DP2 Merrill provides predecessor models in the shade

The three-layered Foveon sensor is a unique feature of the Sigma cameras. About 46 million working pixels in the Merrill-variant and produce images with 15 megapixel. Since each 3 pixels of different color sensitivity are among themselves, the actual color information is recorded for each pixel. This provides not only theoretically a fabulous wealth of detail compared to other cameras of similar resolution. Single-layer sensors are only one-third of the color information. The remaining two-thirds are calculated from creative. It may, depending on pixel pattern and photo opportunity unsightly moiré effects which have to be eliminated by a low pass filter or other aids. All this costs details.

But that probably most people already know, for that I write this review. It's me that is less by comparison with other cameras, and more about the comparison with the previous models.

Even with my first-generation DP2 I love photographing. In good light and enough time emerged from a tripod wonderful nature shots in superb image quality, which could be easily extrapolated for larger prints.

For everyday pictures from his hand but I was disappointed again and again, due to many blurred images (inaccurate autofocus to large measuring field and slow shutter speeds at max. ISO 200). There were also many other unsightly to annoying character.

The improvements to the DP2x not lured me. Too many negative aspects remained. When the DP2 Merrill appeared, I was impressed. Almost everything had been improved, but the price was too high to me. Meanwhile, it costs less than I paid for my old DP2. In addition, the next model (Quattro) has a very extravagant housing or complete direct image sensor more. So I took recently to switch to Merrill and am absolutely satisfied so far.

(The construction of the new Foveon sensor Quattro certainly sounds interesting: around 20 million small pixels in the first, particularly low-noise blue layer and the 5 million four times as large green- or red-sensitive pixels in the two underlying layers - it will be interesting)!

The key for me improvements DP2 Merrill opposite DP2 / s / x:

- Sensor is slightly larger and has three times the number of pixels.

- Display is larger and has a much higher resolution, but still quite strong rushes in low light.

- Housing is slightly larger and heavier, which makes it easier to hold the camera steady.

- Fixed lens, so no constant extending and retracting more.

- Autofocus works safer and faster, but needs quite a lot of light.

- Auto focus frame can be adjusted much more flexible in terms of size and position.

- Display magnification with manual focus is now fast and practical to 4x, 8x or even 12x adjustable.

- Adjusting the lens is new and easier manual focusing.

- ISO 400 now produces far less noise and is therefore best suitable for everyday photos.

- Menu is made clearer.

- Quick Set menu for quick access to important parameters is now user defined set and handle much better than the control dial.

- Quick release plates like the Manfrotto 200PL-14 can now remain mounted when changing the battery.

- Angle of slip-on viewfinder VF-21 is no longer limited by the mounted original lens hood (Sigma LH2-01).

- USB / AV terminal is easy to use behind a spring-loaded hard plastic flap, instead of fiddly soft plastic closure.

- AC adapter connector on the battery compartment enhances the use of the camera under studio conditions.

Some negative effects that are likely to have but little to no relevance depending on usage:

(1 / 2000s until F5.6 upward 1 / 1250s at F2.8-F3.5) - 1 / 2000s as the shortest possible shutter speed for the aperture wide open impossible.

- It is not an internal flash longer exists. This was at the predecessor models but very inefficient and incompatible with the lens hood. My little, cheap auto flash Metz 20 C-2 also here does the job pretty well, if you have the necessary know-how for the correct setting (z. B. for fill flash).

[Eränzung November 2014: I have now purchased for uncomplicated TTL flash photography, the Sigma EF-610 DG ST. These are the low-cost standard version of the large, high-performance system-flashes from Sigma. For more information, see my full review here.]

- When mounted original lens hood (Sigma LH2-01) there is no lens cap can use.

[Update November 2014: I leave among almost always mounted the lens hood with a protective filter. It then only remains a small rectangular opening. Scattered light is thus effectively minimized while filters and lens is properly protected. The lid is unnecessary and the camera ready so quickly. Only when using polarizing filter or close-up lens, the shutter needs to be removed.]

- A battery will hold a little less long. (The operating time with display is crucial for me, as the sheer number of possible shots, because I often work with tripod and then adjusting longer or wait for the right time. This is where the difference from the previous models for me is imperceptible.)

- It caused huge RAW files of around 50 MB. The processing with the free Sigma software requires a fast computer and even then still quite time consuming.

After a few photo sessions, I note that the DP2 Merrill as a photographic tool for creative's small luggage (not as easy daily clippers!) Their service considerably satisfactorily done than the previous models. The handling has been significantly improved, the image size is now also suitable for enlargements or very large prints and the image quality is still magical. For this, I am willing to accept some continuing limitations.

Image quality and weaknesses have already been described by other reviewers extensive. If you think in view of the low price for a migration from previous models to Merrill, here hopefully useful information.