The migrated fisherman

2 Indonesian hired-fisherman in Nanfang’ao, a typical small fishing port in Taiwan lack of fresh labor and foreign import came as solution.

The two enjoyed their rest on shore.

Nanfang’ao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

DP-1 Merrill, DP-2 Merrill & DP-X?

No, there is no DP-X yet, just a wish – wishing Sigma would eventually bring out a DP camera with interchangeable lens and of course, with better image engine that can write fast, and hopefully a file format that is friendlier.  And much improved battery.

I have been using original DP-1 and DP-2 since they came out and later also the DP-2 Merrill and the latest DP-1 Merrill, without question, with the latest offering the DP series camera has finally capable of challenging the best, and best some of the bests, in pure image quality, although getting there is not without bumps. The biggest issue is obviously the software that is designated to develop the beautiful, detail packed, and very large X3F file – around 51.8mb, compares to 76mb for the NEF file generated from Nikon D800E, as a comparison.

The DP Merrill series camera is roughly the size of a SONY NEX-7,  a little thicker body but without the hand-grip, electronic view-finer and flash – not like a SONY RX-100 that is true pocket camera, it is still very travel friendly, and with visibly better image quality a low to moderate ISO range.  It is an OK camera with amazingly good image quality; it is for the one capable of making an image than someone simply snap an image.

Firmware update to address some of its shortcomings will be welcome, popular 3^rd party raw-developing software support will be much appreciated.

Image taken with Sigma DP-1 Merrill.  Original image cropped to show the detail.

Nanfang’ao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

The new dawn

This image took in the peaceful, fishing harbor of north west Taiwan, Nanfangao南方澳, right on the day break.  I was using a new Sigma DP-1 Merrill for this image, the X3 sensor captured the serenity and harmonized colors of this little fishing harbor faithfully while rendering the lights, the minute detail of the houses, and the tranquil water surface awaken by the moving finishing boats shot after shot.

I use Sigma’s original DP-1 and DP-2 and was impressed with its abilities in reproduce beautiful colors of nature although wishing its image size should have been larger.  With new DP-1 Merrill and DP-2 Merrill, this wish came true.  The unique X3 sensor and the fact of lacking low-pass-filter enable the sensor capable of reading what a good lens capable of resolving, making the DP Merrill camera capable of challenging the state of the art DSLRS of any size, as of October, 2012.

Nanfangao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

Portrait of Ko Sichi

A recent portrait made on the master, Ko Sichi 柯錫杰.  Shot with Sigma DP-1 Merrill.

Taipei, Taiwan