| The Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill. These high image quality compact digital cameras feature a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation-name “Merrill”) which is also incorporated in the new digital SLR Camera, SIGMA SD1 Merrill.The SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill are the next generation of high image quality digital cameras which incorporate a newly developed 46 mexapixel large image sensor in a compact body. The full-color Foveon X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimentional feel. Focus ring and custom Quick Set (QS) mode improve the user interface.Developmental BackgroundIn March 2008, the Sigma Corporation released the SIGMA DP1, the world’s first compact digital camera incorporating a large image sensor equivalent to the one in SLR cameras, and it attracted a wide range of people including photo enthusiasts and professional photographers. After that, the Sigma Corporation released the SIGMA DP2 featuring 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, making it possible to choose the SIGMA DP1 for wide angle photography and the SIGMA DP2 for standard photography. As the latest models of SIGMA DP series, based on the basic concept, the SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill were developed in order to maximize the performance of the newly developed 46 megapixel large image sensor “Merrill”, as well as to incorporate dedicated high performance lenses and improve the user interface.
About the generation-name “Merrill”
The Foveon X3 direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality. As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honor of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill. |
[SIGMA DP Merrill series Product Summary]46 megapixel. 23.5×15.7mm Full-color Foveon X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-color Foveon X3 direct image sensor (Generation name “Merrill”), featured in the SIGMA DP Merrill series, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, are captured by the 46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-color X3 Merrill sensor with a three-dimentional feel.Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA DP Merrill series incorporate a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image snsor, and it improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimentional feel.
Exclusively designed high performance lenses
The exclusively designed lenses for the SIGMA DP Merill series are developed to maximize the sensor performance. For the SIGMA DP1 Merrill, a 19mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, and for SIGMA DP2 Merrill, a 30mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm SLR camera. FLD (“F” Low Dispersion), which has a performance equal to fluorite glass, and molded glass aspherical lenses correct aberrations. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, which makes it usable even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.
RAW+JPEG format recording
The SIGMA DP Merrill series obtain a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP Merrill series keep brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processes in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It is also possible to record RAW data and JPEG data simultaneously to provide more convenience.
SIGMA Photo Pro (supplied)
The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. It renders the full, 46 megapixel data. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to reder desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure pickr, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.
Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.
Advanced User Interface
The custom quick set menu and the metalic comand dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the comand dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.
Portable compact and lightweight body
The DP Merrill series have compact dimensions of 121.5mm (W) ×66.7mm (H) × 64.3mm (D), and lightweight of 340g（DP1 Merrill）ã€121.5mm (W) ×66.7mm (H) × 59.2mm (D), 330g（DP2 Merrill）. Supplied neck strap provides perfect mobility for candid photography.
SD card
The DP Merrill series adopt the SD Card (SDHC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry.
Large, highly visible 3.0″ TFT color LCD Monitor
The DP Merrill series feature a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor which ensures a great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detailes and to check focusing and composition.
Hot Shoe
The DP Merrill series cameras are equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).
Dedicated lens hood
The dedicated bayonet lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light.
* A hood adapter is sold separately
Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. |
SIGMA DP Merrill : Major Specifications
| Image Sensor |
Foveon X3;® direct image sensor (CMOS) |
| Image Size |
23.5×15.7mm |
| Number of Pixels |
Total Pixels: 48MP |
| Effective Pixels: 46MP(4,800×3,200×3) |
| Aspect Ratio |
3:2 |
|
DP1 Merrill |
DP2 Merrill |
|
Focal Length
|
19mm |
30mm
|
|
35mm Equivalent Focal Format
|
Approx. 28mm |
Approx. 45mm |
|
Maximum Aperture
|
F2.8 |
F2.8 |
|
Number of Diaphragm Blades
|
9 Blades |
9 Blades |
|
Lens Construction
|
9 Elements in 8 Groups |
8 Elements in 6 Groups |
|
Minimum Focusing Distance
|
20cm |
28cm |
|
Maximum Magnification Shooting
|
1:8.4 |
1:7.6 |
| Storage Media |
SD Card / Compatible with SDHC, Multi Media Card |
| Recording Mode |
Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit, High, Medium, Low), JPEG (High, Medium, Low), RAW+JPEG, Movie (motion jpeg), Voice memo to still images (10sec.)
|
| File Size / Still |
RAW |
High |
|
4,704×3,136×3 (Approx. 45MB) |
| Medium |
|
3,264×2,176×3 (Approx. 24MB) |
| Low |
|
2,336×1,568×3 (Approx. 12MB) |
| JPEG |
High |
Fine |
4,704×3,136 (Approx. 10MB) |
| Normal |
4,704×3,136 (Approx. 5.6MB) |
| Basic |
4,704×3,136 (Approx. 4.2MB) |
| Medium |
Fine |
3,264×2,176 (Approx. 5MB) |
| Normal |
3,264×2,176 (Approx. 2.7MB) |
| Basic |
3,264×2,176 (Approx. 2MB) |
| Low |
Fine |
2,336×1,568 (Approx. 2.5MB) |
| Normal |
2,336×1,568 (Approx. 1.4MB) |
| Basic |
2,336×1,568 (Approx. 1MB) |
| File Size / Movie |
VGA:640×480 (30Frames Per Second) |
| White Balance |
8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom) |
| Color Mode |
7 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, Sepia) |
| Auto Focus Type |
Contrast Detection Type |
| AF Point |
9-Points |
| AF Point Selection |
Automatic selection, Manual Selection |
| Focus Lock |
Shutter release halfway-down position, AE lock button |
| Manual Focus |
Ring Type |
| Metering Systems |
Evaluative Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering, Spot Metering, |
| Exposure Control System |
(P) Program AE (Program Shift is possible), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE,
(A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual |
| Exposure Compensation |
;±3EV Appropriate Exposure (in 1/3 stop increments) |
| AE Lock |
AE lock button |
| Auto Bracketing |
With 3 flames bracketing:1/3EV Steps Up to ;±3EV |
| Drive Mode |
Single, Continuous, Self-Timer (2sec. / 10sec.), Interval Timer |
| Type |
TFT color LCD monitor |
| Monitor Size |
3.0 inches |
| LCD Pixels |
Approx. 920,000 Pixels |
| LCD Monitor Language |
English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Chinese (Simplified) /
Korean / Russian / Chinese (Traditional) / Nederlands / Polski / Português / Dansk / Svenska / Norsk / Suomi
|
| PC / IF |
USB (USB2.0) |
| Power |
Li-ion Battery Pack BP-41, Battery Charger BC-41 |
|
DP1 Merrill |
DP2 Merrill |
| Dimensions |
(W) 121.5mm / 4.8″ |
(W) 121.5mm / 4.8″ |
| (H) 66.7mm / 2.6″ |
(H) 66.7mm / 2.6″ |
| (D) 64.3mm / 2.5″ |
(D) 59.2mm / 2.3″ |
| Weight |
340g / 12oz. (without batteries) |
330g / 11.6oz. (without batteries) |
|
i wish you could have got an optical view finder,aslo praying that you will keep the pricing affordable for me
I had a optical viewfinder on my DP1 and DP2 but actually never really used it. Made the camera look cool though 😉 For prices I also hope that Sigma will be able to keep the price at an affordable level.
I hope they are able to keep these two cameras under $1200 at least and even better if cheaper than $1000 (I think the $1000 mark would increase sales greatly because it is at the point were people aren’t usually willing to pay more for this style camera), if $800, Sigma will be selling these things like hotcakes, but $1000 would be the best compromise for Sigma and customers. I like the photo length of the DP2’s better (I have a DP1s, got it cheap on Ebay and was completely worth it), but if the quality of the lens on the DP1M is as good as the DP2M and has little distortion, I might go for the DP1M and use the massive 15.4 megapixel Foveon sensor to crop images.
I have no info but somehow my gut feeling tells me that the street price will be under $1000. At that price it is hopefully going to be a good seller. As I see that the SD1 in combination with good lenses performs incredibly well I reckon that an optimized combo as in those little cameras is going to be really good. Can’t wait to give them a try 🙂
What do you think about Sigma making lenses specifically for the SD1? I am sure that Sigma could make lenses that make the SD1 really shine, but the problem is, those lenses probably wouldn’t generate as much interest in other mounts, so they would probably need to be SA exclusives.
I personally don’t see much use in that. Prices would be close to a DP camera. But of course they can make new lenses which will be interesting on the SD1 and other (APS) cameras. I would like to see a really nice fast 24mm (f2?) prime for example. With a minimum of distortion and the new FLD glass. Hopefully the 50-150 OS will also be a great lens. That focal length is very useful on the SD1. Something like a 16-80 OS f4 would be nice too. Could be a perfect “kit-lens”
I would be interested in any of those lenses you said. Those would do really well to fill their lineup out (especially the 24mm F2 prime). The 16-80mm focal distance would make a great lens, I would be interested in an EX version at F2 or F2.8 (I wouldn’t mind the extra size and weight for the better performance), but at F4 that would be the perfect kit-lens truly. If you got to control the future of Sigma’s lens lineup, it would be a very bright future indeed with what you stated above as great lenses to add to their lineup 😉
I am looking at some point investing in the 150mm macro OS lens, I believe I read somewhere that you had one, how does that one stack up to the other Sigma macros, especially the venerable 70mm macro?
this was suppose to be a reply to your last post Bob. Working on a tablet can be a pain at times
no problem 🙂
I think a 16-80 any faster than F4 would be nice but probably too big. Important to me is the constant aperture as I like to shoot Manual and in A priority.
Get the 150mm OS, it’s the best lens I have 🙂 (don’t have the 70mm though)
F4 would be fine if they can make it pro quality glass with FLD, especially considering the improvement in ISO they have had recently in their cameras. Wasn’t to long ago ISO 400 was highest you could go in regular conditions and 800 could be iffy for printing (speaking more of the SD14 and the DP series when using the TRUE first generation image processor). Now 1600 and 3200 can be pretty good on the SD1, so F4 might not be the issue on the SD1 that it is on my SD14.
Which should I get first, SD1M or 150mm macro OS? 🙂
Sigma, i may buy if its similarly priced to canon G1x, and if its cheaper than tt significantly i will buy your camera!