The DP2 has two things really going for it. First the Foveon sensor captures beautiful pictures. Second, the DP2 has a very good lens that excels at taking razor sharp photos, especially when those subjects are relatively close to the camera. This isn’t to say it doesn’t handle the far away stuff, it does, but not to near the same degree as more close up type compositions. It’s these closeup shots that get the ohhs and ahhs, and really bring out that 3D look that folks attribute to the DP2. One aspect to that “3D-ness” is the incredible edge crispness that the lens captures. In focus subjects will frequently have razor sharp edges to them, and with the 2.8 aperture busy blurring out backgrounds, it often looks like you cut and pasted your subjects. All I can say is if you nail your focus, be prepared to see detail on the cellular level. It’s just amazing.

About the images

All of the photos below were taken at “The Mount”, the one time residence of the author Edith Wharton. It was an overcast day when I went, which made for more vivid colors, but grey skies. Everything has been edited in Sigma’s Photo Pro, with vignettes and cropping applied in Photoshop CS4. As usual, click for a larger view, but best results come by clicking the original size link, for the actual sized image.

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size

Sigma DP2

original size get the Sigma DP2 at Amazon, B&H Photo

The very much like a Panasonic LX3, but $100 more Leica D-Lux 4 gets reviewed at CrunchGear, where besides refering to it as a “gateway drug”:

That said, the D-LUX 4 is an excellent second point-and-shoot and is great for grabbing hard to frame shots that other point-and-shoots would completely destroy.

-CrunchGear

The (mini) review can be had here.

Some fun, albeit speculative Nikon news today from various sources. The biggest one is the purported roadmap of upcoming Nikon releases through the end of 2010 which comes to us via nikonrumors.com. You know how this goes, I’m posting for your entertainment only, this could very well be totally baseless as most of these things are, but still you know some of these models ARE coming. The roadmap lists the following:

For August:

• A 12.3 megapixel D3000 (likely no video)
• A D300s, complete with faster frame rate (7fps) and 1080p video at 24fps
• AF-S DX Nikkor 17-65mm f/3.2-4G ED VR

October:

• A 24 megapixel D700x with 5fps and 1080p video at 24fps
• AF-S Nikkor 24 to 135 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
• AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S Nikkor 35 mm f/1.4G,
• AF-S Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4G/li>

Quarter 2/ 2010

• A 15.7 megapixel FX sensor D4 with 1080p video at 30fps
• A 13.8 megapixel DX sensor D400 with 1080p at 24fps

And further out at the end of 2010

• AF-S Nikkor 300 mm f/4G VR
• AF-S Nikkor VR 400 mm f/5.6G
• AF-S Nikkor 70 to 240 mm f/3.5-4.5G VR
• AF-S Nikkor 105 mm f/2G DC
• AF-S Nikkor 24 to 85 mm f/4G VR
• AF-S DX Nikkor 60 to 95 mm f/2G VR
• AF-S DX Nikkor 17-60 mm f/2.8G VR
• A DX sensored Coolpix camera
• A 30.2 megapixel D4x

via nikonrumors.com

Meanwhile, Photography Bay found some information on a possible update to the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR, which according to the above roadmap could be as soon as October.

And finally, Thom speculates on future Nikon models, feeling confident that we’ll be seeing a D3000, a D300s, and a D700x by year’s end. Also, Thom asks if 12 megapixels is enough, the answer of course is mostly yes, but it depends…

Previously, you might remember that the Sony A380 got a “tepid” response in an early review at Tech Radar. So I’m a little surprised that at the laid back PhotoReview, the A380 manages to walk away with an “Editor’s Choice” with an overall score of “9″, most of that coming from image quality. Now, it’s darn near impossible to decipher PhotoReview’s enthusiasm over any specific camera, and that continues with this review as well, so it’s hard to figure out exactly what they liked so much. Not to say there isn’t anything to like, you just can’t tell at PhotoReview. Get the review here

order now at Amazon, B&H Photo

We really enjoyed our time with the Canon SX200 IS, and I have to admit, I miss having the convenience of a point and shoot in my camera bag (The DP2 is not a point and shoot). When I reviewed it, I mentioned that it does most things very well, and in a review of the 12.1 megapixel, 12x zoom digital camera, Imaging Resource comes to similar conclusions, performing well enough to earn a “Dave’s Pick” over there:

Part of what makes the Canon SX200 fun to shoot with — and fun it is — is that 12x zoom in your pocket. You don’t look around and say to yourself, “Well, if I just had a 300mm lens.” With the Canon SX200 you have a lens that can see everything from three walls in a room to that kid in center field.

And the Canon SX200’s smooth, 12x zoom makes it easy to compose the image just the way you want, too.

-Imaging Resource

You can get their review here.

Definitely a fun, and versatile camera, that’s easy to use and takes good pictures. Oh, and manual controls too. If only it had stereo sound for the HD movies…

or check prices at Amazon, B&H Photo

Pentacom has a very tiny, java based application that recreates the look of polaroid pictures and/or toy cameras to any JPEG image. Similar to Poladroid, but with more extensive and better options, simply drop your JPEG of choice on the application, move a few sliders, choose border or no border, and presto! Instant polaroid. Results are pretty fast, and it’s a free trial (adds watermark) or buy for $9 U.S.

Below, and example busted out in a couple of seconds. Interesting, horrible, time waster, you be the judge.

Analog Color result (click to enlarge)

Get the application here.

Leica has announced a safari green edition of their Leica D-Lux 4 digital camera, to be available in September. I kind of like this drab look on this camera, but if you’re not convinced here’s a blurb from Leica’s press release:

So what are you waiting for?  Book your Autumn trip away and grab a LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI whilst you can, the hottest arm accessory in the coolest colour this season. The LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI will be a timeless addition to any collection – a limited edition camera that is built to last, look good and perform.

I bet you hadn’t realized this was the hottest arm accessory…that changes everything.

I’ll admit, I was a bit confused when Nikon announced a fixed length 35mm lens for DX formatted Nikon DSLRs only. The logic was that it allowed Nikon to focus on making a smaller more affordable lens for DX owners, which essentially means Nikon wanted a lens to cater specifically to the countless Nikon D40, D60, D80, and D90 owners out there. A 35mm lens provides them an equivalent length of 50mm, that classic focal range well known to full frame and 35mm shooters, and the f/1.8 provides wide open shooting just not possible in a kit type lens. Once you accept this, and factor in the price point of $199, this lens starts to make a whole lot of sense. Luckily, while reviewing the very good Nikon D90, Nikon was kind enough to loan me a copy of this new offering. To find out whether this inexpensive fixed length lens is right for you, continue reading our review of the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G .

The lens, hood, and cap (click to enlarge)

In the Box

• 35mm f/1.8G DX lens
• Bayonet Lens Hood
• Snap-On Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Case

Even at this price point, you get the lens hood and the soft case. It’s the little things in life, and it’s nice that Nikon didn’t skimp here.

In The Hands

Lens with hood reversed (click to enlarge)

We mentioned that by focusing on DX shooters only, Nikon was able to go smaller and cheaper with the 35mm f/1.8G. Thankfully, in no way did this equate to cheapness, because the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G does not come off as cheap. Housed mainly in plastic, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is well made with excellent fit and finish. It has a metal F mount, a sectional ribbed rubber focusing ring, and the manual/auto focus switch. Left off presumably to control costs, is a distance scale. Overall it’s lighter than most lenses and just a wee bit smaller than say the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G.

Paired with the Nikon D90 (click to enlarge)

Aesthetically it’s a nice looking lens, and it might just be me, but it beautifully combines with the Nikon D90, where its lightness and compact size worked in perfect harmony with the D90’s excellent form factor. Overall, though certainly a low cost lens, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G doesn’t come off looking like a cracker jack prize, and has enough looks and presence to earn a regular place mounted to your camera.

Using the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Small, light, and well made (click to enlarge)

The Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is an above average performer and a real pleasure to use. So that it works with entry-level Nikon DSLRs, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G features the Silent Wave Motor, and true to its namesake, lens noise is kept to a minimum. AF when used with the Nikon D90 was reasonably fast, and generally quite responsive. For manual focusing, the focus ring had a fairly smooth action, but did have a tiny amount of give in the back and forth, which might cause a bit of headache during live view focusing. With that tiny exception, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time with the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G more. Paired with the Nikon D90 it made for a well balanced and capable package, picking out focus as fast as I’d want, and looking good while doing it.

With hood attached (click to enlarge)

2 additional pluses, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G stays at a fixed physical length during focusing, and it also features a non-rotating front element, good news for those wishing to use polarizers, or other screw on filters (52mm).

Image Quality

Lots of detail captured- 100% crop (click to enlarge)

The Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G delivers very sharp, satisfying results at a high rate. I found it easily resolved fine details, like single hairs, even while shooting a f/1.8. Unsurprisingly, best results are in the center and better results are found at f/2.8, but you needn’t be all that shy about shooting this lens wide open. Bokeh was pretty good overall, again with best results coming at f/2.8, where things look a bit smoother to my eye. Vignetting is well controlled and generally not an issue, but the lens does exhibit a mild degree of distortion, though certainly nothing overly horrific. Where we do get into problems (you knew there had to be a catch right?) is with chromatic aberrations. First a reminder, the D90 automatically removes chromatic aberrations, or at least most of it, so long as it is of the lateral variety. Even so, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G still shows some degree of lateral CA. Where it really has trouble is managing longitudinal CA, especially when wide open. Unlike lateral CA, longitudinal CA is a real pain, if not impossible, to remove in post. Luckily, it can be reduced greatly by stopping down the lens, but if you prefer to shoot wide open, you’ll simply have to live with this flaw. Overall the lens produced silky smooth, but sharp images that most photographers, especially those used to their kit lens, will be very pleased with.

At the end of the review we’ve include a number of samples taken with the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens. For the full size originals, just click through the “original size” link. In the included files you’ll note both types of CA in a number of shots, where I deliberately tried to induce CA. Note that decreasing the aperture also dramatically reduce CA with this lens, so that shots f/5.6 and over have very little CA. Detail throughout is very good, but improves even further with sharpening, which hasn’t been done on these images.

Verdict

I really can’t say enough good things about this lens. Relative to its cost, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G brings a high level of performance in a well made, but still tidy package. If you’re still using your kit lens, and looking for an affordable alternative to put in your camera bag, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G deserves a very strong look. The price simply can’t be beat, and kit lens users will be very happy with the sharp images and wonderful depth of field it provides. If the lens has a negative, it surely has to be with dealing with chromatic aberrations, both lateral and longitudinal, and while certain Nikons can handle the lateral CA, you’re on your own with the longitudinal variety. Other than that, I can’t find a good reason to not recommend this lens. In fact, if you’re just starting to expand your lens library, and own anything from a D40 up to D90, I’ d say this lens is a “must have”.

Build Quality: 8/10
Features: 7/10
Functionality: 8/10
Image Quality: 8/10
Overall Value: 9/10

Get the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G at Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama.

Sample Images

Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.006 sec (1/160) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.006 sec (1/160) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.004 sec (1/250) Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/1.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.88 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/1.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.40 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.32 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/3200 sec Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.001 sec (1/800) Aperture:     f/2.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.48 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.003 sec (1/320) Aperture:     f/8.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.16 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.004 sec (1/250) Aperture:     f/8.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.02 sec (1/50) Aperture:     f/2.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     400 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size

From Olympus on the video:

This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired us. …

Very well done.

Continuing to do well for itself, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i gets reviewed at the DCRP:

Photo quality has always been a strong point of Canon D-SLRs, and that’s generally true with the T1i. The Rebel T1i takes well-exposed photos, though it does clip highlights a bit more than I’d like. Colors were pleasing the majority of the time, except with the night and indoor church shots, which had noticeable brown color casts

-DCRP

No huge issues, mostly good image quality, very good relative ISO performace, somewhat slow frame rate, entry level build, and slow live view performance.

The full review here.

or check prices at Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama.