Common Problem of DP1 and DP2

[spheredome]

I have read from DPreview forum that few DP2 users have been experiencing unit failure. These problem are inherited since DP1 in their early release. So my advise is try not to buy DP2 without local warranty to avoid return shipment complication.

Here are the issues faced which are common. Don't ask again if you encounter them.

- Lens no longer extending even with full battery. - Send for service.
- LCD no longer display even when you cycle the display button - Send for service.
- Camera hangs with red light blinking continuously - Common problem. Remove battery and take photo again. You may try sending it to Sigma to repair it but may not be conclusive. Disable post preview temporary to overcome the issue.
- Battery running flat after 2 weeks. So far no experience from DP2 yet - For DP1 and SD14, I have confirmed due to the battery self discharge and not the camera.
- Pinching the right grip area (not button) of the DP2 power up the unit. - Send for repair.
- Flash not firing or flash fires even when not pop up. - Send for repair.
- Big red/orange flare or red banding against strong light. - Normal. Due to internal infra filter, all Sigma.
- Greenish hue. - Normal. Shoot with custom WB "if" you experience such situation or use software to fix it.

[wrx_sti_22b]

'Made In Japan' should be good wat... why like that?...

[spheredome]

Don't know why. Could be component design issue that breaks more easily under certain condition like weather etc. Or could be batch build in certain region. But I don't have major faults with my DP1or SD14 except the blinkies and battery.

For example, I have noticed that the hanging issue is related to heat as oppose to buffer overflow. This is also the reason why DP only comes in black. But the color thing is my interpretation from reading.

Originally Posted by wrx_sti_22b 'Made In Japan' should be good wat... why like that?...

[obfuscate]

Focusing with the DP2 is really bad in low light situations, what it really needs is face detection to compensate. Even my Fuji F200EXR beats it hands down. When I say low light, I mean a well lit bedroom with about 48W worth of compact flourescent light, good enough to read and write but not enough to focus.

[spheredome]

When DP1 users talks about poor success focus of the camera, most people cannot imagine the level based on their experience. Yes, DP1 and DP2 requires well illuminated area to focus, even in 60W lighted room, you must focus at distinct cross colored material. This is not a product fault but the behaviour. Fujifilm uses assist light to cast a shadow created within bulb onto the surface, enabling it to focus on plain surface.

Next, slow camera response when taking picture. If the subject cannot wait for 1sec lag, DP1/DP2 cannot take that picture. However, you can predict pre-focus a location and shoot later or take it further away.

When taking small close up. Try manual focus instead. DPs tends to focus slightly out.

The LCD is washout by nature, so if the picture looks blur or visible discolored, it will be worst on screen.

Keep these in mind and will do well.

Originally Posted by obfuscate Focusing with the DP2 is really bad in low light situations, what it really needs is face detection to compensate. Even my Fuji F200EXR beats it hands down. When I say low light, I mean a well lit bedroom with about 48W worth of compact flourescent light, good enough to read and write but not enough to focus.

[jasbay]

One has to use DPs like the old time using film. Check, think, check again, then fire. Takes things slow, enjoy the process. Then the DPs will work ok. I am guilty of using it like a PnS. Or worse, DSLR. Frustrating myself in the end. Go slow, and it will give pictures "that beat Leica's" as a user say.

[obfuscate]

Originally Posted by jasbay One has to use DPs like the old time using film. Check, think, check again, then fire. Takes things slow, enjoy the process. Then the DPs will work ok. I am guilty of using it like a PnS. Or worse, DSLR. Frustrating myself in the end. Go slow, and it will give pictures "that beat Leica's" as a user say.

I have started using the manual focus on the DP2 and kinda like it. So it's like back to the good old days of having to know the depth of field and manual focus to quickly get a sharp image.