The Sigma DP2s (2009) improves on the original DP2 with a larger 2.7″ LCD and faster startup, while keeping the same first-generation Foveon X3 APS-C sensor and fixed 24.2mm f/2.8 lens (41mm equivalent). Shutter count is readable from X3F EXIF via the shuttercount.app browser tool. Estimated shutter life: ~50,000–100,000 actuations.
Check Shutter Count →The Sigma DP2s was released in 2009 as a refinement of the original DP2. It shares the first-generation Foveon X3 APS-C sensor (2640 × 1760 pixels per layer, approximately 14 MP effective) and the fixed 24.2mm f/2.8 lens (41mm full-frame equivalent) of its predecessor. The key improvements are a larger 2.7-inch LCD (up from the DP2's 2.5-inch), faster startup time, and improved autofocus speed. ISO range extends to 50–800, slightly wider than the DP1 and DP1s (50–400). The X3F RAW format embeds the shutter count, readable via shuttercount.app or ExifTool.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Lens | Est. Shutter Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma DP2s | 2009 | 14 MP Foveon X3 APS-C (1st gen) | 24.2mm f/2.8 (41mm equiv) | ~50,000–100,000 |
| Sigma DP2 | 2009 | 14 MP Foveon X3 APS-C (1st gen) | 24.2mm f/2.8 (41mm equiv) | ~50,000–100,000 |
| Sigma DP1s | 2009 | 14 MP Foveon X3 APS-C (1st gen) | 16.6mm f/4 (28mm equiv) | ~50,000–100,000 |
| Sigma dp2 Merrill | 2012 | 46 MP Foveon X3 APS-C (Merrill) | 30mm f/2.8 (45mm equiv) | ~100,000 |
| Sigma dp2 Quattro | 2014 | 29 MP Foveon X3 APS-C (Quattro) | 30mm f/2.8 (45mm equiv) | ~100,000 |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.X3F| Shutter Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 3,000 | < 6 % | Very low use — near new condition |
| 3,000 – 20,000 | 6 – 40 % | Low use — plenty of life remaining |
| 20,000 – 50,000 | 40 – 100 % | Moderate to high use — inspect carefully |
| 50,000 + | 100 %+ | Exceeded estimated life — shutter replacement risk |
The DP2s has a fixed lens — any lens fungus, element separation, or shutter mechanism failure cannot be corrected by swapping glass. Inspect the lens front element for scratches and check the LCD for any blotches or dead pixels when buying used.
The DP2s is a minor refresh of the DP2: same sensor, same lens, same image quality. The differences are a larger 2.7-inch LCD (vs 2.5-inch), faster startup, and improved AF responsiveness. Image output from identical scenes is essentially identical between the DP2 and DP2s.
The dp2 Merrill (2012) is a fundamentally different camera using the symmetric Foveon X3 Merrill sensor (~46 MP effective vs ~14 MP on the DP2s). The Merrill delivers dramatically higher resolution at the cost of even slower write times and a narrower ISO range (100–200 optimal vs 50–800 on the DP2s). Focal length is also different: 30mm/45mm equiv on the Merrill vs 24.2mm/41mm equiv on the DP2s.
Both the DP2 and DP2s use the first-generation Foveon X3 sensor, which captures full RGB data at every pixel via three stacked silicon photodiode layers. At base ISO (50–100) the output is distinctive and highly detailed. High-ISO performance drops off more steeply than Bayer sensors; ISO 400–800 is usable but limited. Full-quality RAW conversion requires Sigma Photo Pro (free).
Yes. The X3F RAW format embeds the cumulative actuation count in the Sigma EXIF block. This is readable via shuttercount.app or exiftool -ShutterCount file.X3F.
The fixed lens is a 24.2mm f/2.8 — equivalent to approximately 41mm on a full-frame camera. This makes it well-suited for street photography and reportage. The DP1 / DP1s use a 28mm equivalent (wider); the Merrill and Quattro generations use slightly different focal lengths.
Sigma Photo Pro (free) provides the highest-quality rendering of X3F files via Sigma's proprietary Foveon demosaicing. Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw can open first-generation Foveon X3F files but with reduced colour accuracy. For full image quality, Sigma Photo Pro is recommended for final output.