Sigma wants to encourage new users to try their new dp2 Quattro so badly they've decided to tear down the walls: you can borrow the dp2 and test drive it before you buy it... and even before it’s available to purchase in stores. Though you have to throw down the value of the camera as collateral, if you return the camera you get the money back. Free rental? Yes please.
Sigma announced the dp Quattro series in February of this year, with each of the three cameras in the series featuring a redesigned camera body and Foveon “Quattro” Direct Image sensor, which is equivalent to a Bayer 39 MP conventional sensor in resolution testing. The dp2 Quattro camera, priced at $999 and the first camera in the series, utilizes a fixed 30mm 2.8 standard lens "that is specifically designed and optimized to pair with the Quattro sensor and create images of exceptional sharpness and detail."
Here is the low-down on the loaner program:
- Eligibility and Selection: Sigma is encouraging all U.S.-based, experienced photographers who are interested in and/or considering purchasing the dp2 Quattro camera to apply for the loaner program. Since quantities are limited, participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Entry Procedures: The program will begin on July 1, 2014 and will run until July 31, 2014. To register for this loaner program, please click here. Registrants will be asked to sign up by providing their name, billing and shipping address, and credit card information. Their credit card will then be charged in the amount of $999. Upon Sigma’s timely receipt of the camera and accessories back in its possession, Sigma will issue a credit back onto the same credit card.
- Loan Procedure: Sigma will ship the camera to the participant via two-day shipping. Each box will include a prepaid return shipping label for return of the camera. In addition to the camera, each box will include a lens hood, flash, battery charger, memory card and two batteries. Participants will be directed to a landing page with product information and tutorial videos.
- Loan Period: The loan period for each participant will be for a period of five days, including a weekend. The camera will be expected to arrive back at Sigma’s Long Island, NY, headquarters on the seventh day, which will be the date outlined in the letter included in the shipment. Sigma encourages all consumers participating in the loaner program to share their feedback and photos using the hashtag #SigmaQuattro.
What do you guys think? Gonna sign up?
Quite skeptical about the ergonomics. It looks painful to hold !
I have held it and it was surprisingly comfortable. It wasn't a complete working version though so the weight wasn't final.
I like all these "Test Drive" programs...I hope more companies take this public relations approach.
Really quite interesting concept. I'd like to shoot with it to see how it compares to the DSLRs
I shoot with a dp3m at times, IQ is simply outstanding at base iso but the camera itself (write speeds, focus speeds, battery power, high iso) leave's a lot to be desired but its worth it for the IQ which as well as being insanly detailed has a different look to a bayer camera.
If the IQ from the Q can improve on the Merrills while also being a much more useful camera I would have no problem using them over a DSLR and getting all three versions would be pretty sweet but you would be limited to 19/30/50mm.
They also have a leaf shutter, not sure if the Q improves on this aspect but the Merrills can sync flash at 1/2000 by f5.6 and 1/1600 wide open.
Having spent some studio time with the SD1 Merrill I think the dp2 Quattro has real promise, especially for street photography. The form factor alone is enough to at least try it for that experience alone!
I signed up for this...really interested in what it'll be like both to use physically and in file quality... Can't wait :-)