Sigma manufactures some really high-quality equipment that includes optics and cameras. Just check out the 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens we recently reviewed, or the DP3 Merrill. While its namesake is well recognized in the photography community for its lenses, its cameras may not be as familiar with users as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, etc. To allay the fear of buyer’s remorse for a brand new product, Sigma is launching a five-day “Try Before You Buy” program that lets people try out the upcoming dp2 Quattro camera before it goes on sale. Camera rentals aren’t new, but this campaign comes directly from a manufacturer.
“It gives consumers an opportunity to shoot with the dp2 Quattro camera and experience, first hand, the amazing images the camera and the new Quattro sensor produce,” said Sigma’s marketing director, Christine Moossmann, in a press release. “There are so many camera options out there and we’d like to make the buying process more personal. There’s no better way to understand the capabilities of the dp2 Quattro than to spend time shooting with it.”
The 29-megapixel dp2 Quattro, one of three new cameras announced earlier this year, is designed to deliver amazing image quality, thanks to a new sensor. It has a fixed 30mm f/2.8 lens and an unconventional body design. Because it’s so different from what’s out there, we can see why people might be hesitant in dropping $999 for one. So, to promote this camera, it makes sense why Sigma would choose this route, but the company also sees it as an opportunity to get user feedback about the camera.
To participate in the program, you’ll actually need to buy the camera first; if you decide you don’t want it, Sigma will refund your credit card, provided you return the camera in time and in perfect condition. Sigma listed the following details:
- 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, N.Y., headquarters on the seventh day, which will be the date outlined in the letter included in the shipment.
Unless you have used a Sigma camera before (we will say, they have their quirks, but they take amazing pictures), spending a thousand dollars on a niche camera is a gamble. But if you are interested in a dp2 Quattro, this program could help sway your decision before you make that investment.
