CES 2013

Sigma DP3 Merill: professional quality in a compact body

11/01/2013 By Mathieu

The Sigma DP series is a unique system among mirrorless and compact cameras. The DP3, announced a few days ago, completes the spectrum, standing along side the DP1 and DP2.

The first unusual aspect of the DP series is that each model has a different fixed lens attached. While the DP1 has been designed for wide angle shots and the DP2 for standard range shots, the DP3 completes the podium with a 50mm f/2.8 lens that is equivalent to 75mm on a 23.5×15.7mm sensor (compared to standard 35mm format). The lens also has macro functionalities.

This sensor is the second very important aspect of this series: it is a Foveon X3 sensor with 46 megapixel resolution (3 times more than the DP1/2), which is huge for a compact camera! The Nikon D800 has 36 megapixels, the Leica s2 has 37 megapixels and a lot of medium format sensors doesn’t reach 40.

But what makes this sensor so unique?

CES 2013: thoughts about the new Nikon 1 cameras

08/01/2013 By Mathieu

Despite its highly-criticized small sensor, the Nikon 1 camera series has proved itself a worthy contender in the mirrorless camera market. The success of the J version further reinforces that Nikon made a wise choice in choosing a small sensor, even though they managed to attract fewer professionals than other brands.

As I see it, Nikon has tried to differentiate itself from the competition by introducing a system based more on functionality than on overall quality image or professional appearance. Nikon 1s are fun to use, and that’s probably what matters the most.