Sigma Unveils DP1s Digital Compact Camera

Sigma Unveils DP1s Digital Compact Camera

Sigma has introduced an updated version of its DP1 digital compact camera by unveiling the DP1s. Unlike its predecessor, the DP1s adds several new features including the ability to simultaneously shoot separate RAW and JPEG images, and to allocate the QS (Quick Set) function to the digital zoom buttons. As for the sensor and processor remain the same as found in DP1 model. The Sigma DP1s is likely to be released in November for unannounced price yet.

[ephotozine]

Sigma DP2 Pseudo-DSLR Available To Pre-order

Sigma DP2 Pseudo-DSLR Available To Pre-order

The Sigma DP2 pseudo-DSLR camera is now available to pre-order at Amazon. This high-end compact digital camera is equipped with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor, a 2.5-inch TFT color display, a ‘True’ image processing engine, a built-in flash and a 24.2mm (41mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens. The DP2 is capable to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It also offers five Exposure modes as well as three Metering modes. Pre-order now for $649, although an estimated ship date remains unknown.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Sigma DP2 is '20% snappier' than DP1

Sigma DP2 is '20% snappier' than DP1

Sigma was showing its DP2 high-end compact camera at PMA. The DP2 has been spotted before by eagle-eye bloggers, but now it is official and again, Sigma stands by its '20% snappier' claim. Overall, what we like with the DP2 is its potential for good low-light photos and faster shutter speed in all circumstances. Thanks to the f/2.8 lens and the 3200 ISO range, the DP2 should be able to snap sharp pictures in all conditions. Now, we just wonder if the noise levels are tolerable. Price: the DP1 goes for $618 on Amazon…

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Sigma acquires Feveon, maker of the X3 image sensor

Sigma acquires Feveon, maker of the X3 image sensor

Foveon (developer of the X3 image sensor for digital cameras) has just announced that they have been acquired by Sigma, the Tokyo-based camera and lens company. According to the press release, Foveon -- whose image sensors are already being used in Sigma's entire digital camera line -- will remain in San Jose, continuing to 'evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology.' Congratulations, you crazy kids! And best of luck to you. We mean it.

(Via Engadget.)

Sigma's DP2 compact with DSLR-sized sensor gets even better

Sigma's DP2 compact with DSLR-sized sensor gets even better

While the update from the SD14 to the SD15 was rather sad, just about any tweak to the bar-raising DP1 compact with 13.8- x 20.7-mm Foveon X3 sensor is reason to get excited. So listen up, Sigma just announced the DP2 -- same 14 megapixel X3 CMOS sensor only now coupled with Sigma's improved True II image processor and 24.2-mm F2.8 glass equivalent to 41-mm on a 35-mm SLR. No pricing or ship date announced.

(Via Engadget.)

Sigma's SD15 DSLR: an SD14 with improved image processing and little else

Sigma's SD15 DSLR: an SD14 with improved image processing and little else

What's one better than a Sigma SD14? Why the SD15, of course. Sigma's SD15 DSLR starts with the same 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image sensor found in the unimpressive SD14 (and compact DP1 for that matter) but ratchets-up the specs with a new True II image processor and 3-inch LCD. A worthwhile update to be sure but trivial by comparison to what Nikon and Canon have announced in recent weeks. Distracted by all the DP1 R&D were we Sigma?

(Via Engadget.)

The Sigma DP1 is a technical marvel, but that’s about it

The Sigma DP1 is a technical marvel, but that’s about it

One month and change after DP Review gave the Sigma DP1 a so-so review, David Pogue now offers his two cents. Like DP Review, Pogue likes the SLR-in-a-point-and-shoot’s body, but says it’s not the end-all, be-all for the concept.

The Sigma DP1, in case you don’t remember, essentially puts an SLR sensor inside a point-and-shoot’s body, to mixed results.

While Pogue admits that the camera is a technical marvel, it doesn’t deliver as well as we might like. The lens doesn’t zoom; it’s too slow for proper action shots; the RAW files don’t work with PhotoShop; there’s no viewfinder, and the LCD washes out easily; and there’s no lens cap, for Pete’s sake.

Best advice: tread lightly with this one.

(Via CrunchGear.)

Sigma DP1 Reviewed

Sigma DP1 Reviewed: "

Luminous Landscape has posted a review of the strange and enticing Sigma DP1. The high-end compact camera promises a lot, from its large, DSLR sized Fovean image sensor to its fixed 28mm lens, it looked like being the stripped down, high-quality camera we have been wishing for.

The review, though, tells another story. A story of a camera which might have cut it circa 2002AD, but not today. No viewfinder, a maximum aperture of ƒ4 (pathetic for a fixed wide angle lens), a crappy LCD screen, no image stabilization, movies that are 'barely big enough for use on YouTube', some very curious software decisions (everything, including focus-point selection, is buried in a hard to navigate menu) and poor low-light (high ISO) performance. For a $900, this is scandalous.

But does it take a good picture? Apparently, yes:

The raw image quality of the Sigma DP1 is excellent – truly far and away superior to that of any digicam that I have yet seen or used.

Strong praise. The lens, too, is very good – something you would expect of a lens manufacturer. But are great pictures enough? If the camera is so hard to use, will it ever make it out of the camera bag? A single flaw can ruin a great camera. My Canon G9, for instance, takes great pictures and is stunningly easy to use. The tiny viewfinder and shutter lag make it useless for portraits, though. So useless I actually had to buy a DSLR. Maybe we should wait for the DP2. That way we might get a 2008 standard camera, although probably not until 2012.

Is That a DSLR in Your Pocket...?

(Via Gadget Lab.)

Sigma DP1 priced, dated, and manhandled

Sigma DP1 priced, dated, and manhandled

Looks like the Sigma DP1 has a date and price: according to their site, it'll be out tomorrow for ¥89820, or about $850 US. Those that just can't wait to find out more about this sucker should check out Pop Photo's very early first impressions. Although they don't have a lot of conclusions to make about it in their first 24 hours of testing, there's certainly a sense of excitement in the air about a smallish point and shoot equipped with an over the top 14 megapixel FOVEON X2 CMOS pulled right out of Sigma's SD14 DSLR.

(Via Engadget.)

Sigma DP1 First Grope

Sigma DP1 First Grope

The guys at Pop Photo have managed to get their hands all over the much-hyped Sigma DP1. Apparently, the DP1 has a build quality comparable to the solid Canon PowerShot G9, and the mega sensor monster does away with any fuss with regards to shooting options; you'll find Manual, Auto, Aperture-priority, Program, and Shutter-priority modes for image capture, as well as QVGA video mode (320 x 240 @ 30fps) and an audio capture mode, but beyond that, there are absolutely no ludicrous scene selections to choose from. The chaps at Pop Photo found this a refreshing turn to minimalism, and we would have to agree. All in all, the hype is looking to be well founded. Checkout the full tear down by hitting the link.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Sigma DP1 available for pre-order at Amazon

Sigma DP1 available for pre-order at Amazon

Hey, remember that hot looking Sigma DP1 we've been yapping about for ages? Well if you can't another second to put your buyin' hat on, the handsome 10-megapixel shooter is available for pre-ordering on Amazon right this second. For just $799.99 ($200 less than the list price), you can finally achieve the satisfied sleep of a Sigma DP1 almost-owner. Sure, you'll still have to wait till March 25th for the goods to drop, but you can probably entertain yourself by pre-ordering a bunch of accessories and booking all the models you're going to shoot when the camera arrives.

(Via Engadget.)