The Sigma DP1 was a high-end compact digital camera introduced by the Sigma Corporation. It featured a 14-megapixel Foveon X3 sensor (2652 × 1768 × 3 layers), a fixed 16.6 mm F4.0 lens (28mm equivalent), a 2.5-inch (64 mm) LCD and a pop-up flash. It was the first "compact" camera that featured an APS-C sized sensor, a feature that Sigma claimed would result in DSLR quality images from a small, pocketable camera.

Front of the Sigma DP1

It was first announced on September 26, 2006, and after several production delays was delivered in the spring of 2008.[1] A follow-up camera, the Sigma DP2, was released in 2009; it features a different lens, and they are being sold in parallel. An improved version called Sigma DP1S was announced on November 17, 2009.[2]

Reviews

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It has been praised for innovation (large sensor in compact body) and class-leading detail at ISO 100 – best image quality in a compact camera, in the same class as DSLRs, and suited for daylight landscape and architecture photography – but criticized for poor low-light performance and slow speed, summarized as "a great concept that needs a considerable amount of additional work".[3] The user interface has also been criticized.[4]

Specification

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Image Sensor Foveon X3 (CMOS with layered photodiodes)
Image Sensor Size 20.7 × 13.8mm
Number of Pixels 2652 × 1768 × 3 (14.1 million effective pixels, 4.69 megapixel output image size)
Aspect Ratio 3 : 2, 16 : 9
Lens 16.6mm f/4 (35mm equivalent focal length:28mm)
Lens Construction 5 groups, 6 elements
Shooting Range 30cm~∞
Storage Media Secure Digital (SD) card / SDHC compatible
Recording Format Exif 2.21, DCF 2.0, DPOF
Recording Mode Lossless compression raw data (12-bit), JPEG (High, Medium, Low),

Movie, Voice memo to still images, Voice recording

White Balance 8 types (Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom)
Auto Focus Contrast-detection type
AF Point 9-Points
Focusing Modes Single, 9-points multi
AF Point Selection Auto and manual selection
Focus Lock Shutter release halfway-down position(AF lock can be done by AE lock button from menu setting)
Manual Focus Focus aid (dial type)
Metering System 8 segments evaluative metering, Center Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering
Exposure Control System Auto Mode, (P) Program AE, (S) Shutter Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual
Exposure Compensation ±3EV (1/3 stop increments)
Auto Bracketing Appropriate, under, over; 1/3EV steps up to ±3EV for appropriate exposure
Shutter Speed 1/2000sec. to 15sec.
ISO sensitivity range ISO equivalency 50-800
Built-in Flash Pop-up type (manually)
Flash Coverage Range 30cm-2.1m(at ISO200)
External Flash Sync. Hotshoe (X-sync contact)
Drive Modes [1] Single, [2] Continuous, [3] Self Timer(2sec. /10sec.)
LCD Monitor TFT Color LCD Monitor
Monitor Size 2.5 inches
LCD Pixels approx. 230,000 pixels
LCD Monitor Language English/Japanese/German/Chinese/French/Spanish/Italian/Chinese (Simplified)/Korean
Interface USB (USB2.0), video out (NTSC/PAL), audio out (monaural)
Power Li-ion battery pack BP-31, battery charger BC-31, AC adapter (optional)
Dimensions 113.3mm/4.5" (W) × 59.5mm /2.3"(H) × 50.3mm/2" (D)
Weight 250g /8.8oz (excluding batteries)

Developments

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In February 2012 it was announced by Sigma Corporation that an updated version of both the DP1 and DP2 series, to be known as DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill, will incorporate the updated 46 MP Foveon sensor of the SD1, resulting in substantially greater image detail.

Another notable change of the 'Merrill' DP cameras is the focus ring is now in the traditional location around the lens barrel.

Available in March 2013, the Sigma DP3 Merrill has 46MP with 50mm f2.8 (75mm in 35mm film format) and a new Face Detection autofocus.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sigma DP1, dpreview (2006).
  2. ^ "Sigma - News". Archived from the original on 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2010-02-03., sigma (2009).
  3. ^ Sigma DP1 Review, dpreview
  4. ^ "Sigma DP-1 Review". Archived from the original on 2012-09-01. Retrieved 2009-04-23.
  5. ^ Shane McGlaun. "46-Megapixel Sigma DP3 Merrill Compact Camera to Launch in March". Retrieved February 7, 2014.
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