Sigma DP2 Merrill Review

[innstikk]

Nice video! The first generation had 2 dps, the second 3 and the third 4. You can do high iso with the Dp Merrill cameras in B&W if you like high ISO film look with grain. One trick in SPP is to choose 100% blue in the monochrome menu. Then you use the data from the top layer and not in the lower levels. This means you get much less noise. Test by changing to 100% red to see. The light is moving through the sensor so one have drop off and noise at the bottom. This trick only work with Merrill files. For me it is always the outcome that matters most, so I don't mind it's slow operation. Photography is my zen after all.

[k.tanaka]

Writing as an owner of the whole trinity of these cameras I have to declare that you nailed this review of the Sigma DP2 Merrill. Getting the most from these cameras is absolutely a painful, "grievance-laden" (as you said) proposition. But ooh-la-lah these Foveon's can produce jaw-dropping colors and resolution in the right circumstances. (I say this as someone who uses THREE medium-format digital systems regularly!) I made two of my favorite images ever with the DP3 Merrill. So thanks so much for your review. Anyone considering grabbing one of these cameras should pay very close to your words.

And also thanks for producing such a really engaging channel of these old digital camera reviews. I stumbled upon you about a year ago and always welcome new presentations from you. I find your style and organization absolutely informative, entertaining and compelling. And you are quite adept with a camera. You indirectly prove the adage that skilled, talented people can, and will, make compelling images with ANY camera at-hand. I've no idea what your vocation is but it must involve professional imagery. Thanks for sharing your time and experiences.

[gianniche]

I have had this camera since maybe 2014 or 2015 when it could be purchased new, but I have not used in a while. I just checked my old notes and found these tips on exposure:
- If you have a scene that doesn't have much DR, use ISO 100, but if you have a wide range of brightness, use ISO 200
- At ISO 100, you can overexpose by 1 to 1.5 stops. At ISO 200, you can overexpose by 1.5 to 2 stops.
- To restore highlights, you can add some fill light (about +0.3) and decrease the exposure slider to -1 (or more) stops until highlights are restored, export to Lightroom, and increase the exposure by +1.0 to restore darker areas.

[daygon]

I don't believe Sigma will ever produce the full frame Foveon camera. It's been in development hell since 2019, and IF it does release, it will be extremely expensive to cover the development costs. The last interview with the CEO didn't sound promising. The Merrill generation, which I've owned all of including the SD1, are by far the best Foveon cameras, with the DP2 having the most superior optics. These are the only cameras I've ever owned that when reviewing the images I've audibly gasped and said "Wow". In the right conditions, they are nothing short of magic. I've been dreaming of a full frame version for a decade.

[KyleBevis-uj]

Your images are always beautiful. Regardless of the system, you’re clearly just an extremely skilled photographer. Keep up the great videos. So many of your reviews are for items I lusted after when I was younger but can now afford. It’s great finding a community of people who appreciate this brilliant older kit!

[c.m.cheung]

as an owner of a DP2m for almost 5 years now, this review still taught me something i should know, love that! Good work!

[foveonyc]

Great release!
As the owner of sigma dp3m I would like to add...
Shooting at high ISOs is possible in VPS mode (which new cameras in IPhone and Sony have now begun to adopt). When using the viewfinder and setting the brightness level to minimum, the battery lasts twice as long (number of frames) even in winter! It is also possible to power the camera in winter from an external power bank through an original accessory! Well... we've been waiting for a full frame Foveon for many years!!!
Many thanks to the author for the review! And great photos!!!
per aspera ad astra, Ali!

[micgent]

Very good, enjoyed that. For me the Merrill series worked when I had spare cash, spare time and enthusiasm for photography peaked. I had all 3 merrills, sold 2 and vowed never to sell the DP2M which I still have sat above my desk on a shelf waiting for the day I have the time and enthusiasm again. The images are wow from the Foveon sensor. It takes a mind set to run that camera and I think any enthusiast has it a some point in time its just mating the two together.

[josephschimmer]

It’s not only that I could listen to you for hours, the pictures you’re showing are very enticing. And a lot of the comments here too. Will have to do some research. So glad, that YT suggested your channel!

[JHurrenPhotography]

Oh man, this video is awesome. You are so into this camera and I'm living for it! Yes please make that video on how you use your speedlights. I'm deeply into them.

[rickblokeh]

Nice review. You've nailed the exquisite torture of using Sigma cameras. For all their many quirks and flaws, they have an uncanny ability to produce (quite literally) jaw dropping images - usually only revealed when the files are viewed on the computer (which makes that stage all the more rewarding). I've had examples of the last three sensor generations and still have the three dp Merrills and an Sd1 (definitely worth a look). Using these cameras is like learning to drive in a VW Beetle - it's not easy but you come out a better driver/photographer. The unforgiving dynamic range, for example, means that you just have to get better at exposure. And the Sigma experience also makes you better appreciate your other gear - my main body is an A7r2 and it's often criticised for poor battery life, but alongside a dp Merrill its batteries seem to last forever. One very useful workaround I've found for the appalling battery life is to track down the AC adaptor (a battery shaped insert with a cable). It's great for studio work, but where it shines is that you can relatively easily connect it to one of those portable phone chargers for outdoor use. A bit more stuff to lug around but it gives you the luxury of using the camera without watching the bars on the battery meter disappear before your eyes. One final thing - and a segue to another camera you should seek out if you haven't already - the dp Merrill batteries work in the ricoh gx100 (which, in terms of usability, is everything the Merrills are not, and also happens to take very nice pics).

[TheLazyJAK]

I just bought one of these last weekend. Good timing!

[RohamBroccoli]

I am still convinced and optimistic at the same time that Sigma will make a non "black sheep" camera in the future that is actually updated to today's standard and creates good competition with other manufacturers.

Amen🙏🏻🤔

[bw]

My fav camera. Was told by my professor that my images were too artsy for commercial photography. I dont have a desktop and travel, so i rely on jpegs. Love b&w on this camera. I need a DP0 Merrill to go with this camera. Going to try your Ricoh wide angle lens. Learned so much from your video. Thanks!

[erossphelps]

Well done. I use a loupe as well but if I'm not shooting street but rather landscape or macro, I hook up my DP Merrills to a field monitor. It totally gets away from the issues with the weak lcd. You get a much crisper view and you can use features like focus peaking with manual focus for critical work and you expand your exposure controls with zebras. It's basically like adding firmware. As you mentioned, the slow process with Foveon bodies is like large format so I'll occasionally invert the monitor view for the OG LF experience, lol. If you have the cable that came with the DP2M, just find a monitor with RCA inputs, they're pretty cheap. Grab a magic arm and bolt it to your tripod and you're good to go.

[Ryanjleonephotography]

The second you pulled that out of your bag i was hooked!

[robertlayne]

A few resources that may be helpful for flash photography. Strobist with David Hobby. The gold stqandard for off camera flash and free. Tangents, off camera flash. great newsletter. Flash Zebra for all the cords adaptors for old and new flash. Also, most inexpensive wireless flash triggers will work. You can use a canon to trigger Fuji and Nikon. Just use manual flash setting.

[JohnOpie]

The Foveon sensors are also superb for B&W...

[GirdHerd]

I buy Wasabi batteries for all of my digital cameras. I love them and recommend them every chance I have.

[Singsmoke]

My favourite camera ever. Sigma has to remake this for sure!