Haptics, use, processing
The design of the new Quattro is undoubtedly the aspect of the camera, which was the most hotly debated after the announcement. Some, like me, will find the futuristic design refreshing, bold and beautiful, while others can not get anything this. Although I am one of those who are satisfied with the feel of DP3M and have to suspend this little, I must admit that it can hold a good deal better and use the Quattro. But it is not only the handle, which contributes to better feel and operation - the second thumbwheel, which has been added, facilitates making important settings immensely, particularly in M mode. Other benefits include the improved QA menu, which is now more intuitive and can be individualized easier that way with the middle button of the directional pad immediately reinzuzoomen at the focal point (100% view), without having to turn the thumbwheel, and the sharper, brighter and high-contrast screen, which can be much better to read in direct sunlight. Assessing the sharpness is facilitated immensely by the last two points.
As another reviewer has mentioned, the front of the handle and the bottom of the camera are now rubberized, which I find really great. Although I consider the DP3M for well made, the finish and the keys of the Quattro feel to better. It could be that now all the buttons are round, but I find the pressure point clearly better than in the square keys of Merrill. In addition, and this is certainly the higher weight of the Quattro, the latest DP feels to solid. The DP3M acts in direct comparison somewhat hollow. The flap, behind which the memory card slot and the connectors are located is actually solved suboptimal. If one has a habit of the memory card rauszunehmen from the camera, but these connect via USB to the PC, scores the Merrill-housing thanks to a less fiddly flap, lower frustration potential. But sitting at the Merrill the map next to the battery, which people the memory card is more often change certainly not fallen.
Image quality, micro-contrast, noise performance
The DP3M undoubtedly higher micro contrast, the Quattro triggers but later on and has better noise performance. In my experience, is ISO800 the highest sensitivity level, where you still receive useful colors with the Merrill and can do without a lot of noise suppression. With ISO1600 / 3200 can make only black and white photographs. When DP2 Quattro the still usable sensitivity for color photos an ISO level is higher ie ISO1600. On the software front has done little MMN. Even with the Quattro, the end of the line is reached at ISO3200. Encouraging is natural that the 30 / 2.8 lens is not overwhelmed with 20 million pixel diodes behind and still reflects clean and crack-sharp despite the higher pixel density by one-third. At the image quality of the Quattro can not be faulted, unless you're addicted to the typical micro contrasts of Merrill. ;) I find that the higher the contrast micro Merrill to some subjects fits well, while acting totally unnatural in others (Portraits).
Working speed, AF, Battery
According to Sigma tinkers in the Quattro, a new, faster processor, which can be felt at any point. It now only takes half as long until a captured RAW was written on the card. The zoom in the images and the AF feel noticeably faster. More important than the increased speed is assured that the AF has become obstinate, and thanks to the auxiliary light real grip even in low light, in which the AF of Merrill simply gives up.
Although I have spare batteries, my modest battery life of DP3M is an eyesore. One must remember that batteries are empty and which do not have any juice left constantly. The larger handle the DP2Q is not a pure design decision it is not just there to let the camera appear more beautiful and to make more ergonomic. This find significantly larger battery space of which are delivered wiedermal two together with the camera. Thanks to the higher capacity of the new battery can be personalized with the Quattro considerably more photos to make a single charge. Rough estimate, compared to Merrill, with the Quattro 2.2 to 2.5 times as many shots with a battery in it.
In conclusion I would say that I consider the Quattro for all-round better camera. The only advantage of Merrill, this depends on the situation, in my opinion is the higher micro contrast, in all other respects I find the Quattro better. So if you can live with the gentler image appearance of DP2Q and is ready for a better camera more money to take in the hand, which was to reach for the Quattro.
