Sigma Sigma dp2m sensor/image size question

Location
London UK
Name
Andy
On the sigma website the file size from the DP range is over 4700pixels on the widest edge x 3, does this mean that the image wIll come lut at 14100+pixels or will it stay at4700mp and if so how can they say it's a. 46mp camera?

Thanks
 
The exact figures are 4704 x 3136 = 14.75 megapixels. That's exactly how many pixels you will see on a computer screen. But, those are pristine pixels, not the interpolated "fudged" pixels like in normal cameras. You can compare Sigma Foveon resolutions with other cameras by multiplying the number of megapixels by some number. Here are the numbers I use:

Top-end Bayer filter cameras with top-end lenses:

14.75 megapixels x 1.5 = 22.05 megapixels, compared to Nikon D800E at 36.15 megapixels.

Mid-level Bayer filter cameras with top-end lenses:

14.75 megapixels x 2 = 29.4 megapixels, compared to an average semi-pro quality SLR.

Enthusiast-level Bayer filter cameras:

14.75 megapixels x 3 = 44.1 megapixels, compared to an average enthusiast compact camera like a Canon S100.

Basically, the Sigma Merrill compacts are better than many pro and intermediate SLR cameras, partly because of the fixed lens. That's only true as long as you're working within the narrow limitations of the Foveon sensor with no high ISO, leisurely slow photography, etc.

If you already have a Nikon D3100 and a FujiFilm X100, I think you will be impressed by the detail captured by the compact Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill cameras. The X100 is a good camera, but it's not in the same league. Only your Nikon D3100 will be able to compare respectably well with the Sigmas. They say the Sigmas don't do well at high ISO, but at ISO 800, they look better to me than the D3100.
 
Those samples are quite convincing for the base ISO detail capture of the Merrill sensor! This confirms some of the real world details I have seen in Flickr Merrill group pictures.
 
Thanks everyone, it certainly looks very interesting. We should be getting them in stock soon so if we can get a demo unit out i will be able to have a play.

nice! Please let us know what your findings are then :)

(I'm still on the fence if I should continue with the Sigmas or change systems at some point. I love what you can get out of them. But the inconsistent colors and some other quirks sometimes drive me crazy :)
 
I really like your flickeflu shots. I see only a couple at high ISO. Yes, grainy at 3200, but work in B&W as if a pushed Tri-X from the film days. do you expect the Merrill versions to perform much better? Will you upgrade?

Thank you Dan!
I expect the Merills will be somewhat better at high ISO. But that's not my main concern really (since as you said, I don't shoot a lot of high ISO... although sometimes it would come handy :)

I guess I'll have to try the new ones in a shop or somehow, to see how they handle (with their bigger size/weight and the different shutter release button). The current ones with a Franiec grip are near perfect - even for one handed handling (in my opinion).

The tricky part will be to wait until the end of 2012 before I make a decision. There's already so many interesting cameras announced. And some more will follow at Photokina I'm sure... And with my funds being limited I can't have them all... :-D

So I'll keep using the old ones for a bit longer... After all I'm doing ok with them :)

cheers,
Tilman
 
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