Back to the Future 3 1

This little device has the appearance of a silver compact 90s of last century. In addition, there is no zoom, but, depending on the version (DP1, DP2 or dp3), a fixed focal length of 19 to 30mm or 60mm, the equivalent of a 28, a 45mm or a full sized 90mm. That said, the small Sigma hides his game because this product of the latest developments in technology "Foveon" clearly takes the lead for the smoothness and rendering of images offered on the newest and best in DSLR APS size C. A design rather "old fashioned", perhaps, but let certain that the device discreetly but extremely sophisticated, timeless stay long.
The Sigma is designed for an audience of amateurs for whom this item of pace for less austere fully justifies an expenditure of some six hundred euros which it will be well to add one hundred and fifty euros for the optical viewfinder and thirty or sixty euros for one or two extra batteries: knowing that the camera comes with two batteries by Sigma, we guess that our wonder is quite energy intensive (less than 100 trips per load!).
I'm done with my objections or reservations, because everything else is close to ideal, and for the most demanding photographer, the more picky, whether amateur or professional. Technology "Foveon" unique, is obviously the cause. This sensor is similar to the old Kodachrome in that it comprises three layers of pixels, each responsive to the primary colors, red, green, blue. But, much better than I can do it, we have already spoken elsewhere of the benefits of this process: fresh colors, embossed printing, fine detail In short, say that what comes out of the little box stuffed pixels ( three times fifteen million) is properly incomparable.
The Foveon system exists for some years now I have myself had the opportunity to appreciate the way dp1 first (three times five million pixels) and a SD 14 (replaced by SD1) .The defects the former set-processor sensor (very annoying noise from 400 ISO, sometimes irritating slow processor) were partially eliminated in the new version, became fully usable at ISO 400, which earns a lot of finesse and precision. Finally, note that the newest 19mm, 30mm or 60mm including its dp1 equipped them, and dp2 dp3 certainly represent a considerable improvement over the previous generation optics. In short, the DP1, which I use for several months, offers with its wide angle of 19mm excellent results for landscape or naked, but is not designed for photo "on the fly".
This device offers a choice of JPEG, RAW + JPEG or RAW. Without hesitation, I recommend the RAW, which develops very easily with dedicated software, the "Sigma Photo Pro". Minor complaint, however: Why is not the software provided on a CD? Why should I download it? A minimum of elegance would have wanted, for a system of this quality, Sigma brand offers this missing piece.
For the rest, I repeat that this small exceptional device without competes well with the best SLR, including full format. It is very easy to operate and requires no prior training other than a quick read of the manual (including the development of RAW files a pleasure). But have fear: choose such a device is the part of the buyer, the mark of an already asserted jurisdiction. The Sigma DP1 (or dp2 or dp3, according to the type of photos that we usually practice) will be used, or second box for a passionate or a professional, either single case for ultra demanding amateur.