a +/- 3 diopter corrections, but it's also best suited for use on a tripod mounted camera.

To my way of thinking, hand holding a camera with the imaging capabilities of the DP2M is a bit like trying to force a square peg through a round hole.  If that hole is large enough... you might succeed.  I use the camera for landscapes and florals exclusively on a rigid tripod with the 2 second shutter delay as I've been "gobsmacked" by the quality of Carl Schofield's samples posted earlier on this thread.  Carl's images of Ithaca Falls show what the DP2M is capable of when tripod mounted.  I don't think you'll approach this by handholding and guessing on the focus with an external viewfinder. 

Best of luck in your efforts not to use it on a tripod.

Lawrence   
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - viewfinder for scouting
Post by: NancyP on November 01, 2012, 12:52:36 pm
Preliminary scouting of possible shots is easier for me with an optical viewfinder, having been raised on the SLR. It may also be a help with the battery life issue. Once I decide on the shots I want to make, then the tripod can be set up and the LCD can be employed for critical composition and focusing. I have never had an LCD-only serious camera before, and I anticipate that the Sigma viewfinder, whenever it arrives (I hope with extra batteries in tow), will be helpful.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on November 01, 2012, 02:01:13 pm
Very good point Nancy, for scouting I too prefer to use the viewfinder.
Lawrence, thanks for the advice. I agree with you that a tripod is a must in most cases to achieve absolute sharpness and get
the most out of this great sensor/lens combo that is the dp2m. Maybe I find the dp2m to be much less forgiving then my medium format film camera (which I use 80% handheld) The results with handheld MF are great. Although sharpness can be better with tripod, in many cases it just works for me. The 'feel' of a picture is what counts in the end, not the highest posible sharpness. For instance the work of Anton Corbijn is not super sharp most of the times, more raw. But he is concious about it and he uses it in his advantage.
Perhaps I find the dp2m not satisfying handheld at all and i'll switch to tripod completely in the end :)
Great advice guys, thanks again!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on November 01, 2012, 02:17:23 pm
I completely agree with you on your point of how important the 'feel' is, Ricky.  The absence of that critical factor can leave one with a "ho hum" image.  I wish you every success in making this work handheld.  I'd like to do the same... but for the time being I'm exploring the qualities of tripod use as I print large and love what I'm seeing when everything lines up with a striking landscape.


Very good point Nancy, for scouting I too prefer to use the viewfinder.
Lawrence, thanks for the advice. I agree with you that a tripod is a must in most cases to achieve absolute sharpness and get
the most out of this great sensor/lens combo that is the dp2m. Maybe I find the dp2m to be much less forgiving then my medium format film camera (which I use 80% handheld) The results with handheld MF are great. Although sharpness can be better with tripod, in many cases it just works for me. The 'feel' of a picture is what counts in the end, not the highest posible sharpness. For instance the work of Anton Corbijn is not super sharp most of the times, more raw. But he is concious about it and he uses it in his advantage.
Perhaps I find the dp2m not satisfying handheld at all and i'll switch to tripod completely in the end :)
Great advice guys, thanks again!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on November 01, 2012, 02:37:15 pm
For those who have iPhones and are considering an external Sigma or Voigtlander viewfinder you might also consider the Viewfinder Pro iPhone app that Michael reviewed in 3.2010.  It has been updated to now include the DP2 Merrill so you can now see the exact angle of view the DP2M provides through your iPhone and it will only cost you $20.  Link here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/viewfinder-pro/id362496185?mt=8
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 01, 2012, 08:23:26 pm
A first sample...

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8146275825_483bfed17d_o.jpg)

Got a very good deal on a like new second hand body.

First impression is that image quality is good, excellent compared to anything else this small but perhaps a tad overhyped in terms of absolute image quality. The package is clearly an excellent deal though.

The lens seems to be sweet, no visible issues in corners even at f2.8.

The Sigma raw converter (v5.4) is obviously very basic but I will need more time to get to know it better. I have not found an easy way to check sharpness at 100% which is annoying.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on November 01, 2012, 09:43:45 pm

Is is just me or has this suddenly become the best thread on LL? Some really nice work on here. Akira - love these. Very creative macro work! Hulys, you really surprised me with those ISO 1000 shots - a very filmic look . And Bernard, nice capture.  I thought you'd like this camera!

And yes, my understanding is that Adobe has received an SDK.  I can't imagine this is their number one priority, but I'm sure Eric will work his magic in due course.  Maybe he'll do it faster if we chip in and buy him one  ;)

Bernard, to check 100% in SPP, open a file, click on the "Full res" tab along the top, which will then load and crunch the extra data in a few seconds, then click on the arrow to the right of the % value under the words "fit in" beside little magnifier glass. Voila.

Cheers,

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 01, 2012, 09:57:49 pm
Bernard, to check 100% in SPP, open a file, click on the "Full res" tab along the top, which will then load and crunch the extra data in a few seconds, then click on the arrow to the right of the % value under the words "fit in" beside little magnifier glass. Voila.

Thank you Sir!  :)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 01, 2012, 10:04:21 pm
I'll be interested in seeing others' responses to Bernard's suggestion that the image quality of the DP2M may be "a tad overhyped."  My response is, "Compared to what?"  I've been using a Nikon D3 and Panasonic GH2.  Price aside, I would say, "What does one have to go to, and with what lenses, to get this image quality?"  I understand Bernard is an advocate of the Nikon D800.  I have to admit I've ruled that camera out as it didn't feel good in hand (my hand).  I just didn't want to pick it up.  Yes, I understand it should go on a tripod, where I do a lot of my shooting (I enjoy landscape, so tripod is easy), but for reasons of comfort and balance in my hand, I have ruled it out.  What should one use, and with what lenses, to get the image quality that I am now enjoying with my DP2M?  I would love to find that quality in a full-frame camera with interchangeable lenses.  My dismay is that I'm wondering if the only equivalence (aside from the Nikon D800) is a medium format system.  What do all of you have to say?  I'm considering renting full-frames from Canon or Sony to compare.  Also, I'm wondering if the Nikon D600 would give me what I'm looking for.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 01, 2012, 10:30:34 pm
I'll be interested in seeing others' responses to Bernard's suggestion that the image quality of the DP2M may be "a tad overhyped."  My response is, "Compared to what?"  

No intend to start a heated discussion with this comment.  ;) I need to spend more time with the DP2m and I like it!

This comment is coming from the review of some first files shot on tripod and with the best possible AF/manual focus (100% live view) I could achieve in pretty easy conditions. I like the files, but I don't really see clearly superior pixel quality compared to what my D800 delivers when converted with the best converters, like C1 Pro 7 and optimally sharpened.

Now, this may be the result of me not using optimally the Sigma raw converter. I am also using only the very best primes from Nikon (24mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, 300 f2.8), Zeiss ZF (50 and 100mm makro) and Leica (180 f2.8 APO) on my D800 at they optimal aperture, so the comparison may not be fair, but reading comments in this thread and elsewhere I was expecting to be blown away when looking at files at 100% on screen. So far I see nice files, but I am not blown away.... yet.  :)

What I need to do is:
- identify the sharpest aperture of the Sigma lens, I guess it is going to be around f4.5-5.6,
- improve the way I fine tune focus in live view,
- identify the best sharpening routine (involving probably both the Sigma raw converter + other sharpening in PS)
- receive my bracket and test again with the camera firmly attached to the tripod instead of just resting on top of it.

Now, all that may help extract more, but it may not be how I end up using the DP2m.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 01, 2012, 10:45:07 pm
REGARDING OPTICAL VIEWFINDER:

I quickly found out that the DP2M is not a P&S rangefinder. To me, the LCD is THE most helpful, easy-to-use, and necessary control panel to ensure all parameteres, that make for well-thought-out and controlled shots, are properly set.

I use the accessory slot for a two-way spirit level.


REGARDING "TAD OVERHYPED":

Did you read Michael Reichmann's review?

The D800 cost how much? And the DP2M cost how little? If this DP2M was made by Leica, how much would it cost?

Once you master this little gem, you will be blown away by the IQ.

The D800 also needs to be mastered; I've seen a lot of crappy images from this big machine on flickr and pbase. The DP2M can also make crappy images.


AND THIS IS MY POINT OVERALL:

Images are an expression of the talent, as well as skill of the photographer.

Skills can be mastered.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 02, 2012, 12:03:25 am
Bernard, you've set yourself quite a project!  I'll be interested in what you discover as to the best ways to work with the DP2M and its files. Let me clarify a bit what I was trying to get at in my earlier post.  I've been considering for some time what my next camera and lenses should be to give me larger captures to enable larger printing than I've been doing.  (That's not why I got the Sigma -- that was for fun in a carry-around camera.)  And then I saw the quality coming out of my DP2M, and started to worry that even low 20's megapixels on a full-frame camera might not give me a comparable result.  And I was wondering how others would react to that question -- what camera and lenses do I need to go to for  comparable image quality in an interchangeable lens camera with a large enough file for larger printing (16 x 20 or 20 x 30)? --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 12:05:57 am
Once you master this little gem, you will be blown away by the IQ.

I sure hope so, I would not have bought one otherwise.

Could you please provide some pointers as to what needs to be done to tap into the potential of the DP2m?

Thank you.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 12:33:46 am
Bernard, you've set yourself quite a project!  I'll be interested in what you discover as to the best ways to work with the DP2M and its files. Let me clarify a bit what I was trying to get at in my earlier post.  I've been considering for some time what my next camera and lenses should be to give me larger captures to enable larger printing than I've been doing.  (That's not why I got the Sigma -- that was for fun in a carry-around camera.)  And then I saw the quality coming out of my DP2M, and started to worry that even low 20's megapixels on a full-frame camera might not give me a comparable result.  And I was wondering how others would react to that question -- what camera and lenses do I need to go to for  comparable image quality in an interchangeable lens camera with a large enough file for larger printing (16 x 20 or 20 x 30)? --Barbara

Barbara,

Understood. I am not familiar with your applications, but have you considered stitching with the DP2m?

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 02, 2012, 12:44:31 am
Bernard, good thought!  That could save me a lot of money!  I have already stitched with the DP2M, with excellent results.  Just hadn't thought about it's possibly obviating the need (desire?) for another camera.  And as I said earlier, looking forward to what you come up with on optimal aperture, sharpening technique, etc.  Thanks for the response.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 02:23:01 am
And (I can't help it), I have to laugh every time I look at this:
http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,291

Indeed. :)

Now you can have the same kind of a good time when placing the DP2m and the Sony RX100 next to each other!

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 03:26:27 am
For the DP2m and Sony RX100 I prefer comparing images, not sizes. And the good times keep coming  ;)

Well, my personal focus is to use the best tool for the job. There are cases when the Sony is a better option, there are cases where the limited flight enveloppe of the DP2m is not an issue and its value can be fully leveraged. And then there are cases where there is no reason not to use the best tool available in one's line up. :)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 03:39:46 am
For me though it's different: I have only one tool - the DP2M. A fixed lens camera and georgeous Image Quality.
I always carry the DP2M with me on all my walks. And I have never felt constrained.

It is indeed true that a fixed focal is somehow liberating in that it enables you to focus on the opportunities instead of focusing on equipment.

For that kind of shooting the DP2m is clearly a pretty unique proposition.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 02, 2012, 03:50:12 am
Michael, you made a point.

As you said, very little adjustments are needed to output a good photo out of SPP. And yes, with a DP2m, even at High ISO, only a sony fan boy can feel constrained ;)

I wonder what think Michael Reichmann now he use it since a long time now, but I'm sure he still amazed by what can do this SIGMA product ;)

Lets post some photos now, if you do not mind :)

Yesterday, strange weather :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565853;image)

And the Jpeg here : https://dl.dropbox.com/s/8r54pdzal4wi2pj/Rainbow.jpg?dl=1
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 04:51:00 am
As you said, very little adjustments are needed to output a good photo out of SPP. And yes, with a DP2m, even at High ISO, only a sony fan boy can feel constrained ;)

Honnestly I get great photos without any click at all from my other cameras thanks to the automated application of presets in LR/C1 Pro or plain OOTB from DxO.

I don't know who the Sony fanboy is supposed to be, but I did for sure not comment on the high ISO image quality of the DP2m vs RX100. :)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thierrylegros396 on November 02, 2012, 06:48:34 am
I've read all pages of that topic, and I'm amazed by the sharpness of the DP2.

But, I'm also disturbed by the fact that I found often too much sharpness especially when comparing with almost all other cameras on my PC screen.

Is it intentional or are the "out of the box jpg" so sharp ?!

Have a Nice Day.

Thierry Legros
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 02, 2012, 09:48:44 am
OK, over-hyped was probably too strong a word.  :) The full res image is available and it is indeed impressive.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8147669852_5620976b62_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on November 02, 2012, 11:18:27 am
Good point. I will have to carry and swap a viewfinder and a 2-way target level (aka "double bubble").Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 02, 2012, 01:46:58 pm
Responding to the inquiry by Thierry LeGros:  The only images I have pulled up onscreen for post-processing are the Raws, and yes, they are particularly sharp -- very noticeably sharp compared with the "out of the box" files from other cameras. I am applying varying amounts of sharpening in Unsharp Mask in PS, but usually much much less than other files.  The question for me is whether I want to leave my camera sharpening setting at zero, or move it to a negative amount.  Either the sensor is showing stunning results with the Foveon technology compared to a Bayer array, or the camera is applying some sharpening even at the zero setting.  I think the answer is probably the latter, in which case I would rather do it myself.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 02, 2012, 01:55:32 pm
News from Sigma:

Thank you for your recent order.

Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Sandy our office was closed for several days and no orders were processed.

We are back in the office today and are doing our best to fulfill every order as quickly as possible. Your order will ship no later than Monday, November 5th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best Regards
[name omitted]
Sales Department



P.S. I ordered the SAC-5 AC Adapter to use as part of a battery solution
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thierrylegros396 on November 02, 2012, 02:01:37 pm
Thanks for answer, Barbara !

Just notice I'm from belgium and that my name is Legros, not LeGros as you find Le Croy or Le Blanc in USA  ;)

But I also noticed that Michael shots with DP2 were extremely sharp.

Of course it seems that the browser amplify the sharpness as some viewers do.
That's why I prefer to use XnView for quick view and transform and no more IrfanView.

Have a Nice day.

Thierry
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: sigmasharpshooter on November 03, 2012, 08:30:59 am
It's raining in Oslo; all is extremely grey... How much rain/moisture do you think The Lady of Supreme Sharpness will endure? Any tips to weather protective gear for a camera like this?

Here's grey weather in Paris:

http://sigmasharpshooter.tumblr.com/image/34524963916 (http://sigmasharpshooter.tumblr.com/image/34524963916)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: scrane on November 03, 2012, 10:23:05 am
It's raining in Oslo; all is extremely grey... How much rain/moisture do you think The Lady of Supreme Sharpness will endure? Any tips to weather protective gear for a camera like this?

Here's grey weather in Paris:

http://sigmasharpshooter.tumblr.com/image/34524963916 (http://sigmasharpshooter.tumblr.com/image/34524963916)

On my particular DP2m I can see camera internals through the side seams of the camera casing. I would place some tape over the seams before venturing into the rain.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on November 03, 2012, 04:00:40 pm
From Hatfield Forrest today; the first, DP1M, second with DP2M

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Hatfield%20Tree.jpg)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Fall%20Leaves.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 03, 2012, 06:30:45 pm
I gave some X3F files to my friend with the latest Lightroom Addition 4 recently updated he told me.  The Sigma Files opened natively and identified the lens correctly.  He post processed entirely in Lightroom. Unless of course he was drunk or something......



Update to this post: I had the first DP2 and now I have the Merrill DP2.  I completely forgot when I gave him the files that they were from my old camera.  Just ignore me....senior moment here.




Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tornwald on November 03, 2012, 07:36:09 pm
He was drunk.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 03, 2012, 08:50:38 pm
He was drunk.

Very drunk.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 03, 2012, 09:25:54 pm
Here is the Adobe "Camera Raw" supported cameras list:

http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/camera-raw-plug-supported-cameras.html (http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/camera-raw-plug-supported-cameras.html)

It was I, who seems to have been drunk...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 03, 2012, 11:06:56 pm
Finally got out with the Merrill:
Batteries are small and are much quicker to install than a roll of film (Lens placement on the Merrill allows for this without tripod mount removal, unlike the DP2)
Using eye viewer to roughly set up a scene with the camera off and then screen on for 100% composition and histogram check, then switched to "settings only" onscreen mode (Less battery burn this way). Continued use of viewer throughout shoot...

Buffer keeps up just fine on landscapes, I never feel constrained by it at all....
72 shots and still over half a battery left.....

4 batteries and two chargers in possession (AC outlet in the SUV for assurance)

For the landscape shooter I see no real problems here....for the street shooter, the manual focus gear ratio and lack of a coupled rangefinder could cause dismay.  But, use the autofocus and be mindful of the buffer and the street is still a valid locale.

On another subject: Had the good fortune of visiting the international space station last month.  I was able to take the Merrill along, thought you might like to see this picture of a gnat I took on a twig somewhere in North America. I was worried about atmospheric haze, but I got lucky when the clouds parted.  This lens continues to blow me away.....

Best
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 03, 2012, 11:26:55 pm
100% crop from a shot I took 23 miles away from the actual location.  One sharp lens for sure....

You are kidding, right?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jeremypayne on November 03, 2012, 11:44:27 pm
You are kidding, right?

I think this thread just jumped the shark ...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 03, 2012, 11:53:23 pm
 Just wanted to liven this place up a little...... ;D

Foveonic

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 12:54:18 am
The D2Pm is not supported though, or at least not supported yet.

Let's hope that the live of Michael for the D2Pm speeds things up. :)

Cheers,
Bernars
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on November 04, 2012, 01:28:55 am
About 10% of the frame.  Manipulated in LR & CS6 for the look I wanted.

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Camera-Awesome-Photos/i-9dWgGKJ/0/X2/CA_11031222233936-X2.jpg)

Portion of bronze in Monterey, CA.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 02:36:31 am
But the battery life is a monstrous disaster... 6 hours of very casual shooting... Less than 100 images in 19 degrees C... 2 fresh batteries dead... no more pictures today...

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 03:15:43 am
In my opinion, it's just what it is: by far the best Image and (fixed) Lens quality in the smallest package currently availabe (and at a very decent price, I might add).

The battery life is just a consequence of the physical constraints thus imposed (like 50 MB of RAW data and the processing needs required).

Yes, it is a nice camera with what looks like an annoying design flaw. The fact is that I have not run out battery with any other camera since my Mamya ZD days. And I did turn off the D2Pm most of the time just after having shot a frame. I have 4 more batteries being shipped today, so I have the solution ready though. :)

Ok, I don't have the latest firmware, perhaps it is improving things.

The regretable thing is that there seems to be more than enough space to fit a much higher capacity battery.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 04:44:54 am
You seem to veer between lukewarm ('nice') when it comes to the DP2M's strengths and hyperbole ('annyoing design flaw'), when it comes to weaknesses  ;)

Maybe, just maybe, the DP2M is not the right camera for you?

Michael,

Relax, this is just a camera and I am merely being objective about it.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 05:25:26 am
Don't worry - I'm relaxed and I think I can clearly see the pros and cons of the DP2M.

I first had a look at your galleries before replying, and if you had asked me straight away: please have a look at my pictures and tell me whether you would recommend the DP2M for me, I would without hesitation have answered: no.

No, because the DP2M might not be versatile enough for you (fixed lens), too slow, questionable battery life, really requires (in my opinion) to shoot in RAW only, etc etc.

In fact, I would never recommend the DP2M for 99% of photograpers - heck: make it 99.9%  ;D

The more interesting question for me is: why did you pick up the DP2M (apart from curiousity)?

I am not sure what part of "I like the camera" you don't understand.  ;)

But it is not because I like the DP2m overall that I won't comment on its obvious drawbacks.

It is also not because the camera has some drawbacks that I won't find useful ways to use it.

I bought the DP2m because I thought it could help me manage some shooting situations (street shooting in good light) and I believe it will be able to do that.

I don't know if I mentioned that, but I like the camera.  ;)

Besides, you may want to know that 100% of my images are shot with fixed focals, less than 1% with lenses wider than 50mm equivalent. So I am not sure the DP2m is such a poor choice from a spec standpoint.  :D

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 04, 2012, 06:56:35 am
I think we are serious photographers and we should not fall in technical polemics, if you want.

When someone buy a Sigma he know what he is doing. It's like buying a Leica (a special camera), you don't do that in a finger snap.

All the "technical flaws" you speak about since ... 2 or 3 pages of this thread are about things who have already been discussed. I think it is important to read the thread. Nobody invest 1000 $ in foveon based camera without reading all the threads and the foveon story and particularity. No ?

Technical endless speech kill the thread, it is very boring :) and I'm sure nobody here want LL falling in the same state of DPreview ...

So please, lets post photos, sensibility, skills !!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 07:06:47 am
There you go:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/8153544455_2475a91c9e_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8153571858_dea007b6f5_o.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/8153570450_e314909186_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on November 04, 2012, 08:37:22 am
Here is my attempt at a 3 shot stitch of the house across the street from me.   I'm a long term beginner using only Lula approved sources.  This should give you an idea of what the average guy with camera/tripod can do.   The preview of this post is not showing the pic I am trying to upload.  If it doesn't take I've included a link to the dropbox.   Warning, a lot of crap pics in this dropbox.


Full:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/4mufcrv6se2g9nm/Acrossthestreetfull%20%281%20of%201%29.jpg
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 04, 2012, 11:24:38 am
I think we are serious photographers and we should not fall in technical polemics, if you want.

When someone buy a Sigma he know what he is doing. It's like buying a Leica, you don't do that in a finger snap.

All the "technical flaws" you speak about since ... 2 or 3 pages of this thread are about things who have already been discussed. I think it is important to read the thread. Nobody invest 1000 $ in foveon based camera without reading all the threads and the foveon story and particularity. No ?

Technical endless speech kill the thread, it is very boring :) and I'm sure nobody here want LL falling in the same state of DPreview ...

So please, lets post photos, sensibility, skills !!

Boring???  Did you see my picture from the International Space Station of a Gnat somewhere over North America.....

New camera, new thread.....you will get anything and everything that has to do with an experience that has to do with this camera.  I mean that is the title of the thread after all.  Besides if we end the technical stuff, you won't find out about how I hooked my Merrill up to a car battery and got 57,000 shots on one charge..... ;D

Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on November 04, 2012, 12:19:30 pm

So please, lets post photos, sensibility, skills !!

Quite so.  That's why this thread is called "Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences".
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 04, 2012, 01:19:31 pm
Very nice stitch Adam L. I like it.

Quite so.  That's why this thread is called "Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences".

 ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on November 04, 2012, 01:31:20 pm
Looks good  :)

Here is my attempt at a 3 shot stitch of the house across the street from me.   I'm a long term beginner using only Lula approved sources.  This should give you an idea of what the average guy with camera/tripod can do.   The preview of this post is not showing the pic I am trying to upload.  If it doesn't take I've included a link to the dropbox.   Warning, a lot of crap pics in this dropbox.


Full:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/4mufcrv6se2g9nm/Acrossthestreetfull%20%281%20of%201%29.jpg

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on November 04, 2012, 06:59:48 pm

Relax, this is just a camera and I am merely being objective about it.

Now seriously, do you think anyone here is capable of being objective ?

Bernard you're a highly accomplished photographer. You lost objectivity about equipment years ago or you wouldn't have the portfolio that you do. You, like all of us with years of experience, have strong preferences and biases based on that experience. And thankfully so.

I read threads on LL expecting anything but objectivity and I can't think of a photo forum that is objective.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 07:17:22 pm
Now seriously, do you think anyone here is capable of being objective ?

Bernard you're a highly accomplished photographer. You lost objectivity about equipment years ago or you wouldn't have the portfolio that you do. You, like all of us with years of experience, have strong preferences and biases based on that experience. And thankfully so.

Sure, you are of course correct.

My point was merely that the DP2m is a new camera to me, I am privately and publicly neutral about it and have no agenda at all. I didn't spend that much money on it but still enough money that I would like it to deliver value. I like the form factor, but have at least 2 alternatives that work well for me also.

Now, I do indeed have experience using a wide variety of equipment and I have come to assume certain characteristics as granted. Some is my personal preference, some is simply a measure of the level reached by other cameras.

In the end the only thing that really matters is my satisfaction in terms of being able to produce images I am happy about in a reasonnable amount of time.

Previous comments had led me to think that this thread was about that, but I got a lot more answers to my mention of short battery life than to the post where I linked to 3 high res images... So I am not that certain anymore. :)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on November 04, 2012, 08:39:28 pm
Bernard, I think you, like me, may have found a new friend in this little camera.

Yup, the battery life sucks/is a joke, but we will all make due around that.

Cheers,

- N.

ps. gee, I wish I were in japan...it's so lovely there in the fall.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on November 04, 2012, 09:22:17 pm
I had a drive in the country yesterday & late in the afternoon I took this with the DP2M.  I quite liked the paddock with the rapeseed flowers on the ridge line.
There are quite a few bald hills around this area north west of Ballarat.  The 100% crop with the magpie & the sheep in the distance gives one an idea of the scale.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 04, 2012, 10:02:50 pm
Bernard, I think you, like me, may have found a new friend in this little camera.

Yup, the battery life sucks/is a joke, but we will all make due around that.

Cheers,

- N.

ps. gee, I wish I were in japan...it's so lovely there in the fall.

Yes, exactly.  :)

Cheers,
Bernard

p.s.: yep, still a bit early in Tokyo overall, but it seems that the Japanese Alps got some of the best fall colors in the last century... and I couldn't go...  :(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 05, 2012, 12:46:57 am
 Wish I were in Japan too...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 05, 2012, 07:02:07 am
Nice Windows background screen dear idillic :)

Death and the Maiden - Again at ISO 1000, hand held.

At first I did this photo with my D700 + Zeiss glass ... but I did the same just after with the DP2 Merrill, as a test at High ISO. This photo have for me the same charm as the other. It is different, more pictural, already deteriorated by a natural grain.

I think you should try High ISO with the M. It have something, for real.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=566851;image)

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=566852;image)

At 1600 by my assistant :

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=565379;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on November 05, 2012, 07:19:57 am
Another Wind ows background ;D ...this one was earlier in the day with the DP1M

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 05, 2012, 11:10:46 am
It is not just you :) I see it. Look like the stone man in Fantastic Four. A stone troll !

The DP2 Merrill is an esoteric camera ! ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on November 05, 2012, 01:19:17 pm
Point Lobos, CA

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-V4QGZvm/0/X2/_SDI0202-Edit-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: AlfSollund on November 05, 2012, 02:24:50 pm
First thanks a lot for sharing your photos and other information about the DP2! Although I do not have a DP2 I am very interested in learning more of this camera, and this thread is impressive.

My very small contribution, and NB its not entirely positive  ;) :-[ : I finally got my hands on a DP2 in a not-so-local photo shop and was very surprised about the huge size. To be honest I was expecting something like the old FF Minox camera. Yeah, I know, DP2 delivers incredible IQ, but for me its not a compact. Here is a comparison with a M9, the M9 being just a tad larger:
http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,213

Sorry if I'm a partybreaker, but others than me might have unrealistic expectations  :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mikechen on November 05, 2012, 06:03:36 pm
...
 Here is a comparison with a M9, the M9 being just a tad larger:
http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,213
...
Here is a comparison with the Sony RX-1, which is a more comparable camera (single focal length, non-interchangeable lens, larger sensor):

http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,376

and the Fuji X100:

http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,133

But, that is a good question, though  the LCD would have to be smaller, and I assume that's a main part of the reason.

On a side note, is there an alternate to using the Sigma LH2-01 hood?  Would anyone recommend using something like the 49mm adapter tube and hood for the Leica X1 in place of the LH2-01 hood -- which is a bit hard to find.

Edit: Whoops, sorry! Looks like the DP2M doesn't need a tube like the X1 does, so any 49mm hood that covers 45mm-equivalent view should work.  I know some have recommended the B+W #900 rubber hood, but is there a significant difference between that model and other rubber collapsible hoods?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 05, 2012, 07:04:16 pm
I finally got my hands on a DP2 in a not-so-local photo shop and was very surprised about the huge size. To be honest I was expecting something like the old FF Minox camera. Yeah, I know, DP2 delivers incredible IQ, but for me its not a compact.

You are correct, the DP2m cannot really be called a compact camera. It doesn't fit into a pocket easily and can also not be called discrete.

It really is a poor substitute to a camera like the Sony RX100, but it should not be considered one. They are just very different cameras, both of them offering best in class image quality when taking their form factor into account.

The bulk was in fact the main reason why I was not really attracted by the DP2m until recently. I believe that companies like Nikon, Sony or Canon with better engineering would have been able to make the DP2m significantly smaller everything else being equal.

But after using one for a few days, the size is OK when shooting. So it really is a matter of figuring out whether a camera this bulky can fit into your shooting patterns. I personally did find a way to make that happen.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 05, 2012, 07:05:58 pm
Point Lobos, CA

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-V4QGZvm/0/X2/_SDI0202-Edit-X2.jpg)

Very nice image, thanks for sharing.

The micro contrast in the rocks and water really help here as well as the low distortion of the lens on the horizon.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 06, 2012, 07:45:28 am
Two more from today, the first one is a 28mp hand held pano stitch.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8160880207_432e169d21_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8160880349_4ac85f75bf_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 06, 2012, 02:45:48 pm
Wow guys, I'm sure you got pleasure working those photos :)

Faust - The return.

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=567275;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 06, 2012, 03:41:51 pm
Nice architectural shots..... :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 06, 2012, 04:14:58 pm
More conventional shoot now, the last ones was at High ISO and the last at 6400. Let's return to 100 ;)

Trees

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=567296;image)

Chrono's Shoe

(http://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=158553.0;attach=567298;image)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kmeyers on November 06, 2012, 07:58:34 pm
Still new to this camera. Not in love with it yet, but getting there  :)

(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u489/kjmeyers1/_SDI0098-SEP.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 06, 2012, 09:30:39 pm
Very nice.....I love it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: macti on November 07, 2012, 03:11:38 am
Kenneth: how did you achieve the toning? within SPP?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on November 07, 2012, 04:18:04 am
I am enjoying rediscovering black and white photographs.  Many years ago I shot only on FP4 & developed it in a very dilute pyro developer & the results were often wonderful.  Some day I would like to replicate that digitally via photoshop or lightroom.
The image below is a cropped B&W version of the wind farm. I never used a red filter with my old Rollei, but it works ok here.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kmeyers on November 07, 2012, 06:53:47 pm
I exported it to Silver Efex Pro. I tend to use the coffee toner quite a bit.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kmeyers on November 07, 2012, 08:46:42 pm
Valle Chiesa-Italy

Taking a stroll with the DP2 Merrill this afternoon.

(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u489/kjmeyers1/_SDI0101-SEP-SEP.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 07, 2012, 10:00:45 pm
Very nice....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 08, 2012, 03:12:34 am
Two more. A small game... can anyone guess how the workflow differed btwn these 2?  ;)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8165971457_6fe66ffbe3_o.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/8165971563_b3ff240264_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NikoJorj on November 08, 2012, 09:38:56 am
can anyone guess how the workflow differed btwn these 2?  ;)
Use of a ladder for the 1st one?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on November 08, 2012, 10:21:51 am
My guess is the second shot is a focus stitch
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on November 08, 2012, 11:59:28 am
I don't have one (yet), but I will say that I think it is great that the Sigma generates so much excitement.  People are posting actual photographs!  Keep it up!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Tohohum on November 08, 2012, 12:17:35 pm
To those looking for a viewing aid: the  tripod socket model of the Clearviewer (http://www.clearviewer.com/) as recommended (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sony_nex_c3_field_report.shtml) by Michael for the NEX 3 works O.k. for the DP2m.
It isn't perfect (decentered to the right ca. 5mm related to the LCD, and unfolded a tad too close to the screen) and certainly doesn't help you to prolongue battery life like an OV -- but it is rather unobtrusive (certainly smaller than a Hoodman), affordable, doesn't block your hotshoe, and really helps if one dislikes to shoot at arms length.
Maybe the maker of the Clearviewer could be convinced to produce a dedicated model for the DP2m if there is enough interest?

Otherwise with the original DP1 and a DP2x as reference points, I find the DP2m
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Tiger1 on November 10, 2012, 10:43:35 pm
First thanks a lot for sharing your photos and other information about the DP2! Although I do not have a DP2 I am very interested in learning more of this camera, and this thread is impressive.

My very small contribution, and NB its not entirely positive  ;) :-[ : I finally got my hands on a DP2 in a not-so-local photo shop and was very surprised about the huge size. To be honest I was expecting something like the old FF Minox camera. Yeah, I know, DP2 delivers incredible IQ, but for me its not a compact. Here is a comparison with a M9, the M9 being just a tad larger:
http://camerasize.com/compare/#293,213

Sorry if I'm a partybreaker, but others than me might have unrealistic expectations  :D

I think you will find that the DP2 Merrill is quite a bit smaller to the M9.  Don't forget the thickness measurement includes the lens in the sigma while the M9 has no lens.  So the M9 is significantly bigger, with even it's smallest lens on, in every dimension.  And it would be much heavier than the sigma!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on November 10, 2012, 11:21:51 pm
A few new images shot with DP1M and DP2M.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: penso4 on November 11, 2012, 12:16:04 am
mine did the same thing when i updated to version 1.01.  tried to format, it hung, had to pull battery out.  camera got real warm.  i was scared i fried something
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: usathyan on November 11, 2012, 12:19:09 pm
Here is a test image from yesterday.
100% crop

Thank you forum for all the encouragement and inspiration! This camera just blows me away in terms of quality of the pixels!

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8175694413_f914d40a5e_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 11, 2012, 05:34:19 pm
A few images captured with the DP2m in Aizu, Fukushima this weekend.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8176725919_bc8ee94ba0_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8176757190_faf6facec6_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8176756870_89356aa826_o.jpg)

Enjoy.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 12, 2012, 07:47:31 am
A few more:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8178614984_2839e30a6c_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8178614652_a88ca3c097_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8178591831_825dab96c4_o.jpg)

The first 2 are panoramic stitches.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: AlfSollund on November 12, 2012, 01:15:25 pm
I think you will find that the DP2 Merrill is quite a bit smaller to the M9.  Don't forget the thickness measurement includes the lens in the sigma while the M9 has no lens.  So the M9 is significantly bigger, with even it's smallest lens on, in every dimension.  And it would be much heavier than the sigma!

Sorry, cant resist nitpicking  ::). Actually with my smallest M lens the M9 is thinner with lens than the DP2. Add 14mm for the Perar 28/4 lens, that will make total M9  thickness 14 + 37 = 51 mm (+ 6,5mm for hood). The DP2 is 59,2mm thick  :D. Perar weight: 45g, 55g with hood.

Again, sorry for slight OT. Please keep more relevant info and great photos coming.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 12, 2012, 09:47:23 pm
OK, having shot with the DP2m for a bit more than 2 weeks now, here are my current views:

- The image quality is indeed remarkable, better than I had thought at first, but the envelope of usage is pretty narrow.
  - ISO 100 is amazing, very sharp, very nice colors, decent DR (although shadow feel noisy compared to the D800),
  - Up to ISO400 is OK but some risk of banding noise - it can be cleaned pretty well with a bit of tweaking,
  - Higher is poor
  - Auto WB is very accurate
- The battery life is still too short, but shortening the time out helps significantly,
- The AF is slow but very accurate, at least in good to moderate light
- The overall usability is OK, but there are many little things that I'd like to see improved
  - Histogram is a bit small,
  - No RGB histogram,
  - Lack of histogram in M mode,
- The usability of the raw conversion software is poor
  - No ordering of sub-folders... this is a nightmare when you have several orders of folders you need to go through,
  - ...

Anyway, overall the DP2m is a very nice tool and a welcome addition to my set up.

You've got to wonder how good a full frame next generation 30+ megapixels Foveon sensor could be... I guess Zeiss would start to manufacture lenses in Sigma mount.  ;D

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: inglis on November 12, 2012, 09:50:40 pm
Bernard
magical shots, love the leaves. Are you doing panos by hand or are you using a tripod?
If using a tripod, are you using anything special or just relying on software?
I am wondering about best ways to shoot panos with the Sigma DP2M,
John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 12, 2012, 10:52:58 pm
Bernard
magical shots, love the leaves. Are you doing panos by hand or are you using a tripod?
If using a tripod, are you using anything special or just relying on software?
I am wondering about best ways to shoot panos with the Sigma DP2M,
John

Hi John,

Thanks. Those were shot handheld in fact.

I did shoot a few using my usual RRS pano set up also, but still need to process them. This was more for testing purpose since that set up is way overkill for the DP2m, I had it around for the D800 and just gave it a try.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Tiger1 on November 13, 2012, 04:49:32 am
It's a little unfair comparing a 28mm F4 lens with an f2.8 equivalent lens! That is the 19mm F2.8. It gets even worse for Leica if you add a lens equivalent to 45mm F2.8!

So remember try to compare like with like! ;D

Forget about the weight too, as the difference is huge!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thierrylegros396 on November 13, 2012, 05:47:18 am
- The usability of the raw conversion software is poor

Cheers,
Bernard


Worse than Sony's one ???
But is it possible ??? ;)

Thierry
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 13, 2012, 05:57:44 am
Worse than Sony's one ???
But is it possible ??? ;)

Can't say, I did not bother to install it since DxO/LR are doing a very good job with the Rx100 files.

There is no known alternative for the DP2m.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kers on November 13, 2012, 07:49:00 am
hello Bernard,

Yes the colors in the pictures are wonderful!
It is not the camera - it must be Japan...
Do you say with these pictures Japan is beautiful in autumn? Or is it more local than that?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 13, 2012, 07:58:58 am
Yes the colors in the pictures are wonderful!
It is not the camera - it must be Japan...
Do you say with these pictures Japan is beautiful in autumn? Or is it more local than that?

Thanks.

Fall colors are of course short lived, so you need a bit of luck to be at the right place at the right time.  ;)

Beyond that I just used the secret function on the DP2m that frames automatically, it works wonders!

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kers on November 13, 2012, 12:39:56 pm
Thanks.

Fall colors are of course short lived, so you need a bit of luck to be at the right place at the right time.  ;)

Beyond that I just used the secret function on the DP2m that frames automatically, it works wonders!

Cheers,
Bernard


AAH- sorry for that!
I of course wanted to say...:
It is not the camera but beautiful Japan + the professional skill of an excellent photographer - as there are not too many around... ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 13, 2012, 09:07:26 pm
AAH- sorry for that!
I of course wanted to say...:
It is not the camera but beautiful Japan + the professional skill of an excellent photographer - as there are not too many around... ;)

No worries, I was not fishing for praise. :)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 13, 2012, 09:38:00 pm
Quentin started this thread with some street photography, so:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/morning_star.cafe.jpg)

A further look inside the cafe:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/morning_star_cafe_k1.jpg)

Look Zombies.....Actually, I like them, they fit in to the overall scene.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on November 13, 2012, 11:19:37 pm
Nice image, but one can really see the distortion in that Cafe shot.  I hadn't seen that before.  I had the impression there was none.   I don't understand why that isn't corrected automatically in a camera with a fixed lens these days.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 14, 2012, 12:12:53 am
Nice image, but one can really see the distortion in that Cafe shot.  I hadn't seen that before.  I had the impression there was none.   I don't understand why that isn't corrected automatically in a camera with a fixed lens these days.

Or at least in the raw converter.

I suspect they are afraid of loosing some micro detail.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 14, 2012, 12:59:23 pm
The lens is not showing distortion. The city of Portland, the building and I unwittingly conspired to make it appear that the lens had trapezoidal distortion.

Here is the full frame uncropped, unrotated photo:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/morning_star_cafe_ff.jpg)

The street that the cafe is on has an upward slope rising from the east (left side of the photo) to the hillier westside of Portland. Look at the street curb. I shot it level on the left, although the street has an upward slope, In the middle of the photo, you can seen the street tilt upwards, and you can see the effect in the photo. The building was built to accommodate  the upward sloping street, not to level. The way I cropped and rotated the photo, to show the people as level as possible, increased the lens distortion effect.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 14, 2012, 01:07:58 pm
I think we are talking about a slight barrel distortion.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 14, 2012, 08:04:40 pm
And I, for one, like seeing the reflection of the photographer or his/her shadow in some images, such as this one.  Also enjoyed the reflection of the blue van/station wagon.  Also, very much liked the entire image; there's a lot to notice and enjoy.  --Barb
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences: Cable release?
Post by: kencameron on November 14, 2012, 09:11:42 pm
Does it take a cable release?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences: Cable release?
Post by: Rand47 on November 14, 2012, 09:16:38 pm
Does it take a cable release?

Nope.  2 sec. timer serves reasonably well (at least for static subjects).

But I'm hoping this fellow will make an adapter. http://www.kleptography.com/rf/#camera_dp1 (http://www.kleptography.com/rf/#camera_dp1) We should all email him expressing interest!

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: inglis on November 14, 2012, 09:49:48 pm
Charles2 has placed this on various sites,
From an email sent by Richard Franiec announcing the CG-DPMerrill grip:

Using and carrying DP Merrill cameras comfortably and with enhanced safety is now possible.

The finger groove was designed and tested to fit the hand in most natural way enhancing operation of control camera functions on the fly. For unobtrusive shooting, the grip covers the shining silver logo (a necessary extension of the grip).

The grip sits well below the retracted lens. It weighs around an ounce (35 grams). It is individually precision 3D CNC machined from high-grade aluminum alloy, glass-bead blasted and black-anodized with a nickel seal for durability.

The grip attaches to your DP Merrill by 3M VHB clear transfer tape, known for ultimate bonding power in a wide range of environments. Once mounted, the grip becomes an integral part of the cam, yet it can be removed without damage to the camera or the grip finish when the need arises.

The custom DP1/2Merrill grip will be available in the first part of December 2012 for $36.95 plus shipping.

Photos of the grip on the camera
http://picasaweb.google.com/RichardFraniec/SIGMADPMERRILLGRIP?authkey=Gv1sRgCIOthpzp2qCeZg (http://picasaweb.google.com/RichardFraniec/SIGMADPMERRILLGRIP?authkey=Gv1sRgCIOthpzp2qCeZg)

This is as far as I can tell the upcoming grip requested above and below
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences: Cable release?
Post by: kencameron on November 15, 2012, 12:07:32 am
We should all email him expressing interest!

Done  ;).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 15, 2012, 02:27:25 am
I think we are talking about a slight barrel distortion.

Indeed, the lens does exhibit a moderate amount of distorsion. It is not an issue in most cases, but placing a straight line close to the edge of thr frame will result in it being visible.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on November 15, 2012, 08:15:20 am
A quick day trip to Mt. Takao in Tokyo with the DP2m.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8187199251_3a53dfe28a_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8187199501_3c4cae8b5c_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8188279914_28cfe0e34b_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: degrub on November 15, 2012, 09:19:53 am
Who is the statue of ?

Frank
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: inglis on November 15, 2012, 09:23:03 am
Bernard,
What do you think now of the color reproduction and 3d? The first shot has nice colors in what looks like not so bright light.
Any thoughts on the color reproduction here in contrast with other cameras you might have used?
John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 15, 2012, 01:59:55 pm
Regarding the comments of Slobodon and others as to a slight barrel distortion in the DP2m lens, I looked through the photos I am currently working with and did find one such case:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/window_view.jpg)

The vertical window frame has a slightly perceptible bulge. It was made straight with a +3 distortion correction in Lightroom. This will be a standard correction for me.  (Applying this correction to the Cafe photo helped, but did not cure the problem of inwards sloping edge transitions. So I tightened the crop. It's now a better photo.)

My thanks to everyone who commented on the photo.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: andrew00 on November 15, 2012, 09:46:52 pm
Hey,

I've spent the last hour looking at DP2M pictures and was ready to buy one until I just saw the damn thing doesn't have an on board flash anymore! Disaster!

Considering I really liked the DP2's flash this is a big disappointment for me.

I shoot people a lot and a bit of fill flash goes a long way into giving people a shiny, almost glamorous look, great for fashion type photos. Ergo I'm super bummed right now at seeing it didn't for some reason make the DP2M

Therefore I was wondering what flash options people are trying with the camera?

I know there's the EF-140 flash, which seems ok, but the problem is I shoot with two cameras at once, which I think I'd need to do to take pictures at anything resembling a fast rate with the cameras (so long to write).

The EF-140 is so tall, I was hoping at least for something like the Olympus FL-14 flash which is a flat one or the Fuji EF-X20.

Anyone else using flash, if so what's are you doing?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 16, 2012, 05:55:29 pm
For those photographers considering a purchase of the DP2m, a few comments on a photograph:

Here is a photograph of a young woman with a large shiny black shoulder bag.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/girl_wth_bag.jpg)

I took the photo primarily because I was interested in how the DP2m would render the handbag. But on examining the photo I became more interested in the right shoulder area.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/girl_wth_bag_k1.jpg)

Look at her hair, especially  the coloring and the loose hair detail. Look at the lint on her coat, and the weave and nub and color of her coat. It's as close to real as I have ever seen in a photo.

That's the reason to consider the DP2m. It takes time and effort to learn how to get the best from it.  One other thing, as a street camera it's inconspicuous. People pay no attention ...Just another tourist, with an out-of-date point-and-shoot camera.
 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on November 18, 2012, 12:04:10 pm
Now there are a few hi res. sample images shot with the new Sony RX-1 pocket camera available on the web :

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcfever.com%2Fnews%2Freadnews.php%3Fid%3D7436

How do you guys think the IQ compared to the Sigma DPM cameras (at low ISO)?

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on November 18, 2012, 12:16:22 pm
Comparing different images, taken under differing conditions, online, serves no purpose.

As soon as a production R1 is available for comparison I will be be doing one with the DP2M.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on November 18, 2012, 01:45:01 pm
Comparing different images, taken under differing conditions, online, serves no purpose.

As soon as a production R1 is available for comparison I will be be doing one with the DP2M.

Michael

Do you still have fun with yours Michael ?? Do you felt in the "foveon magic" the thing who amaze you sometime when you open a file on your screen ? I hope so :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on November 18, 2012, 06:41:57 pm
Nice day in Southern CA.  

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-km3RTr7/1/X2/_SDI0287-Edit-X2.jpg)

Crop

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscapes/i-LTmdHRP/1/X2/_SDI0287-X2.jpg)

The ability to tote this little guy along all the time, yet produce such results!  Love this little camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 19, 2012, 10:26:08 am
Two Hills:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/Mt_St_Hellens.jpg)

Mount St Hellens

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/Mount_Trashmore.jpg)

Mount Trashmore
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on November 19, 2012, 03:49:22 pm
Beautiful and intriguing respectively. What a camera (and nice work by the photographer too  ;))
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Norm Nicholson on November 21, 2012, 02:50:51 pm
Two more photos, then I will lay low, and see what others are doing:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/Driftwood_Beach_twsd.jpg)

Driftwood Beach, Olympic Peninsula, WA

Fallen trees, from the overlooking bluffs and a river coming down to the beach, have been accumulating for hundreds of years. They've been mummified and tossed by storm surf. It's an eerie place.

Something more peaceful:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46374265/Sauvie_Island.jpg)

Wetlands Bird Sanctuary, Sauvie Island, OR

This one is for Quentin Bargate. Without him starting this thread and his wonderful photos, I most likely wouldn't own this great camera. I hope it reminds him a little of some of the photos he takes in England's "green and pleasant land."

Happy thanksgiving to all.

Norm
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 21, 2012, 05:38:40 pm
For some reason I cannot post images.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 22, 2012, 11:57:35 am
For some reason I cannot post images.

For some reason we cannot explain why ;)

(Hint: be more specific, tell us what steps are you taking trying to post)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 22, 2012, 12:18:29 pm
For some reason we cannot explain why ;)

(Hint: be more specific, tell us what steps are you taking trying to post)


I pointed the upload/reply interface window to my image, which is well under the 4MB limit, but it just wont' take it.

I get this message:

An Error Has Occurred!

Your attachment couldn't be saved. This might happen because it took too long to upload or the file is bigger than the server will allow.

Please consult your server administrator for more information.  ----
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 22, 2012, 12:34:56 pm
I wish you were more specific, like the actual file type and size, but in the meantime check these two threads on similar issues:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=67918.0

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=66622.msg526609#msg526609
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 22, 2012, 10:08:58 pm
More Graffiti.....100% mouse crop.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 23, 2012, 07:47:44 am
trying again
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 23, 2012, 07:51:49 am
By making the image smaller than 2MB, my test shot uploaded, but it appears small on screen with a little jpg link underneath it you have to click to see the larger size. However, some folks have images appearing on screen much larger, but cannot be clicked. What makes up for the difference?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 23, 2012, 09:13:47 am
.... What makes up for the difference?

Non-clickable, larger images are hosted somewhere else, i.e., they are not uploaded to LuLa. For instance, you can host it on Flickr, or your own site, and just provide a link to it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 23, 2012, 10:19:18 am
Trying again with a link to flickr:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8203531425_3b01407b4d_b.jpg)

Bingo!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 23, 2012, 10:32:05 am
A few more, now that I got the hang of it. And thanks to Slobodan! And it is simple, while I was thinking complicated by trying to use the upload feature, which is not working according to instructions, as files seemingly have to be under 2MB, not the posted 4MB.


(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8203519083_3e74e25d68_b.jpg)



(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8203513295_71ab7f9137_b.jpg)



(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8204596636_a371fddff8_b.jpg)



(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8204602092_951b3ef67c_b.jpg)
Title: New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M
Post by: Rand47 on November 23, 2012, 05:35:13 pm
New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M

Firmware:   http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=323

SPP software:  http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=324

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on November 23, 2012, 11:59:13 pm
Could you share how to post large images with the link to other photo site step by step? Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on November 24, 2012, 08:36:37 am
I'm glad to say SPP 5.4.1 runs fine on my computer, whereas the previous version crashed while saving files. Turns out it was a bug in SPP. Thanks SIGMA for a quick
release of this bugfix version. Seems that the DPx Merrills have come down in price substantially, what a great little camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: hasselbladfan on November 24, 2012, 11:00:34 am
Great pictures, guys.

This combo of a great lens and sensor seem to deliver extremely high IQ (for 850 usd).

I have to admit, I did not read all the 25 pages, but I read very little about the slow camera operation.

Is it not an issue in real life?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on November 24, 2012, 12:53:40 pm
Not for me, my other camera is a Hasselblad 203FE with the original CFV back, hardly a speed demon. The Sigma's buffer allows you to take about 7 shots before it fills and it will take about a minute and a half to write the files to the card before the camera can be used again. The people who seem to get the most out of the camera are tending to be landscape/cityscape photographers who use the Sigma as an ultra portable "technical" camera. Personally the slow write speeds don't bother me at all and I really am enjoying this camera, and will for some time to come.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 24, 2012, 01:04:36 pm
Could you share how to post large images with the link to other photo site step by step? Thanks.

What other site do you have your images on? Most photo sites, e.g., Flickr, have instructions how to post images they host.

In simplest terms, if your image on some other site has an address like this:

http: //somesite/myimage.jpg

Then you should insert that address between bulletin board image tags: [ img]...[/img],

That is, it should look like:

[ img]http://somesite/myimage.jpg[/img]

Please note that in the above instructions I inserted spaces so that the forum software does not attempt to display them as images. You should not have such spaces in your own posting. The arrows in the attachment bellow show where I inserted the spaces:

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on November 25, 2012, 12:21:01 am
(http://cmd.shutterfly.com/commands/pictures/slideshow?site=johnwanggallery&page=johnwanggallery&album=2316&albumPath=)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on November 25, 2012, 01:36:16 am
John, I guess you wanted to show us a slideshow from your Shutterfly gallery (http://cmd.shutterfly.com/commands/pictures/slideshow?site=johnwanggallery&page=johnwanggallery&album=2316&albumPath=)

Your initial question (and my instructions) was about how to post an image, not a link to a slideshow. In any case, when people click on the link above, they can see it. It is worth the trouble.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on November 25, 2012, 04:06:09 am
Hasselbladfan, this camera is slow to write to the memory card (one could probably say very slow), and you just have to get used to it and live with it.  Those of us who have used other Sigma foveon cameras have already gotten used to it; this wasn't anything new.  But the quality of the images from the DP2M leaves us very ready to tolerate the slow pace. One feels very fortunate to have this camera in hand. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on November 25, 2012, 01:42:00 pm
Hasselbladfan, this camera is slow to write to the memory card (one could probably say very slow), and you just have to get used to it and live with it.  Those of us who have used other Sigma foveon cameras have already gotten used to it; this wasn't anything new.  But the quality of the images from the DP2M leaves us very ready to tolerate the slow pace. One feels very fortunate to have this camera in hand. --Barbara

Considering that this small camera body is writing 45MB on average to the card, I think it's quite fast. As a city and aldnscapre shooter, I find it not a practical issue at all. If you shoot a lot, I would be more worried about battery life, which I have resolved with a Sigma SAC-5 AC adapter "fake" battery and via a special cable connected it to an Anker Astro 3 external battery pack, which works like a champ.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8204623102_df258b4667_k.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on November 26, 2012, 02:41:28 pm
try the print forum.
I have the inks in hand but haven't converted over the Epson 1400 yet. Waiting for ? rainy Saturday?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: httivals on November 26, 2012, 07:14:58 pm
You should look at George deWolfe's website.  I recall that he said something like he tried this or was closing evaluating it and then decided to buy ImagePrint instead and that he's totally pleased with ImagePrint. . . 

Howard

Been printing with Epson ABW lately....I am close to making the plunge and converting my Epson 3800 to Piezographic inks by Cone Color....anyone gone this direction??

Handheld
f7.1
iso 160
1\320th


Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on November 26, 2012, 11:22:29 pm
Thank you both....

Best

Foveonic
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on November 29, 2012, 09:15:49 pm
New to this site and forum.  I was vaguely interested in the DP-2, and read nearly every post in this board with relish, then ordered a DP-2 Merrill on sale from B&H.  Can't wait to receive it, although I fear my wife will snatch it up and hide it away from me until Christmas.  Such valuable and rich information here....

Thanks to all.

Mezzoduomo
Scottsdale, AZ USA
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on November 30, 2012, 01:27:49 am
I, too, was interested in the DP-2, ordered it over the weekend and received it Wednesday. My first impressions were much along the same lines as earlier posts, with a couple of differences.

Having spent a couple of hours in a favorite local location taking photographs, I believe that the the DP-2 is much slower than my Canon DSLR's. Over the last 10 years, I've taken over 2000 images in this location, averaging around 70 per trip. Today, I got less than 30. Fumbling with controls, the use of manual focus and waiting for the camera to be ready for the next image were major contributors to this result.

I exhausted the first battery in getting the camera set-up to meet my way of working, like finding how to set the date, setting RAW only, Aperture priority, power-off times and a number of other settings, and taking 41 images. I imagine that the next batteries will last a little longer.

Sigma Photo Pro has a number of major annoyances, it seems to remember settings I'd rather it not remember and forgets settings I'd rather it would remember. It seems to be useful only for setting white balance. Luckily, almost all of today's images were sunlight WB, so setting it was easy. All of the images were then adjusted in LR4. The results were excellent, when viewed on the monitor. I sure wish that LR4 supported the camera's raw data. :(

I would suggest that, while you a waiting, that you download SPP, search the net for sample raw images, and develop your workflow. That was a great help in dealing with today's work.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on November 30, 2012, 02:56:26 am
Over the last 10 years, I've taken over 2000 images in this location, averaging around 70 per trip. Today, I got less than 30. Fumbling with controls, the use of manual focus and waiting for the camera to be ready for the next image were major contributors to this result.

One man's frustration is another's amusement.

Working slowly with the DP2m doesn't feel like an imposition. It's an opportunity to deliberate over each image the way I did when I carried an 8X10 Wisner on field trips.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: AlfSollund on November 30, 2012, 06:50:04 am
Hi,

Thanks for sharing all the information! Does any of you have experiences with car charger for DP2 battery, and does it even exist? Using my car a lot during short and long photo expeditions and holidays I have had car chargers for my cameras. Allows me to always have spare battery charging.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on November 30, 2012, 08:03:33 am
I sure wish that LR4 supported the camera's raw data.

Am I missing something here? Link shows DP-1 and DP-2 on the list.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/extend.html
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on November 30, 2012, 08:23:46 am
This forum thread is about the DP2Merrill and not the DP2.  You're only missing the point that the DP2 and DP2 Merrill are two entirely different cameras and LR4 doesn't support the Merrill.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on November 30, 2012, 08:31:56 am
This forum thread is about the DP2Merrill and not the DP2.  You're only missing the point that the DP2 and DP2 Merrill are two entirely different cameras and LR4 doesn't support the Merrill.

"Yes, of course", he said....feeling stupid.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on November 30, 2012, 05:29:14 pm
No worries. I only bought two DP-2 batteries by accident from B&H when I bought my DP-2"M". Man, did I feel stupid  ???

Happy shooting!

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on November 30, 2012, 08:15:52 pm
No worries. I only bought two DP-2 batteries by accident from B&H when I bought my DP-2"M". Man, did I feel stupid  ???

Happy shooting!

- N.

Heck, I ordered mine straight from Sigma, with the wrong lens hood and no one there noticed it.  They were pleased to send me the camera, correct batteries, and wrong hood.  I guess their ordering software doesn't have a "stupid filter."  Took me about 5 minutes to convince myself that the darn thing just wasn't going on the camera!  LOL  They were nice about taking it back.   ;D

Still waiting for my spare batteries and close up lens.

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on December 01, 2012, 09:40:19 am
I, too, was interested in the DP-2, ordered it over the weekend and received it Wednesday. My first impressions were much along the same lines as earlier posts, with a couple of differences.

Having spent a couple of hours in a favorite local location taking photographs, I believe that the the DP-2 is much slower than my Canon DSLR's. Over the last 10 years, I've taken over 2000 images in this location, averaging around 70 per trip. Today, I got less than 30. Fumbling with controls, the use of manual focus and waiting for the camera to be ready for the next image were major contributors to this result.

I exhausted the first battery in getting the camera set-up to meet my way of working, like finding how to set the date, setting RAW only, Aperture priority, power-off times and a number of other settings, and taking 41 images. I imagine that the next batteries will last a little longer.

Sigma Photo Pro has a number of major annoyances, it seems to remember settings I'd rather it not remember and forgets settings I'd rather it would remember. It seems to be useful only for setting white balance. Luckily, almost all of today's images were sunlight WB, so setting it was easy. All of the images were then adjusted in LR4. The results were excellent, when viewed on the monitor. I sure wish that LR4 supported the camera's raw data. :(

I would suggest that, while you a waiting, that you download SPP, search the net for sample raw images, and develop your workflow. That was a great help in dealing with today's work.



I went to a fellow Sigma photography friend's house with the freshly arrived DP2M box from Sigma USA in my car, unpacked it at her house, not quite fully charged one battery, and while not quite knowing how to quite use the camera yet, but went out with her shooting. I managed to get 78 shots in 1hr 20 min., with the camera set to record both RAW+jpeg. Shot in Aperture mode, standard setting (I now prefer neutral better), and basically used it like a point and shoot. Used the EV compensation button a few times. That was it. Managed to get a lot of excellent shots, actually.

I am not saying this to brag about myself, but to quiet fears that this camera is supposedly so slow. In field work, I have basically no issue with this camera at all.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on December 01, 2012, 10:48:28 am
I found that the camera is somewhat slower than my Canon's, but not objectionably so. I am not, however, a machine-gunner, so the slowness is neither an annoyance nor a hindrance. Much of the slower pace is due to using manual focus using the magnified focus display. This added a little time to the process as the focal point was rarely dead center.

The results were worth it.

Alan
Title: Re: New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M
Post by: narikin on December 01, 2012, 10:49:13 pm
New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M

Firmware:   http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=323

SPP software:  http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=324

Rand

Thank God.  I got rid of my DP2M - took it back to the store, because of the endlessly crashing software in Windows. I mean didn't anyone test it before they released it?  Its a truly horrible piece of work, even if they have got it stable now.

I liked the camera, though it ate batteries, and was indeed a bit slow. Why on earth didn't they manage to fit a bigger battery in that not-so-small body? Yes the results were pretty damn good, alright: amazing! but it needs improving in many respects to its usability, not its sensor or quality, just in the everyday ability to work with it.  

If only Phase or Hasselblad would licence the Foveon sensor technology for digital MF, and make a full frame 645 sensor in the quality, it would blow everyone's socks off, all over again.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on December 02, 2012, 03:30:48 am
I'm sorry to hear about Narikin's problems with the Sigma software in Windows.  I run Windows 7 64-bit, and have had the Sigma software convert a large number of Raws to tiffs in one fell swoop, without any problem, then process them in ACR.  The conversion is an extra step, and the camera is indeed slower than any other DSLR I've had (except for the Sigma DSLR), but as has been said, "the results are worth it."  This is one sweet camera (just keep some extra battery power on hand).  I'm grateful to Quentin's initial posting and Michael's early comments, without which I wouldn't have bought it, and have been enjoying the results ever since.  And just look at how many views this thread has had!! --Barbara
Title: Re: New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M
Post by: hasselbladfan on December 02, 2012, 03:45:57 am
If only Phase or Hasselblad would licence the Foveon sensor technology fopr digital MF, and make a full frame 645 sensor in the quality, it would blow everyone's socks off, all over again.

This would be fantastic ! Great idea.

Anyone listening in Sweden? Or is it Denmark now?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on December 02, 2012, 06:31:43 am
Taking the DP2m for a walk along la Seine in Paris.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8235321913_471b5a3c5a_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8235321747_140e759fa5_o.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8236387688_25ba1442d0_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M
Post by: K.C. on December 02, 2012, 08:38:38 pm
Thank God.  I got rid of my DP2M - took it back to B&H, because of the endlessly crashing software in Windows. I mean didn't anyone test it before they released it?  Its a truly horrible piece of work, even if they have got it stable.

It's quite stable and working just fine.

It was inevitable that Sigma would release an early build of their application in order to get the cameras to market and begin to recoup their costs. Now that it's the hottest camera, and forum topic, in the market they've released updates that have not only stabilized SPP but improved it.

I'm sure having fun with mine and reading all the threads here and on several other forums.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: John Gellings on December 03, 2012, 08:56:05 am
When this camera gets it right... it gets it really right.  It's worth dealing with its shortcomings based on that for me. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Neil Vanderwolf on December 03, 2012, 07:25:46 pm
narikin-

That's strange, I suspect that your computer is at fault. I have been using SPP and the numerous iterations for years with a number of different Sigma cameras and it hasn't crashed on me once. This has been on three different computers...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on December 03, 2012, 09:11:40 pm
narikin-

That's strange, I suspect that your computer is at fault. I have been using SPP and the numerous iterations for years with a number of different Sigma cameras and it hasn't crashed on me once. This has been on three different computers...

Earlier versions crashed regularly on my brand new Ivy Bridge machine.  Sigma acknowledged the crashing as one of the problems they have been addressing w/ updates - so "probably not" his computer IMO.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 04, 2012, 06:49:21 am
New to this site and forum.  I was vaguely interested in the DP-2, and read nearly every post in this board with relish, then ordered a DP-2 Merrill on sale from B&H.  Can't wait to receive it, although I fear my wife will snatch it up and hide it away from me until Christmas.  Such valuable and rich information here....

Thanks to all.

Mezzoduomo
Scottsdale, AZ USA

My Merrill arrived yesterday, safe and sound.  Both batteries flat...  ::)
Downloaded the software successfully, and it seems to be working well. Downloaded and updated firmware just fine also. Now all I need is some daylight.....

Mezzoduomo
Title: Bernard Languilleur photo of vintage car on Seine barge.
Post by: NancyP on December 04, 2012, 01:41:59 pm
There has to be a story behind that car. That's an attention-getting image. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: RobbieV on December 04, 2012, 02:05:56 pm
Bernard... I came across this in other readings today.

Seems that car is getting a bit of attention!
http://jalopnik.com/5965028/wheres-the-worlds-most-expensive-parking-space?post=54863863

scroll to see the comment.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on December 04, 2012, 11:19:16 pm
I am glad you posted these photos.  I have been dealing with a lot of aliasing as is apparent with the railings and ropes and straight lines in these photos.  For those of you who don't know, aliasing is the stair stepping look you see on the horizontal and vertical lines in these photos.  This is the price you pay for not having a blur filter or AA like bayer sensors have....you get much sharper pics but this can be an issue for certain targets.  I have expiermented with several anti-aliasing plug-ins and have found some relief.  When printed at size like 17x20 the aliasing is not as noticebable as it is with digital representation.  When zoomed in at 100% on digital displays the aliasing is very minimized....How are you all dealing with this pre-agreed to phenomenon due the the absence of AA filtering???

It is in fact a lot worse on the downresed version. I haven't been doing anything about it really.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Bernard Languilleur photo of vintage car on Seine barge.
Post by: BernardLanguillier on December 04, 2012, 11:22:36 pm
There has to be a story behind that car. That's an attention-getting image. Thanks.

Bernard... I came across this in other readings today.

Seems that car is getting a bit of attention!
http://jalopnik.com/5965028/wheres-the-worlds-most-expensive-parking-space?post=54863863

scroll to see the comment.

Interesting, but I am not surprised through. This car clearly stands out if you walk along the Seine. :-)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: andrew00 on December 05, 2012, 06:44:13 pm
I had a couple days with the DP2M but decided not to buy it.

I really liked the keeper images it took, but I found that it's low light sensitivity was too frustrating for me. I found the camera too difficult to focus in diminished conditions (aka indoors).

I also found due to it being not very sensitive to light that it always needed a slow shutter speed, which resulted in a lot of blurred images. I got one excellent image I really like out of it, but I got a lot of blurry ones.

Maybe in that regard I'm spoiled as I mostly use an OM-D which is decently sensitive and has an EVF for stability and the IBIS for slow shutters. Either way, despite taking great piccies, the DP2M isn't a keeper for me.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on December 05, 2012, 07:12:24 pm
True, this is a camera for good light. Period.

So are all Foveon cameras.

To me, this is actually their incredible strength.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8231649768_96a230aa3c_k.jpg)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 08, 2012, 11:52:32 pm
http://www.saeki.co.kr/brand/M_List.asp?APP=N&Product_no=0106

 (http://www.saeki.co.kr/brand/M_List.asp?APP=N&Product_no=0106)http://www.saeki.co.kr/brand/m_view.asp?APP=N&Product_no=0105060024 (http://www.saeki.co.kr/brand/m_view.asp?APP=N&Product_no=0105060024)

Check this site out.  Can't figure out the price or how to order.......Looks like 3rd party Sigma of Japan..
Title: Re: New SPP software update, and firmware update for both DP2M and DP1M
Post by: uaiomex on December 09, 2012, 03:02:41 pm
I'm afraid this is not going to happen, at least not in this decade. But we can expect a FF Foveon sensor in a few years and that folks is going to shake some foundations. Not broadcasting the end of digital medium format because there will always be enough people to sustain the most expensive toys. China now has officially 100,000 millionaires and this is just the beginning. In the mean time I remained as broke as always. That's why I'm glad the Foveon technology is maturing. Kudos to Sigma for this and for their latest developments in glass design. For over 30 years, this is the first time I'm turning my eyes to this brand.
Eduardo



If only Phase or Hasselblad would licence the Foveon sensor technology fopr digital MF, and make a full frame 645 sensor in the quality, it would blow everyone's socks off, all over again.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on December 10, 2012, 05:21:17 am
nice pictures...

here're a few of mine....shot with a month old DP2M...

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8171792734_f7e9c90ee3_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8259229447_3ae01b727e_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8241928858_cfe0bee6af_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8236862875_ba0b68b8cc_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8171792934_ba37bebb21_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8171932475_f63ba83a3a_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8258076120_8f0c5bd659_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8171596257_2014e93e84_c.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8169467043_8d40242754_c.jpg)


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 10, 2012, 08:02:16 am
A test at the close focus limit.  First one: Right out of SPP as a 16 bit tiff, second one is the tiff converted to b&w and cropped in Aperture.
ISO 200. F 7.1, 1/50.

(http://i50.tinypic.com/nqpcuq.jpg)
(http://i50.tinypic.com/124efbl.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on December 10, 2012, 10:26:59 am
What I see since some pages please me a lot :)

For you, here is a link to a shop who craft leather protections for DPm ;)

http://ulysses.jp/products/detail289.html
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: rvamos on December 10, 2012, 11:19:36 am
Beautiful photographs! Were these taken hand-held?  What is your experience with street/travel photography with this camera - do you need a tripod or can you work well without one?
Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: NancyP on December 10, 2012, 11:36:35 am
Sigma is apparently using a FF prototype to do quality control evaluation of their newest lens lines, for example, that new 35mm f/1.4 FF lens.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on December 10, 2012, 12:55:51 pm
Beautiful photographs! Were these taken hand-held?  What is your experience with street/travel photography with this camera - do you need a tripod or can you work well without one?

hope this question is directed at me...

Rvmos, these were taken in india at various places, all handheld except the colorful one. It may not be as convenient as some other tools for street, but i am positive that it can take great street shots. You don't need a tripod, unless its a planned shot. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on December 10, 2012, 06:22:05 pm
Kiev, in the snow a few days ago.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Kiev_city.jpg (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Kiev_city.jpg)

Some truly excellent shots recently posted in this thread.  Glad I popped back!

Quentin
Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: Quentin on December 10, 2012, 06:28:09 pm
Sigma is apparently using a FF prototype to do quality control evaluation of their newest lens lines, for example, that new 35mm f/1.4 FF lens.

Any more on that?  A 30mp or thereabouts Foveon sensor coupled with a DP2M quality prime lens would be a dream come true.  And a nighmare for medium format.
Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: Hulyss on December 10, 2012, 07:32:41 pm
Any more on that?  A 30mp or thereabouts Foveon sensor coupled with a DP2M quality prime lens would be a dream come true.  And a nighmare for medium format.

Not any more on that :)

Sigma swapped the old Zeiss MTF machine with proprietary A1 MTF machine who run with the SD1 sensor. FF sensor in this is only pure speculation :)

The truth is in my hands and my hands are on a magic keyboard who magically found that  ;D

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2012/09/24/sigmas-system-revolution/



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on December 11, 2012, 01:18:47 am
hulyss,
is there a work around for long exposures. I have not needed more than couple of seconds yet, but i might. is it possible to have more than 30 sec exposures? for landscapes it is very important feature.
nandadevieast
Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: Quentin on December 11, 2012, 02:45:21 am
Hi Hulyss


Interesting article - it's impressive what Sigma are doing.  Looks like the latest generation of lenses will be excellent.  I hope full frame Foveon follows!

Quentin

Not any more on that :)

Sigma swapped the old Zeiss MTF machine with proprietary A1 MTF machine who run with the SD1 sensor. FF sensor in this is only pure speculation :)

The truth is in my hands and my hands are on a magic keyboard who magically found that  ;D

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2012/09/24/sigmas-system-revolution/




Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: Hulyss on December 11, 2012, 05:31:04 am
Hi Hulyss


Interesting article - it's impressive what Sigma are doing.  Looks like the latest generation of lenses will be excellent.  I hope full frame Foveon follows!

Quentin


As you can see, there is an edit at the end of the article, and this edit is due to me, poor French photographer. Because I cream the web to seek infos 24/7 about foveon, I ended on this article and related it on a French forum, got it on DpR. At the end of the day I got a mail from my Zeiss/SIGMA dealer asking the SIGMA France CEO wanted to speak to me ... I phoned SIGMA France and got the CEO saying "thank you for what you do for us since years blablabla but ... we suspect you have an insider info from the Japan factory because some things you said should not be said".  :o :o

I was like ... WTF ??? This is your UK homologue who said that to a blogger at the photokina ... !!! I'm not a spy !!!

They asked me all my personal infos and all the links of my "sources".

For me this was a great insult and I will never do anything to defend SIGMA in France any more. So I ordered to erase accounts and interventions on two French forums, a grand total of 8500 posts roughly SIGMA related only, 3 years of passion. I will now collaborate with SIGMA Japan only.

hulyss,
is there a work around for long exposures. I have not needed more than couple of seconds yet, but i might. is it possible to have more than 30 sec exposures? for landscapes it is very important feature.
nandadevieast

Dear nandadevieast,

The only way to go up than 30sec with a foveon sensor is with SD15 or SD1 :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on December 11, 2012, 09:04:41 am
Hi Hulyss,
will interval timer help in obtaining longer exposure?
don't know how this works, but read somewhere...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on December 11, 2012, 09:18:00 am
Hi Hulyss,
will interval timer help in obtaining longer exposure?
don't know how this works, but read somewhere...

I don't think so. Intervalometer will only shoot a frame of maximum 30 sec if you want but not longer.
Anyway, do not heat the foveon; you will lose a lot in IQ with the merrill.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: RobbieV on December 11, 2012, 02:36:02 pm
What an incredible story and dreadful loss Hulyss.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 12, 2012, 08:15:46 am
ISO 200, F 7.1, 1/2000

(http://i47.tinypic.com/ipy0ps.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g0zms.jpg)
Title: Re: FF foveon sensors
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 12, 2012, 06:16:20 pm
As you can see, there is an edit at the end of the article, and this edit is due to me, poor French photographer. I will now collaborate with SIGMA Japan only.

So sorry...I have enjoyed following your "investigations"...your passion for the camera is clear...hope this will sort out well for you...I actually thought they were going to offer to have you work as a rep!

But now , a question...just did the SPP updates on both machines to ver 5.4.1. Forgot to look at my settings before uninstalling ver5.3.4. I seem to be doing what most have found, and following Michael's suggestions for workflow as to Prophoto , output to 16 bit tiffs to designated folder on drive. Something I do not remember setting before was at the bottom of initial preference settings..."use default X3 settings" or "auto" or "last". What are users finding  works best here? Thank you.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 12, 2012, 07:30:18 pm
Now we're into Merril Porn ?

I guess some do like to watch rather than be the shooter.  :o
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 12, 2012, 07:48:36 pm
Now we're into Merril Porn ?

I guess some do like to watch rather than be the shooter.  :o

Ouch, busted! You really got me figured out there K.C.  I bought one of the ugliest cameras ever built by man because how a camera looks is my primary concern LOL.....C'mon, you have to admit this camera wasn't the easiest unit to hold on to with the stock design.  What I have done is all functional and adds to the grip and control of the camera.  It was kinda slippery and elusive before the add-ons....these mods, did turn out it seems from my perspective... to be immensely helpful to the shooter.  But some might interpret otherwise......And as far as the look of a camera goes, yes...I am gulity.  I love the look of finely engineered tech, although this camera remains ugly no matter what color lipstick you put on it.  You must be a pro-shooter that is strictly utilitarian in the pursuit of your craft. Functionality being your primary concern when you are on a shoot. I can respect that....time is money.  Me...I am just an enthusiast, I don't make my living with photography.  So, yes.....there is more of an all around fun element to all aspects of the hobby when it is not a job.  This includes dressing the camera.  You certainly did get me laughing, and I thank you for that.....

::)

Best

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 12, 2012, 08:19:08 pm
Double thick custom camera skin, Franiec Grip, Voightlander Viewer, Cameta Strap.... The grip is wonderful.  It does cover the Sigma moniker, but has a clever Sigma Character stamped on.  All in all it improves the grip and functionality of this immensely hard to hold unit.

I'm buying that grip, STAT.  I dropped my Merrill already...fortunately in the car onto the center console.  This grip will help me a lot.  Thanks, Foveonic!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 13, 2012, 12:04:36 am
C'mon, you have to admit this camera wasn't the easiest unit to hold on to with the stock design.

My RRS L bracket with grip will be here tomorrow. I've been shooting with a generic plate mounted and just having the slightly wider baseplate sit in the palm of my hand has made it useable.

Pompous...Declaration ? I thought the question mark and smiley face should would have made it clear I was teasing.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 13, 2012, 02:37:50 am
...found the answer...use default (if set in camera or manually adjusting in ssp) Had arrived there by trial/error, but also just discovered the answer in the manual...)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on December 13, 2012, 01:43:36 pm
My RRS L bracket with grip will be here tomorrow. I've been shooting with a generic plate mounted and just having the slightly wider baseplate sit in the palm of my hand has made it useable.

Pompous...Declaration ? I thought the question mark and smiley face should would have made it clear I was teasing.



I attached my RRS L-plate for the Canon 40D to the DP-2. Not only does it provide a wider base, but a nice "handle" on the left side. In addition, it leaves the battery/flashcard compartment free to open.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 13, 2012, 05:24:26 pm
My RRS L bracket with grip will be here tomorrow. I've been shooting with a generic plate mounted and just having the slightly wider baseplate sit in the palm of my hand has made it useable.

Pompous...Declaration ? I thought the question mark and smiley face should would have made it clear I was teasing.



Oh...I was tongue in cheek as well.  It's really hard to kid some times where text is concerned. You know, no tone of voice or facial expressions.  Didn't really take your statement to seriously, hope you didn't either.  Actually you had me laughing with the "camera porn" comment.  In the interest of the best of intentions I have removed statements that could be interpreted as sarcastic or caustic, so others won't interpret them incorrectly. I really enjoy a peaceful blog experience and wish everyone the best.  I am a bit of a smart a$$ however and I apologize for the "pompous declaration" statement.  

Thanks for the tip on the grip, I will be checking into that device.  

Best

 :)
Title: focusing in the dark
Post by: vanGrafique on December 14, 2012, 02:32:22 am
Just wondering, how do you guys focus on objects/check framing in the dark when the liveview is practically pitch dark? :) New here!
(http://photo.vgfiq.com/2012/_SDI0040.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 14, 2012, 09:18:53 am
A flashlight works...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: vanGrafique on December 14, 2012, 09:54:23 am
I mean, like for things like stars, mountains or things too far away!
Infinity gets things like stars blur too... so just asking if anyone's having the same problems  :-\
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: vanGrafique on December 14, 2012, 10:10:51 am
Guess thats where the optical viewfinder comes in to help, I guess ... :/ Thanks anyway! Getting used to this new kind of camera :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 16, 2012, 07:05:06 pm
Great skies today in the desert....

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2hhg2es.jpg)
(http://i45.tinypic.com/f1bq4z.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 18, 2012, 11:24:30 pm
Nice Cactus....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mitchino on December 19, 2012, 04:18:49 am
My DP2 Merrill arrives today!  ;D Also ordered close-up lens and hood. Can't wait to have fun with this camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: John Gellings on December 19, 2012, 07:47:29 am
I printed three 20x30" prints recently. One was from a Leica M8 with a 35mm Leica Summaron 2.8 (uprezzed to M9 18mp dimensions), another was from the Leica M9 with Zeiss 35mm C-Biogon 2.8, and the last was from the DP2m. The only one that held up completely to up close inspection was the DP2m. The others started to get soft and not show minute detail. The DP2m showed every little detail and extremely small background text was completely sharp and easily readable. Amazing really. That said, I was happy with all three.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on December 19, 2012, 09:32:00 am
My DP2 Merrill arrives today!  ;D Also ordered close-up lens and hood. Can't wait to have fun with this camera.

My two extra batteries & close-up lens arrived from Sigma yesterday.  Looks like the supply pipeline is filling up, they'd been on back order for two months. 

Also, if anyone is interested in the Milich L-Plate w/ grip (@ a good price saving), PM me.  I ordered up the RRS version just to keep my gear consistent w/ other L-plates & ball heads I own. 

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on December 19, 2012, 09:34:34 pm
I printed three 20x30" prints recently. One was from a Leica M8 with a 35mm Leica Summaron 2.8 (uprezzed to M9 18mp dimensions), another was from the Leica M9 with Zeiss 35mm C-Biogon 2.8, and the last was from the DP2m. The only one that held up completely to up close inspection was the DP2m. The others started to get soft and not show minute detail. The DP2m showed every little detail and extremely small background text was completely sharp and easily readable. Amazing really. That said, I was happy with all three.

You are packing some expensive iron....thanks for the comparison opinion.

F
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 19, 2012, 10:54:01 pm
Source for L bracket for DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill. ?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on December 19, 2012, 11:20:59 pm
Source for L bracket for DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill. ?

Two sources:

Millich:  http://soundimageplus.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-john-millich-sigma-dp2-merrill-l.html?m=1

Really Right Stuff:  http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BodySigmaDP&key=cat

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 19, 2012, 11:46:40 pm
Another option: http://tinyurl.com/cjjszjg

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 20, 2012, 01:17:39 am
Perfect! Thank you.
p.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on December 20, 2012, 06:12:30 am
I've discovered, from another forum, that Irfanview will open Merrill XF3 files. You need to install the plug-ins with the main programme.

It seems to be opening a proxy, or inbuilt preview, rather than the raw file, it opens the file pretty quickly. The colour is not quite correct and high iso files look grainy, but it has a Thumbnails view and a simultaneous Full Frame view, so it is useful for browsing XF3's if SPP is acting up. Irfanview is free.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: narikin on December 20, 2012, 12:14:33 pm
narikin-

That's strange, I suspect that your computer is at fault. I have been using SPP and the numerous iterations for years with a number of different Sigma cameras and it hasn't crashed on me once. This has been on three different computers...

Sorry but no, it was not my computer. I'm a nerd and everything works perfectly - it was a version of Sigma SPP that was released broken in Windows. Many people reported same, and Sigma eventually got an update out, correcting things. Silly of them to have ever released it. Now (latest update 5.4.1) they have a stable Windows release, but I got rid of my DP2 Merrill as I was simply unable to process my raw files at all ! What use was a camera that I could not process RAW in any program?

This has changed now with stable SPP, (though its still a dog of a program) I might give the DP2 a second chance in the new year.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 21, 2012, 01:24:30 am
... it is useful for browsing XF3's if SPP is acting up. Irfanview is free.

I think your advice no longer applies. The current release of SPP is stable on both platforms. I've used it for hundreds of images in the last couple of weeks and haven't had a single crash.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on December 21, 2012, 05:29:39 am
I think your advice no longer applies. The current release of SPP is stable on both platforms. I've used it for hundreds of images in the last couple of weeks and haven't had a single crash.

I wasn't advising, just passing on some information. Still, Irfanview is MUCH faster for the purposes of browsing. SPP is reasonably stable now but is
still flaky, try pointing it to a directory that has a large tif with PS layers in it, SPP will crash. Remember, just because you think it's stable on your computer doesn't mean it's stable for all others.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 21, 2012, 07:21:51 pm
So if SPP crashes because it doesn't know how to handle a foreign file type that's an easy user fix. Just keep your house is better order and you won't trip over things.

I assume nothing. If SPP were still crashing for most users we'd all be reading about it. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on December 21, 2012, 08:51:51 pm
So if SPP crashes because it doesn't know how to handle a foreign file type that's an easy user fix. Just keep your house is better order and you won't trip over things.

I assume nothing. If SPP were still crashing for most users we'd all be reading about it. 

...yawn...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on December 22, 2012, 05:45:13 am
Here for all, I'm new here and I'm in Spain.
Here is one of my first shot with the DP2M (you can see in flickr with details)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8258718008_86ff83d193_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8258718008/)
_SDI0135 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8258718008/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on December 22, 2012, 12:07:44 pm

For your amusement, my video on the DP1 and DP2 with the boys at The Camerastore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be)

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on December 22, 2012, 12:15:58 pm
Here for all, I'm new here and I'm in Spain.
Here is one of my first shot with the DP2M (you can see in flickr with details)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8258718008_86ff83d193_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8258718008/)
_SDI0135 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8258718008/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr



Bienvenido, Juan.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on December 22, 2012, 01:40:19 pm
Good one Nick, the more promotion this camera gets, the more people will buy it. It shouldn't be too much of a niche product.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: maxgruzen on December 22, 2012, 08:04:25 pm
I'm ordering a DP2M to go along with my RX100. My tiff files from before the RX was supported in LR4 were about 60 mb, which my poor 3 year old MBP struggled to handle in LR4. My question is, what will the Tiff files from the DP2 be when I send them into LR from SPP?
 By the way, the deciding factor in my purchase ,was that I just watch Nick Devlin's video on You Tube about the camera.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on December 22, 2012, 08:45:41 pm
For your amusement, my video on the DP1 and DP2 with the boys at The Camerastore:
Amusement is right. I loved the good cop bad cop routine. Education too. I suspect you have helped to make Sigma another sale.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 22, 2012, 09:20:25 pm
Nice! I enjoyed the video.
Makes me want to but a DP1. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: aduke on December 22, 2012, 11:28:36 pm
I'm ordering a DP2M to go along with my RX100. My tiff files from before the RX was supported in LR4 were about 60 mb, which my poor 3 year old MBP struggled to handle in LR4. My question is, what will the Tiff files from the DP2 be when I send them into LR from SPP?
 By the way, the deciding factor in my purchase ,was that I just watch Nick Devlin's video on You Tube about the camera.

86,493 KB is what Windows 7 tells me.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on December 22, 2012, 11:45:35 pm
For your amusement, my video on the DP1 and DP2 with the boys at The Camerastore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be)

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

A very nice watch, the way you approach the DP2m is simply spot on!

A Merry X-Mas to you also.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kmeyers on December 23, 2012, 01:07:05 am
Great Vid. I passed it on to a few of my non-believing friends. ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: idillic on December 23, 2012, 04:21:49 am
For your amusement, my video on the DP1 and DP2 with the boys at The Camerastore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE&feature=youtu.be)

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

- N.

Thoroughly entertaining video.  Many thanks for the link:)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on December 23, 2012, 04:28:50 am
What a weird, mass psychology this is all revealing.

Merry Christmas.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on December 23, 2012, 05:34:44 am
Hi, Can anybody tell me what metering mode (evaluative, center, spot) gives the best results?
Thanks and happy christmas!!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 23, 2012, 01:50:13 pm
Hi, Can anybody tell me what metering mode (evaluative, center, spot) gives the best results?
Thanks and happy christmas!!

It depends on what you're shooting and what kind of exposure you want. The evaluative mode works very well for general use.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jeremypayne on December 23, 2012, 02:31:25 pm
What a weird, mass psychology this is all revealing.

Merry Christmas.

Rob C

Shhhhh ... Don't spook them ... ;-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: maxgruzen on December 23, 2012, 08:14:35 pm
86,493 KB is what Windows 7 tells me.

Alan
Thanks Alan. My computer MBP is not going to be happy running 86mb files in LR4.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: RobertJ on December 23, 2012, 10:25:38 pm
Hey guys,
I know this is a DP2M thread, but I've been thinking about the kind of results you could get from a Sigma SD1M DSLR with some Zeiss ZF lenses because there is an adapter that lets you use Nikon F lenses on the Sigma mount ( http://www.jtat.com/sd/sd_main/SD_Nikon.html ).  

I emailed them and asked if it worked on the latest Merrill DSLR, and they said it did, though, of course, I haven't tried it.  I don't own the camera, and it seems like there isn't any way to rent one, while Nikon and Canon is easy to rent all over the place.

I'd be curious to see what an SD1M with some Zeiss ZF lenses (15 2.8, 21 2.8, 25 f/2, 50 f/2 Makro, and 100 f/2 Makro) could do (match the DP2M in image quality, or perhaps be superior?)  

It would be cool if someone could try it out (Mr. Reichmann!) or maybe someone is already doing it?  I haven't heard anything about this theoretical combination.

*EDIT: It looks like the Nikon/Sigma adapter is picky about which lenses can be used.  So I'm not 100% sure ZF lenses would work.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: K.C. on December 23, 2012, 11:19:20 pm
My question is, what will the Tiff files from the DP2 be when I send them into LR from SPP?

I took 145 images today with my DP2M and they range from 49MB to 63MB in SPP. TIFFs output at full size in Adobe RGB and 16 bit are 88.6MB.

Put your working files on an external drive and you'll give your MBP a much easier task working with these files.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: maxgruzen on December 24, 2012, 12:54:37 am
I took 145 images today with my DP2M and they range from 49MB to 63MB in SPP. TIFFs output at full size in Adobe RGB and 16 bit are 88.6MB.

Put your working files on an external drive and you'll give your MBP a much easier task working with these files.


Thanks for the info and the suggestion KC. I'm going to put tomorrows shoot on my external hard drives and see what difference it makes in LR4.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on December 24, 2012, 01:13:14 pm
It depends on what you're shooting and what kind of exposure you want. The evaluative mode works very well for general use.

Thanks for the info.
Merry Christmas
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 25, 2012, 03:58:47 pm
(sorry of this is off topic, but I really want to read and see everything about these Merrill cameras)
Most intriguing topic but I can´t see any of Mr. Hulyss images. Instead I only see a "?" with a blue square.
Using Safari 6.
On Firefox 6 nothing shows. Not even the "?"
What can I do?
Thanks a lot.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on December 25, 2012, 05:57:43 pm
You have to be logged in.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 25, 2012, 06:06:11 pm
But I´m; can´t only see images by that friend ,-(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on December 25, 2012, 06:54:02 pm
But I´m; can´t only see images by that friend ,-(

You are not the only one... he apparently decided to take them down, for whatever reason. You can see the original web addresses of the posted images if you click on the "Quote" button on one of his posts containing images (now "blue question marks"). Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 25, 2012, 08:00:59 pm
Sigma France beat him up pretty bad. Accused him of divulging insider info.etc. His only "crime" was being extremely passionate about this camera as well as anything related to it. He decided pull all his suppoting praise and posts from all the forums he participated in. I think he did say that from now on his only contact with Sigma would be Sigma Japan. He really had put together a wonderful package of information that helped others with an interest...always a shame to see these unpleasant , unfortunate turns against good people. Human race just seems to have gotten more cruel...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 25, 2012, 08:12:23 pm
Didn´t know about those events. I only know about these cameras since two days ago...
Sad.
Will keep reading.
Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: speedyk on December 25, 2012, 08:16:57 pm
Thanks for that info Patricia. I was on the fence about trying one, think I'll pass. Their human interface sounds as clunky as the one on the cameras. Maybe in time they will grow up and appreciate the buzz fans generate.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 25, 2012, 10:28:19 pm
http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP2Merrill/accessories.html
Any experience with the close-up lens AML-2?
Minimum distance?
Samples?

Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on December 25, 2012, 11:43:35 pm
Thanks for that info Patricia. I was on the fence about trying one, think I'll pass. Their human interface sounds as clunky as the one on the cameras. Maybe in time they will grow up and appreciate the buzz fans generate.

With every new camera, it takes  a little while to become "one" with it. We often judge hastily by what we are used to, not on the basis of the real merits of a new item by itself, which in this case is incredible IQ.

I find it an absolutely wonderful little camera, which does one task extremely well: make photos loaded with IQ. Period.

As far as growing up....I think Sigma has developed quickly and listens to its customers extremely well and is constantly makign things better. Look at their latest lenses. Great things are to come from them. Mark my word. This camera will grow on anyone.

I am a Fanboy:? Yes, when it comes to the DP2M (and kind of also about my SD15B), but I disliked the yellowish-oversaturated colors of the SD9 (although it was sharp), the unreliable technical nature and finicky colors of the SD14, and I never use the DP1 anymore.

But I don't ever regret paying $850 for the DP2M (got it during the brief discount period). Very happy about the printed output from it (I make 17 x  22 inches or 17 x whatever length panoramas at home)


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on December 26, 2012, 06:26:38 am
Their human interface sounds as clunky as the one on the cameras.
Aren't we just talking about one or two idiots in Sigma France?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 26, 2012, 07:06:23 am
After 30 pages of good reading I must present my case:
I´m a DSLR Full Frame user for travel and macro.
Collodion photography newbie (among other processes) for portrait and still life.

But I can´t travel no more with a DSLR+lenses. Too heavy for my bones even with just one full frame body+one lenses (50mm).

For months I´ve been searching for a full frame compact camera. Compact but with pro quality (full frame on not). I saw several Sony´s, etc; but none were that "spark!!!"
End up always with the Leica M (full frame, compact, no bayer filter). Too expensive for me as a second/third system just to travel.
The first alternative (Sony RX-1) isn´t that cheap yet (it´s the first; we must pay that price).

These Merrills... Well, they look like magnificent tools to produce really high-end results, no bayer filters, excellent color, and simple machines. Portable.
Affordable as a "second" system oriented to work outside my studio/traveling.
I do not use most of my DSLR fancy features. They´ve too much stuff and repeat functions in my modest opinion. Too many menus, etc.
So I think that Merrill´s simplicity are good news (I like Leica approach because they keep things simple). A "camera obscura" with a bit of convenience ,-)

This is the type of work I do/I will do with a Merrill?
http://ateliercunha.com/ibp_menu_iconand.html

My question:
Am I finally in the presence of my compact, pro quality, light, affordable camera? At last?
:-)

All your help and thoughts are most welcome.
Thank you so much in advance.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Patricia Sheley on December 26, 2012, 07:38:23 am
Aren't we just talking about one or two idiots in Sigma France?

Absolutely... don't know how the divisions inter relate, but certainly should not figure in ones decision to use, or not, this camera. For those who appreciate its talents, and are willing to put together its own workflow it is extremely worthy of its place in ones backpack. (not JMHO)

Luis...I spent some time on your site this morning. I believe you and the Merrills are built for each other. The creative moment is highly evident in your work...I can see the period of you thoroughly studying ...and then the capture. I do believe that you would find a nice experience trying them.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 26, 2012, 10:46:49 am
Dear Patricia,
thank for your time and advice. I agree with you; I´m attracted to these Merrills, a lot .-)
Two aspect are in doubt for me:

1.
DP1M or DP2M.
I´ve never tested a prime wide lens (DP1M) and I´m very curious about it. On the other hand the more regular DP2M lens looks like the best of the two, even if both are very good and well matched with the sensor...

2.
And the close up aspect. I can only find a close up lens (AML-2) for the DP2M not for the wider sister. I do real macro indoors with a very good macro lens, but a close up approach is sometimes interesting while outdoors.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 26, 2012, 02:28:36 pm
1.
DP1M or DP2M.
I´ve never tested a prime wide lens (DP1M) and I´m very curious about it. On the other hand the more regular DP2M lens looks like the best of the two, even if both are very good and well matched with the sensor...

Read the reviews right here on the LL site.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_dp1_merrill.shtml

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_dp2m_review.shtml


2.
And the close up aspect. I can only find a close up lens (AML-2) for the DP2M not for the wider sister. I do real macro indoors with a very good macro lens, but a close up approach is sometimes interesting while outdoors.

Though I'm sure it's done, diopters are not typically used on wide lenses.






Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 26, 2012, 02:30:51 pm
Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 27, 2012, 08:55:31 pm
I love this camera.
ISO 100, F 16, 1/80.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/w0khp2.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences (Tiff file size)
Post by: ndevlin on December 29, 2012, 08:56:31 am
Thanks for the info and the suggestion KC. I'm going to put tomorrows shoot on my external hard drives and see what difference it makes in LR4.

You're going to find that housing your raws and/or your catalogueon an external drive really slows you down unless you are running on Thunderbolt cables. My FW800 Drobo setup became unspeakably frustrating with D800 and DP2 files. I recently did my quadrennial upgrade -- to a MP Retina and a TB external drive -- and the difference is revelatory.

Sorry to be the bearer of expensive news.

Cheers,

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on December 29, 2012, 09:06:52 am

For the record, I don't find the 19mm lens on the DP1M as good as the 30mm on the DP2. The files are nice, but much like my experience with the SD1M (with Michael and Laurence last year - http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_sd1_review.shtml) I just don't find it exceptional in the same way as I do the DP2M.

The 19mm is a phenomenally useful focal length, but I am taking a pass for now.  It is a very good camera, but not 'good enougher' to justify it over the D800E.

This simply proves, imho, how crucial lens design is to digital performance. I've found this on the 645D, the D800 and now the Sigmas.  Some lenses blow the doors off, others, meh.   

Cheers,

- N.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on December 29, 2012, 10:48:02 am
Interesting point Nick. It's long been clear to me (and becoming clearer daily) that in terms of improved IQ, lenses have now taken over as the prime factor.

In the days of film we wanted finer grain and higher resolution emulsions, but this was usually at the expense of tonal range in B&W, or colour accuracy.

Now, sensors from 16MP and up give us all the resolution we need, and except for duds, when shooting raw we have total control of colour rendition. But less than excellent lenses are the point of greatest vulnerability.

My shooting with the DP2M and now the RX1 shows what a difference at excellent optic can make (and also a permanently attached lens with optimized design for a particular sensor). Both of these cameras easily match any 24MP camera and give the D800 a run for it's money, simply because they have exceptional lenses.

When I get home to Canada in the spring I'm going to have to give my Nikon lens setup a closer look. Anyone have a Coastal Optics (http://www.jenoptik-inc.com/coastalopt-standard-lenses/uv-vis-nir-60mm-slr-lens-mainmenu-155/80-uv-vis-ir-60-mm-apo-macro.html) to sell?

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 29, 2012, 10:56:27 am

It is a very good camera, but not 'good enougher' to justify it over the D800E.


Cheers,

- N.

If one owns neither at the moment....and if you factor in the price differential between the two cameras....and given the price of truly great glass for the D800E....does your perspective change a bit? I.E., does a $1000 camera need to be better than a $3000++ rig?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on December 29, 2012, 12:11:48 pm
Owning neither doesn't really mean that buying one with no interchangeabilty is a better choice;  neither, it seems, does the simple fact that body and lens are fixed always make the essential difference, as is borne out by the two Merrills.

I think they struck it lucky with the first, the 30mm, and that's probably as far as it's going to go; after all, if you make a variety of cameras and lenses, it makes more commercial sense to sell units that the buyer can mix'n'match: it encourages the creation and dependency on system photography, locked-in buyers, as Hassy always knew well! Difference? Their (Hassy) once-upon-a-time was affordable to more buyers, including myself. Frankly, even though I could put down the money, I wouldn't for today's versions. Perhaps if the business still existed, but even then, I'd be surprised; I always wanted to work and earn for myself and the family, not the photo-equipment people, the jewellers or the car manufacturers.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 29, 2012, 02:44:05 pm
I think they struck it lucky with the first, the 30mm, and that's probably as far as it's going to go; after all, if you make a variety of cameras and lenses, it makes more commercial sense to sell units that the buyer can mix'n'match: it encourages the creation and dependency on system photography, locked-in buyers, as Hassy always knew well! Difference? Their (Hassy) once-upon-a-time was affordable to more buyers, including myself. Frankly, even though I could put down the money, I wouldn't for today's versions.

I doubt it was luck finding that the 30 could be optimized with the sensor. I'd give me them more credit as engineers than that.

And Michael findings on the 19 sound appropriate to me, "Remember, this is a 19mm lens (28mm eqiv). As such it is no different that other high quality wide primes. I don't know any lens in this focal range that is without these issues, including those from Leica and Zeiss. Top quality wide angle primes are simply hard to design and make."

Nick's comment sounds like Nick and appropriate as well for anyone who already owns a D800 at 3 times the cost and size.



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 29, 2012, 04:02:27 pm
Finally I´ll work outside, traveling with quality that permits professional results for print (including offset print) with gear that weight less than 400grs and without selling some furniture to buy a quality camera that is also compact ,-)
Image quality is my main concern. Portability and affordability too. This Sigma is all this as far as I could saw and read.
Leica M was the choice (not for me).
Sony RX1 ins´t yet the alternative.
Merrill is my choice.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on December 30, 2012, 12:46:45 am
If one owns neither at the moment....and if you factor in the price differential between the two cameras....and given the price of truly great glass for the D800E....does your perspective change a bit? I.E., does a $1000 camera need to be better than a $3000++ rig?

The comparison is still apples-to-steak-knife. They're just two different things.  As I said, only somewhat jokingly in the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VjyHQiqdE) the DP1 and DP2, along with a complete DSLR system, are the only cameras you'll ever need  ;D ;D ;D

These are niche devices.  If you want what is, essentially, a mini tech-cam with a 28 or 50mm equivalent lens, they're a no-brainer.  If you want a versatile camera, forget about it.  

Three factors control what we buy: want, need and means.  Most serious photogs are able to buy a DP1M. If they already own, or are likely to own, another serious system that covers that focal length, they don't need one.  Whether they like working with it determines whether it is wanted at all. I like it, I can afford it, but I don't need it.  I don't like it enough to buy it. That's my math. Everyone else's will be their own. I don't need the DP2M, but I like enough to buy it. That's the difference.

- N.
  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on December 30, 2012, 12:58:59 am

ps. I reject the premise about the cost of the best optics. It pains me to say it, but the best optics -- in terms of performance on ultra high-res digital cameras -- are, imho, the newest lenses, largely irrespective of price.  The new 50mm f1.8, 28mm f1.8 and 85 mm f1.8G lenses on Nikon are both value priced and superior to their faster counterparts (or at least equal). The new 24-85 kicks the crap out of the doggish (and expensive) 24-120mm.  The 30mm Sigma adds what, less than half the price of a sub-$1K camera, and it's as good as it gets.

I don't think that performance equals price OR theoretical performance measured on a traditional optical bench. The best lens is the lens designed to match the needs of the sensor it serves.  My limited knowledge of optical physics kicks in at this juncture, but my experience tells me that the Leica lens that brought me closest to heaven (the 75mm f2 AA) was mediocre on the Fuji Xpro1.  Why? I do not know.  The same was true for the 24mm f3.8, another blow-the-doors-off lens.  Brilliant older Nikkors have given me similarly unsatisfying performance on the D800E.  I don't think I am imagining this. (And the sentimentalist in me doesn't like what the empiricist in me perceives, so this is not a case of preference-error).

We live in interesting times.  If you can afford it, get the newest upper-grade glass. But you don't need to break the bank.  If you are chasing the golden megapixels, hand-held is over, f16 is over, and your favourite MF lens can stay at home. 

Of course, our art often demands that these rules be broken, and so broken they shall be.

Cheers,

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on December 30, 2012, 04:16:57 am
I doubt it was luck finding that the 30 could be optimized with the sensor. I'd give me them more credit as engineers than that.

And Michael findings on the 19 sound appropriate to me, "Remember, this is a 19mm lens (28mm eqiv). As such it is no different that other high quality wide primes. I don't know any lens in this focal range that is without these issues, including those from Leica and Zeiss. Top quality wide angle primes are simply hard to design and make."

Nick's comment sounds like Nick and appropriate as well for anyone who already owns a D800 at 3 times the cost and size.


 
That's your view, though you choose to base/defend it on that of others. But that's still okay, as far as I'm concerned.

That anyone already owning a top slr system would need a camera such as either of the Merrills is open to debate; that anyone in that position chooses to buy one is another matter, and speaks more abut the collection of toys or cameras for their own sake than it does about photography. There's nothing illegal about that: it just isn't my view on cameras at all, where I believe that the fewer and the better, the better for you, the photographer/owner. Should you have a non-photographic purpose in collecting, that's fine too; as I say, there's no law against that - yet!

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on December 30, 2012, 04:39:30 am
Rob I was just supporting my opinion by referencing those a little more well known and respected than myself. I would hardly call that a defense. Nor was I intending to suggest you need to defend your opinion. It's every bit as valid as mine, different as it may be.

My comment about Nick's point of view, if you interpret it as I intended it, he substantiated. I would think Michael's review would stand on it's own as a reference.

Nick's comment sounds like Nick and appropriate as well for anyone who already owns a D800 at 3 times the cost and size.

Three factors control what we buy: want, need and means.  Most serious photogs are able to buy a DP1M. If they already own, or are likely to own, another serious system that covers that focal length, they don't need one.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on December 30, 2012, 05:18:01 am
That anyone already owning a top slr system would need a camera such as either of the Merrills is open to debate; that anyone in that position chooses to buy one is another matter, and speaks more abut the collection of toys or cameras for their own sake than it does about photography.
Hard to argue need, particularly for an amateur, but surely portability is a consideration that might take the purchase of one or other of the Merrills out of the domain of collecting toys or cameras for their own sake, particularly for landscape photographers who are ageing but still like to get around in rough country.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on December 30, 2012, 09:14:02 am
For me it´s a bones (I mean real bones in my body) question and image quality (IQ), portability (P) and affordability (A).
I can´t carry my FF dslr all day long (my health do not allow) and wanted to keep the image quality outdoors.
The Merrills are the IQ/P/A .-)

Otherwise I wouldn´t think about a second camera.
But I´ll keep my FF system for studio work and a huge reason is the macro ability that a Leica system couldn´t solve properly (IQ/P).
That way I can keep my macro and other studio work and work outdoors without sell or switch entirely systems.
Just my case.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on December 30, 2012, 11:53:30 am
Hard to argue need, particularly for an amateur, but surely portability is a consideration that might take the purchase of one or other of the Merrills out of the domain of collecting toys or cameras for their own sake, particularly for landscape photographers who are ageing but still like to get around in rough country.



Being rather steeped in the age thing myself, I understand your point and have shared it for several years more than I'd care to contemplate.

My solution is simple: I take the camera (D700) with one fixed lens on it, of whatever focal length that I own that suits my idea or mood prior to going out. I know perfectly well that that original idea will probably turn out a bummer, and that another lens would have made a better shot - even a shot - but who's to know? The same problem unavoidably faces the Merrill owner with alternative cameras to hand: if he takes the Merrill, then logic prohibits carrying the other camera or the problem is only compounded, and the second law of photography raises its head: redundancy.

Actually, the real problem with going out on the town to shoot is toilets: I dislike going into them with cameras, and leaving them on a café table is madness at best. Having a companion is the only answer I know, but companions distract from the main game. Perhaps going out to the country to shoot relieves the toilet problem, but it raises others: another snapper might snap you in flagrante delicto.

But that's photography; what are we arguing about? We never win, but we might get close - that's the first law of the game.

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on December 30, 2012, 01:08:03 pm
The 30mm Sigma adds what, less than half the price of a sub-$1K camera, and it's as good as it gets.

Cheers,

- N.

My first real interest in the Sigma brand came as a result of buying this lens for my Sony NEX-5N. I subsequently bought a Sigma zoom for my old Nikon D-90...and then the DP2 Merrill. I've ordered the Sigma 19mm for the Sony, which may (at least temporarily) satisfy my lust for the DP1 Merrill.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on December 31, 2012, 03:08:51 pm
Happy new year!!

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8330195821_6043042dc5_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8330195821/)
_SDI0263 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8330195821/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on January 01, 2013, 08:56:34 pm
http://www.flickriver.com/groups/969824@N20/pool/interesting/

A river of good examples; Foveon for monochrome work.
Sometimes the ISO 1600 and looks to me like film grain.
Nice ,-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 04, 2013, 06:29:35 am
Another one (you can view in flickr).

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8344649431_2033db3cb8_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8344649431/)
_SDI0423 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8344649431/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on January 05, 2013, 05:50:09 am
Hi all,

I just got my DP2M and was thrilled. However the one I got is defective: when I switch it on, not only it takes more than 5 seconds, but then the displayed preview just a noisy white picture (as if it was massively over exposed). Furthermore, it is sometimes impossible to open the menu and it doesn't take pictures.

Has anyone had this problem before?

Anyway, I'll send it back and request for another unit.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 05, 2013, 08:12:50 am
Hi all,

I just got my DP2M and was thrilled. However the one I got is defective: when I switch it on, not only it takes more than 5 seconds, but then the displayed preview just a noisy white picture (as if it was massively over exposed). Furthermore, it is sometimes impossible to open the menu and it doesn't take pictures.

Has anyone had this problem before?

Anyway, I'll send it back and request for another unit.

Never heard of such problem on a DP but yes, just return it to have a new unit (always check with a new SD card too, sometime bugs can come from the SD card). Some photo from November in Paris :
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Criollo on January 05, 2013, 09:26:50 am
However the one I got is defective: ... the displayed preview just a noisy white picture (as if it was massively over exposed).

Has anyone had this problem before?

Hi all

Yes, same problem here with DP2M.
It happened after 50 shots or so: all exposure warnings on (independently of any settings), preview screen all white, shots pure black. Different SD-card and shooting without SD-card changed nothing. Full camera reset and re-install of firmware (1.03) didn't help too.

I sent it back and I'm awaiting a new one.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on January 05, 2013, 11:39:04 am
These images were shot with DP2M last month at WuYuan in China (so called "the most beautiful village" in the nation).I took this camera and the Canon 5D MarkkIII with me but end up using DP2M most of the time. The sharpness and film like tonality just blew me away.

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/68ff43f6ac1f4daba50b49930aef09f7)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/75dbce5f209a4e1caa464d6c70f5119d)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/2aa9565b6a244187b571fe36856adf93)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/138c9991857443089ea74106b993e7a8)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/5672ae5abe594749ad23f5b70f538910)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/177c8f65763d4097b23adc5d0c6688c6)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/669687e5231a45e9a84b9fd27320879c)


Comments are appreciated.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 05, 2013, 12:16:15 pm
Hello John,

My only comment is : Very beautiful photos !
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on January 05, 2013, 12:38:01 pm
Thanks for viewing and the kind comments.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Fine_Art on January 05, 2013, 01:14:01 pm
Lovely pictures.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 05, 2013, 01:41:39 pm
Agreed.  Lovely shots....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: svenson-photographs on January 06, 2013, 04:00:24 am
Hi guys,

now i´m also a proud owner of the DP2 Merrill and I´m excited about the image quality!

But I´m a little bit confused about the hyperfocal distance at the DP2.

It would be very interesting for me if some of you could tell me which settings you use for the hyperfocal distance and how many meters to the nearest object you use?

Thank you very much!

Best regards,
Sven
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pansottin on January 06, 2013, 05:54:31 am
These images were shot with DP2M last month at WuYuan in China (so called "the most beautiful village" in the nation).I took this camera and the Canon 5D MarkkIII with me but end up using DP2M most of the time. The sharpness and film like tonality just blew me away.

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/68ff43f6ac1f4daba50b49930aef09f7)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/75dbce5f209a4e1caa464d6c70f5119d)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/2aa9565b6a244187b571fe36856adf93)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/138c9991857443089ea74106b993e7a8)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/5672ae5abe594749ad23f5b70f538910)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/177c8f65763d4097b23adc5d0c6688c6)

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/669687e5231a45e9a84b9fd27320879c)

Comments are appreciated.

John

John those are very cinematic images. Very good work. I love it.
And from such a tiny camera.
Congrats.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Criollo on January 06, 2013, 06:42:06 am

(http://forums.dpreview.com/files/t/75dbce5f209a4e1caa464d6c70f5119d)



John

Surreal! Etherous!
The others are great as well, but this one ...unforgettable.

Can't wait for my DP2M. To have the illusion I could do the same.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Sauza on January 06, 2013, 08:52:05 am
Hi John, absolutely magnificent pictures:)

Thanks to you guys and your pictures I also bought the Sigma DP2M and I love it.
Here are some recent shots from my hometown near Stuttgart in Germany. Not much post-processing, only some color and saturation changes, no additional sharpening :P
All pictures are linked to flickr, where you can watch them in x2048.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8324948225_7be13bcf3c_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8324948225/in/photostream)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8340890117_788d31781c_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8340890117/in/photostream)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8324948747_36650994b3_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8324948747/in/photostream)

All in all I like the output, however, I have a few problems with color management in SPP and Lightroom, especially when I lighten dark areas I get those red spots. I've already tried the ProPhoto color space, but it didn't help much. has somebody found a solution for that?
PS: I work on a Mac.

Greetings from Germany,

Dennis

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: simonstucki on January 06, 2013, 09:50:50 pm
These images were shot with DP2M last month at WuYuan in China (so called "the most beautiful village" in the nation).I took this camera and the Canon 5D MarkkIII with me but end up using DP2M most of the time. The sharpness and film like tonality just blew me away.


Comments are appreciated.

John

those are very nice images John.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: simonstucki on January 06, 2013, 10:01:39 pm
hi

I think it is very clear that these cameras (1 and 2) have a lot of very unique qualities, but I was wondering if anybody could comment on dynamic range or shadow noise. lets say we compare the camera to a recent high quality mft or aps-c sensor. I'm not looking for a numeric comparison of stops of dynamic range, I was just wondering if any of you uses a merill and something else how often do you wish for more dynamic range with both systems.
I'm looking forward to your comments

simon
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on January 07, 2013, 01:33:51 am
..I was wondering if anybody could comment on dynamic range or shadow noise. lets say we compare the camera to a recent high quality mft or aps-c sensor.

Try reading the reviews and the threads that are all over the net.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_dp2m_review.shtml

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_dp1_merrill.shtml

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/

http://www.dpreview.com/search/?query=sigma%20dp2m&terms=sigma%20dp2m

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: design_freak on January 07, 2013, 05:51:18 am
I just think about external battery to DP2...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/894790-REG/Sigma_eya034_SAC_5_AC_Adapter.html

Did anyone check if it can be powered by an external battery?
Hyper Juice or Quantum - it would be perfect

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on January 07, 2013, 06:24:32 am
Dennis,

try ISO 100 for less noise and overall better tones in the shadows.

Uwe  (saying hallo with his first post to all forumians)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 07, 2013, 07:54:27 am
The DP3 will be announced soon (if stars align correctly). The DP3 will be geared with a 50mm f2.8 macro lens, equivalent to a 75 mm f2.8, special portrait and bokeh generator. Yummy !!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on January 07, 2013, 08:39:27 am
The DP3 will be announced soon...

Aha! Sigma France was right. You do seem to have insider information!   ;) :) :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on January 07, 2013, 11:17:02 am
I just think about external battery to DP2...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/894790-REG/Sigma_eya034_SAC_5_AC_Adapter.html

Did anyone check if it can be powered by an external battery?
Hyper Juice or Quantum - it would be perfect



Yes you can power the DP-2 with an external battery. I've got the SAC-5 powered from an Anker 10000 mah battery. You will probably need a cable of some sort between the battery and the camera. The Anker features USB-based output, hence the need for a USB-to-5v power connector cable. Search LL for details.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 07, 2013, 12:48:57 pm
Aha! Sigma France was right. You do seem to have insider information!   ;) :) :D

!!!  ;)  :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: janus on January 07, 2013, 12:50:02 pm
The DP3 will be announced soon (if stars align correctly). The DP3 will be geared with a 50mm f2.8 macro lens, equivalent to a 75 mm f2.8, special portrait and bokeh generator. Yummy !!


see here:

http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/sigma-dp3-merrill-pics-and-specs-leaked/ (http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/sigma-dp3-merrill-pics-and-specs-leaked/)

(http://www.canonwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-7-2013-910.jpg)

(http://www.canonwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-7-2013-9101.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Criollo on January 07, 2013, 01:16:33 pm
DP3M - 50mm 2.8?
 
I'd rather prefer a tilt screen and an IR shutter release (both useful for tripod work) and maybe focus peaking for the existing ones. Three bodies @$1000 is near a grown up interchangeable lens system.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: simonstucki on January 07, 2013, 01:33:47 pm
The DP3 will be announced soon (if stars align correctly). The DP3 will be geared with a 50mm f2.8 macro lens, equivalent to a 75 mm f2.8, special portrait and bokeh generator. Yummy !!


are you serious? that is just what I predicted/wished for (ok I would have been happy with a 50/4, but 2.8 is very cool if it is close to the dp2m lens quality). very cool if true
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: simonstucki on January 07, 2013, 01:36:26 pm
DP3M - 50mm 2.8?
 
I'd rather prefer a tilt screen and an IR shutter release (both useful for tripod work) and maybe focus peaking for the existing ones. Three bodies @$1000 is near a grown up interchangeable lens system.


well if it would be possible to make the dpm series with interchangeable lenses, that would be great of course, but I fear due to the required high precision that might be very hard or expensive (more expensive, or lesser quality than the 3 separate bodys)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 07, 2013, 02:24:39 pm
Actually it look like a "rumour" but my little finger tell me she is probably true giving the source of the rumour. Me too I'm really excited about this body because, in facts, I need it. I was on a pack shoot session for a client and the DP2 Merrill is exceptional in "reproduction" work. I was a little short with some items, on stage, ended up at cropping the final picture (more than enough for the client, between).

This new DP3 sound good; very good. My guess is that the bokeh will be very good, at first, and the MACRO design will give pretty sharp pictures.

Exciting time we are living no ?  :D

Sure Michael is excited by this info too.

My little finger say to me that the "f2.8 design" is mandatory to have optimal quality/compromise with the sensor/body/size factor.

An another winner in my pocket as soon he is unleashed !
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 07, 2013, 10:23:56 pm
I'll be tempted once again. But honestly, how far do these cameras go without Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom/Aperture?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ndevlin on January 07, 2013, 11:12:25 pm
The DP3 will be announced soon (if stars align correctly). The DP3 will be geared with a 50mm f2.8 macro lens, equivalent to a 75 mm f2.8, special portrait and bokeh generator. Yummy !!

Man I hope you have some inside info on this one  ;) I would LOVE this rig.

- N.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 08, 2013, 03:50:43 am
I'll be tempted once again. But honestly, how far do these cameras go without Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom/Aperture?

As far as you pp skills can go on SPP and on whatever apps on a 16bit tiff :)

Man I hope you have some inside info on this one  ;) I would LOVE this rig.

- N.

Have a look at this :)

http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP3Merrill/debut/#/home
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 08, 2013, 05:19:34 am
Some images from a travel to Segovia (Spain):

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8361102034_6b0d0b5770_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361102034/)
Segovia_II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361102034/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8360040051_ec22b4c1a4_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360040051/)
Segovia_III_ByN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360040051/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8361105384_55c715d8c9_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361105384/)
Segovia_V_ByN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361105384/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8361107658_b189f30b70_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361107658/)
Segovia_IV_ByN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361107658/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8360047783_d78d1d0c29_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360047783/)
Segovia_VIII (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360047783/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8360052789_0760fb26c4_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360052789/)
Pano_Segovia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8360052789/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8361117090_059156efca_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361117090/)
Segovia_X (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8361117090/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Viridian on January 08, 2013, 11:43:03 am
Have a look at this :)

http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP3Merrill/debut/#/home

This is great news. However, I still heave a great sigh over no AdobeRAW support. That and an EVF would be SO convincing.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 08, 2013, 11:52:35 am
Good news:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/sigma-photo-pro-monochrome-mode
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on January 09, 2013, 04:40:31 am
This is great news. However, I still heave a great sigh over no AdobeRAW support. That and an EVF would be SO convincing.

Adobe support is inevitable. An EVF is highly unlikely.

I and many others are doing just fine without either.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: John Gellings on January 09, 2013, 08:44:42 am
Adobe support is inevitable. 

Really?  Please explain...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on January 09, 2013, 08:56:59 am
H,
how do you plan to shoot a 75mm without a viewfinder?
This is one camera which will make people crave for a vf...
Title: VF-21 optical viewfinder has arrived at Sigma USA
Post by: NancyP on January 09, 2013, 01:05:26 pm
I had this item on back order for the last 2+ months, called Sigma USA, the viewfinder has just arrived at Sigma USA today.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jeremypayne on January 09, 2013, 04:19:34 pm
how do you plan to shoot a 75mm without a viewfinder?

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/09/img4305-1347409684.jpg)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on January 09, 2013, 05:20:23 pm
Jeremy,
I think nandadevieast was referring to an optical viewfinder. 
Shooting a 75mm lens in macro mode would be extremely difficult if photographing flowers outdoors... even on days with absolutely no wind.  The DP Merrills require rock solid support IF you expect to pull the optimum sharpness from this wonderful lens/sensor combination.  It's already extremely difficult to get sharp images with the close-up lens on the DP2M if you're not on a tripod... and shooting flowers or other macro subjects outdoors will require a tripod if you expect the best results.  If you're just looking for a jpg shot to post online there are dozens of cameras that will do this better than the Merrills.

Macro photography with the new DP3M will be nerve wracking without a tripod... and even then your image will have to be absolutely still as you can't use iso's over 200 and get optimum results.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 10, 2013, 07:22:47 am
A few more shots from Consuegra (Spain)  ;)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8367554570_d88228c949_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367554570/)
_SDI0422 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367554570/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8366486623_f507d5ffa8_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8366486623/)
_SDI0419 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8366486623/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8367551708_397db240c3_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367551708/)
_SDI0416 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367551708/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8367549746_0246806090_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367549746/)
_SDI0417 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8367549746/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: simonstucki on January 10, 2013, 03:22:04 pm
A few more shots from Consuegra (Spain)  ;)



hey thanks for all those great full res pics. how did you expose those images? do you think you could expose them a little more and then recover highlights or not? (shadow noise doesn't look to bad but for the very deep shadows, it looks like there isn't much left)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on January 10, 2013, 06:58:48 pm
Hi Juan,
Thanks for sharing those images.  I'm impressed with the overall sharpness and pretty large DOF for apertures as large as f/5 or f/5.6.    Were these hand held or on a tripod?   
All the images look great, but I'm curious about something I saw in one of them.  In Segovia VIII the clouds in the far background - they are purple and green.  Is this from highlight recovery or what happened? 
Regards,
Eric
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on January 11, 2013, 04:55:38 am
Hi Juan,

Consuegra and Segovia shots look great, but can I see banding in the sky of the first colour Consuegra shot? I like to photograph Spain a lot and particularly like the heavy blue skies you can get there, I also like to post process the skies a lot to get the most out of them. I'm hoping the banding issues with the Sigma aren't going to bug me. Can't tell until I get back to Spain.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on January 11, 2013, 03:05:11 pm
Yes the banding issues w/the sky - I see them too, but on one of my monitors and not both???   But I also see a lot of purple/magenta in the sky too that doesn't look right and I see that in both screens.
Hmmm... 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 11, 2013, 03:50:33 pm
hey thanks for all those great full res pics. how did you expose those images? do you think you could expose them a little more and then recover highlights or not? (shadow noise doesn't look to bad but for the very deep shadows, it looks like there isn't much left)

Thanks, I was exposed to more enlightened parts of the windmills and I think this camera (and SPP) recovered very well the highlights.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 11, 2013, 03:54:53 pm
Hi Juan,
Thanks for sharing those images.  I'm impressed with the overall sharpness and pretty large DOF for apertures as large as f/5 or f/5.6.    Were these hand held or on a tripod?   
All the images look great, but I'm curious about something I saw in one of them.  In Segovia VIII the clouds in the far background - they are purple and green.  Is this from highlight recovery or what happened? 
Regards,
Eric


Thanks Eric, all these photos were taken handheld. Indeed in the photo you mention the sky has these colors because the sky was burnt (highlight recovery).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 11, 2013, 03:58:09 pm
Hi Juan,

Consuegra and Segovia shots look great, but can I see banding in the sky of the first colour Consuegra shot? I like to photograph Spain a lot and particularly like the heavy blue skies you can get there, I also like to post process the skies a lot to get the most out of them. I'm hoping the banding issues with the Sigma aren't going to bug me. Can't tell until I get back to Spain.

Thanks Peter, you're right, in the first Consuegra shot I also see bands in the sky but are not easy to see  :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Neil Vanderwolf on January 11, 2013, 05:05:39 pm
Just thought I would share a couple from my DP2 Merrill.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vOC3uMWAaKE/UOObxj5ezsI/AAAAAAAADbg/bpDdY29L6mM/s1000/_SDI0225.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dc4u8rvQm5s/UOObwa4_mII/AAAAAAAADbM/jQP_VxVBzAI/s1000/_SDI0142.jpg)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on January 11, 2013, 05:21:21 pm
Beautiful images, Neil!  Those should be printed as large as possible!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 11, 2013, 06:00:22 pm
Wonderful images Neil, especially the first!!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on January 12, 2013, 07:51:12 am
Thanks Peter, you're right, in the first Consuegra shot I also see bands in the sky but are not easy to see  :)

Banding can be an issue to do with the sensor responding poorly to a gradient, but it can also be caused by jpeg compression AND by a failure in the monitor, sometimes banding can seen on a monitor but will not be present when printed. Perhaps all three are at work in what I see of your Consuegra shot. There are techniques in PS to reduce or eliminate banding, I'm going to have to investigate these. At the moment the skies in London are so awfully dull and grey that I have little chance at the moment. I'm going to pop over to the Lightroom forum an put in a request for an Anti Banding slider in LR. Maybe it's possible.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on January 12, 2013, 08:10:03 am
Yes the banding issues w/the sky - I see them too, but on one of my monitors and not both???   But I also see a lot of purple/magenta in the sky too that doesn't look right and I see that in both screens.
Hmmm... 

Eric, I can see the magenta casts too and I've seen them on many Sigma images online. Some people are experimenting with CornerFix to reduce the problem, with some success it seems.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Criollo on January 14, 2013, 06:10:01 am
Nikon D800E - Sigma DP2 Merrill comparison


Oops, he did it again:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4DDlTTJVvU/UPPkZ-SPDeI/AAAAAAAALdo/hjw38ceSgVA/s1600/comp.jpg
http://soundimageplus.blogspot.fr/2013/01/another-nikon-d800e-sigma-dp2-merrill.html

I know, it's not laboratory stuff. But nevertheless ....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 14, 2013, 07:01:19 am
One more:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8374372122_213a7e503c_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8374372122/)
Puente_Alemanes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8374372122/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tom w on January 14, 2013, 04:19:52 pm
A couple of images from LA recently made with my DP2m.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 14, 2013, 08:29:57 pm
Interesting, if imprecise comparison.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/01/14/quick-comparison-leica-monochrom-sigma-dp2-merrill-and-hasselblad-39cf-by-michael-ma/

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on January 14, 2013, 10:36:27 pm
I like the sigma dp2 merrill, I really do, but that SteveHuff test is so poorly done, its not possibly fair.  Hasselblad shot wide open - you can't even say for sure the camera was accurately focused.  The sigma clearly shows a lot of detail, but the colors and tonality are better on the H.   Sigma DP2 punches above its weight class but let's be realistic, its no 39mp digital back killer.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mmbma on January 14, 2013, 11:43:30 pm
Eric. All valid points. I was limited by my room light. Tomorrow I will do a test under day light with the lens stopped down.
Although the Hassey was properly focused. I was surprised at the result so I re did the shot many times at different focal lenghts (from 1.5-2M), and the image I posted was the accurate focus. Mirror was locked up as well
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on January 15, 2013, 02:25:01 am
Okay, thanks for reply. I'll be curious to see a retest, but as I have owned a CFii 39MS, I know what that back can do. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ErikKaffehr on January 15, 2013, 04:08:05 am
Hi,

Regarding sharpness, it is my guess that you may have missed focus. Try to do some focus bracketing, I do it always in my testing unless I can use live view.

On the colors, when you do repro it is about reproducing color. In repro yo would try to stay close to original. It is a good idea to include a color checker in any test shot, makes it easy to assert that color balance is right, exposure not clipped and also is helpful in getting equivalent tona scales.

Best regards
Erik

Eric. All valid points. I was limited by my room light. Tomorrow I will do a test under day light with the lens stopped down.
Although the Hassey was properly focused. I was surprised at the result so I re did the shot many times at different focal lenghts (from 1.5-2M), and the image I posted was the accurate focus. Mirror was locked up as well
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 16, 2013, 11:58:52 am
One more:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8385660113_1ec41a42d2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8385660113/)
_SDI0436 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8385660113/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thomas turnbull on January 16, 2013, 12:55:27 pm
Thanks Juan ~ that's very beautiful!

Irenaeus
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 16, 2013, 08:00:40 pm
One more:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8385660113_1ec41a42d2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8385660113/)
_SDI0436 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8385660113/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

Stunning, Juan.  I wonder if anyone will see banding in the sky. :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 17, 2013, 02:45:37 am
Hello,

DP2 Merrill, 800 ISO and 500 ISO (car), B&W JPEG out of the camera, just some curve adjustments. This is a backstage of a fashion Show I covered and the DP2M with Auto ISO in B&W JPEG do very good job, in my world :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on January 17, 2013, 03:52:34 am
Hmm... I tnink the car image works very well, and the soft tonality suits the subject, but the headshot doesn't (at least on my calibration of my monitor). It bears the same 'flatness' of a pulled wet print that seems also to accompany several of the shots posted on LuLa to display the glories and virtuosity of the mono Leica M.

IMO, at least, and I'm regularly mistaken.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 17, 2013, 05:06:58 am
Hmm... I tnink the car image works very well, and the soft tonality suits the subject, but the headshot doesn't (at least on my calibration of my monitor). It bears the same 'flatness' of a pulled wet print that seems also to accompany several of the shots posted on LuLa to display the glories and virtuosity of the mono Leica M.

IMO, at least, and I'm regularly mistaken.

Rob C

You are perfectly spot on and you are not mistaken. Since I have the DP2 is try to find settings who give me exactly what output in raw the Leica MM. This is not that easy but I think I'm pretty close as you mention it :)

When I was SIGMA evangelist, back in the day ( ;D), I wanted to make a special post and comparison between the MM and the DP2m, because for me, the ultimate B&W machine is the DP2m.

Today I just show my experiments (only the car is a recent shoot) and stopped playing with my "MM settings".

The DP2 Merrill is a Chameleon !
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on January 17, 2013, 05:29:53 am
You are perfectly spot on and you are not mistaken. Since I have the DP2 is try to find settings who give me exactly what output in raw the Leica MM. This is not that easy but I think I'm pretty close as you mention it :)

When I was SIGMA evangelist, back in the day ( ;D), I wanted to make a special post and comparison between the MM and the DP2m, because for me, the ultimate B&W machine is the DP2m.

Today I just show my experiments (only the car is a recent shoot) and stopped playing with my "MM settings".

The DP2 Merrill is a Chameleon !

wonderful shots indeed.

would you share with us how you tweak your DP2M to a have a MM look  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on January 17, 2013, 06:20:14 am
I've mislaid my instruction manual - is the hot shoe safe to use with a non dedicated flash? (Sigma 530 Super in this case). I just wanted to use a flash to illuminate some frosted trees at night and see there is no co-axial socket. I suppose I could set a long exposure using manual mode and paint with open flash which would probably be better anyway - pity it's limited to 30secs as no B setting.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 17, 2013, 06:31:36 am
wonderful shots indeed.

would you share with us how you tweak your DP2M to a have a MM look  ;D

Of course,

Take a photo with your Merrill, go in SPP, make your adjustments as you like (banding, contrast, shadows, fill light). If you shoot well, you will not need to tweak that much. Then, turn your X3f in monochrome mode inside SPP. Export as Tiff 16 bits. If you have photoshop just play with the level/contrasts : you will find it pretty quick. If no photoshop, just download Paint.Net who is free and play with levels, you will find it pretty quick too :)

Title: Iridient Digital Support for DP1M and DP2M files now available
Post by: wildstork on January 17, 2013, 02:41:02 pm
Just in from Brian Griffith, designer of Raw Developer:  Support for the DP1M and DP2M can be downloaded here:

Sincere thanks to Carl Schofield for providing the necessary files to Brian to fine tune the update!

Lawrence (http://www.iridientdigital.com/products/rawdeveloper_download.html)
Title: Re: Iridient Digital Support for DP1M and DP2M files now available
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 18, 2013, 09:01:43 am
Just in from Brian Griffith, designer of Raw Developer:  Support for the DP1M and DP2M can be downloaded here:

Sincere thanks to Carl Schofield for providing the necessary files to Brian to fine tune the update!

Lawrence
 (http://www.iridientdigital.com/products/rawdeveloper_download.html)

Hmmm...
So far it seems reviews are....underwhelming.
http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/43230-merrill-support-iridient-developer.html

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on January 18, 2013, 02:09:23 pm
Agreed.  I've run several files that didn't show the dreaded magenta/green bias and this new update introduces the problem that SPP controlled.  Try the demo before buying it as this is not the solution we've been waiting for.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 19, 2013, 01:06:35 pm
A few images more  ;)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8395944882_d21c47ec85_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395944882/)
_SDI0453 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395944882/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8395930414_e163729188_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395930414/)
_SDI0442 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395930414/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8395937104_0570b477f7_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395937104/)
_SDI0448 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395937104/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8395949962_700f0bb701_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395949962/)
_SDI0449 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395949962/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8395940682_7a3407e64f_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395940682/)
_SDI0450 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395940682/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8395933946_d5f430e7f2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395933946/)
_SDI0445 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71931515@N05/8395933946/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/71931515@N05/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mi-fu on January 19, 2013, 09:45:40 pm
thanks Hulyss!!  i will try it out!!  :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: larkis on January 19, 2013, 11:07:56 pm
Here are 3 of mine (linked files are slightly bigger):

(http://www.dominik.ca/forumposts/photos/cuba/cuba_01_01.jpg)

(http://www.dominik.ca/forumposts/photos/cuba/cuba_01_02.jpg)

(http://www.dominik.ca/forumposts/photos/cuba/cuba_01_03.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on January 20, 2013, 06:58:11 pm
kudos to all of you posting the fabulous images I am seeing in this blog......really.  Very nice!!  Thanks
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on January 21, 2013, 07:03:25 pm
Good to see were still on the move...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences SPP Color Wheel
Post by: maxgruzen on January 21, 2013, 08:47:36 pm
I'm having trouble getting the left-right-up-down arrow's to work with the color wheel. I'm on a Mac but can't get them to work with the wheel. Anyone care to share the secret.....Thanks, Max
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences SPP Color Wheel
Post by: Hulyss on January 22, 2013, 02:07:46 am
I'm having trouble getting the left-right-up-down arrow's to work with the color wheel. I'm on a Mac but can't get them to work with the wheel. Anyone care to share the secret.....Thanks, Max

Hello Max,

Do you mean using the both key in the same time, to go in diagonal or just the keys alone ?

@ Larkis >> damn beautiful shoots.

For Cats amateurs :

 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences SPP Color Wheel
Post by: maxgruzen on January 22, 2013, 12:31:18 pm
Hello Max,

Do you mean using the both key in the same time, to go in diagonal or just the keys alone ?

@ Larkis >> damn beautiful shoots.

For Cats amateurs :

 
Hello Huylss, Well I was just trying to use them one at a time. Up,left. etc. Nothing happens, except the screen blinks. Tried holding command key and arrow, etc, with no luck. I should just click on the color wheel center and the arrows should work.....correct?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences SPP Color Wheel
Post by: Hulyss on January 22, 2013, 07:09:48 pm
Hello Huylss, Well I was just trying to use them one at a time. Up,left. etc. Nothing happens, except the screen blinks. Tried holding command key and arrow, etc, with no luck. I should just click on the color wheel center and the arrows should work.....correct?

Hello Max,

Yes exactly. You click with your mouse in the color wheel then, if planets are correctly aligned where you live, arrows of your keyboard should work.
Do not expect it to be quick, it go blink by blink. If it doesn't work, try with another keyboard. If it really doesn't work, maybe its a problem on mac SPP version BUT I ask ppl who have MAC SPP version to try it before sending any support case to SIGMA.

It work perfectly nice on my windows computer.   
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - Print sizes
Post by: Trevor Murgatroyd on January 23, 2013, 12:35:32 pm
In his review, MR states "the DP1M and DP2M are limited in print size to what one would get from a 24-28MP camera; let's call it about an 20X30" print".

Assuming a good print would require about 300 ppi, then 20X30" would need 6000x9000 pixels, but the DP2M cameras only have 3136x4704, which at 300ppi would seem to support a print of approximately 10X15" only.

I am interested in buying one of these cameras, partly to allow me to make larger prints, so I would appreciate if anyone could explain this apparent contradiction - am I missing something?

Many thanks

Trevor
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - Print sizes
Post by: Rand47 on January 23, 2013, 01:47:57 pm
In his review, MR states "the DP1M and DP2M are limited in print size to what one would get from a 24-28MP camera; let's call it about an 20X30" print".

Assuming a good print would require about 300 ppi, then 20X30" would need 6000x9000 pixels, but the DP2M cameras only have 3136x4704, which at 300ppi would seem to support a print of approximately 10X15" only.

I am interested in buying one of these cameras, partly to allow me to make larger prints, so I would appreciate if anyone could explain this apparent contradiction - am I missing something?

Many thanks

Trevor

Trevor,

I'm certainly not "the expert" here by any means and hopefully one of the real experts will jump in.  But, in my workflow printing via Lightroom 4.x the upressing is done "on the fly" by the LR print module.  And as a practical matter the quality of the DP Merrill files is so very good in terms of detail rendering and sharpness, that making 20x30" prints is well within their capability - assuming of course that you have a good capture to begin with.  In the LR tutorials from LULA, Jeff Schewe recommends (for Epson printers such as I have) that one send 360 to the printer from the print module.  If the "native resolution" is below that, I just check the box for 360.  If it is well above that (for smaller prints, obviously), he recommends sending 720.  

I used to think that just the "number of pixels" (per given dimension of print - native) was the majority of the story in terms of print detail and sharpness.   The DP Merrill has changed my mind about that.  For instance, sometimes my DP2M files print larger with more detail than my Sony A900 files.  (Actually kinda bums me out, to be honest.)

Quentin Bargate discusses upressing his DP2M files in this very thread, and also here:  http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/39705-sigma-dp2-merrill-shots.html (http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/39705-sigma-dp2-merrill-shots.html)

If you'd like a RAW to 16 bit tiff (out of Sigma software) file to test with, I'd be glad to provide you a link to download one of my original test shots.  Just send me a PM.

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - Print sizes
Post by: Trevor Murgatroyd on January 23, 2013, 02:41:30 pm
Thanks Rand

I had seen Jeff make the recommendation you mention, and it has also become my practice but I did not think it could be used to uprez by a factor of x2. I would like to get the file you offer and will PM you as soon as I figure out how to do that.

Thanks for the link to Quentin's discussion. I did look at the file he uprezzed 200% and to be honest I was disappointed with the result, however he did say he could probably do better, and it was a jpeg.

I need to try this for myself before I buy the cameras, and your file will help me do that - much appreciated.

Regards

Trevor
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Sauza on January 23, 2013, 03:04:19 pm
Hello community,
today the AML-2 has arrived and I'd like to show you what this little glass is capable of in combination with the DP2M.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8409263578_08ef199f84_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8409263578/in/photostream)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8409263458_21a88d91e8_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8409263458/in/photostream)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - Print sizes
Post by: Rand47 on January 23, 2013, 03:23:23 pm
Thanks Rand

I had seen Jeff make the recommendation you mention, and it has also become my practice but I did not think it could be used to uprez by a factor of x2. I would like to get the file you offer and will PM you as soon as I figure out how to do that.

Thanks for the link to Quentin's discussion. I did look at the file he uprezzed 200% and to be honest I was disappointed with the result, however he did say he could probably do better, and it was a jpeg.

I need to try this for myself before I buy the cameras, and your file will help me do that - much appreciated.

Regards

Trevor

PM and email sent w/ links for three tiff files.

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 24, 2013, 05:54:26 am
Hello guys,

About printing with DP2 Merrill (and all other Merrill devices) just have a look at this video, I already posted it I think, but here we go :)

https://www.thecamerastore.com/blog/2012/12/22/sigma-dp-1-2-merrill-field-test-nick-devlin (https://www.thecamerastore.com/blog/2012/12/22/sigma-dp-1-2-merrill-field-test-nick-devlin)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on January 24, 2013, 07:27:57 am
It's a good video but looking at the downloaded jpegs of their comparison with the D800, which they feel has a slight edge over the DP2M, I'm not so sure...certainly the Merrill is more contrasty, so maybe that's it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nandadevieast on January 25, 2013, 10:01:11 am
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8412172320_2ec85c8683_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on January 25, 2013, 01:43:19 pm
Attractive photograph; well projected mood.

Rob C
Title: Commentary on 30x48" Sigma SD-1 prints
Post by: kgelner on January 25, 2013, 04:59:48 pm
If you want to see some commentary on a number of 30x48" Sigma SD-1 prints a friend and I made as part of an un-official "Sigma Large Print Tour", there's a great writeup here:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2012/03/the-great-sigma-bigprint-national-tour.html

That's larger than most people will generally print, we just wanted to see how far we could push the images and still get good results.  Prints ranging up to that size are very doable, especially from the DP cameras which have generally very sharp lenses (only the sharpest lenses really looked good at that size).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on January 27, 2013, 05:55:01 pm
Diagonal girls (its all in the lines)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Lined_up.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 28, 2013, 04:40:54 am
Hallo Quentin, WB on the topic :) And nice models by the way ;)

Sand print :
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on January 28, 2013, 10:32:36 am
Models I can work with, Hulyss.  :D. Not too temperamental.

White balance is all over the place in that image, but I have another iteration where I have modified it slightly.  What intrigued me about the shot is the diagonal line that appears to run through the front mannequin's head at the line of the fringe, and across the whole frame.  A confluence of natural phenomena.

Now, about print size, which Trevor and others have mentioned

We need to bear in mind that doubling the size  ( i.e. doubling the dimensions, not the pixel count) gives you a near 60mp image which is fairly extreme, being 4 times the pixel count.  With a little effort it is possible to get great results at that size, and in my view significantly better than you could achieve from a 24mp camera.   Moreover the quality will extend to the edges of the frame, which cannot be said of many DSLR lenses.   But Lets not get too carried away because there is only so much data in even a DP2M file and a 4 x pixel count enlargement is a lot.

The DP2m also excels with panos

Quentin

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on January 28, 2013, 11:29:20 am
Models I can work with, Hulyss.  :D. Not too temperamental.

White balance is all over the place in that image, but I have another iteration where I have modified it slightly.  What intrigued me about the shot is the diagonal line that appears to run through the front mannequin's head at the line of the fringe, and across the whole frame.  A confluence of natural phenomena.

Now, about print size, which Trevor and others have mentioned

We need to bear in mind that doubling the size  ( i.e. doubling the dimensions, not the pixel count) gives you a near 60mp image which is fairly extreme, being 4 times the pixel count.  With a little effort it is possible to get great results at that size, and in my view significantly better than you could achieve from a 24mp camera.   Moreover the quality will extend to the edges of the frame, which cannot be said of many DSLR lenses.   But Lets not get too carried away because there is only so much data in even a DP2M file and a 4 x pixel count enlargement is a lot.

The DP2m also excels with panos

Quentin



I see it now you say it ! Yes you was at the right place at the right moment.

About printing you are right. This is even simpler when we let the printer doing the interpolation job (If some of you have good printer, just have a try you might love it).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on January 28, 2013, 05:37:49 pm
Quentin, I hope you will keep posting your images for us.  Like Hulyss, it took the explanation for me to see the diagonal line, and once one has seen it, you wonder how it didn't jump out at you in the first place.  I am sure you are taking some pleasure at the number of views this thread has gotten and continues.  It was your intial posting that caused me to add the DP2M to my other "tools" and now that is the one I want to take everywhere.  Absolutely outstanding results and sweet gorgeous prints.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: tom w on January 29, 2013, 09:18:31 am
I have been delighted with the DP2m which I have had for about a month. But, when working on some images from a recent outing I noticed 2 spots on an image with a lot of cloudless sky in the frame. These were easily repaired with the spot healing brush but were disconcerting nonetheless. Anyone else notice this problem in your camera?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on January 29, 2013, 09:25:11 am
White balance is all over the place in that image, but I have another iteration where I have modified it slightly.  What intrigued me about the shot is the diagonal line that appears to run through the front mannequin's head at the line of the fringe, and across the whole frame.  A confluence of natural phenomena.

Quentin





But Quentin, you miss the point of the image by raising that point: it doesn't matter a damn what the white balance 'should be'; it's the total effec that matters, and the total effect is bloody good! Stuff 'correct' balances every time if they only serve to meet some theoretical ideal.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Adam L on January 29, 2013, 09:31:24 am
Quentin, I can't help but notice that blur in the lower right corner.  What is causing this?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on January 30, 2013, 05:40:00 pm
One from today:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8430815866_6232bdf9b0_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8430815866/)
_SDI0466 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8430815866/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: The Ute on January 31, 2013, 09:16:29 am
After reading all of these posts, and seeing the many photos I decided to to find out what the fuss was all about. So I am renting a DP2.

It should arrive in about a week.


:)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on January 31, 2013, 12:30:39 pm
Hi all,

I am looking for tips or examples and maybe tutorials on DP Merrill workflow and RAW processing, does anyone of you a few links to share? I'm trying to get the best from my shots and by seeing the work of users here, it seems like I need to improve my post-processing.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on January 31, 2013, 02:29:59 pm
Hi all,

I am looking for tips or examples and maybe tutorials on DP Merrill workflow and RAW processing, does anyone of you a few links to share? I'm trying to get the best from my shots and by seeing the work of users here, it seems like I need to improve my post-processing.

Thanks!

If you read this very thread through from the beginning, and perhaps this one at GetDPI:    you'll get a good sense of "best practices" in getting in and out of Sigma SPP.
In short, export as 16 bit uncompressed tiff.  Most process in SPP minimally, and leave defaults except for a little negative on the sharpening.  Most shoot "natural" on camera setting.

I pretty much followed the lead of others after reading these threads, and Michael's report on the DP2M on this site, and have been very pleased with the (huge) tiff files brought into LR for processing.

Rand (http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/39705-sigma-dp2-merrill-shots.html)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kgelner on January 31, 2013, 06:40:37 pm
Shoot the camera at about +0.7 exposure.  You are looking to get what appears to be near or mild blowout in the preview images.

I would advise shooting neutral color mode with auto WB (unless you are used to setting custom WB, that is fine).  If the scene has much dynamic range, shoot ISO 200 instead of ISO 100.

Review all your images using either the embedded JPG files, or shoot raw+JPG and look at those JPG files to decide what raw files you want to convert.

In SPP create a preset for -1.0 exposure, batch convert all your selected RAW files using that preset into 16-bit TIFF files.

If you like a bit more saturation in your colors, add +0.3 to saturation in that export preset.  You can also try the other color modes, but I really like Neutral as a base.

Then take the 16-bit TIFF files into something like Aperture or Lightroom, add back in +1.0 exposure.  The effect that has is that SPP is fantastic at recovering highlights, that you could not get out of a TIFF at base exposure.  Shooting ISO 200 you can often recover almost two stops of over-exposure.  If the image is re-blown after adding back in the exposure you can use the recovery sliders in the other editors like you would with a raw image.

If any images are still blown try going back into SPP and reducing exposure even more.

If you prefer to use just SPP editing you can, reducing exposure enough to recover highlights, then usign other controls to increase the brightness of dark areas.  But be aware that heavy use of any of the controls is not advised - fill light works great but I wouldn't use it much past +0.3 as it gets that kind of classic "HDR" look.  Shadows and Highlights sliders can help increase overall brightness but if set too far over they seem to drain some color.  That's why I prefer after lowering exposure to bring it back up in another tool.

For some the default level of sharpening is a little overdone, you may also wish to export with sharpening set to -1.0 and re-sharpen to your taste (in SPP -2.0 is sharpening all the way off).
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on January 31, 2013, 07:54:02 pm
A few shots from St Simon's Island, Georgia USA

(http://i48.tinypic.com/28i8ck2.jpg)
(http://i47.tinypic.com/1z1wfur.jpg)
(http://i50.tinypic.com/1id2j7.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/xpno5.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on February 01, 2013, 11:04:53 am
Thank you kgelner for sharing this method. It seems like you spent quite some time fine tuning this! So you overexposure to optimize the dynamic if I understand your approach? Does it work for all situations?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on February 02, 2013, 11:22:42 am
Thanks everyone for posting amazing pictures to convince me to get this cam and support sigma.

I received this camera recently and it was sunny today, so I took it out for the first time.
this one is 100% crop, it was handheld, so not as sharp as you can get with the dp2m.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on February 02, 2013, 11:42:12 am
This one could have been an amazing picture, if I had gone into manual focus first, and locked focus.
auto-focus has gone for the background. but just to highlight you can take pictures of moving objects during daylight.
again, highly cropped.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on February 03, 2013, 11:35:47 am
Hello Farsh and welcome to the horde :) I'm sure you will enjoy your new camera and the tremendous possibility it offer :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on February 03, 2013, 06:35:02 pm
BTW, Hulyss, I love your web site. My favorite is the shot of the young lady with the sword and the fox.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on February 03, 2013, 07:39:27 pm
BTW, Hulyss, I love your web site. My favorite is the shot of the young lady with the sword and the fox.

Thank you Ken :)  For the little story, all my visuals are some kind of work, especially when it come to clothings. At first, I killed a pheasant to stuff her wings then I made the helmet out of leather, goat fur and coper thread. After that I designed the jacket. She's made of raw wool, dear leather, velvet and fox fur. All is hand made by my wife (the model, she graduated at that and do custom clothes for lawyers, weeding high end robes ...). As you can see in this little slide-show, it was a test with very expensive custom profoto soft box  ;D Of course I did it with a SIGMA SD15 and the 50 f1.4 EX. This is my "throwaway gear" when I go in rainy environment, in studio I run with Elinchrom.

http://youtu.be/S50N8xyYe6s

Sorry for the little of topic.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on February 04, 2013, 03:05:47 pm
In the swamp:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8439867542_1e7fbe40eb_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8439867542/)
_SDI0491 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8439867542/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8438777343_548e1fcfd1_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8438777343/)
_SDI0490 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8438777343/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on February 04, 2013, 03:54:17 pm
Thank you Ken :)  For the little story, all my visuals are some kind of work, especially when it come to clothings. At first, I killed a pheasant to stuff her wings then I made the helmet out of leather, goat fur and coper thread. After that I designed the jacket. She's made of raw wool, dear leather, velvet and fox fur. All is hand made by my wife (the model, she graduated at that and do custom clothes for lawyers, weeding high end robes ...). As you can see in this little slide-show, it was a test with very expensive custom profoto soft box  ;D Of course I did it with a SIGMA SD15 and the 50 f1.4 EX. This is my "throwaway gear" when I go in rainy environment, in studio I run with Elinchrom.

http://youtu.be/S50N8xyYe6s

Sorry for the little of topic.


Nonsense; that's what makes it okay for non-owners like me to read these posts! Far more interesting having little insights into people's lives than just wordless pictures, however crisp or brilliant or surprising: it's the human bit that does it every time.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on February 04, 2013, 04:36:02 pm

Nonsense; that's what makes it okay for non-owners like me to read these posts! Far more interesting having little insights into people's lives than just wordless pictures, however crisp or brilliant or surprising: it's the human bit that does it every time.

Rob C

Thank you Rob :)

At first I wanted to show history in my photos by adding text with. For me, it is important. But HORDES of photographer blamed me because a photo is a photo and do not need text to be contextualized (I will prove them they are very wrong, just need 30 years of hard work). But for the little story, this very photo is the representation of a Venicones huntress, a people who lived in the north of Scotland loooonnnngggg time ago. Matriarchal society.

In the same league I did the photo of a Pict priestess. The Picts was a people of old Scotland too (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picts) The photo below show a pict priestess, haranguing the hordes before an Epic fight over the Vallum Aelium (Hadrian's Wall). Of course it is done with SIGMA gear  ;D The ancestor of the DP2 Merrill : The DP2s.

(http://www.hulyssbowman.com/tempo/forumsall/ThePict.jpg)

I'm born in France but my heart is Scot, for ever.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on February 04, 2013, 05:30:14 pm
Thank you Rob :)


In the same league I did the photo of a Pict priestess. The Picts was a people of old Scotland too (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picts) The photo below show a pict priestess, haranguing the hordes before an Epic fight over the Vallum Aelium (Hadrian's Wall). Of course it is done with SIGMA gear  ;D The ancestor of the DP2 Merrill : The DP2s.

I'm born in France but my heart is Scot, for ever.


How strange: I left Scotland to come and l¡ve in Spain, but I really would have liked to have lived in France!

I love the Dordogne area - perhaps because, perversely, it reminds me a bit of Scotland but with better cooking and wine. Really, though, I know I should have gone to live in Rome because I used to have relatives there and the psychology is pretty much natural to me. You think I'm messed up?

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on February 04, 2013, 05:51:51 pm
At first I wanted to show history in my photos by adding text with. For me, it is important. But HORDES of photographer blamed me because a photo is a photo and do not need text to be contextualized (I will prove them they are very wrong, just need 30 years of hard work).
Don't give up on that one, Hulyss. A photo without text can of course be a fine thing, as can text without a photo, but the combination of the two opens up lots of interesting possibilities, and not only in photojournalism. William Yang is a favorite of mine - see some of his work here (http://www.stillsgallery.com.au/artists/yang/). Look for the handwritten text on or below many of the images.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on February 04, 2013, 06:31:48 pm
... I'm born in France but my heart is Scot, for ever.

Don't get me wrong, I'm French. But if I have one regret in my life it is not to be born in United States of America...

Born in the USA... with a Scottish heart then? ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on February 05, 2013, 03:30:49 am

How strange: I left Scotland to come and l¡ve in Spain, but I really would have liked to have lived in France!

I love the Dordogne area - perhaps because, perversely, it reminds me a bit of Scotland but with better cooking and wine. Really, though, I know I should have gone to live in Rome because I used to have relatives there and the psychology is pretty much natural to me. You think I'm messed up?

;-)

Rob C

Naaa :) It is understandable because Scotland is a pretty hard country, after all. Just the weather and the economy... Scotland is a bit expensive. So, (and that will answer Slobodan the Sneaky ) it is why I would prefer to live in USA (pragmatic working life style) and keep my heart in Scotland, like a dream, even though I go Scotland almost every years. Who know, maybe my retirement place (If I find enough money to buy me a cottage where I want). About Roma ... I love Roma (not all in Italy). It is a easy place to live and, even if you do not speak Italian, you find yourself very de-stressed, very easy and peaceful (if you want some adress I do have some fine plans here ;) ).
You didn't messed up then, you like good things :)

Don't give up on that one, Hulyss. A photo without text can of course be a fine thing, as can text without a photo, but the combination of the two opens up lots of interesting possibilities, and not only in photojournalism. William Yang is a favorite of mine - see some of his work here (http://www.stillsgallery.com.au/artists/yang/). Look for the handwritten text on or below many of the images.

Thank you for this link Ken, very interesting (and I don't give up) :)

DP2m photo to be back on the topic before being incinerated !!



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 05, 2013, 09:47:34 pm
I love what the Merrill does with water.
Processed with Silver Efex Pro 2, selenium toning.
ISO 100, f10, 1/100.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/143j882.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on February 07, 2013, 02:17:18 pm
I've been reading this thread from the very beginning, and finally I had to try the camera myself.
Although already somehow aware of the pros and cons of DP2M, I was still shocked how bad is the software and how good are the sensor and the lens.
The lens is unbelievably sharp and free of fringing from the center to the edge. I took a similar picture with D600 and 24-85mm lens that can't even compare with the little wonder machine - much softer and blurred edges. Here is the Merill test shot with two crops.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on February 07, 2013, 03:30:26 pm
mezzoduomo, I love this BnW image, down to the fortuitous gull in the sky and gull on the pier.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 07, 2013, 05:56:33 pm
mezzoduomo, I love this BnW image, down to the fortuitous gull in the sky and gull on the pier.

Many thanks, Nancy.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: K.C. on February 10, 2013, 05:03:32 am
Although already somehow aware of the pros and cons of DP2M, I was still shocked how bad is the software and how good are the sensor and the lens.

SPP is not bad. It's just very limited. If you use it's basic functions to output a tif and move on to your app of choice you'll find it does exactly what you need it to do. And a new version of SPP is coming in just a few days. I think we'll see improvements but it won't ever please everyone.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on February 10, 2013, 04:19:15 pm
+1.  I don't linger over the Sigma software, because I just use it to output a 16-bit tiff to ACR. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: The Ute on February 10, 2013, 05:55:26 pm
1st time posting on this forum.

Let me start by saying thanks to all of you for the great tips and photos but most of all for turning me on to this gem of a camera.

I am including a link below to a series of photos from my first few days of shooting with the DP2.

If anything it has exceeded my expectations. It is the phtographic equivalent of a surgeon's scalpel.

https://picasaweb.google.com/109721757058432487394/DP2TestJPEGS?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHDqb7ztv2xfw#

Enjoy. I know I did.

 :)


















Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on February 10, 2013, 06:07:24 pm
I've just noticed that the DP-2M does not have an auxiliary battery and if you remove the battery for some period of time, the camera's date and time will reset. I haven't determined how long the date will last, it is longer than a few seconds, but I haven't determined exactly how long.

This may be a problem for those of use who use an external battery and the SAC-3 AC power adapter.

To their credit, the user guide does mention that the date will be lost after the battery is remove.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on February 10, 2013, 07:05:38 pm
Two more:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8461775455_f36df99675_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8461775455/)
_SDI0501 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8461775455/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8461785315_ccf69a230c_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8461785315/)
_SDI0503 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8461785315/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 10, 2013, 09:55:30 pm
ISO 100, f9, 1/80.

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2mfxa4h.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thierrylegros396 on February 11, 2013, 05:13:32 am
What is it, please, mezzoduomo  ??? ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 11, 2013, 06:35:36 am
What is it, please, mezzoduomo  ??? ;)

Hello Thierry,
This is a farm implement: one of several steel disks attached to a tractor in a row. A 'disc harrow'.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 12, 2013, 03:20:36 pm
A bright and beautiful day in Phoenix, after a cold night!

(http://i47.tinypic.com/20zws5g.jpg) 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on February 14, 2013, 04:03:11 pm
I just found this thread and read it from front to back twice...... lots of great informations and images! Thanks guys....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on February 14, 2013, 04:09:37 pm
A bright and beautiful day..

Could not tell from the picture... it's looks rather dull and muted. Come to think of it, like most of Sigma colors.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on February 14, 2013, 04:16:52 pm
Come to think of it, like most of Sigma colors.
For shame! Trollery, from you!

My own piece of provocation, which I hope nobody will take too badly amiss, is that although I have enjoyed and admired many of the shots on this thread, I am beginning to notice a certain tendency to display the resolution rather than post photographs which are also interesting in other ways. Resolution, in the end, is not that interesting, IMO. Of course, people may just be doing that for the thread.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on February 14, 2013, 04:36:24 pm
From my recent outing with my DP2m ...Too bad there were so many pieces of ice above the dam .... distracting

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa155/DEcevR/SDIM0053_zpsafb30e06.jpg)

lil less distracting but still noticeable in B&W

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa155/DEcevR/SDIM0054_zps2b30a2fc.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on February 14, 2013, 05:52:20 pm
For shame! Trollery, from you!...

Yes, I know it sounds troll-ish, but I am genuinely puzzled by colors, at least as displayed in this thread. At some point in this 30+ pages long thread I actually asked for someone to post skin shots that do not look sick-ishly, puke-ishly, yellow-greenish. The same goes for skies and general tonality. I know, I know, sounds like trolling again, but that is how I see it. For instance, check the page 37, post #723
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on February 14, 2013, 06:39:18 pm
...Yes, I know it sounds troll-ish, but I am genuinely puzzled by colors...
Point taken and allegation withdrawn. I probably thinking of the response such a comment might provoke on less civilized sites, and/or less exemplary threads on this site.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 14, 2013, 08:11:28 pm
Could not tell from the picture... it's looks rather dull and muted. Come to think of it, like most of Sigma colors.

This shot was taken within a minute of the other "dull and muted" shot. If you're still not seeing 'bright', as I mentioned previously, I give up.... :)


(http://i45.tinypic.com/5159xf.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on February 14, 2013, 09:07:33 pm
Yes, I know it sounds troll-ish, but I am genuinely puzzled by colors, at least as displayed in this thread. At some point in this 30+ pages long thread I actually asked for someone to post skin shots that do not look sick-ishly, puke-ishly, yellow-greenish. The same goes for skies and general tonality. I know, I know, sounds like trolling again, but that is how I see it. For instance, check the page 37, post #725.

I wonder how much this has to do with the raw conversion.... profiles and curves and stuff.... rather than the ability of the camera/sensor.  Lens seems top notch.


Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on February 14, 2013, 10:25:07 pm
Yes, I know it sounds troll-ish, but I am genuinely puzzled by colors, at least as displayed in this thread. At some point in this 30+ pages long thread I actually asked for someone to post skin shots that do not look sick-ishly, puke-ishly, yellow-greenish. The same goes for skies and general tonality. I know, I know, sounds like trolling again, but that is how I see it. For instance, check the page 37, post #725.
Hi Slobodan,
I think your question is valid.  I may be mistaken, but I think you're less than impressed by what the "Neutral" Color Mode produces on the Merrill.  If you're inclined towards a  Velvia-like palette you'd probably much prefer the "Landscape" setting. 
The Neutral setting is preferable to most as it represents the most accurate rendering of color... at least to my way of seeing.  And if truth be told... I much prefer the color I get from My Leica DMR and APO glass to the Sigma... but the Merrill's rendering of fine (as well as distant) detail trounces my Leica.  The color can be adjusted to taste.  I personally would rather have an incredibly detailed image with color that's slightly "off" than perfect color and an image with significantly less detail.  The former can be corrected.  The latter cannot.   
Being a DP2M owner and shooting with it almost daily I can say that the Neutral setting will not give you the Reality on Steroids look that so many cameras produce these days.  And regarding the yellowish beach image in post #725... I can honestly say that this evening the beaches along the Sonoma Coast had exactly those colors.  You can always remove disagreeable color bias in Photoshop... but I'd rather make that choice myself than have the camera do it.
Respectfully,
Lawrence     
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on February 15, 2013, 01:42:47 am
The DMR had fantastic color in daylight. That whole generation of Kodak CCD's did - IMHO. But it could do weird things in mixed color or fluorescent.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on February 15, 2013, 02:48:36 am
I have no experience in those areas Eric... so I guess I'm lucky.  The Merrill is just different in the way it renders color.  There are times when it produces a file that is absolutely sublime.  That's rare enough with any camera but not uncommon with the Merrill.  It's that singular aspect that makes the DP2M my "go to" camera more often than not.  I never thought I'd say that, but having such a small camera that produces such amazing images is liberating... compared to carrying a big SLR with a bag full of lenses. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on February 15, 2013, 09:09:09 am
The DMR had fantastic color in daylight. That whole generation of Kodak CCD's did - IMHO. But it could do weird things in mixed color or fluorescent.

The M8 as well.  Loved diffused daylight.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on February 15, 2013, 09:24:29 am
+1 windstork!

Being retired and not in the best of shape this camera and a very light tripod with a bag of filters make life afield much easier for my scenics. I don't draw the attention I did with bigger gear. Quite honestly its IQ is as good or better than any camera I have owned (I have owned a bunch from 4x5's through digitals). Due to its size it is not physically demanding to carry and use which is allowing me to venture further and deeper into areas that I would of avoided with larger heavier gear. For me it is a win-win-win tool even though I consider it a one or two trick pony. What it does it does excellently and its strengths is why I bought it.

Worrying about OOC colors and hues with the number of today's PP softwares having individual color and hue adjustments is in my opinion a non issue ( honestly I really like the OOC colors in "neutral" or "standard" modes and I don't do much in that area in PP.... But that is a individual like or dislike). I don't do portrait's and in fact avoid having people in my scenics so skin tone (good or bad) is something I will never see coming out of my Merrill. On the other hand one cannot create detail in image if it was not captured and the Merrill's do capture amazing detail. I have owned camera/Len combination where getting the detail was its biggest challenge and those soon left my kit bags, I see myself buying MORE Merrill's in the near future as they perfectly meet my needs and wants in a portable scenic image capture devise. I enjoy it for what it is and its ability to fly under the radar and not be noticed while out in areas where this is essential like night cityscapes.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on February 18, 2013, 08:53:14 am
Two motorbikes:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8485759666_0b7075154d_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8485759666/)
_SDI0514 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8485759666/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8484663437_f28ea9cb41_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8484663437/)
_SDI0511 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8484663437/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on February 18, 2013, 09:58:52 am
Nice juan........  ride still in my 60's and appreciate a good bike....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on February 19, 2013, 04:57:24 am
Any sign of SPP 5.5 yet?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on February 19, 2013, 06:07:01 am
Any sign of SPP 5.5 yet?

+1
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on February 19, 2013, 09:27:12 am
Think the 22nd is the expected launch from what I have seen on the web. I know a customer service rep was really impressed with the B&W changes to the software ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on February 20, 2013, 07:44:46 pm
100% crop

(badly framed original for comparison)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on February 21, 2013, 03:45:58 am
SPP 5.5 is out, but beware if you're on a Mac.  I installed it and it freezes.  I trashed it and re-installed it and is still freezes.  I then re-installed 5.4 and everything works fine. 
There's a bug in 5.5 that needs to be addressed so be advised.  I'm using Snow Leopard (10.6.8) so those of you running a more current OS may/may not experience the freezes.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on February 21, 2013, 07:56:23 am
  I'm using Snow Leopard (10.6.8) so those of you running a more current OS may/may not experience the freezes.

Seems to work fine for me on 10.8.2. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on February 21, 2013, 08:57:24 am
It seems stable on both my Windows 7 systems, but I don't think the B+W renders are correct. When a tiff is saved then opened up in PS, LR or even the tiff in SPP the B+W rendition looks horrible and plasticky, whereas the X3F  looked rather decent in SPP. This only seems to happen with the B+W renders, the colour tiffs seem OK, as they were in 5.4.1. Be AWARE, there is a pop-up warning saying converting a file to B+W will make it incompatible with earlier versions of SPP.

It's interesting to see just where the high ISO noise is in the X3F's, mainly in the red channel, if this is reduced while in B+W mode, the noise reduces considerably.

It looks like SPP 5.5 is adding Luminance Noise reduction to the rendered tif, at the middle setting, even though it is set at the lowest setting in the Adjustment Panel. That's what makes it look plasticky.

EDIT: it appears that this added Luminance NR is not happening now. I think that when SPP was first installed, although the NR sliders in the Monochrome Panel were set all the way to the left, SPP was still adding NR. When I moved the sliders to the centre then back to the left this reset SPP and it no longer adds the NR when making tifs. Great. BTW this "buglet" happened on both my systems.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: pflower on February 21, 2013, 11:07:41 am
SPP 5.5 is out, but beware if you're on a Mac.  I installed it and it freezes.  I trashed it and re-installed it and is still freezes.  I then re-installed 5.4 and everything works fine. 
There's a bug in 5.5 that needs to be addressed so be advised.  I'm using Snow Leopard (10.6.8) so those of you running a more current OS may/may not experience the freezes.

I think you will find that you have to uninstall 5.4 before installing 5.5.  Actually I just copied the folder with 5.5 and replaced the existing folder with 5.4 in it and it seems to work fine on a Mac running 10.6.8
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on February 21, 2013, 12:34:23 pm
I removed the SPP 5.4 app from my Applications folder and dragged it to the trash.  I didn't empty the trash.  Could this be the problem?  How does one uninstall an app?  I normally just delete it and/or drag it to the trash. 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: wildstork on February 21, 2013, 12:48:02 pm
SPP 5.5 was reinstalled after deleting 5.4 and emptying the trash.  I then rebooted and SPP 5.5 appears to be working fine.  No spinning color wheel this time.
Lawrence
Title: Re: SPP 5.5.0 problem - thanks for follow-up
Post by: NancyP on February 21, 2013, 07:03:51 pm
I too run a Mac with OS 10.6.8 . Somewhere in the instructions to 5.5.0 for Mac is the information that SPP 5.4.1 must be uninstalled before installing 5.5.0.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on February 21, 2013, 07:11:33 pm
The Windows installation instructions also call for the removal of 5.4.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on February 23, 2013, 06:07:25 am
Finally! I have received my DP2M  :D

First things first, trying it by shooting a cat  ;D

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on February 25, 2013, 04:49:22 am
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8503687335_c1a86c9fe5_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8503687335/)
_SDI0520_ByN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8503687335/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8504075319_ed855fb5c6_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8504075319/)
_SDI0519 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8504075319/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 03, 2013, 01:03:26 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8522457790_39b4cf7326_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8522457790/)
Calle_Yunquera_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8522457790/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8521172551_fabeb44429_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8521172551/)
Camino_Yunquera_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8521172551/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Aguirre on March 03, 2013, 05:12:18 pm
Juan,
Looks like you're coming to terms with the Sigma and producing some fine shots. I noticed some banding in your B&Ws; did you try correcting this in SPP? I'm contemplating one of the Merrills for B&W landscapes, but this banding issue could be a deal-breaker; and I thought this problem had been resolved. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on March 04, 2013, 12:41:07 am
Converted to B&W in 5.5.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8522113353_7b18ce6d2a_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on March 04, 2013, 12:54:51 am
Juan,
Looks like you're coming to terms with the Sigma and producing some fine shots. I noticed some banding in your B&Ws; did you try correcting this in SPP? I'm contemplating one of the Merrills for B&W landscapes, but this banding issue could be a deal-breaker; and I thought this problem had been resolved. Thanks.

Yes, this banding is quite apparent if you open the images in flickr and look at the sky.  It's the kind of banding that actually shows more in the print than on the screen.  What I wonder is if this is in just your particular camera and you need to get it serviced or if all the DP2M cameras have this? 
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 04, 2013, 11:16:14 am
Indeed the bands are there but I'm not sure that is my camera or if it is something that happens to all merrill...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Aguirre on March 04, 2013, 03:06:02 pm
From what I gather, this is a well-known issue; thus the reason Sigma added a specific "banding" tool in SPP to address the problem. Just wondering if you had used that specific tool, and if so, to what degree of success. I'm probably going to give the Merrill a try; but as I love to shoot skies, banding is not something I can live with.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Kirk Gittings on March 04, 2013, 05:07:20 pm
i've been thinking about this camera. That banding is worrisome especially as I would use this for prints as a final product. What do people think of using this camera for a simple b&w camera for stitching say 2x and 4x stitches. Skies are oftentimes problematic in stitching landscapes in general because of lens vigneting etc. But specifically what about the DP2 its lens and stitching images with sky. Thanks
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 04, 2013, 06:52:40 pm
From what I gather, this is a well-known issue; thus the reason Sigma added a specific "banding" tool in SPP to address the problem. Just wondering if you had used that specific tool, and if so, to what degree of success. I'm probably going to give the Merrill a try; but as I love to shoot skies, banding is not something I can live with.
With the tool "noise banding" in SPP, the banding continue there  :( :( :(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on March 04, 2013, 08:01:51 pm
i've been thinking about this camera. That banding is worrisome especially as I would use this for prints as a final product. What do people think of using this camera for a simple b&w camera for stitching say 2x and 4x stitches. Skies are oftentimes problematic in stitching landscapes in general because of lens vigneting etc. But specifically what about the DP2 its lens and stitching images with sky. Thanks

I did some stitching with the DP2m at base ISO and didn't see any problem.

- I used f4.5-5.6,
- I used PTGUI Pro automatic light fall off compensation capability, just like I do with my DSLR lenses. It seems to equalize the skies within less than 1 RGB point, totally seemless to my eyes.

This prevents issues in skies.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on March 05, 2013, 11:06:17 am
i've been thinking about this camera. That banding is worrisome especially as I would use this for prints as a final product. What do people think of using this camera for a simple b&w camera for stitching say 2x and 4x stitches. Skies are oftentimes problematic in stitching landscapes in general because of lens vigneting etc. But specifically what about the DP2 its lens and stitching images with sky. Thanks

Kirk,

I can't answer your question with a deal of experience as there have been precious few blue sky days in London for some time now. You can get banding with the DP2M that's for sure but it appears to be on a per image basis and in my limited experience isn't as bad as all that. Until I get to the deep blue skies of Spain in a couple of months I can't be sure how it's going to affect me but I'm not too worried. I have bought a circular polariser so I can darken skies in camera, leaving less to do in post. As for vignetting, I don't think that's too bad with the Sigma lens and I have made an Adobe Camera Profile that reduces it anyway. I will be using the DP2M set up vertically for 2-3 shot panos and I'm not expecting too many problems although now and then there many be a lost shot. For it's definition and it's size and weight I love this camera, and if used carefully I have even got very decent results at 1600 ISO, using the new SPP 5.5 monochrome mode and whacking the colour mixer all the way into the blue channel, where noise is drastically reduced, adding grain and Clarity in LR gives a nice "film like" look. What's nice about the camera is that is DOES have limitations.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 05, 2013, 11:33:51 am
Maybe I'm a blind old fool, or maybe I don't know what to look for, but I really don't see banding in these images  on my MacBook Air screen. I do however see banding and other artifacts in skies all the time on 500PX and elsewhere when folks push too many sliders too far.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on March 05, 2013, 12:18:37 pm
Maybe I'm a blind old fool, or maybe I don't know what to look for, but I really don't see banding in these images  on my MacBook Air screen. I do however see banding and other artifacts in skies all the time on 500PX and elsewhere when folks push too many sliders too far.

Look for horizontal straight dark lines going through the open sky areas.  Helps if you expand the image larger.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 05, 2013, 01:32:15 pm
Look for horizontal straight dark lines going through the open sky areas.  Helps if you expand the image larger.

Could you take a screen shot and use arrows to point it out to us, please? I do not see it either.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on March 05, 2013, 02:14:18 pm
Converted to B&W in 5.5.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8522113353_7b18ce6d2a_o.jpg)

Cheers,
Bernard




I like the shot, Bernard, but I don't think that the file has converted well to b/white. The problem (in my eyes) is that the image looks 'milky' and the whites especially don't look clean. It's something I noticed with my D200 quite often, but haven't with the D700, perhaps because I've made fewer with that camera. I believe that converted colour transparencies make for better black/whites than do digital files.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 05, 2013, 02:20:21 pm
... the whites especially don't look clean...

Perhaps there were no whites (i.e., white umbrellas) there?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on March 05, 2013, 03:26:43 pm


I like the shot, Bernard, but I don't think that the file has converted well to b/white. The problem (in my eyes) is that the image looks 'milky' and the whites especially don't look clean. It's something I noticed with my D200 quite often, but haven't with the D700, perhaps because I've made fewer with that camera. I believe that converted colour transparencies make for better black/whites than do digital files.

Rob C

I know what you mean, and I believe, in this shot, that the whites were recovered, which is a digital thing as we've been trained to recover highlights, keep texture in everything.  I like the shot and the conversion, but I think its nothing a curve or level adjustment wouldn't change.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on March 05, 2013, 05:38:25 pm
Could you take a screen shot and use arrows to point it out to us, please? I do not see it either.

Hope this helps - and that Juan doesn't mind.  From the top left corner of the Camino Yunquera image.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 05, 2013, 06:03:01 pm
Hope this helps - and that Juan doesn't mind.  From the top left corner of the Camino Yunquera image.



Don't worry, I don't care and the bands are there ....  >:(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 05, 2013, 08:04:01 pm
How about in this picture?  Banding in the beautiful blue sky?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8504075319/

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on March 05, 2013, 09:01:29 pm
I have personnally been able to get rid of some DP2m banding issues with Topaz Denoise plugin.

It does have a special banding removal capability where you can adjust the width of the banding, it helped a lot.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on March 05, 2013, 11:33:11 pm
I guess I am glad I am old and my eyes maybe aging and I do thank you for trying to show where the banding is but I swear I still don't see it and I even put my fly tying glasses on to magnify the image.

I recently had some 16x20 prints made and went over them with a magnifying glass and do not see any banding either on these. Guess I will remain blissfully content about my DP2m images because what I can't see can't bother me. ;)  I had some of my friends and family look at your example and my images and they don't see anything either and 2 of them are in their 20's  ???
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on March 06, 2013, 03:48:32 am
I guess I am glad I am old and my eyes maybe aging and I do thank you for trying to show where the banding is but I swear I still don't see it and I even put my fly tying glasses on to magnify the image.

I recently had some 16x20 prints made and went over them with a magnifying glass and do not see any banding either on these. Guess I will remain blissfully content about my DP2m images because what I can't see can't bother me. ;)  I had some of my friends and family look at your example and my images and they don't see anything either and 2 of them are in their 20's  ???


Wel, Jim, then I can only assume it's your  monitor. I can give your youngsters fifty years and yet I can see the banding!

Banding was a problem with some early D200 bodies too, but I guess I was lucky with mine in that respect.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Willow Photography on March 06, 2013, 04:31:40 am
Hi guys

I was / am thinking about buying a tech camera for architectural and
landscape photography.
But I also have a Sigma DP2 Merrill.
Its a terrific camera and I wonder if it can be used with stitching in
those areas.

Whats the best thing do to to get it right
( panorama head, nodalpoint, software etc )?

Can it in any way replace a tech camera with rise/fall and shift?

Willow
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on March 06, 2013, 06:47:05 am
But I also have a Sigma DP2 Merrill.
Its a terrific camera and I wonder if it can be used with stitching in
those areas.

Whats the best thing do to to get it right
( panorama head, nodalpoint, software etc )?

Can it in any way replace a tech camera with rise/fall and shift?

Yes, I believe that it can. For landscape the very short battery life of the DP2m will be a problem though.

You could start sitching with a really right stuff spherical pano head to see whether it meet your needs. Typically a 2 row x 3 images pano with a 45/50mm lens will cover the same angle as a 24mm lens with enough freedom to correct for perspective (that will adress rise/fall well).

I guess that you mention shift for those cases when you want to avoid camra reflections in a window,...? Well, that is more challenging, you are going to have to position the camera so as to avoid reflections in the first place.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 06, 2013, 06:48:59 am
How about in this picture?  Banding in the beautiful blue sky?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8504075319/



In this photo I'm unable to see any band (will be my eyes?)  ???
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on March 06, 2013, 08:06:36 am
I don't think we should get to carried away by the banding issues on the DP2M, in my experience they are slight and certainly don't appear in most shots. All sensors can exhibit banding. Also banding can be an issue with monitors rather than the file. When I've had banding problems, with my Hasselblad CFV, it's usually down to rigorous LR adjustments, and most of the time, although the banding is visible on my monitor it doesn't appear in the prints.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Aguirre on March 06, 2013, 08:07:38 am
Juan, I see no banding within your color shot. I'm not a pixel-peeper, so I've never really peeped at other cameras; the only reason I'm scrutinizing is because I have a particular desire to print large, hi-rez, B&W landscapes with an emphasis on skies. I'm also trying to limit my PP for purist reasons; although I do thank Bernard for his recommendations for minimizing the banding.

I wonder if the DP1M has this issue; or the DP3M for that matter?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on March 06, 2013, 08:41:51 am
I've seen banding in almost all digi cameras after B&W conversion.  My theory is that too much of one value of a color is removed, thus banding.  The same frame in color will not exhibit banding.  Is that the case with the DP shots?  Or is in color as well?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: nuustt on March 07, 2013, 09:48:27 am
Yes, I believe that it can. For landscape the very short battery life of the DP2m will be a problem though.

You could start sitching with a really right stuff spherical pano head to see whether it meet your needs. Typically a 2 row x 3 images pano with a 45/50mm lens will cover the same angle as a 24mm lens with enough freedom to correct for perspective (that will adress rise/fall well).

I guess that you mention shift for those cases when you want to avoid camra reflections in a window,...? Well, that is more challenging, you are going to have to position the camera so as to avoid reflections in the first place.

Cheers,
Bernard


For your information, I use a B+W 49mm CPL on my DP2m and it reduces reflection of glass and water significantly. However, it also reduces exposure by 2 stops. You may give it a try when shooting window wall of grand buildings.

Cheers,
Stephen
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Jim Funston on March 07, 2013, 09:20:07 pm
I guess it could be my monitors but I don't see it on any of my MAC's or even my iPhone or iPad. Out of sight out of mind I guess. I just went all over some recent prints up to 16x20 and can't see any banding on them either.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 08, 2013, 02:38:04 am
I come with a news for you, a firmware update >>

Quote
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that firmware SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill is available for download.
Benefits of the firmware update

SIGMA DP1 Merrill firmware [Ver.1.03] ・Adds the Face Detection Mode ・It is possible to create B/W images in RAW or RAW+JPEG mode.

・It corrects the phenomenon that transferring an image using a USB cable fails occasionally.

・It is possible that non-SIGMA external flashguns can synchronize at a shutter speed of 1/125 second or slower.

・It corrects the phenomenon that JPEG images are not properly displayed in the Adobe RGB color space.

SIGMA DP2 Merrill firmware [Ver.1.04]

・Adds the Face Detection Mode ・It is possible to create B/W images in RAW or RAW+JPEG mode.

・It corrects the phenomenon that transferring an image using a USB cable fails occasionally.

・It is possible that non-SIGMA external flashguns can synchronize at a shutter speed of 1/125 second or slower.

・It corrects the phenomenon that JPEG images are not properly displayed in the Adobe RGB color space.

SIGMA DP1 Merrill firmware Ver.1.03 is available for download at the following site. http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp1m-firmware.html
SIGMA DP2 Merrill firmware Ver.1.04 is available for download at the following site. http://www.sigma-dp.com/download/dp2m-firmware.html

I just hope it fix the colors to be in par with the DP3m output.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: capital on March 08, 2013, 03:37:51 am
I do not own a DP but am interested.

According to Sigma, their DP1 Merrill is not compatible with the AML-2, has anyone mounted it on their camera anyways, what was the closest you could focus with it? Was image quality impacted?

Sigma list a maximum exposure time of 30 seconds, the manual states there is an interval timer yet the minimum time between shots is 15 seconds, hmmm okay, that will not be a seamless transition from one frame to the next, so I thought about a hack involving exposure bracketing to get a stacked "90 second exposure", so will the following work:

In manual mode, set the exposure at 30 sec and set the exposure compensation to +3 EV, set up auto bracketing mode, set the self timer for 2 or 10 sec delay, thus the camera will peg three exposures at the maximum allowed time (i.e. 30 secs) since it can't go above 30 secs and then fire them consecutively without any delay?


Finally, the camera manual states you can zoom into x12 when manual focusing, is x12 usable for obtaining critical focus or is the lens prone to under and overshoot the focus position because it moves in steps? Also, when AF focusing it is possible to have a magnified view of the in focus point (1of9)?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on March 08, 2013, 03:38:44 am
I'm wondering what the benefits of shooting raw B&W can be?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 08, 2013, 05:42:32 am
On long exposure stacking:
The DP Merrill camera uses dark field compensation to improve the signal noise ratio. Each long exposure shot is followed by a shot with closed shutter. The noise of the dark shot is subtracted from the actual picture. Using exposure bracketing overrides this behaviour. You get more noisy shots but you get them faster. To make it short: I can't imagine any improvement by stacking two exposures in the way you described.

On focusing steps:
Focusing works fine on my DP2M. The focusing steps of the DP2m are calculated with overlapping sharpness and sharpness can be seen on the screen very good if you use the 1:1 zoom mode.

Uwe
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: capital on March 08, 2013, 02:09:15 pm
Hi Uwe, thank you for your reply,

I understand exposure stacking of DP images might not be optimal from a noise reduction point of view, however for stacking 3 DP images with seamless blending of moving elements during the exposure, such as car lights, foliage moving, etc: I was curious if the method I expressed above would produce 3 seamless 30 second exposures for this reason.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 08, 2013, 02:48:53 pm
There will be gaps in the light trajectories as the camera needs a moment to open and close the shutter. And maybe you will get a battery problem inbetween ;-(
Nethertheless there are good examples of long exposure traffic photos on flickr.
Uwe ;-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: neways on March 08, 2013, 03:26:41 pm
I downloaded the latest firmware and updated my DP2M, but when I put a Canon flash on the camera it won't fire. I thought the new firmware update will allow non-Sigma flash to work. Do I miss something here?

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 08, 2013, 05:13:39 pm
I'm very confused with the banding on my pics. Are there anyone with banding problems in their DP2M that have been send the camera to SIGMA?  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Aguirre on March 08, 2013, 05:58:09 pm
Juan, I perused some B&W DP Merrill shots on flickr and I did see some banding from multiple shooters; even some vertical banding. However, the banding was not always present; perhaps TMARK is on to something. Also, the banding seemed to be non-existent on shots with a lot of noise; speaking of which, the grain signature of this camera looks VERY good. You might want to search out some B&Ws yourself and see what you come up with. Good luck!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mdijb on March 08, 2013, 06:17:21 pm
I went to the Sigma download page for the DP1 Firmware update but cannot find the button to push  or link  to download.

HWere is it??

MDIJB
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on March 08, 2013, 06:26:50 pm
At the very bottom, of course! :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mdijb on March 09, 2013, 12:18:52 pm
How does one do HDR with the DP2 files?  None of the processors handle these raw files.  JUST do the merges on the 16 bit tiffs from SPP?? or is there another option?

MDIJB
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill HDR
Post by: NancyP on March 09, 2013, 01:04:14 pm
Yep, just convert to tiff , send to Lightroom or Photoshop or whatever and your favorite HDR plug-in . Works just fine.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 09, 2013, 02:45:18 pm
Juan,
banding in your pics might be a result of to much fill light combined with extensive curve bending in another program (Photoshop?).
I had a look at your pic of the beautiful pine tree at flickr. The colored version has no banding but the halos around the tree point to a fill light problem. Obviously the tree was to dark or the sky to light and you had to compensate for this. In such cases it's dangerous to use fill light alone. I almost always give the same amount of contrast when I use fill light. The picture looks  overexposed then and you need to compensate with the exposure slider. Over- and underexposure can be corrected with the highlights and shadows slider.

My rule of thumb is the following:  Contrast >= Fill Light = negative Exposure

Have you done the BW-conversion in SPP or in another program? SPP 5.5 is quite usable for that ;)

Uwe 8-)



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 09, 2013, 02:50:43 pm
The banding is a hardware problem. It can be soldering around the sensor, electrical leak between layers, a bad electromagnetic shielding (maybe it is why the battery is so small), it seems to appear on a batch of sensors who might have a little default or another component around the sensor ... and so on. Be sure we will never know what is the true cause of this ;)

If it was only firmware and software problem, this would have been sorted Looooonnnggg ago.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 09, 2013, 04:06:44 pm

If it was only firmware and software problem, this would have been sorted Looooonnnggg ago.

Actually, it sounds like uvl just might have it sorted now....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 09, 2013, 05:47:28 pm
Yes Hulyss, partially. This is a hardware problem for almost all digital cameras. It has to be dealt with more or less. Usually camera software is able to sort this out. The price for this are other artefacts.
Juans pics show banding only in BW-conversions. Color pics are OK even with 1.0 fill light. Maybe it's just a little bug in his BW workflow.
Uwe ;-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 10, 2013, 06:19:56 am
Thanks guys. I see banding always in my B&W pics that I procesed with Silver Effex. I think that this is the problem.
Thanks!!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: L-R on March 10, 2013, 08:08:35 pm
A relative novice here.  What I know about photography could be rolled around in a thimble, but I bought the DP2Merrill last week and want to dip my toe into landscape and architectural photography.  I just hope I'm not the fool for having chosen such a persnickity instrument through which to learn.  I think it will be a camera that I can grow into and whose output I can enjoy immensely if I take a deliberate approach, and that is my hope.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: maxgruzen on March 11, 2013, 12:30:30 am
It would not be my choice for a first camera only because there is a higher risk of less keepers, and because I think it lends itself to a smaller range of options then a normal camera, BUT, it will be a fun challenging trip for you.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 11, 2013, 12:42:04 am
Sedona Arizona on a breathtakingly beautiful Sunday.
ISO 100, f6.3, 1/800.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2nbdevr.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on March 11, 2013, 08:35:32 am
For the heck of skin tones (FW 1.04):

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8547623265_3998c1291d_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/malinadz/8547623265/)

Unfortunately, Flickr applies additional sharpness  >:(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on March 11, 2013, 08:58:47 pm
Terrible skin tones on the DP2M!!!   I'm horrified....     ;D

What a lovely model.  Beautiful photo.

Hulyss, you sure they didn't fix colors w/ the latest firmware?  This example is lovely.

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: The Ute on March 11, 2013, 09:03:06 pm
Sedona Arizona on a breathtakingly beautiful Sunday.
ISO 100, f6.3, 1/800.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2nbdevr.jpg)

Thank goodness someone around here besides me posts Landscapes.

I was at Oak Creek Canyon last fall to hike and shoot.

Amazing place. Really, really beautiful.

Too bad I didn't have a Merrill at that time.

 :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 12, 2013, 08:26:00 am

Anyone want to start an SPP Monochrome thread?

(http://i47.tinypic.com/dlklug.jpg)

(http://i50.tinypic.com/219z2uc.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: L-R on March 12, 2013, 09:27:32 pm
First time out with the DP2M.  I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm having a good time.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: stevew50 on March 17, 2013, 03:46:38 am
Here are some B&W.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: stevew50 on March 17, 2013, 03:50:21 am
Another shot.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: TMARK on March 18, 2013, 11:49:56 am
Another shot.

These look alot like Mamiya 7 images shot of Delta 100.  Nice.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 18, 2013, 03:22:14 pm
What a gorgeous shot. Such detail!

Here is a link to a 9 image DP2M panorama of Cannes on the French Riviera.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Cannes_Panorama_Printready.jpg (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9806585/Cannes_Panorama_Printready.jpg)

The printed image is 24 x 100 inches at 300ppi

All images handheld, manual settings, stitched in PTGui.  The level of detail in the printed original is quite incredible.

Quentin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 18, 2013, 03:22:46 pm
OMG! This is absolutely gorgeous!

Gorgeous pano image! Due to the limitation of the 46mm lens of the DP2M I find myself to shoot pano more with the camera to get wider view for landscape images.

I like to know if you used vertical frames or horizontal frames to stitch this pano image? And did you use Nodal plate to move the camera a little bit behind the center of the tripod? Thanks! Here is the latest pano of the fall scene I shot the day before, 3 horizontal frames with DP2M.

John
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 18, 2013, 03:31:14 pm



Gorgeous shot. I live in Arizona now. I bought the DP2M for landscape mostly. I am just trying to figure out what a good, light weight, versatile tripod would be good for this camera. Having never purchased a tripod, or shot landscapes, I am totally confused at what to get. I am thinking Really Right Stuff L grip for the Sigma, and then a portable, carbon fiber tripod and maybe a ball head? I have no clue. Also, what accessories did you guys get and where the heck do you get them? I would love the viewfinder if it is a good product to use, but I only see the one for DP1M. Also, what about the lens hood? a camera case? What strap for around the neck? Anyone pimp out there camera?
Sedona Arizona on a breathtakingly beautiful Sunday.
ISO 100, f6.3, 1/800.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2nbdevr.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 18, 2013, 09:45:55 pm
Lainer:   I bought the RRS plate/grip for my 1 and 2...OUTSTANDING. I actually dropped my DP2 before getting the grip, so I really appreciate it.  This camera is just that much better with a tripod, and my small, light tripod is the Promaster T525P carbon fiber with a Sunway ArcaSwiss style head.

Sigma hoods, no case, Domke small canvas bag holds the 1 and 2 at the same time. I use B&H almost exclusively for purchase.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 19, 2013, 09:32:31 am
Two more with the DP2M:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8570678581_694d455a52_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8570678581/)
_SDI0686 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8570678581/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8570678473_ddda0b729b_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8570678473/)
_SDI0685 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8570678473/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 19, 2013, 03:24:06 pm
The only problem is, I never bought a tripod before. I know I should buy the RRS L plate at least. It makes sense. Now as for a tripod, I'd like something light, maybe a carbon fiber as I hear they are better to stop vibration and aren't cold to the touch in cold weather. Like I said, I really have no clue when it comes to tripods. I don't want to buy something that is too big, or crummy. but I don't want to buy something that is overkill. It's all confusing to me.

Lainer:   I bought the RRS plate/grip for my 1 and 2...OUTSTANDING. I actually dropped my DP2 before getting the grip, so I really appreciate it.  This camera is just that much better with a tripod, and my small, light tripod is the Promaster T525P carbon fiber with a Sunway ArcaSwiss style head.

Sigma hoods, no case, Domke small canvas bag holds the 1 and 2 at the same time. I use B&H almost exclusively for purchase.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on March 19, 2013, 04:47:31 pm
Quick question about VF21 viewfinder - does it have dioptric adjustment - does it need it for folks who need specs for close vision? (not sure of the optical principles of direct vision viewfinders)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kers on March 19, 2013, 06:57:57 pm
...but I don't want to buy something that is overkill. It's all confusing to me.

I would by a L-plate from RRS - a small RRS ballhead - and a carbonfibre tripod from Velbon ( i bought one very cheap and it is just very well made and light )
The RRS is good but very expensive(6x) ...i do not think it will make the difference...
and do not forget  a remote control to avoid camera shake..

I use the light Velbon as well as a 7 KG tripod with my nikon d800 but must say the Velbon never lets me down...
i love L-plates and the ballheads from RRS -i have the bh40 and the smallest ; the latter will be sufficient for this merrill and is very lightweight
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: rayken on March 20, 2013, 02:57:06 am
After following this forum I purchased a DP2m for my landscape images. I have just returned from a trek through the Western Arthur Range in southwest Tasmania and wish to share some images with this forum. During the trip I manages to shoot 169 images on less than 2 batteries, with some minor editing, I used an OVF to save on the LCD.
Ray
raykennedy.com.au
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on March 20, 2013, 09:55:01 am
Quick question about VF21 viewfinder - does it have dioptric adjustment - does it need it for folks who need specs for close vision? (not sure of the optical principles of direct vision viewfinders)

The VF1 does not have dioptic adjustment, but I can use it either with my reading glasses on or off. When I don't use my glasses the image in the finder is less focussed although the frame line seems unaffected. I tend to find using it without glasses easier despite less clarity, but this may be a personal preference.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on March 20, 2013, 10:33:46 am
The VF1 does not have dioptic adjustment, but I can use it either with my reading glasses on or off. When I don't use my glasses the image in the finder is less focussed although the frame line seems unaffected. I tend to find using it without glasses easier despite less clarity, but this may be a personal preference.

Just out of interest what strength are your reading glasses?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on March 20, 2013, 12:47:53 pm
Oh..I don't know precisley but something like 2.5 as per cheap supermarket glasses.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 20, 2013, 03:39:50 pm


Thanks for the response to my query. Is Velbon a brand name? I've never heard of it.

I like the L plate from RRS. Can it be used on other tripods? I don't know anything about tripods.
I would by a L-plate from RRS - a small RRS ballhead - and a carbonfibre tripod from Velbon ( i bought one very cheap and it is just very well made and light )
The RRS is good but very expensive(6x) ...i do not think it will make the difference...
and do not forget  a remote control to avoid camera shake..

I use the light Velbon as well as a 7 KG tripod with my nikon d800 but must say the Velbon never lets me down...
i love L-plates and the ballheads from RRS -i have the bh40 and the smallest ; the latter will be sufficient for this merrill and is very lightweight

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 20, 2013, 03:40:38 pm
What remote control would you use for a Sigma DP2M? I have no idea.

Thanks!


I would by a L-plate from RRS - a small RRS ballhead - and a carbonfibre tripod from Velbon ( i bought one very cheap and it is just very well made and light )
The RRS is good but very expensive(6x) ...i do not think it will make the difference...
and do not forget  a remote control to avoid camera shake..

I use the light Velbon as well as a 7 KG tripod with my nikon d800 but must say the Velbon never lets me down...
i love L-plates and the ballheads from RRS -i have the bh40 and the smallest ; the latter will be sufficient for this merrill and is very lightweight

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: maxgruzen on March 20, 2013, 05:16:08 pm
Lainer, I use a DP2M with the Vf21. I need glasses to read,-250 to 275, and have no problem with the viewfinder. The viewfinder is so small I don't even know its there but it's great in bright sun. The Voitlander finder is a better optic, but is a bit bigger. My 2 cents on the L bracket and grip is this....I love the merrill because it is small and light, so why put a big heavy RRS bracket and grip on it. Richard Feneric makes a grip that is small ,light and works great. I walk around all day with the Merrill just hanging on my finger, and even with bad arthritis I don't even feel it. I have his grip on all my cameras. For an L bracket I use the fabulous JTEC bracket. Again small and light. Just some other options for you to Google and check out......Max
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 20, 2013, 05:43:20 pm
Lainer & maxgruzen:

The remote is not necessary, as there are delay shutter settings on the Merrill.  And, the RRS grip is (to me...) not at all heavy, but a bit larger than the Franiec grip alone. This provides extra grip, at the trade off of slightly larger size.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: paulormiston on March 21, 2013, 02:20:13 am
First posts from Phyathai Palace, Bangkok
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: paulormiston on March 21, 2013, 02:26:48 am
havent quite got the hang of posting multiple images yet
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 21, 2013, 09:26:06 am
That's the most interesting moire example I've seen so far (#82). A result of jpeg compression or...?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 21, 2013, 10:48:20 am
That's the most interesting moire example I've seen so far (#82). A result of jpeg compression or...?

There is no moire  ::) ... This is just optical illusion due to low scale picture...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: francois on March 21, 2013, 11:50:48 am
There is no moire  ::) ... This is just optical illusion due to low scale picture...

Right, when viewed in PS (or any other app) at 100%, the moiré disappears…
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MrSmith on March 21, 2013, 04:04:39 pm
Can't seem to find the info on the web but would like to know what the size of the tiffs are from the sigma's (pixel dimensions) have I read it right that there is no set sensor pixel to print pixel correlation? What size do people output at?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: maxgruzen on March 21, 2013, 05:07:28 pm

Around 90 mbs
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: aduke on March 21, 2013, 05:40:13 pm
There should be a close correlation between raw pixel count and tiff pixel count. There is little correlation between pixel count and raw file size in megabytes. This is due to the compression algorithm and is easily seen in finder or explorer. If you convert to tiff, there may be little correlation between pixel count and tiff file size, due to the compression you use while saving the image, not to mention the number of layers you've added. :)

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MrSmith on March 21, 2013, 06:41:49 pm
So can anyone tell me the pixel dimensions of a full sized tiff?  :-\
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 21, 2013, 06:48:55 pm
So can anyone tell me the pixel dimensions of a full sized tiff?  :-\

Ok so, You can have 3 sizes of Tiff 16 Bits out of SPP.

The half normal size at 21Mo/3.7Mp, the normal size at 90Mo/14.75Mp and the double size, equivalent in sharpness at what you get with a 5DMkIII with good glass but with a picture of 340Mo/50Mp
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MrSmith on March 21, 2013, 06:58:01 pm
Don't rush, pour another if you fancy it. ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 21, 2013, 07:29:10 pm
Don't rush, pour another if you fancy it. ;D

Already done that :) Answered above :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MrSmith on March 21, 2013, 07:54:00 pm
Thanks for the info, I have been looking at jpegs on Flickr and 'full size' can obviously change, it did seem to me that a lot of people over sharpen the files though (I think amateurs often have a tendency to do this)
I'm certainly impressed by the lens quality and the tonality of the files from what I have seen.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 21, 2013, 08:09:20 pm
Yea, my eyes often bleed  :P Shooting humans with the Merrill need some negative luminance setting to be accepted. This is a crop out of the DP2 Merrill :

(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/tb3mho9he26q8hz/the%20eye.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on March 21, 2013, 09:10:29 pm
Yea, my eyes often bleed  :P Shooting humans with the Merrill need some negative luminance setting to be accepted. This is a crop out of the DP2 Merrill :

What's next, Hulyss? Scanning electron microscope?  (I'm smiling as I say this... ;D ;D ;D)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ed B on March 21, 2013, 09:36:07 pm
There is no moire  ::) ... This is just optical illusion due to low scale picture...

Maybe this is what Slobodan saw? I did a screen shot before it disappeared. It seemed to come out like that before the image fully loaded.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 21, 2013, 10:04:25 pm
Maybe this is what Slobodan saw? I did a screen shot before it disappeared. It seemed to come out like that before the image fully loaded.

Yes, indeed! The bullseye effect on the roof cone. I saw it this morning on my iPad. I do not see it now on my iMac 24.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ed B on March 21, 2013, 10:34:51 pm
Yes, indeed! The bullseye effect on the roof cone. I saw it this morning on my iPad. I do not see it now on my iMac 24.

The other image in that post does it too but to a much lesser degree and it disapperars quicker. I've never seen this happen before.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: paulormiston on March 22, 2013, 12:07:42 am
There is no moire  ::) ... This is just optical illusion due to low scale picture...

OK thanks -
Here is a rare (to me) example of a usable DP2M file in colour taken in artificial light in Central World Shopping Centre at ISO 2000 - F4.0 - 1/100th sec.
I cannot understand why this file is usable but pretty much all other high ISO photos I have taken were instant deletes. Maybe the fact that most of my photography is landscape and street shooting in natural light has a bearing on this but most posters seem to agree on 400 ISO being the max for colour.
I would be particularly interested in anyone's comments on black and white processing and the degree to which they use the new sigma 5.0 monochrome in their workflow in conjunction with Lightroom (rarely use PS) and if they find the new monochrome worth using. Also how high of an ISO setting is possible in B&W and what special techniques if any do they use: thanks if anyone has the time to spare.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 22, 2013, 03:47:34 am
What's next, Hulyss? Scanning electron microscope?  (I'm smiling as I say this... ;D ;D ;D)

 ;D

OK thanks -
Here is a rare (to me) example of a usable DP2M file in colour taken in artificial light in Central World Shopping Centre at ISO 2000 - F4.0 - 1/100th sec.
I cannot understand why this file is usable but pretty much all other high ISO photos I have taken were instant deletes. Maybe the fact that most of my photography is landscape and street shooting in natural light has a bearing on this but most posters seem to agree on 400 ISO being the max for colour.
I would be particularly interested in anyone's comments on black and white processing and the degree to which they use the new sigma 5.0 monochrome in their workflow in conjunction with Lightroom (rarely use PS) and if they find the new monochrome worth using. Also how high of an ISO setting is possible in B&W and what special techniques if any do they use: thanks if anyone has the time to spare.


I'm actually studying the new SPP with Black and White. This is not that easy because there is many possibility. On thing you need to know, for now, is that in contrasty situations, never use X3fill light, just expose correctly in spot metering or you will experiment Banding Paradise :) I have pretty good results at 3200 ISO.

For your photo here is my try on it. Hope you do not mind I edited it to show we can get rid of "color splotch" ;)


  
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Pete_G on March 22, 2013, 07:54:52 am
I am finding that SPP Monochrome can give some very good results at high ISO. I have gone as high as 1600 so far. I push the colour mixer all the way into the blue channel, I don't
add grain in SPP. In LR I adjust and reduce noise carefully, then add grain and adjust Clarity. It looks very "natural", very film like. It means the Sigmas can be used as B+W street cameras, something I need to investigate more when I have the time.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: SZRitter on March 22, 2013, 01:37:11 pm
The other image in that post does it too but to a much lesser degree and it disapperars quicker. I've never seen this happen before.

It's coming from the browser resizing the image. First it loads the image as a whole, scrunched into that location, then it re-renders the in the correct size. If you resize the browser window you will see it happen again.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gary Mulcahey on March 22, 2013, 02:58:54 pm
A question about b&w. I could experiment and find out but that is what forums are for. :)

Is there a difference in quality between shooting in mono and shooting colour>monochrome?

Thanks
G
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 22, 2013, 06:19:29 pm
Some fishes  ;)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8581383960_360423ab2f_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8581383960/)
_SDI0733 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8581383960/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8580286697_2a9b0ae5bc_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8580286697/)
_SDI0734 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8580286697/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 22, 2013, 08:53:26 pm
A question about b&w. I could experiment and find out but that is what forums are for. :)

Is there a difference in quality between shooting in mono and shooting colour>monochrome?

Thanks
G

Hello Gary,

No there is no differences between shooting Raw Mono and Color to Mono in SPP. This is just more comfortable when you decide to compose your image in Black and White directly. I often end using B&W mode indoor, with Hight ISO.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gary Mulcahey on March 23, 2013, 12:15:03 am
Thanks Hulyss.
Title: Dog Photo with Sigma DP2M
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:05:59 pm
I thought you guys would appreciate this. I received my Sigma DP2M a week ago. I'm trying to figure it all out. Well, I thought I'd show you a picture I took the today. I was experimenting indoors, taking shots of my French Bulldog "Ozzy". I use ISO 200, but at 1/10th sec and F/2.8. What do you think?
Title: Re: Dog Photo with Sigma DP2M
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:16:30 pm
I thought you guys would appreciate this. I received my Sigma DP2M a week ago. I'm trying to figure it all out. Well, I thought I'd show you a picture I took the today. I was experimenting indoors, taking shots of my French Bulldog "Ozzy". I use ISO 200, but at 1/10th sec and F/2.8. What do you think?


I photoshopped the big hair coming out of Ozzy's side. It was too distracting. You can see the original file here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lainer/8584927930/in/photostream
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:22:57 pm
I wear reading glasses too. I have the VF-21 on order. Not in stock right now. My glasses are 1.75, and approaching 2.0 soon. Yuck! I saw the Richard Frenic grip somewhere and thoguht it was pretty cool. I wonder if it would allow a bottom plate or similar to be added with it on though. Not knowing enough about tripods, and never buying one, I want something that can easily attach to the Sigma, and figured the L from RRS was it. (Without the grip though.) I don't use a tripod yet. I've been just carrying the camera around on walks. Who makes the JTEC? When I get something like this, is it easily attached to any tripod system? (I told you I know NOTHING about tripods. LOL!)

My next venture is to find a good LCD screen protector that actually is fitted, and stays on, oh, and is easily applied.

After that, a better strap and maybe a case?

Lainer, I use a DP2M with the Vf21. I need glasses to read,-250 to 275, and have no problem with the viewfinder. The viewfinder is so small I don't even know its there but it's great in bright sun. The Voitlander finder is a better optic, but is a bit bigger. My 2 cents on the L bracket and grip is this....I love the merrill because it is small and light, so why put a big heavy RRS bracket and grip on it. Richard Feneric makes a grip that is small ,light and works great. I walk around all day with the Merrill just hanging on my finger, and even with bad arthritis I don't even feel it. I have his grip on all my cameras. For an L bracket I use the fabulous JTEC bracket. Again small and light. Just some other options for you to Google and check out......Max
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:23:51 pm
Thanks for the information. I thought it had a shutter timer as well.


Lainer & maxgruzen:

The remote is not necessary, as there are delay shutter settings on the Merrill.  And, the RRS grip is (to me...) not at all heavy, but a bit larger than the Franiec grip alone. This provides extra grip, at the trade off of slightly larger size.
Title: Another shot
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:28:44 pm
I have been experimenting with taking shots that have some detail in them around my neighborhood.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 23, 2013, 11:30:54 pm
Here is one with some detail.

Zoom in on original here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lainer/8583625845/in/photostream
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Aguirre on March 24, 2013, 05:04:07 pm
I'd say, you have pretty steady hands... and a fine looking hound! The B&W cacti shot on your flickr set is really good; the rendering of the cacti themselves is surreal.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 26, 2013, 02:43:38 pm
Oh, thank you so much. I appreciate the kind comments. :) It's a learning curve for me what this camera can and cannot do. I think it can do much more than people think it can.
\Now I have to prove it.

I'd say, you have pretty steady hands... and a fine looking hound! The B&W cacti shot on your flickr set is really good; the rendering of the cacti themselves is surreal.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 26, 2013, 02:47:43 pm
Here is another shot of my French Bulldog Ozzy taken with the Sigma DP2M at 1/10th of a second, F/2.8  at ISO 200. I think I have a shot of him at 1/5hth of a second too. Will have to post when I find it. So, I guess it would look better if I had the camera on a tripod, but until I buy one, it's handheld for me.

I'd say, you have pretty steady hands... and a fine looking hound! The B&W cacti shot on your flickr set is really good; the rendering of the cacti themselves is surreal.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: lainer on March 26, 2013, 02:52:37 pm
Here is the shot I took of Ozzy at 1/5th of a second. It's at ISO 200 F/2.8. I converted to B&W. Handheld. I don't have a tripod yet.  :-[ I hope you like it. Thankfully I have a lazy dog that doesn't move much. He has been posing for me since he has been 5 months old. I have photographed him daily since then. Yes, daily. You can see it on my sets on Flickr. It's an ongoing project and I sue different cameras each day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lainer/
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on March 26, 2013, 05:20:18 pm
OK, too much sharpness happening here!   ;D   I'm tossing in this image that has 100% negative clarity in LR 4.4rc.
We don't want to hurt our eyes.  Tripod mounted, ISO 200, in the dark - more or less. 

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-HkGSt9R/0/XL/_SDI0340-Edit-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on March 26, 2013, 05:26:00 pm
OK, too much sharpness happening here!   ;D   I'm tossing in this image that has 100% negative clarity in LR 4.4rc.
We don't want to hurt our eyes.  Tripod mounted, ISO 200, in the dark - more or less. 

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-HkGSt9R/0/XL/_SDI0340-Edit-XL.jpg)



Okay, the set's great, but you should have waited until the model arrived.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on March 26, 2013, 05:29:44 pm


Okay, the set's great, but you should have waited until the model arrived.

Rob C

I don't put no stinking humans in my photos . .  .  ;D   Or, at least very rarely.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 26, 2013, 07:12:41 pm


Okay, the set's great, but you should have waited until the model arrived.

Rob C

I was peacefully reading the thread when I felt on this picture and though EXACTLY the same !! Perfect scene to put a model in, even an academic nude.

I don't put no stinking humans in my photos . .  .  ;D   Or, at least very rarely.

PLEASE !! try. I'm sure you will love it and I'm sure observers will love it too. With this kind of staging and a well managed expressive model ... you can output some nice pieces of art Imho. Or at least try with lainer's dog  ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on March 26, 2013, 07:35:57 pm
I was peacefully reading the thread when I felt on this picture and though EXACTLY the same !! Perfect scene to put a model in, even an academic nude.

PLEASE !! try. I'm sure you will love it and I'm sure observers will love it too. With this kind of staging and a well managed expressive model ... you can output some nice pieces of art Imho. Or at least try with lainer's dog  ;D

 ;D  You know what they say, "To a hammer everything looks like a nail."   A human in this shot would ruin it for me.  It is the light, the serenity and the sense of mystery that does it for me.  Putting someone "in there" would indeed, turn it into a mere "set."  I guess that's why there are different styles of expression!  LOL
Thanks for the semi-appreciation anyway.  :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: paul_o on March 26, 2013, 11:00:25 pm
Hello everyone.  I just joined the club as my DP2M arrived yesterday! I owe thanks to Quentin Bargate and Lloyd Chanbers for making me pull the trigger.  I've spent a many hours reading forum threads about the camera. Impressive images posted online by both Quentin and Lloyd show the capabilities of the sensor and lens. Also, thanks to Uwe for some great images and interesting comments and to Michiel for the wonderful Cuba images as well as the facades. I'm going to Italy for a month in June and facades and street scenes are one of the reasons I bought the DP2M. 

While reading this thread, I've been taking notes on recommended camera settings and usage of SPP. I have the following shooting tips: exposure: +.3 to +.7 (I have yet to blow out highlights using +.7), ISO: 100 or 200 (400 in a pinch).  I believe that, since I'm shooting RAW only, camera settings (white balance, color, sharpening, contrast, saturation) affect only the settings when SPP is entered and can be changed in SPP (although it certainly helps to have a good starting state). I'm hoping someone can verify this. 
I'm planning to use SPP minimally and do most adjustments in ACR and PS (similar to how I process files from my Canon 5DII).  I've downloaded the latest camera firmware and release of SPP.
I believe I've learned from various posts that the following are best done in SPP prior to saving the file as a 16bit TIFF:
- Set the white balance in SPP; make only minimal changes in ACR.  I've found this part of the interface difficult, although AWB gets me close.
- Set the clipping points for highlights & shadows in SPP.
- Set the working color space in SPP to ProPhoto.
- Do some capture sharpening in SPP. Recommended setting?
- Do some noise reduction in SPP. Recommended setting?
Ideally I'd like to do these settings in a batch mode but I'm not sure it can be done, particularly for the clipping points.   
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on March 27, 2013, 01:55:14 am
I would take extra batteries (and an extra charger) for an Italy trip!  This camera does plow through batteries. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on March 27, 2013, 04:22:13 am
You can actually do a lot using SPP. The software isn't that bad, I actually don't understand all the criticism. It's the best (any the only one I believe) to process sigma files anyway... I try to do as much as I can with SPP and then if I want to use filters or so, I export the pics and rework the tifs using Color Efex Pro or Silver Efex Pro.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 27, 2013, 06:31:08 am
I lately started using custom modes with my DP2M.
My starting points are those:

C1: Monochrome low light mode, automatic ISO from 100 ... 1600
C2: High quality handheld mode, ISO 200 (125?), neutral color, automatic white balance
C3: Tripod mode, ISO 125, 2 sec timer, neutral color, automatic white balance

What do you think?
Uwe 8-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 27, 2013, 11:59:53 am
Mezzo,
thanks for the comments.
Yes, coming from the SD15  I was using daylight for almost everything too. But in the last weeks I found myself using AWB with SPP more and more. I'm still going back to daylight or other WB quite often but AWB seems to be a good starting point for the quite limited topics I shoot.
Uwe 8-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on March 27, 2013, 06:37:09 pm
Just an addition to custom modes on the DP2M:

The default custom modes are using Program mode to control aperture and shutter. If you want to control aperture by yourself you need to safe a custom mode from within Aperture (or Shutter) priority mode. The aperture value on display is safed as default in the custom mode. This means you can have your preferred aperture settings ready when you switch to custom mode (i.e. F2.8 for low light or F 5.6 for optimal IQ)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on March 27, 2013, 07:43:11 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8595744122_84805206a6_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8595744122/)
_SDI0752 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8595744122/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Foveonic on March 28, 2013, 12:11:11 am
SPP + Silver Efex Pro only
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: EricWHiss on March 28, 2013, 01:55:52 am
I was peacefully reading the thread when I felt on this picture and though EXACTLY the same !! Perfect scene to put a model in, even an academic nude.

Rob and Hulyss, me three!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thewanderer on March 28, 2013, 11:25:34 pm
i like the way he is eyeballing you,, dogs are funny that way, lay flat, and that big ole eyeball just follows ou around
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thewanderer on March 28, 2013, 11:27:59 pm
you can see every flak of makeup, even in the crop!!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Barefoot Photographer 88 on March 31, 2013, 04:15:18 pm
Hello, im new to the fourm and  just finished reading it, but i was wondering if anyone could advise on getting a dp2 vs dp3  ?
heres a link to my flickr photostream for an idea of the kind of shots i do. http://www.flickr.com/photos/barefoot_photog/
thanks in advance..
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on March 31, 2013, 06:15:49 pm


Okay, the set's great, but you should have waited until the model arrived.

Rob C

She's there, just out of the frame, on the right. Up close to and facing the wall, curled up a little, mostly under a sheet.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on March 31, 2013, 07:42:20 pm
Hello, im new to the fourm and  just finished reading it, but i was wondering if anyone could advise on getting a dp2 vs dp3  ?
heres a link to my flickr photostream for an idea of the kind of shots i do. http://www.flickr.com/photos/barefoot_photog/
thanks in advance..

Hello Barefoot,

I advise you to go DP3m since you will not struggle with additional close-up elements. Just find a good light tripod and be prepared for a little learning curve and here you go !
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences - color management gadgets?
Post by: NancyP on April 01, 2013, 03:10:40 pm
Does anyone use grey cards, "lens cap" diffusers, Spyder Cube, or something similar to Color Checker?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on April 01, 2013, 03:56:36 pm
Nancy,
I sometimes use a Spyder Cube for repetitive studio work. It's useless for landscape because it is to small IMHO.

Uwe
Title: Re: color calibration
Post by: NancyP on April 01, 2013, 06:39:45 pm
Uwe: Why can't the Spyder cube be photographed up close and out of focus? Or don't you bother with white balance targets due to shooting under rapidly changing lighting situations? I am curious, because I am taking a face-to-face Lightroom class, and we are covering calibration.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: maxgruzen on April 01, 2013, 07:32:55 pm
I don't understand your question. You have obviously done enough photography to know wether you want a 45mm or 75mm lens and their associated quality's. a visit to the Sigma web sitr tells all. What is it you want?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: uvl on April 02, 2013, 07:50:20 am
Uwe: Why can't the Spyder cube be photographed up close and out of focus? Or don't you bother with white balance targets due to shooting under rapidly changing lighting situations? I am curious, because I am taking a face-to-face Lightroom class, and we are covering calibration.
Nancy,
the Spyder Cube is just to small to appear in an image of my DP2M as continuous areas when it's out of focus or to far away from the camera. This makes it almost impossible to use a pipette tool in PP or to shoot a CWB with the DP2M. The upper reflecting ball of the Cube gives a good highlight when in focus but it's useless if blurred or to small. I consider the Spyder Cube a tool to improve the exposure. For color it's just a very small greycard. If you are able to place the Cube near the object you want to photograph it will give good results concerning exposure.   Color balance might be off or not depending on the place you choose to pick the color.
Additionally landscapes are usually distant scenes with light differing between you point of view and the place you want to focus. That makes it hard for a grey card to give any hint on the color balance.
I ordered a CBL yesterday and will try to give a report until next weekend.
Uwe 8-)
Title: Macro DP2M vs DP3M
Post by: NancyP on April 02, 2013, 12:52:33 pm
Barefoot photographer, the low telephoto perspective and the working distance of DP3M are favorable for near-macro shots. You should be aware that maximum magnification is 1:3, so if you want life-size, you are out of luck.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Ed B on April 02, 2013, 10:25:26 pm
Sigma + Leica = ?

http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/that-is-not-an-april-fools-joke-modified-sigma-dp-with-interchangeable-m-mount/
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Barefoot Photographer 88 on April 03, 2013, 05:44:35 pm
thank you NancyP, I dident see that info on any of the sigma sites.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thomas turnbull on April 06, 2013, 12:40:46 pm
I've got a problem and would be grateful for any help in dealing with it.

My DP2M froze yesterday while upgrading to firmware 1.04. The battery was fresh, the firmware was on an sd card, the card in the camera and I'd navigated to the install firmware position of the menu. The first section of the upgrade had been successful, but while the second one was being processed, the screen went dark, all controls were inoperative, the lighted green circle around the on/off switch was steady and it stayed that way until the battery was exhausted!

I do have another fully charged battery but didn't want to perpetuate the symptoms or possibly damage the camera by starting something up before the upgrade had actually finished. Sigma is closed for the weekend and the weather is nice and sunny....

(OTOH, I've got lots of unprocessed files and SPP 5.5.1 to learn!)

Thanks in advance for any help and all the best to each of you,

Irenaeus

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: timberry on April 06, 2013, 06:39:03 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8625600850_b0947199e3_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/timberry/8625600850/)
Ynys Llanddwyn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/timberry/8625600850/) by Tim Berry (http://www.flickr.com/people/timberry/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: L-R on April 06, 2013, 07:34:04 pm
Omni Hotel, Houston.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: L-R on April 06, 2013, 08:58:24 pm
Cactus bloom.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on April 07, 2013, 04:26:02 am
Timberry, quite lovely!! -- and much enhanced by the figures you included.  Many thanks for sharing this one.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on April 08, 2013, 06:03:51 am
I've got a problem and would be grateful for any help in dealing with it.

My DP2M froze yesterday while upgrading to firmware 1.04. The battery was fresh, the firmware was on an sd card, the card in the camera and I'd navigated to the install firmware position of the menu. The first section of the upgrade had been successful, but while the second one was being processed, the screen went dark, all controls were inoperative, the lighted green circle around the on/off switch was steady and it stayed that way until the battery was exhausted!

I do have another fully charged battery but didn't want to perpetuate the symptoms or possibly damage the camera by starting something up before the upgrade had actually finished. Sigma is closed for the weekend and the weather is nice and sunny....

(OTOH, I've got lots of unprocessed files and SPP 5.5.1 to learn!)

Thanks in advance for any help and all the best to each of you,

Irenaeus



That doesn't sound good, I had a similar problem but the screen remained all white (overexposed). It crashed. I had to send it back for repair... Ii I were you I'd try to reload the last firmware if possible. If that doesn't work, you'll have to get it repaired.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on April 10, 2013, 01:35:54 pm
The results of last week-end's field trip with Hulyss:

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B2.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B1.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B3.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Hulyss on April 11, 2013, 06:52:10 pm
The results of last week-end's field trip with Hulyss:

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B2.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B1.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/B3.jpg)

Hope there is more to come dear Palpman because I know you did more !  ;)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 11, 2013, 07:34:49 pm
Hope there is more to come dear Palpman...

Well... you already doubled his submission :P
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mitchino on April 12, 2013, 10:47:21 am
The results of last week-end's field trip with Hulyss:

I love image no.2, quite haunting and I don't know why!
Title: Color balance with the DP2M
Post by: uvl on April 13, 2013, 05:13:57 am
I have conducted a small non-scientific test of the manual color balance with my DP2M and the CBL color balance lens.
You can find the images in this flickr album (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEGdsN5).

WB settings with appended "n" have been neutralized by setting the white point with the eyedropper tool in SPP.

LED with adjustable color temperature at 5600 K:

This LED light is difficult to judge. It seems to fit "incandescent-n" best as the colors look more vivid and the table is less green. I think that the manual WB is more desaturated than the presets in SPP in almost all cases of artificial and mixed light as a continuous spectrum is probably achieved by muting the spikes of the histogram. Therefore it's maybe good to overexpose or expose for the shadows. I still elaborate on this.

LED with adjustable color temperature at 4400 K:

Strange spectrum. Greens seem to be well saturated. Other colors look good with magenta desaturated or underexposed. sunlight-n has better contrast. The wooden desktop looks more natural due to exaggerated warm colors.

LED with adjustable color temperature at 3200 K:

Manual looks better than auto. Both are terrible. Magenta looks orange. I would choose manual or tungsten-n with further adjustments in SPP. auto-n looks wrong.

Night scenes with many different lights:

I have included two night photos in the test as they are almost impossible to guess on location. These images look best with Custom WB. Look at the skin tone of the candy shop seller or the almost neutral pavement in the other shop compared to the other color balances. AWB doesn't work for this shots. Manual WB with the CBL even can reduce the yellow of the churches in the background. Most presets give either a color cast which cannot be neutralized in SPP or they exaggerate colors to a point there they become posterized/oversaturated. Even pink/magenta lights look good. This is different in the color target shots where those colors are skewed to orange or desaturated to a mild dusky pink.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8634936375_c6ec6b155a_c.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/ea3iKn)

Overcast daylight (cloud symbol):

Not bad with all WB-modes. Optimal light quality. No need for manual WB. Still a grey card or CBL is useful for finding a neutral grey.

Tungsten light + incandescent fluorescent light:

The results don't differ much from the pure tungsten examples as this was the main light. Tungsten-n looks best, is more vivid but is in fact oversaturated. Magenta shifts to orange. I have to rethink how to hold this CBL to reflect the situation I want to depict.

Tungsten light:

Manual WB looks better than AWB. Both look desaturated (or underexposed). Oversaturated red in tungsten-WB. Magenta looks orange. I would choose manual or auto-n with some saturation and exposure adjustments or vivid color mode in SPP or tungsten-n with neutral color mode.

On the CBL color balance lens (for those who asked):

It's not a lens but a white balance target which you can use like a grey card. I have done all the color target shots you can see on flickr with both - the CBL and a 20 year old greycard and I decided to post only the former as the differences were marginally.

Nethertheless the CBL seems to work for the night shots I did as it better reflects the overall lighting situation with it's built in prisms and mirrors. Additionally one can use the CBL as an neutral grey target. For mixed light or to balance color reflections from objects one can use the cone shaped rim of the white side. Depending on where you click with the eyedropper in SPP you can adjust color balance to colored light falling from one side or from another. Don't forget to do the real shot without the device ;

The 110mm CBL comes with a strap, a box and a even more beautiful pouch. There is a manual included but you better skip it

I don't use the strap and the box but the pouch perfectly fits a DP2M with the RRS handgrip. You can even put a DP3M in it.

The CBL cannot improve the physics of your camera. Look at the tungsten light results to get an idea of what is impossible. You need a certain amount of blue light for the Merrill cameras to work. If you want to have color in your subject look the same color in your photos you need to have light with this color falling on your subject. Otherwise colors come out quite differently.

I hope I'm not boring you.

Uwe 8-)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on April 13, 2013, 06:17:40 am
Some more:

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/_SDI0188.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/_SDI0224.jpg)

Impressionism:

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/_SDI0283.jpg)

(http://www.mkuhlmann.net/_SDI0293.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: bwana on April 13, 2013, 10:54:38 am
 :o Very nice. tnx. where was this? and yes, any advice on pp with SPP 5.5? do you blog about this somewhere?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on April 13, 2013, 02:08:42 pm
Thanks for the comments.

These were taken near St-Brieuc, France. Hyluss did give me some tips for SPP. I use SPP at first but if I want to do further processing I carry on with Nik (Silver or Color Efex). I don't blog about this, I'm actually doing my first steps with the DP2M... and I'm very happy with the results!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on April 13, 2013, 06:22:40 pm
@palpman: Very fine work! Did you use the monochrome tab in SPP? Or, some other final processing like Lightroom or NIK?

It is indeed fine work. But maybe once is enough for it to be posted.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on April 13, 2013, 06:52:11 pm
It is indeed fine work. But maybe once is enough for it to be posted.

I shall trouble you no more....
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on April 13, 2013, 11:03:47 pm
I shall trouble you no more....
I hope you don't mean that literally. Absolutely no problem with the comment - I entirely agreed. But if we are going to repost shots whenever we comment on them, the thread will tend to get overwhelmed, especially when there are four large shots.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on April 14, 2013, 01:27:15 pm
One of my favorite places from childhood . . .

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Fine-Art-Photos/i-S4mSr2n/0/X2/entrance%20with%20spears%20cloned%20bulb%20removed-Edit-Edit-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on April 16, 2013, 09:16:31 am
Any pics from a recent walk.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8654049731_0b803527e5_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654049731/)
_SDI0769 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654049731/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8654038555_37fe8efde2_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654038555/)
_SDI0779 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654038555/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8655131026_19e2022f00_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655131026/)
_SDI0790 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655131026/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8654009919_b12388fd4f_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654009919/)
_SDI0808 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8654009919/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8655106630_b70ffe1122_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655106630/)
_SDI0819 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655106630/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8655103504_c2504a7264_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655103504/)
_SDI0832 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655103504/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8655100028_bcf63776f2_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655100028/)
_SDI0834 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8655100028/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: francois on April 19, 2013, 11:56:17 am
Welcome on the forum!

This is a very nice image and the fog is perfect to let the viewer have a glimpse into Machu Pichu.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on April 20, 2013, 08:20:21 pm
One can crop DP M image files to 100% and lose no sharpness.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8666061713_bc14e3c727_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/malinadz/8666061713/)
ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/2.8
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: -OlAf- on April 27, 2013, 09:37:18 am
Hi all!

Maybe someone will be interested:

Fujifilm X100s vs Canon 5D2 vs Sigma DP2M
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43506647@N06/sets/72157633358475824/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/43506647@N06/sets/72157633358475824/)

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: 3-4-tuuut on May 02, 2013, 10:21:50 am
Evening light two days ago in the "Baumberge" near Muenster/Westfalia after sunset.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: francois on May 03, 2013, 07:54:43 am
Evening light two days ago in the "Baumberge" near Muenster/Westfalia after sunset.

Welcome on the forum!
Wonderful skies, I especially love the second photo.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on May 03, 2013, 09:12:21 am
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8703738269_dbeb25f808_b.jpg) (http://malinadzphotography.com/gallery/restaurant-photography/1240-lobster-ravioli.html)
Lobster Ravioli (http://malinadzphotography.com/gallery/restaurant-photography/1240-lobster-ravioli.html)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on May 03, 2013, 04:46:31 pm
Tasty ;)

We don't see a lot of food photography on LuLa. The DP2 would be well suited.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 03, 2013, 09:19:48 pm
I took this picture recently from my window.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on May 04, 2013, 11:38:58 am
Tasty ;)

We don't see a lot of food photography on LuLa. The DP2 would be well suited.

It really was delicious. I noticed that landscape photography dominates on LuLa (hence the name of the portal). I wish to share my experience with DP camera in other fields to avoid a mainstream thought that it only shines when used for landscapes.

I did some shots for a local restaurant with DP2M in a mix of natural and tungsten light and the results were quite pleasing.
iso100, f8
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8706652595_c23bcfffef_b.jpg) (http://malinadzphotography.com/gallery/restaurant-photography/1245-canederli.html)
Canederli (http://malinadzphotography.com/gallery/restaurant-photography/1245-canederli.html)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on May 05, 2013, 06:29:43 pm
A few more from yesterday:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8417/8708502884_9cda9e20dc_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708502884/)
_SDI0849 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708502884/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8708500580_8ae511a1a9_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708500580/)
_SDI0865 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708500580/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/8708892650_e54fee9eeb_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708892650/)
_SDI0881 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8708892650/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: michael on May 08, 2013, 03:20:40 pm
I have deleted a post because of its huge size.

Please only post screen resolution images. It bogs down the whole system.

Michael
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: SangRaal on May 08, 2013, 05:15:51 pm
Michael what is the acceptable size ? I have been having the opposite problem posting too small and losing resolution.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on May 08, 2013, 06:53:27 pm
Michael what is the acceptable size ? I have been having the opposite problem posting too small and losing resolution.

That would be good thing, right?

I mean, I've never seen so much high-res crap as in this thread. High time to post images based on their photographic merit (other than resolution). After gazillion examples of high-res orgy, we got a pretty good idea what the camera can resolve. Now shows what you can do with it.

If you really, really need to show detail and resolution, post a 100% crop at 800-1000 pixels on the long side. The same goes for full-size images.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: design_freak on May 09, 2013, 03:42:30 am
That would be good thing, right?

I mean, I've never seen so much high-res crap as in this thread. High time to post images based on their photographic merit (other than resolution). After gazillion examples of high-res orgy, we got a pretty good idea what the camera can resolve. Now shows what you can do with it.


I agree with you! Only should be critical to the same extent for all  :)
Well I can tell you, it's just a tool. Anyone can buy a chisel, but not everyone is Michelangelo  ;D Pictures taken by technicians Hasselblad/P1 are also terrible, but no one criticizes...   ::) There is nothing to criticize the people who are taking photographs for fun, let them enjoy it.  8)



Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on May 09, 2013, 03:51:36 am
What sourpusses!  The Newbie who asked about image size for posting didn't deserve the discouraging response he got.  A major strength of this thread has been the number and variety of images posted.  I think that is to be encouraged.  Have you noticed the number of views on this thread?  Obviously something good is going on.  --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: design_freak on May 09, 2013, 03:59:57 am
What sourpusses!  The Newbie who asked about image size for posting didn't deserve the discouraging response he got.  A major strength of this thread has been the number and variety of images posted.  I think that is to be encouraged.  Have you noticed the number of views on this thread?  Obviously something good is going on.  --Barbara

Barbara, Please use quotes. Then we know what you are referring to.
 I do not know if this is a comment to my post or to Slobodan...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on May 09, 2013, 04:25:44 am
I don't see any benefit to encouraging negative sniping comments about those who have been willing to share their work with us on this thread --  especially when directed at a Newbie who has very politely and reasonably asked a question about procedure for posting, and then receives a reply destined to keep him from submitting anything at all.  Our loss when we treat our fellows this way. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Vince Basile on May 09, 2013, 06:18:08 am
I had a post removed....my first post. Nice one, moderator. Remove the photo but leave the post. All I did was quote the post showing Machu Picchu. When I viewed the photo at the recommended size it didn't impress me at all. Just another Machu Picchu photo. When I clicked on it on my computer and it opened up full size I said Wow! What a camera and lens. Detail and contrast of that amazing ancient site unlike anything I have seen so far. It impressed me enough that I will get a DP3 for sure. It has a macro lens and flowers are something I shoot a lot of. Below is the original photo reduced in size plus a full size crop reduced in size.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on May 09, 2013, 11:17:38 am
... Newbie who has very politely and reasonably asked a question about procedure for posting...

And I provided a specific answer to that, didn't I? The rest of my post was my general comment about the thread, not about the newbie. To which I am entitled as much as you are.

Another general comment: too many posters simply repost already ginormous previous posts by quoting it. Bad netiquette.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on May 09, 2013, 09:04:15 pm
And I provided a specific answer to that, didn't I? The rest of my post was my general comment about the thread, not about the newbie. To which I am entitled as much as you are.
Another general comment: too many posters simply repost already ginormous previous posts by quoting it. Bad netiquette.

I agree. More pages and bandwidth are wasted on needless and lengthy post repetitions than on a relatively few extra large images. 
Title: Maybe we should have two different DPxM threads...
Post by: NancyP on May 10, 2013, 06:51:19 pm
Keep the current thread for gear and PP questions, comments, and news. Start a new thread in the Landscapes forum for actual photos.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on May 11, 2013, 01:07:41 am
I like seeing them all together as examples of what is being done with this camera.  Many of them are not landscapes. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on May 11, 2013, 02:22:37 am
I like seeing them all together as examples of what is being done with this camera...

Agreed.

I would also say, assuming the dust has settled,  that Slobodan's comment resonated in relation to my own use of the camera. At first I was just blown away by the resolution and it took me a little while to realize that what matters is what I do with that resolution. IMO there are some posts on this thread that do good things with it.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on May 11, 2013, 09:49:40 am
I started this thread in August last year with the intention that all things DP2M would be dealt with together (I included photos with that first message), and I hope that is the way it stays.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on May 11, 2013, 10:33:10 am
I started this thread in August last year with the intention that all things DP2M would be dealt with together (I included photos with that first message), and I hope that is the way it stays.

I agree.  Even the more mundane test photos have been valuable in demonstrating the amazing detail rendering of these cameras.  I'd probably not have considered buying one without having my mind blown over some of the boring detail shots. 

I think a lot of what we've seen illustrated in this thread falls into the category of, "I can't believe what I'm seeing with my own eyes!"  Since it is a lowly Sigma that gets bashed.  I see a lot of high res muddy monochrome on the MF forum, but I guess that's art.  ;D

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: stevew50 on May 12, 2013, 07:53:29 pm
I am finding that with the DP2M it is very easy to have very nice stitches Here is one from Yosemite.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: 3-4-tuuut on May 13, 2013, 05:39:40 am
Some more newbie pix:

Vienna, Belvedere
(http://img5.fotos-hochladen.net/thumbnail/sdim0827lrnft0xuky69_thumb.jpg) (http://www.fotos-hochladen.net/view/sdim0827lrnft0xuky69.jpg)

Vienna, Russian-Orthodox Cathedral
(http://img3.fotos-hochladen.net/thumbnail/sdim0971lr6atdjp924g_thumb.jpg) (http://www.fotos-hochladen.net/view/sdim0971lr6atdjp924g.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: thierrylegros396 on May 13, 2013, 06:49:55 am
Very impressive, especialy the second !

Thierry
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on May 13, 2013, 08:13:53 pm
Agree, the Orthodox Cathedral shot is really nice. It does seem a bit odd to see a man in a t-shirt among the gold-plate altar items.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on May 14, 2013, 03:27:56 pm
Beautiful colours in the Vienna, Russian-Orthodox Cathedral picture.
What ISO and aperture were used?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: 3-4-tuuut on May 14, 2013, 04:28:26 pm
Beautiful colours in the Vienna, Russian-Orthodox Cathedral picture.
What ISO and aperture were used?

It was 1/20 second with F2.8 and ISO-400, no tripod. Some people were praying and they set up new candles, while others were cleaning the candle sticks and the floor from old wax.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on May 14, 2013, 07:43:07 pm
Good DOF, considering F2.8. And you have a steady hand, photographing at 1/20s. Good combination of the right gear and the skill to go with it to shoot in a church or museum.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: FredBGG on May 14, 2013, 09:38:23 pm
That's the most interesting moire example I've seen so far (#82). A result of jpeg compression or...?

Bad jpeg scaling in web browser.

Looks great on my PC and looks like crap on another.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on May 15, 2013, 08:55:24 am
One of a recent walk. Here the complete serie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/sets/72157633260255310/)  ;)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8740000039_18e2671f4f_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8740000039/)
_SDI0884 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8740000039/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BarbaraArmstrong on May 16, 2013, 06:39:28 pm
There's one I would like to print!  I can just see the textures of the rock coming off a gorgeous matte paper. --Barbara
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on May 17, 2013, 09:59:46 am
Monochrome sample. F2.8, iso100
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Sauza on May 20, 2013, 03:53:41 pm
Edited in the Monochrome Mode of SPP. Available in Full-Res on Flickr.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8617621930_135f441bef_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8617621930/)
SDIM0330 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8617621930/) by El Sauza (http://www.flickr.com/people/87240011@N02/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8616511339_e2a2160608_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8616511339/)
SDIM0326 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8616511339/) by El Sauza (http://www.flickr.com/people/87240011@N02/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8616501231_37a46b0485_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8616501231/)
SDIM0174 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8616501231/) by El Sauza (http://www.flickr.com/people/87240011@N02/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8485919796_dfd4319188_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8485919796/)
_SDI0645 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87240011@N02/8485919796/) by El Sauza (http://www.flickr.com/people/87240011@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: adam tracksler on May 20, 2013, 08:17:58 pm
Im pretty blown away by the DP2M.

I wish there was a better tethered workflow...(anyone care to share theirs????)

Just got mine two days ago and took these out in the back yard.


(http://www.dpreview.com/files/t/f29cc0ffae85439088313fbbcf80d5b7)

(http://www.dpreview.com/files/t/39afffeaba3a4b1faa43a9d191ad4eca)

(http://www.dpreview.com/files/t/6a63a302bb8a40e79c4632b733c3d6e7)

(http://www.dpreview.com/files/t/0e665f372ba345ccad1ff25ae92cb6dc)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: rayken on May 21, 2013, 04:29:17 am
A Few more pics from Southwest Tasmania.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Kabraxis on May 21, 2013, 05:34:17 am
Uh a Sigma DP2m Tread niiiice ;)
I would like to share some shots with the Sigma DP2m too. It is my Backup and walk around cam beside my Medium Format stuff.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8279226768_bbecb04bd0_c.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabraxis/8279226768/

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8482970300_da43847314_c.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabraxis/8482970300/

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8584927079_ae5bd04e58_c.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabraxis/8584927079/

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8593695218_aabac6d790_c.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabraxis/8593695218/
This one is a product of Sigma's great new B/W Converter and some adjustments in LR

have a nice day
Pascal
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on May 21, 2013, 06:21:40 am
Two more from Toledo (Spain).

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8766182142_d14e40e89a_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8766182142/)
_SDI0922_ByN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8766182142/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/8766174962_0eb9769786_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8766174962/)
_SDI0925_Panoramica (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnloves/8766174962/) por John Loves (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnloves/), en Flickr
Title: Re: Toledo - wow!
Post by: NancyP on May 21, 2013, 04:35:31 pm
Juan, those are wonderful.
Title: Re: Toledo - wow!
Post by: juan_amores on May 21, 2013, 06:19:46 pm
Juan, those are wonderful.

Thanks  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on May 21, 2013, 07:53:37 pm
Two more from Toledo (Spain).


Nice shots, particularly the coloured one. For me the B&W is rather spoiled by the sky, which is much too bright, so the eye is drawn to the blown out areas at the top.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: chichornio on May 23, 2013, 02:23:49 pm
I´ve ordered my DP2m and it`s coming soon. Anyone have tried to use it for scanning 35mm and 120mm film? Any feedback will be very welcome.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on May 23, 2013, 03:15:40 pm


Nice shots, particularly the coloured one. For me the B&W is rather spoiled by the sky, which is much too bright, so the eye is drawn to the blown out areas at the top.


I agree; the blown clouds don't do any favours.

Quite honestly, the entire shot displays the unconvincing tonality that digitally captured b/white generally seems to produce. I've struggled for years to find words to describe the phenomenon clearly and not met with a lot of luck. It's a kind of unreality that looks as if the different tones don't actually lie alongside one another naturally, but have been plastered into the photograph a tone at a time. As if the picture is made up as a composite of different tone levels in strips.

Not just this pic, I hasten to add, but many, with a lot of my own firmly in the same bag.

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: eronald on May 23, 2013, 05:08:50 pm

I agree; the blown clouds don't do any favours.

Quite honestly, the entire shot displays the unconvincing tonality that digitally captured b/white generally seems to produce. I've struggled for years to find words to describe the phenomenon clearly and not met with a lot of luck. It's a kind of unreality that looks as if the different tones don't actually lie alongside one another naturally, but have been plastered into the photograph a tone at a time. As if the picture is made up as a composite of different tone levels in strips.

Not just this pic, I hasten to add, but many, with a lot of my own firmly in the same bag.

Rob C

Rob,

 You have a way with words, and a bright future ahead of you at Private Eye.
 Poor Juan, he found the camera of his dreams, and you found its flaw.
 BTW, I was at a jewelry auction recently (don't ask) and they had some HUGE sapphires, and then the auctioneer reads the certficate and starts snottily about "anyone wanting to bid for this heated gem" ...

Edmund
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on May 24, 2013, 10:31:06 am
I'm very happy with the camera and really enjoy it  :)

Juan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rob C on May 24, 2013, 11:34:45 am
I'm very happy with the camera and really enjoy it  :)

Juan



Way to go, baby, way to go!

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: W.Utsch on May 24, 2013, 11:51:21 am
Which grey tones lie "naturally" to each other? What does "reality" mean in photography and regarding BW? 

It might be something we (our eyes and you, Rob) are used to from film BW and we may like it or not - but that has nothing to do with neither nature nor reality.
The mention of these is most of the time used to give hidden authority to values or taste and stop discussion about them.

For my part, i just like the BW's coming out of the Merrill's and some other digitals - they have their own character.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: edwinIII on May 24, 2013, 12:36:15 pm
I too love the BW's from this camera.  Although, I am still learning how to handle the files.

(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000fEfQqeOTzPE/s/900/I0000fEfQqeOTzPE.jpg)

(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000k3PInkijmKw/s/900/I0000k3PInkijmKw.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: bmacw on May 24, 2013, 06:35:01 pm
I'm a happy DP2M owner. I wouldnt normally post link to FS ads, but I believe this could help a lot of the DPxM owners here.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=78703.0
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 27, 2013, 01:21:13 pm
I confess I've spent hours reading through this one particular thread and I'm truly fascinated by the potential of this flawed but powerful tool. Two questions - which may have already been answered:

1 - Can a polarizer be fitted to the camera?
2 - Is there any way multiple Merrills can be connected in series to all fire at the same time of ultra-synchronized panos?

I feel quite delighted to finally join the forum. I almost didn't pass the IQ test that is the signup form. After about the umpteenth attempt
I finally figured it out. Must be getting old. ???

I look forward to many a heated discussion.

Cheers
Gavin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: banning on May 27, 2013, 03:02:05 pm
any idea why DP2 images won't open in photo pro on Mac 10.6? program opens but double click will not open. any thoughts? thnx..tim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: kencameron on May 27, 2013, 07:01:38 pm
any idea why DP2 images won't open in photo pro on Mac 10.6? program opens but double click will not open. any thoughts? thnx..tim
Do you mean JPEGs or the Raw files? The latter probably won't open because Sigma's own Photo Pro software is pretty much the only raw converter that works on them at this point. JPEGs should be fine.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: banning on May 27, 2013, 09:48:34 pm
i am using the Photo Pro 5.5... what's odd is the images open at my studio Mac but not on my home Mac...tim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: banning on May 27, 2013, 10:14:27 pm
I should add that the images open in 4.2 version of Photo Pro, but not 5.5 thnx..tim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gibbomik on May 28, 2013, 06:45:36 am
I confess I've spent hours reading through this one particular thread and I'm truly fascinated by the potential of this flawed but powerful tool. Two questions - which may have already been answered:

1 - Can a polarizer be fitted to the camera?
2 - Is there any way multiple Merrills can be connected in series to all fire at the same time of ultra-synchronized panos?

I feel quite delighted to finally join the forum. I almost didn't pass the IQ test that is the signup form. After about the umpteenth attempt
I finally figured it out. Must be getting old. ???

I look forward to many a heated discussion.

Cheers
Gavin
Hi Gavin,

I share your sentiments regarding the forum and camera. Regarding your first question - yes, a threaded 49mm polariser can be fitted to the DP2M lens in the traditional way (see photo below). I have no idea about your second question - what would be your aim with that?

On the theme of panoramic photography, below is a solution I threw together. It didn't seem sensible spending hundreds on something that would ruin the compact form.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/8864670361_8f8fc99506_o.jpg (http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/8864670361_8f8fc99506_o.jpg)

Regards,

Michael.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: juan_amores on May 28, 2013, 09:04:29 am
I should add that the images open in 4.2 version of Photo Pro, but not 5.5 thnx..tim

Hi Tim, I think it's an incompatibility problem between OSX and SPP versions. I have the same problem. At the end I use a virtual machine on my imac with windows XP  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: banning on May 28, 2013, 10:02:12 am
thnx juan...tim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: JLK on May 28, 2013, 02:08:02 pm
If you have both versions of the software installed, you might need to trash the preferences (plist file). If you can't find these, email or post back here.

user>>Library>>preferences>>com.sigmaphoto.photopro.plist (delete)
user>>Library>>Application Support>>Sigma PhotoPro>> (delete everything inside that folder)

I've been using SPP since 2.1, so I'm not sure if these are both relevant to the 4.x to 5.x transition.

Jim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 28, 2013, 02:23:26 pm
Thanks for the info Gibbomik,

I've read that some people are doing panos with multiple cameras all firing at the same time. It seems overkill but makes sense for things like clouds which can move quite a distance in between pano shots, especially if you are bracketing each shot. I'll try and dig out some more info on who is doing this and what results they get. The beauty of the Merrill is it's so cheap that even with three of these it's still cheaper than most medium format cameras.

Nice rig btw.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 29, 2013, 12:49:43 am
first one is a 100% crop
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 29, 2013, 12:52:51 am
here's another one.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 01:04:43 am
Awesome clarity. Any post sharpening on that Farsh?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 29, 2013, 11:01:44 am
Are you referring to the first pic, Gavin? I usually don't sharpen the raws, but if I do it's 0.2-.3
usually just play around with highlight/shadow and vibrance.
as I wasn't sure whether I had sharpened in this case, I've uploaded the full resolution
out-of-camera jpeg to flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91779767@N07/8879000893/
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 01:03:30 pm
Thanks Farsh. I meant the last one but thanks for linking to the full size image. I need one of these cameras.

In your opinion is the image quality worth all the hassle of using such a poorly designed tool? I refer of course
to things like the battery life, lack of live view etc.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 29, 2013, 02:39:05 pm
Yes! the image quality is worth it, on most occasions when I open files on my large IPS screen and go 100% crop, I have to say wow!
And there are many flaws to the camera, I agree. this is a camera for day light, haven't bought a flash for it yet.
But the battery isn't actually that bad, I was able to get 200 shots this past weekend on 2 batteries. focusing isn't that bad either.

I just did 2 more full resolution raw-to-jpeg conversions for you to check out.
the only post-processing in Lightroom: highlight down, shadow up, manual white balance, nothing else, didn't change vibrance this time.
looking at these pictures, keep in mind, it is handheld and at f6.3, not the sweet-spot between 7.1-8.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91779767@N07/8881767092/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91779767@N07/8881163851/in/photostream/
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 02:54:58 pm
Thanks Farsh,

For handheld that is pretty sharp.

I often shoot in low light situations, pre sunrise in many cases but obviously always with a tripod.

I'd love to see some example shots of those type of conditions. Any chance you could get up at 5am
tomorrow and do some long exposures  ;)

Cheers
Gavin
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Farsh on May 29, 2013, 04:16:09 pm
I'm sure I will be able to do one at 5AM, that's when I sometimes go to sleep :P

not sure if you seen this one in my photostream, but I took it when the sun was almost down:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91779767@N07/8689708034/

it did take some post-processign, but again this is handheld.
I'm pretty certain that the DPM2 would do just fine on long-exposures on a tripod.

you can also find examples on flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/sigma/dp2_merrill
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=night&cm=sigma%2Fdp2_merrill

farsh
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on May 29, 2013, 04:23:02 pm
It does a fine job on wide-field astrophotography, though I tend to shoot wider angle star fields.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 04:50:59 pm
Thanks Farsh, now that's  the kind of light I go looking for. Still sharp for handheld, can't wait to see what tripod shots look like.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 04:51:27 pm
Please post links to some examples.  :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Gavin Hardcastle on May 29, 2013, 04:56:10 pm
Excellent work Quentin. I'd love to see a larger version of this. :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: banning on May 30, 2013, 06:06:34 pm
still on shake down cruise with the dp 2... i have firmware version 1.05 (current?) but i'm not able to get the monochrome feature. am i missing something? thnx..tim
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: MattNQ on May 30, 2013, 09:48:08 pm
DP1 & DP2 now $799 at B&H  :o
Very tempting - wonder how long the wife would take to notice my camera looks different... ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: henrikfoto on May 31, 2013, 02:56:52 am
Just tell her this is one of the older cameras you start using again. Allways works :D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NigelC on June 07, 2013, 07:15:43 am
I'm sure there is a thread somewhere with thoughts/recommendations on workflow, i.e. how to optimise use of SPP/LR/photoshop. Anyone remember where? (perhaps it's on Get Dpi)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on June 07, 2013, 09:00:00 am
I'm sure there is a thread somewhere with thoughts/recommendations on workflow, i.e. how to optimise use of SPP/LR/photoshop. Anyone remember where? (perhaps it's on Get Dpi)

Here you go:  http://www.getdpi.com/forum/other-cameras/43973-sigma-dpxmerrill-best-practice-thread.html

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: 3-4-tuuut on June 09, 2013, 07:23:33 pm
Hi all, I got tremendous problems taking pictures of poppy seed flowers. The brighter parts and especially in sunlight are shown as magenta or even in plain white color:

(http://img5.fotos-hochladen.net/thumbnail/sdim2055hc27s0x4n3oq_thumb.jpg) (http://www.fotos-hochladen.net/view/sdim2055hc27s0x4n3oq.jpg)

The LCD shows a flash of white light when pointed to the red flower. Very weird! is there any kind of solution? Is something wrong with my camera?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: BernardLanguillier on June 09, 2013, 08:34:31 pm
One from Tokyo.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/8987978028_39b1575fde_o.jpg)

Hand held stitch.

Cheers,
Bernad
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: capital on June 19, 2013, 04:21:24 am
I am using Sigma PP Software version 5.5.1 for PC, there is an option to export under the file option when editing a file an xml with settings of file adjustments, however the export command appears to not work correctly, here is all I see in any attempt at exporting an xml file with a wide variety of settings:

<Color>
   <Custom>
      <Settings>
      </Settings>
   </Custom>
</Color>
<BnW>
   <Custom>
      <Settings>
      </Settings>
   </Custom>
</BnW>


Is the export working for others or is this broken?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on June 19, 2013, 03:47:04 pm
This thread was in need of being split.

Please post in  Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences-2 (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=79563.0) from now on
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: sigmasharpshooter on September 27, 2013, 10:23:11 pm
Hi,

Sigma DP2 "vs" Leica X Vario and M9... I posted some OOC jpg - JUST for fun; no science involved :-)

I think the Sigma did quite well...

http://sigmasharpshooter.wordpress.com/

(Text in Norwegian, but the pictures need hardly needs any any translation)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 12:35:52 pm
I seem to be reviving an old topic.    I very recently got a DP2M and this thread has been extremely helpful.   Thank you so much to all especially Quentin and Hulyss.   Here are a few from Birmingham today with pretty minimum SPP and Lightroom work.  Hopefully, they are not to big.

I have to say, I have an Olympus OMD E-M1 and this little DP2M out shines it in many situations.    But as soon as the light goes, the OMD is better.    I did shoot some RAW B&W in very low light and it was pretty poor, but then the ISO was 1600; very grainy and I've not posted the shots.

These shots were taken as RAW and converted in LR to JPEGS for posting.  This may well have ruined them.  Dunno

Once again, thanks.


I'm not sure being sandwiched between McDonalds and Greggs is anywhere near Paradise...

(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s114/boatshed/paradises_zps36f86cee.jpg)


(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s114/boatshed/ladywoodhouses_zps9bd1ea75.jpg)


(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s114/boatshed/stations_zpsc9c48924.jpg)


(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s114/boatshed/lowersevernsts_zpse984b985.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: jhnpennington on September 04, 2014, 12:57:37 pm
You bugger, I'd managed to put the DP2 Merrill to the back of my mind and now I'm all tempted again.  :D
I live in Birmingham myself, and those shots put to shame my attempts with an E-M10. The colour and rendering is out of this world.
Many thanks for posting, even though my wife may not agree when another little brown box gets delivered!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 01:01:35 pm
Well, thanks but they look utter cr@p compared with the Tiffs.   I've no idea how to post higher res images; or ones that open bigger when clicked on.   I'll post again when I find out.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 02:14:58 pm
Again and I think much better.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 02:22:54 pm
More
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 02:25:59 pm
more
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 02:27:34 pm
Last one
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 04, 2014, 03:09:14 pm
Just one more.   I so very nearly bought a Leica M8 for B&W but no need.   This snap is a first attempt at B&W with the DP2M.   I'm sure with a bit of practice this camera will be excellent.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: eronald on September 04, 2014, 04:46:10 pm
Just one more.   I so very nearly bought a Leica M8 for B&W but no need.   This snap is a first attempt at B&W with the DP2M.   I'm sure with a bit of practice this camera will be excellent.



Nice "snap"

Edmund
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Colossi on September 20, 2014, 07:45:53 am
(http://i.imgur.com/pILcqgm.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tdordbX.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1vRpHlw.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8qXtcLG.jpg)

Most were made with a +10 diopter Vivitar Series 1 macro filter.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on September 20, 2014, 09:13:10 am
Last of the Summer tomatoes.   Dressed with Il de Re salt, reduced Balsamic vinegar, olive oil & the last of the Basil.   And scoffed with crunchy bread, ripe Reblochon and a crisp, flinty Pouilly Fume.    ;D
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Chrisso26 on October 09, 2014, 06:39:05 pm
Just won one on Ebay.
I guess I favour slow photography and manual/film type workflows. I rarely shoot 20 images in a session, and never fire off bursts.
I had a Leica M6 for years, although I hasten to add, I'm by no means an expert at photography.
I loved my Nex7, but decided to concentrate my investment into m4/3rds, so I sold it and bought a GX7. I've had the GX7 for a few weeks and a Leica/Panny 15mm 1.7 lens and it's just not doing it for me like the Nex7 did.
So I decided to splurge on the (used) DP2M.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on October 09, 2014, 09:10:54 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/15283550705_9f1aa57857_b.jpg) (http://goo.gl/dmupjn)
Morikami Garden (http://goo.gl/dmupjn)
f/5.0, handheld. Click for a full resolution JPG.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: furtle on October 23, 2014, 05:27:32 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/15283550705_9f1aa57857_b.jpg) (http://goo.gl/dmupjn)
Morikami Garden (http://goo.gl/dmupjn)
f/5.0, handheld. Click for a full resolution JPG.

Lovely.   

Thank you.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on November 09, 2014, 08:43:12 am
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15559244467_b88de7deeb_b.jpg) (https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15559244467_b13a83d638_o.jpg)
Neiman Marcus Building (https://flic.kr/p/pGVciD)
f/6.3, iso160

Click on the image for a full size JPG and enjoy the detail.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ongaku on March 09, 2015, 10:27:54 am
Hi everyone,
I just have a quick question. I am trying to obtain a more or less natural color profile with sigma dp1m. I am used that on Pentax colors are more or less natural looking. With sigma it is always brownish(red is more like brown a lot of times), yellowish/greenish (faces/skin color are really weird). And it is the same coloration I saw on a lot of photos in this thread. I use Neutral profile, with Auto WB, 100ISO

Is there a way how I could obtain a more/less natural shots out of camera or with minimal SPP/PP adjustment?
If this is possible then how?
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: palpman on March 09, 2015, 11:05:35 am
Hi ongaku,

I use the DP3M for portraits and as it renders colours more accurately I don't have to adjust them that much, except sometimes white balance - thus I don't have good advice for skin rendering using the DP2M. However, what I do for landscapes both with DP1M and DP2M is to set the orange hue between -40 to -55 depending on the pic, and set the saturation to +10ish (in Lr). I sometimes set the hue of the blue channel to +10 as well. I suggest you play around with these (and maybe along with the green channel for portraits) to obtain better results. Shouldn't take long to do. Let us know!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 09, 2015, 11:16:23 am
...Is there a way how I could obtain a more/less natural shots out of camera...

Nope, you'd need a different camera. Puke-ish yellow-green is a signature Foveon color.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ongaku on March 09, 2015, 11:32:21 am
Hi ongaku,

I use the DP3M for portraits and as it renders colours more accurately I don't have to adjust them that much, except sometimes white balance - thus I don't have good advice for skin rendering using the DP2M. However, what I do for landscapes both with DP1M and DP2M is to set the orange hue between -40 to -55 depending on the pic, and set the saturation to +10ish (in Lr). I sometimes set the hue of the blue channel to +10 as well. I suggest you play around with these (and maybe along with the green channel for portraits) to obtain better results. Shouldn't take long to do. Let us know!

Thanks, I will try these later on.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ongaku on March 09, 2015, 11:38:53 am
Nope, you'd need a different camera. Puke-ish yellow-green is a signature Foveon color.

I didn't realise that "signature" before I bought the camera.
I really like sharpness of foveon but wacky colors drive me mad. Then I get my Pentax DSLR, take a pic, and red looks red, faces look realistic, there is no tint, but sharpness is not as good ofcourse .
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: LesPalenik on March 09, 2015, 09:13:32 pm
Recent picture of the Matanzas bridge in Cuba with DP2M and a 100% crop showing the detail at the edge.
No distortions and no smudging even at the extreme edge, pretty good considering that the cropped area was about 400 ft in distance.

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on March 10, 2015, 09:58:58 am
Air is pretty clear, too!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Phil Indeblanc on March 10, 2015, 04:40:13 pm
I've been waiting for a FF Foveon that has true high mp count for a few years now. Come on SIGMA! do something or join in with someone who can help!!
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ongaku on March 17, 2015, 11:08:56 am
So I lost my fight with Sigma DP1M inaccurate colours and it went back to Amazon. Guys, I tried but I suck in post processing.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on March 17, 2015, 12:05:40 pm
"suck at PP" is a relative state. It is getting easier with experience, a few classes under my belt (for Lr, not SPP). The chief nuisance about the Merrills is the separate workflow and the sluggish software. Then again, I tend to do nature photos not people. Inaccurate color for skin tones is hard to deal with, for me at least.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: ongaku on March 17, 2015, 04:41:04 pm
SPP I found more bearable if run on SSD drive. But still it was painful.
Gentle reminder for everyone that IrfanView with additional plugins does support X3F and way faster than SPP.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on March 18, 2015, 07:59:04 am
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16849092921_176df865b7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rEU1j6)
Breeze
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Alan Smallbone on March 18, 2015, 12:07:59 pm
SPP I found more bearable if run on SSD drive. But still it was painful.
Gentle reminder for everyone that IrfanView with additional plugins does support X3F and way faster than SPP.

I suspect that they are only editing the embedded jpg image and not the raw file, depending on what camera generated the x3f file. There are very few that actually convert the raw image, most that say they support the x3f just edit the full size embedded jpg. Easy way to test this, is set the camera to monchrome mode and take a frame, open it up in irfanview, if it is not in color than they are editing the embedded jpg and not the raw image.

Alan
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on May 29, 2015, 10:25:03 pm
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7731/17630031503_8cecbaa07c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/sRUw9p)
Bride (https://flic.kr/p/sRUw9p) - Part of marble dry fountain setup that is often used as a wedding venue at Bonnet House.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: mezzoduomo on May 29, 2015, 10:28:58 pm
Love it!  :)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Rand47 on May 30, 2015, 12:39:02 am
Lovely.  Wonderful tonality.  Haunting.

Rand
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on June 03, 2015, 10:15:30 pm
Rand47, mezzoduomo, appreciate your kind words.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8768/18251882610_c539186a1d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tNREPd)
Villa @ f/2.8
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on June 04, 2015, 10:42:34 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/505/18448050226_92f30561a5_b.jpg) (http://goo.gl/xEDYJ4)
Mansion @ f/2.8
1920px wide is available for preview when clicked.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: John Koerner on June 10, 2015, 01:57:43 am
Haven't seen this thread before.

With 53 pages built it's hard to know where to begin with the praise and kudos on the fine images :D

Just happy I scrolled through ...
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Robert DeCandido PhD on June 10, 2015, 10:22:12 am
May I post two DP3 images (Merrill)?...from the Orchid show in the Bronx (NYC) at NYBG...Spring 2014. First and third photos are orchids, the second a bromeliad.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: NancyP on June 10, 2015, 11:14:38 am
That blue, pink, white, red flower is a bromeliad, not an orchid - and gosh, does it look painted, like those colored daisies that leak dye into their water. That's a unique bromeliad.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Phil Indeblanc on June 12, 2015, 03:46:24 pm
So does Sigma have a higher pixel count SRL in the works?

It might make the reason not to get A7R2 for the studio use.
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: robb01 on June 16, 2015, 05:35:50 pm
Just bought this fine camera off ebay! Don't mind the workflow process which seems to be the biggest issue to overcome about using this camera. Looking through all the great images it was hard to pass up as I enjoy landscape photography and the image quality is second to none.

One question, while the seller I  purchased from offers returns, is there a service center in the US that can repair these cameras?

Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on June 16, 2015, 10:27:02 pm
is there a service center in the US that can repair these cameras?
There is one in RONKONKOMA, NEW YORK. Here is the official Sigma USA repair request form:
http://dealerserviceform.sigmaphoto.com/storefrontB2CWEB/repairOrder.do?action=prepare_form
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Quentin on June 22, 2015, 04:50:04 am
The Sigma Merrill series are great for monochrome, as a number of images on this thread show.

The following two were taken recently in or near Spitalfields, London, with my DP2M

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9806585/June%202015/Concentration.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9806585/June%202015/Sausage%20Man.jpg)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: Malina DZ on June 26, 2015, 10:30:29 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/284/19184257372_3964311f4c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vefkm9)
iso100, f/5, 1/1000s.
Taming Florida sunshine with a P&S camera and a speedlight  8)
Title: Re: Sigma DP2 Merrill Experiences
Post by: DarrellN on July 05, 2016, 12:39:15 am
This is the greatest forum thread I have ever read. 

Amazing.

The depth of knowledge and skill shown by the contributors is humbling. 

It took me 3 days to go through the thread, but it was worth it. 

A couple of things stood out.  One, why don't you talented photographers who have mastery of Sigmas cameras post some pics to dpreview?  For me, if not someone pointing out this thread, I would have had no idea.  dpreview sigma forum pictures are god afwul and most likely point people to other cameras.

Second, This is the most civil forum thread I have ever read.  Yes, there were moments of pride and petty, but for the most part, damn, people respected each other like I have never seen before.

Ok, I am not a pro.  Just an enthusiast.  Here is a recent picture I like, since its important to post pics to show skill level.

It was taken with a Fuji X100.  A camera, I bought used that had sticky shutter blade for its entire life.  To hell with the person who sold it to me, but I learned to live with it and recently did fix it.  Hat's off to Fuji, they only charged me labor to fix a camera that was out of warranty and 5 or 6 years old.

A picture taken from my last safari in 2015 (http://www.surfaceproart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSCF2343_pp-Large.jpg)

Ok, the branch in bottom left sucks and the flash is a bit hot.  Got it.  Otherwise, this is my skill level.  No PP, other than portrait professional to remove my wife's wrinkles.

Now back onto subject of this thread.

I was asked to pay 12.00 for posting.  My first thought was, Thanks Michael for making it affordable, because god knows, I have learned a lot from Luminous!

Quentin, I paid the money to reply to your posts in primary.  I wanted you to know how thankful, I was for the effort you put in to educate people on the Sigma tool.

You are the man!

Also, I want to thank the other posters who gave me great joy in this thread. 

Do not take offense if you are not listed.  These people not only posted pictures but contributed to the thread in helpful ways.

Quentin - your pano of Cannes sold me on the Merrill, but should I wait for the SD Quattro H? 

Hulyss - Sucks you had to pull your images because of pressure from Sigma France, but it is obvious by peoples replies that you are
talented. Really unfortunate, people such as myself, could not see them in context of the thread.

Rand47 - stunning landscapes

BernardLanguillier - your eye's ability to see ambient light and shadows as paint strokes are amazing.

juan_amores - beautiful cactus

mezzoduomo - great landscapes
 
Thanks all!

Damn, best thread ever.