According to a press release send out by Sigma USA the Sigma DP2 Merrill compact digital camera will be available in the United States on July 12 for the street price of $999.
[quote author=”Sigma Corporation” ]The Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP2 Merrill. This high image quality compact digital camera features a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation-name “Merrill”) which is also incorporated into Sigma’s latest digital SLR Camera, the SIGMA SD1 Merrill. The SIGMA DP2 Merrill is the next generation of high image quality digital camera which incorporates a Foveon’s newly developed 46 megapixel APS-C size 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-dimensional feel. A focus ring and custom Quick Set (QS) mode also improve the user interface.[/quote]
fantastic camera, for sure … and IF it had a viewfinder, i would consider getting both the dp2 and dp1 merrill to replace my sd1!
unfortunately, cameras without vf have no interest for me whatsoever (that is why i had to get rid of both dp1 and dp2 when i had them, in spite of the phenomenal image quality) … and i even did have the external optical vf…
Thank You Bob for the update 🙂
I think I am skipping on the SD1/SD1M due to the low buffer since my SD14 has the same buffer and I want a bigger one (it is one of the few things that annoy me about my SD14, the low buffer). But a DP1M or DP2M could be the replacement I get for my DP1S, it is truly a worthy upgrade (since DP series cameras aren’t SLRs , I don’t mind the lower buffer since I won’t be shooting it like I would an SLR)
I look forward to the successor to the SD1/SD1M, a bigger buffer, or if we are very lucky, a bigger sensor and since most of my glass is full frame ready, I would potentially be in a good position for a 1 or 1.3 sized sensor. Just wait at least a year to bring out the successor Sigma, I need to save my money 😉
This camera may be a cracker and a new standard for image quality on compacts. I already own a DP2 (the original) and it delivers fantastic images. I also own two other Sigma cameras, the SD9 and SD15.
I had some good and bad experiences with sigma lenses, used with both of my SD cameras and I’m not very confortable to go into a trial-and-error basis until find a really good lens, on pair with the SD1 Merrill. To be honest, I’m very disapointed with a reasonably expensive lens I bought together with my SD15. Unless Sigma releases some really good, professional grade lenses, I’ll pass the SD1.
But the DP2 Merris is another story. I’ve already pre-ordered one, and my fingers are itching.