Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

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mpmendenhall
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p.36 #1 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

A couple DP2M shots from this weekend (Bearwaller Gap Trail, Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee).
I really like the camera's ability to capture "busy" complexly detailed scenes. With my 5D, I typically prefer results from closer/simpler compositions, because I wouldn't get enough supporting detail to make the image more than a jumbled mess (which is still what you get when displayed at web resolution...). The pristine pixel-level detail from the DP2M is letting me re-think what compositions are "feasible" to capture (at least without stitching).

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Edited on Nov 12, 2012 at 05:43 PM · View previous versions

Nov 12, 2012 at 04:45 PM

cputeq
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p.36 #2 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Just to chime in to this thread - I have no real intention of buying this camera, but I must admit I was impressed after I stumbled across LL's DP2 field test last night (I'm slow, I know) - the shot-vs-shot examples were quite impressive, and this camera seems to capture an incredible amount of detail.

Nov 12, 2012 at 05:03 PM

ultrapix
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p.36 #3 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

mpmendenhall wrote:
A couple DP2M shots from this weekend (Bearwaller Gap Trail, Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee).
I really like the camera's ability to capture "busy" complexly detailed scenes. With my 5D, I typically prefer results from closer/simpler compositions, because I wouldn't get enough supporting detail to make the image more than a jumbled mess (which is still what you get when displayed at we resolution...). The pristine pixel-level detail from the DP2M is letting me re-think what compositions are "feasible" to capture (at least without stitching).

This image is copyrighted by the owner

It couldn't be said better

Same that large format photography.

Nov 12, 2012 at 05:25 PM

Tariq Gibran
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p.36 #4 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Lawrence Beck wrote:
It also captures paper texture beautifully with the 100 APO Macro or 60 Macro lens and there is no moiré in spite of the lack of an AA filter. Of course, both of the aforementioned lenses are better suited than the 45mm focal length of the Sigma to photographing flat art... but his test was about how the Sigma excels at photographing art.

Hi Lawrence,

I shoot quite a bit of original art work for various museums and artists and specifically brought up the poor choice of focal length for this intended purpose in one of Gary's threads about the subject at DpReview. I'm a bit perplexed that he would recommend the DP2M for that use for the reasons you cite.

I have used everything going back to the Fuji S2 Pro, Canon 5D2, Sony a900 and MF Hasselblad H3D-39 for the reproduction of art work, all with medium focal length Macros having an angle of view around 27 degrees or so. A normal to wide/ normal would be way down on the list of appropriate focal lengths to use. Likewise, while the Foveon based cameras certainly have that "wow" factor, it comes with a few restrictions with regard to ultimate color fidelity/ accuracy - not to mention the "built-in", clarity like contrast boost effect (which is one of the aspects most folks are attracted to when they see Foveon images imo). All of those factors work against using the DP2 Merrill (and likely any current Foveon based camera) when the goal is the most faithful reproduction of color and contrast to the original.

Nov 12, 2012 at 05:53 PM

Lawrence Beck
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p.36 #5 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Good points, Tariq.
Whether the clarity like contrast boost effect is "built in" or not is beyond my pay grade (ha ha ha) but it's there and I agree that it makes for one aspect that attracted me to the DP2M for landscapes. And as you commented, it could also compromise the finer tonal transitions that would be seen in watercolor paintings, for example, leading to a less-than-accurate rendition. I don't think it would be my choice for art reproductions but I'll do some comparisons with the DMR before I make any final decisions. (My DP2M is on it's way back from Really Right Stuff, where they used it to design an L-bracket w/grip for the DP2M. I'm told the bracket will be available in three weeks.)

I also had the same reaction to mpmendenhall's Bearwaller Gap shot above as ultrapix commented: it does look a lot like large format detail rendition!

Nov 12, 2012 at 07:28 PM

timpdx
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p.36 #6 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

I am certainly liking this as a landscape camera, and I am finding the exposure is very accurate and did a good job with the high DR in this shot. This is the jpeg SOOC, have not worked with the RAW yet.

2013 © timpdx

Nov 12, 2012 at 07:36 PM

Tariq Gibran
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p.36 #7 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Lawrence Beck wrote:

I also had the same reaction to mpmendenhall's Bearwaller Gap shot above as ultrapix commented: it does look a lot like large format detail rendition!

Yeah, I would third that. I think we were talking about it earlier in this thread that the DP Merrill images look like big, color transparencies on a light table - Immediate and palpable.

Nov 12, 2012 at 09:02 PM

alundeb
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p.36 #8 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

ultrapix wrote:
mpmendenhall wrote:
A couple DP2M shots from this weekend (Bearwaller Gap Trail, Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee).
I really like the camera's ability to capture "busy" complexly detailed scenes. With my 5D, I typically prefer results from closer/simpler compositions, because I wouldn't get enough supporting detail to make the image more than a jumbled mess (which is still what you get when displayed at we resolution...). The pristine pixel-level detail from the DP2M is letting me re-think what compositions are "feasible" to capture (at least without stitching).

This image is copyrighted by the owner

It couldn't be said better

Same that large format photography.

+1
The images illustrate the point well, even at web size.

The same goes for more megapixels.
(But try to tell that to the "16 MP is enough for landscape" crowd

)

Nov 12, 2012 at 09:16 PM

glacierpete
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p.36 #9 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Tariq,
I do a lot shooting in old buildings like churches and castles. I love the Foveon color transition, smoothness and 3D effect, something I don't get with bayer sensors. The interior walls are mostly filled with paintings, sculptures and ornaments. This is where the DP2M really shines IMHO. I would love to see Capture One Pro as an alternativ to spp for raw development.
BTW I even managed to get some moire with the DP2M on the ceiling of the futuristic BMW world building in Munich

Tariq Gibran wrote:
Lawrence Beck wrote:
It also captures paper texture beautifully with the 100 APO Macro or 60 Macro lens and there is no moiré in spite of the lack of an AA filter. Ofa course, both of the aforementioned lenses are better suited than the 45mm focal length of the Sigma to photographing flat art... but his test was about how the Sigma excels at photographing art.

Hi Lawrence,

I shoot quite a bit of original art work for various museums and artists and specifically brought up the poor choice of focal length for this intended purpose in one of Gary's threads about the subject at DpReview. I'm a bit perplexed that he would recommend the DP2M for that use for the reasons you cite.

I have used everything going back to the Fuji S2 Pro, Canon 5D2, Sony a900 and MF Hasselblad H3D-39 for the reproduction of art work, all with medium focal length Macros having an angle of view around 27 degrees or so. A normal to wide/ normal would be way down on the list of appropriate focal lengths to use. Likewise, while the Foveon based cameras certainly have that "wow" factor, it comes with a few restrictions with regard to ultimate color fidelity/ accuracy - not to mention the "built-in", clarity like contrast boost effect (which is one of the aspects most folks are attracted to when they see Foveon images imo). All of those factors work against using the DP2 Merrill (and likely any current Foveon based camera) when the goal is the most faithful reproduction of color and contrast to the original.

Nov 13, 2012 at 05:34 AM

Tariq Gibran
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p.36 #10 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

For those looking for a great, economical grip option for their DP Merrills, Richard Franiec has one coming in December. I only mention it because I used one of his grips on the original DP1 and found it to be very comfortable, secure and well made.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/11/14/Richard-Franiec-add-on-accessory-grip-for-Sigma-DP1-DP2-Merrill

Nov 15, 2012 at 02:32 AM

cjrpostma
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p.36 #11 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Well, I decided to buy the DP2M. I haven't had time to test it really other than taking a few self portraits with the tungsten lights of my apartment however I can tell there is a substantial amount of detail in the files. The sensor and lens really are something. I've never seen files like this before.

This is my first foveon sensor and I've never shot medium or large format. That might be the reason the files look so unique to me but there is a sharpness to them that I do not see in my D800E. It is very unique if you look closely.

Now, waiting on more accessories to come into availability. I want the viewfinder, extra batteries, and another charger so I can charge two or three batteries at once. I ordered the lenshood but have yet to receive.

Nov 15, 2012 at 03:06 AM

cputeq
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p.36 #12 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

^ Cool, would love to see more shots when you get a chance

You guys are going to force me to rent this, at least.

Nov 15, 2012 at 04:18 AM

glacierpete
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p.36 #13 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Did anybody try the flipbac angle viewfinder on the dp2m? I miss the flip screen of the nex, but it looks like there might be not enough space to attach it.
http://flipbac.com/angle-viewfinder-about.htm

Nov 15, 2012 at 05:30 AM

Tariq Gibran
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p.36 #14 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

glacierpete wrote:
Did anybody try the flipbac angle viewfinder on the dp2m? I miss the flip screen of the nex, but it looks like there might be not enough space to attach it.
http://flipbac.com/angle-viewfinder-about.htm

Interesting. So, it's a mirror that simply reflects whatever is on the LCD? I guess it would need to be angled somewhat (partially closed) to show an image. How well does this design work in practice?

Nov 15, 2012 at 02:44 PM

cjrpostma
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p.36 #15 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

So, I haven't read every page of this thread but I have Googled and am coming up empty handed.....will using my Nikon SB-910 on my Sigma DP2M cause any harm to either unit (i.e. different voltage)? Not that this is an ideal solution but I'm curious. I am fully aware that the SB-910 is probably heavier than the Sigma body.

Nov 16, 2012 at 02:13 AM

inglis
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p.36 #16 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

The flipbac works great and protects the screen. My only learning curve is the backwards mirror effect which slows down the framing. But it works and is better than no flip. Since I use it in the flip down position for holding the camera in front and below, I need to turn the camera upside down for over head shots in order to see the screen.

Nov 16, 2012 at 02:33 AM

sculptormic
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p.36 #17 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

One of my French facade series.

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Nov 17, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Kit Laughlin
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p.36 #18 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

My DP2M arrives this coming week, so joining this thread. That Flipbac will be somewhat familiar to view camera users... at least in the mirror-reversed sense. And thanks to all who have posted in this long thead; between this one and a similar one over at GETdpi, most of what one needs to know can be found.

Nov 17, 2012 at 08:28 PM

Bobu
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p.36 #19 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

I've posted a short article about useful accessories for the DP2M on my blog.

Boris

Nov 17, 2012 at 08:40 PM

Tariq Gibran
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p.36 #20 · Sigma DP2 Merrill: Have any of you tried it?

Probably the most useful accessory I bought for the DP1 Merrill was an optical finder. The plastic Leica 28mm one works nice as it has a sliding lock on the bottom (so there is no chance of it sliding off) and it's fov is a perfect match for the lens. I now need to get one for my new DP2 Merrill. There does not seem to be many options for the 45mm or so equiv. lens. Either the sold out Sigma one or the slightly wide Voigtlander 40mm plastic finder (which looks like it might be slightly large as well but probably has a great, large view). Just curious which finder most around here are using on the DP2.

Nov 18, 2012 at 02:53 AM

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