Perks of having cool friends, they have cool cameras! Special thanks to Raja Indra Putra, a long time friend who has also taught me and inspired me to be a better photographer, he owned the Sigma DP2 Quattro, quite an unusual camera which was released about 10 years ago. The camera features Foveon X3 image sensor that has 3 different layers of pixels to capture more information, all combined into ultra-high resolution, more optimized image output, according to Sigma. The unusual sensor design, which was different from the normal Bayer pattern also meant that the processing took much longer than needed, with frustrating black out times, and the APS-C sized sensor has less dynamic range and high ISO noise control in comparison to even smaller sensors from Micro Four Thirds format. Nonetheless, used in the right scenario, in very limited range, the Foveon X3 sensor in Sigma DP2 Quattro shines, producing mind-blowingly sharp images with resolution only medium format cameras can match. It is indeed, a class of its own. I personally believe Sigma should revisit this Foveon concept, and with modern processing power (10 years later now) and advancement of sensor tech, I think they can make the whole operation time faster and more efficient, improve dynamic range/high ISO and at the same time, maintaining what made them so good in the first place - a medium format quality in a pocket sized camera! I talked about this and more in my latest video here (click).
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I am really enjoying your exploration of older cameras Robin, it is a breath of fresh air from the usual reviews of high end cameras and lenses that are slowly but surely becoming out of reach for those on a tight budget.
ReplyDeleteOver the last 12 months I have been buying cheaper compact cameras and have rediscovered the joy of photography again, I do think that having the latest and best tech can sometimes put put a level of expectation and pressure to get good shots every time, since we have paid good money for the gear.
Thank you for all the advice and videos, your enthusiasm is contagious and inspire us all to discover the fun in older gear.