• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 19.6 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Sigma dp1 Quattro

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 19.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sigma dp1 Quattro advantages over Sony A850

  • Higher max flash sync
    1/1250 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    425g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Sigma dp1 Quattro
Sony A900
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Higher max flash sync
  • Newer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma dp1 Quattro vs Sony A900

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Sigma dp1 Quattro
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma dp1 Quattro vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Sigma dp1 Quattro
Sony A99
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Higher max flash sync
  • Lighter weight
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma dp1 Quattro vs Sony A99

Compared to Sigma dp2 Quattro

Sony A850
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Higher max flash sync
  • Newer

Compare Sony A850 vs Sigma dp2 Quattro

Sigma dp1 Quattro
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Wider angle lens
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sigma dp1 Quattro vs Sigma dp2 Quattro

Compared to Sigma dp3 Quattro

Sony A850
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Sony A850 vs Sigma dp3 Quattro

Sigma dp1 Quattro
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Wider angle lens
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sigma dp1 Quattro vs Sigma dp3 Quattro

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