[DDoram]

I purchased the Sigma Dp1m with 19mm lens and have been comparing it to K01 with 21 ltd as I don't have a 19mm lens for Pentax. The Dp1m uses the Foeven 15 MP sensor but produces stunning clarity in the images. However, I am finding that the K01 holds it own quite well. Some example pictures below. Note that the FOV for each shot is different due to 19mm vs 21mm lens. All photos are on a tripod at ISO 100. The first photo in each series are K01 and 2nd is Sigma Dp1m.

Dale

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[mattt]

How'd you process? Set to same Kelvin for W/B? Always interested to see what the Foveon sensor outputs I think its a novel way to go to market and shows how "think different" can "be different"

[DDoram]

Both camera were set to shade WB but Kelvin wouldn't be identical. The Sigma software is difficult so I just exported the RAW to TIFF and imported to LR. These aren't perfect comparisons but interesting none the less.

[wed7]

Looks interesting. I wonder why foveon sensors is not as popular as cmos/ccds?

[VoiceOfReason]

I know someone with one, and they say they are awesome, until low light hits. Can you post some ISO 1600, 3200, and 6400 comparisons?

[DDoram]

Foeven sensors, while great at ISOs of 100-200, are terribly noisy at higher ISO values. Also, the Dp1m has slow RAW write times and terrible battery life so only has a limited photography niche.

Dale

[VoiceOfReason]

Ahh, thanks. I thought the friend was being too harsh on his equipment, but it sounds like it isn't so. I wonder if the default in camera settings for RAW are bumping the hue and saturation on the Sigma RAW files, or if the sensor is really picking it up like that.

[DDoram]

Since the Foeven sensors have 3 layers and capture all 3 RGB colours on each pixel, the colours are different. I would say the Sigma is a better representation of the scene. However, I could tweak the K01 to look similar. One of the key differences is at 100% where is Sigma is super sharp but the K01/DA 21 holds its own quite well.

Dale

[Na Horuk]

Cool, thanks for sharing! The foveon cameras are always interesting

[robgo2]

It's no secret that the DPMerrills are resolution monsters. Few cameras can match them in that regard, including most FF cameras. The problem with the DPMs is very poor usability. They are really only useful in narrowly defined circumstances. But Sigma has just announced a new series called dp2 Quattro. If these cameras address the issues of the Merrills, they will turn quite a few heads.

Rob

[jeffshaddix]

It's no secret that the DPMerrills are resolution monsters. Few cameras can match them in that regard, including most FF cameras. The problem with the DPMs is very poor usability. They are really only useful in narrowly defined circumstances. But Sigma has just announced a new series called dp2 Quattro. If these cameras address the issues of the Merrills, they will turn quite a few heads.

Rob

Agreed, especially for the 19mm edition. Lack of sensor stabilization isn't as big of a deal on the wide angle. I'm hoping they eventually either release an UWA zoom version or an adapter to the DP1M like the GW3 for Ricoh.

I am impressed however with how well the K-01 held up. I wish Pentax had released a wide angle lens that recessed into the camera body to take advantage of the mirrorless design.

[DDoram]

Yes the K01 did better than I expected. I will play with PP to see if I can match up K01 colours better.

Dale