So, after owning (and mostly loving) the Sigma DP Merrill cameras, I decided I would create a camera dichotomy:
1) A Sony RX10 mkii which is likely the most technically sophisticated, easy-to-use, compact, and multi-purpose camera ever made. It produces detailed, clinically accurate files with huge latitude for processing.
2) A Sigma SD1 Merrill which is likely the most backwards, difficult, limited, and over-sized SLR still in use. It produces a completely mixed bag of photos depending on random chance and the the mood of the technician who put the sticker on the front of it 4-5 years ago.
Even if you do manage to get the (garbage) auto-focus to lock and get the shutter to fire, you wait with child-like anticipation while the buffer s-l-o-w-l-y empties its contents onto the CF (HA!) card. The red light pulsates wildly as you wait upwards of 10-15 seconds for the privilege to check focus on your shot... which often looks like a crude watercolor drawn by a mental patient on the abysmal rear LCD.
Then, you get the joy of using Sigma SPP. I won't really get into this, except to say that it is a hot, inefficient, nonsensical pile of garbage that will destroy your will to process photos and leave even the most powerful computer begging for mercy. It is, however, extremely powerful and a necessary evil of the Foveon workflow.
Now, after saying all this, it would seem like I have some kind of self-hatred which I medicate with increasingly horrible cameras. To an extent, this is true. HOWEVER, if (and it's a BIG. ****ING. "IF".) you do everything right, the stars align, and the evil troll who lives inside the camera gets off his ass and does his job, you are rewarded with singular, distinctive, and most importantly interesting images.
I've only had this monstrosity for a two weeks, but here are a few shots I've been very happy with.
1)
2)
3) Forgot my CPL, improvised!
4)
5)
1) A Sony RX10 mkii which is likely the most technically sophisticated, easy-to-use, compact, and multi-purpose camera ever made. It produces detailed, clinically accurate files with huge latitude for processing.
2) A Sigma SD1 Merrill which is likely the most backwards, difficult, limited, and over-sized SLR still in use. It produces a completely mixed bag of photos depending on random chance and the the mood of the technician who put the sticker on the front of it 4-5 years ago.
Even if you do manage to get the (garbage) auto-focus to lock and get the shutter to fire, you wait with child-like anticipation while the buffer s-l-o-w-l-y empties its contents onto the CF (HA!) card. The red light pulsates wildly as you wait upwards of 10-15 seconds for the privilege to check focus on your shot... which often looks like a crude watercolor drawn by a mental patient on the abysmal rear LCD.
Then, you get the joy of using Sigma SPP. I won't really get into this, except to say that it is a hot, inefficient, nonsensical pile of garbage that will destroy your will to process photos and leave even the most powerful computer begging for mercy. It is, however, extremely powerful and a necessary evil of the Foveon workflow.
Now, after saying all this, it would seem like I have some kind of self-hatred which I medicate with increasingly horrible cameras. To an extent, this is true. HOWEVER, if (and it's a BIG. ****ING. "IF".) you do everything right, the stars align, and the evil troll who lives inside the camera gets off his ass and does his job, you are rewarded with singular, distinctive, and most importantly interesting images.
I've only had this monstrosity for a two weeks, but here are a few shots I've been very happy with.
1)
2)
3) Forgot my CPL, improvised!
4)
5)