Comparing the Sigma DP1 against the Canon 1D Mark 3 and the Leica D-Lux3 Photo Gallery by Hugh Denholm at pbase.com

Comparing the Sigma DP1 against the Canon 1D Mark 3 and the Leica D-Lux3

Not completely scientific, but similar pictures taken at similar times. The 1D had a 24-105L lens set at 24mm. All shots taken in RAW and converted to JPG at 100%.

View at 100% size.

The Leica just doesn't stack up against the DP1 or Canon. The DP1 does an amazing job against the 1D.

DP1 picture 1	1D Mk 3 picture 1	D-Lux3 pIcture 1	DP1 picture 2
1D Mk 3 picture 2	D-Lux3 picture 2	DP1 picture 3	1D picture 3
DP1 picture 4	1D picture 4	D-Lux 3 picture 4	The contenders

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afriKano		11-Jun-2010 22:19
Thank you! I finally understand. After going back and forth studying different camera/sensor types for the last couple of years, your three camera comparison finally gave me the clue. Comfort! My eyes always wanted to come back and reeest on the DP1 flicks. Can't talk me out of it now. I'm getting a DP1x.

CUENNET Christian		10-Oct-2009 14:49
It is mad as pros Nikon, Canon and especially Leica are persuaded that they have the beep of beep between hands... Difficult to think that DP1 and DP2 give pictures of such a good quality... Is not it? But I think that Sigma proved for a long time now that their know-how at optic level is of high level, that the sensor X3F is prodigious... But it is difficult to accept for many "photographers"... Yes DP1 and DP2 are quality bombs even yes their use should be re-thought... Thank you to pour it test!!!

香云		07-Mar-2009 14:43
支持DP1~~~

gSPOTmeter		27-Jan-2009 01:36
pardon my French, ..but how on earth can one say anything about 'the Leica (lack of) quality' ? whether it's 'fair or not' to compare; my opinion is, that you'll need -at least- to know and compare all (/ most of the) parameters per each camera, ..and i'm convinced that this Leica could do much better !! thanX

Lou Giroud		29-Jun-2008 12:35
Good comparing, just the D-Lux has, in exception of it's size nothing to do here. Comparing a mini capture device to an apsc or a foveon is unfair. How about comparing the super cameras one time like a D3, a 1DSMk2 and 5d. In exception of the technical plus for a D3 I still think that a 5D makes the better picture. Here, the pictures talk by there own, and even if in some of them the Canon shows more details, I am quite surprised that a small camera with a correct sized sensor like the 4.5 mpix Foveon makes such good shots. A pity that other camera makers have not opted for that solution. I wait for a camera of that size with a larger sensor from one of the more popular manufactures and for sure, with some more comfort then the DP1.

oluv		27-Jun-2008 08:24
there must by something wrong with your leica, the images are washed out and unsharp. my panasonic LX1 takes better pictures. which raw-converter did you use? i get best results with raw therapee, it pulls a lot more details out of the panasonic.

lifesuk		26-Jun-2008 09:09
Remember people, it's "NOT" a Leica, but actually a $400 Panny, cost half of a DP1, you pay $200 more for a badge. and it's not a fair competition, it's like having a race of a Prius, an M3, and an ENZO.

Montrelle		11-Jun-2008 01:11
The leica doesnt suck its the sensor that has problems. Leica has the best glass around, they just need to work on the sensor. I bet if they put a full sized sensor in their camera it would do equally as well.

Guest		13-Apr-2008 16:12
My opinion: Leica sux, but this is small sensor camera, D1 better sharpness then DP1 (little), DP1 better tone range then D1 (little).

Guest		13-Apr-2008 03:34
Thanks for the comparison. Why did you shoot the Leica at the aspect ratio that results in the lowest resolution? Native is 16:9. Were you intentionally trying to make it look as bad as possible?

Guest		12-Apr-2008 03:44
I don't see what is the problem with comparing apples and oranges. yes, the prices are different and they are different cameras, but nobody has ever said that this is a FAIR comparison. it is meant to show the relative differences in quality of these cameras. personally, i think the DP1 stacks up pretty well against the Mk3 in terms of image quality. A comparison is exactly what it is - a comparison. It does not necessarily imply that it is a FAIR or scientific comparison. I think it's pretty useful and hugely interesting anyhow.

shinzof		11-Apr-2008 03:29
Very interesting. It is an impression that wears/removes glasses :-o Thanks a lot, Hugh.

Amin Sabet		10-Apr-2008 19:41
Very interesting comparison Hugh. Thanks for sharing. Regards, Amin.

Chunsum Johnson Choi		10-Apr-2008 16:18
DP1 $799 D-Lux 3 $599 1D Mk3 $4500

Joe		10-Apr-2008 15:20
Amazing differences

G黱ter Borgemeister		10-Apr-2008 14:09
Poor Leica!

Jaap Blom		09-Apr-2008 11:00
What about comparing prices? Jaap

click on thumbnails for full image