Sigma Announces the Launch of the DP2

March 2009 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 Mega Pixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 x 1,768 x 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced to the market in March, 2008, the DP1 with its direct image sensor; the same sensor utilized by the Sigma SD14 digital SLR. It was called a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. Since then, the multi-award winning DP1 has earned respect among a wide range of both amateur and professional photographers and has gained their ardent support. Building on this success, the DP2 has arrived and is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, increasing creative possibilities, providing superior image quality and improving handling and performance.

Sigma is pleased to also announce that both the DP1 and DP2 will be a part of the Sigma line. Users can continue to enjoy the image quality of the DP2 camera for standard focal length photography and also take advantage of the DP1’s wider focal length. Both offer support and encourage creativity in a compact digital camera.

DP2 Special Site: www.SIGMA-DP.com

Features & Benefits:

Unique to Sigma

World’s first compact digital camera with Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor

High Image Quality

SLR-sized image sensor which is seven to 12 times larger than the image sensor in ordinarycompact digital cameras.

• Full-color image sensor which succeeds in full-color capture, with the full RGB, in a single-pixel location. Full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling
• “True II” image processing engine, the latest version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor
  

Compact and Lightweight with Dimensions of 4.5 in (W) x 2.2in (D) makes it easy to carry anywhere.

Complete Control and Creativity

SLR-sized Image Sensor: The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 cameras is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8 inch to 1/2.5 inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP1 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-Color Image Sensor: The DP2 uses the same 14 Mega Pixel (2652x1768x3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1. Utilizing the special property of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture, with the full RGB, in a single-pixel location. Since the moire is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed and full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

“TRUE II” Image processing engine: The DP2 incorporates “TRUE II” which is an improved version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and the DP1, is incorporated into “TRUE II”.

24.2mm F2.8 Lens Designed Exclusively for the DP2: The DP2 is equipped with a 24.2 F2.8 large aperture lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for the DP2. Two high refractive index glasses and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow compact construction. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. SLR-sized image sensor and the large aperture of F2.8 combination provide natural shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.

RAW Format Recording: The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro Software (Supplied with the DP2: The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.

Compact and Lightweight Body: The DP2 has compact dimensions of 4.5in/113.3mm (W) x 2.3in/59.5mm (H) x 2.2in/54.06mm (D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three Metering Modes and Four Exposure Modes: The DP2 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

Pop-Up (Manual) Built-in Flash: The DP2 is equipped with a pop-up (manual) built-in auto exposure flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

9 Point Focusing Area: The AF system of DP2 is equipped with 9 focusing points. It is possible to select the desired focusing point depending on the shooting situation.

Manual Focus: Manual Focus is available for use when auto focus or focus lock is not desired. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise manual focusing.

Movie Mode:  It is possible to record movies with QVGA (320x240) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. The recording capacity is approximately 30 minutes by 1 GB memory card.

Color Mode: The DP2 camera is equipped with 7 Color Modes which adjust saturation, contrast, etc. for each shooting situation. It is possible to select from Portrait, Landscape, Vivid, Standard, Neutral, B&W or Sepia.

Large 2.5” TFT Color LCD Monitor: The DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor display 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe: The DP2 camera is 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-500 DG and EF-530 DG. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).

*EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only. Dedicated Lens Hood (HA-21) It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed to accept the 46mm Close-up lens and 46mm filters.

*A hood adapter HA-21 is sold separately

SOURCE Sigma