Nikon Z8 vs Sigma DP1s

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon Z8 and the Sigma DP1s, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon Z8 was introduced in May 2023 and Sigma DP1s was introduced in October 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon Z8 Highlights

      • 45.7 MP Full Frame Stacked CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 64 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 493 Focus Points
      • 5-Axis Image Stabilization
      • 3.2" 2,100k dot Tilting Screen
      • 0.5" 3,690k dot Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder
      • 30.0 fps Electronic Continuous Shooting
      • 7680 x 4320 Video Shooting
      • 2 h 5 min Video Recording Limit
      • HDR-HLG
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sigma DP1s Highlights

      • 14.06 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.50" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon Z8 and Sigma DP1s.

      PROS

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      •   Video Capture
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 45.7 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -9 EV Min AF Detection
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      •   Vehicle Tracking Mode
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 30.0 fps
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 98
      •   High Video Resolution - 7680 x 4320
      •   10-bit 4:2:2 Color
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   USB Charging
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)

      CONS

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.06 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      •   Price
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Nikon Z8

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Z8 over Sigma DP1s.

      Nikon Z8 vs Sigma DP1s
      Video Capture vs
      Sensor Type Stacked CMOS vs CMOS (Foveon X3)
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 45.7 Megapixel vs 14.06 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 64 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 vs 2640 x 1760
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization 5-Axis Sensor Shift vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.50"
      Higher Resolution Screen 2,100k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Electronic (OLED) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 900 sec vs 30 sec
      Average Metering vs
      AF-Area Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Full Size vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Z8.

      Advantage of Sigma DP1s

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma DP1s over Nikon Z8.

      Nikon Z8 vs Sigma DP1s
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 800
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) vs 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma DP1s.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon Z8 Sigma DP1s
        Live View Autofocus
      WEAKNESSES Nikon Z8 Sigma DP1s
        No Built-in GPS

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon Z8 has a 3.2" Tilting screen with 2,100k dot resolution and Sigma DP1s has a 2.50" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Nikon Z8 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Nikon Z8 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Nikon Z8 with Tilting screen


      Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder on Nikon Z8

      Nikon Z8 has a built-in 0.5" Electronic (OLED) viewfinder with 3,690k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 0.80x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sigma DP1s.

      Sensor

      Nikon Z8 features a 45.7 megapixel Full Frame Stacked CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 858 mm2. Its native ISO range is 64 - 25,600 and expands to 32 - 102,400 in boosted mode. Sigma DP1s features a 14.06 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 190.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800.

      Nikon Z8 has Stacked CMOS sensor. The key feature of such sensor is its three-dimensional structure, which consists of multiple layers of semiconductor material and circuitry stacked on top of each other. This allows the sensor to have dedicated layers for image capture and signal processing. This separation allows for faster data readout, reducing rolling shutter effects and enabling high-speed shooting and video recording. It is also more power-efficient.

      Photography Features

      Nikon Z8 is equipped with EXPEED 7 processor and can take pictures up to 8256 x 5504 resolution. Sigma DP1s can take pictures up to 2640 x 1760 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1776 x 1184, 1296 x 864 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon Z8

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon Z8. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Nikon Z8

      Nikon Z8 has a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with 6 stops of compensation. This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Nikon Z8

      Nikon Z8 has a built-in Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5, 802.11ac/b/g/n, 2.4/5 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      Bluetooth on Nikon Z8

      Nikon Z8 has a built-in Bluetooth (version 5) which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon Z8 comes with EN-EL15c battery pack with battery life of 330 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon Z8 has two card slots - one for CFexpress Type B / XQD and one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II). Sigma DP1s has a single SD/MMC card card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon Z8 has Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/32000 sec on Nikon Z8, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma DP1s. Nikon Z8 can shoot continuously up to 30.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon Z8 has Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF system with 493 focusing points and Sigma DP1s has . Nikon Z8 has detection range from -9 to +19 EV. The ability to focus at as low as -9 EV is a feature exclusive to top-tier professional cameras.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon Z8 ranges from -3 to +17 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon Z8 and ±2 range on Sigma DP1s. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon Z8 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sigma DP1s.


      Flash

      Sigma DP1s has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. Nikon Z8 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon Z8.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon Z8 body has dimensions of 144 x 119 x 83 mm (5.67 x 4.69 x 3.27") and Sigma DP1s body has dimensions of 109 x 60 x 31 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 1.22"). Nikon Z8 weighs 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) and Sigma DP1s weighs 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz).

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      144 mm

      119 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      109 mm

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      119 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon Z8 and Sigma DP1s

      Nikon Z8 and Sigma DP1s for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      GOOD
      84
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 30.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      BAD
      36
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      GOOD
      83
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 30.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      BAD
      38
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Large Sensor
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Street Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Large Sensor
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 7680 x 4320
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon Z8 and Sigma DP1s and give them scores of 88 and 49 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      OVERALL
      88
      OVERALL
      49

      Sensor

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 45.7 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 98
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.06 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 30.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Video

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 7680 x 4320
      •   10-bit 4:2:2 Color
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   Webcam Functionality
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      94
      •   -9 EV Min AF Detection
      •   493 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      •   Vehicle Tracking Mode
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
      •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
      POOR
      48
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      EXCELLENT
      96
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      36
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon Z8

      Sigma DP1s

      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      53
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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