Sigma Unveils Two New Cameras

September 27, 2006: Photokina 2006 has been the launch platform for two new Sigma digital cameras, the SD14 and the DP1.
First announced earlier in the month, the SD14 features a Foveon X3 CMOS sensor with 14.06 megapixel resolution and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. The sensor array has three layers (R, G, B- sensitive), each of which records a 2652 x 1768 pixel image. Unlike previous Sigma DSLRs, the new camera records JPEG image in four sizes:
– Super High (4608 x 3072 pixels total), which can be used for A3 or larger prints;
– High (2640 x 1760 pixels) for A4 sized prints;
– Medium (1776 x 1184 pixels) for 6×4 inch prints and
– Low (1296 x 864 pixels) for emails or web pages.
Three quality settings are provided: Fine, Normal and Basic.
The sensor is covered by a ‘dust protector’, which prevents dust from sticking to the images. This dust protector is located in front of the CMOS chip so any dust that adheres to it is rendered out-of-focus. The camera features a new pentaprism that has 98% field of view coverage plus 0.9x magnification and an 18mm eye point. Dioptric adjustment of -3 to +1.5 dpt is offered. The shutter has a rating of 100,000 cycles and has been designed to minimise the amount of particulate matter released in the camera.
A new 5-point AF system features a cross type sensor and AF point selection. The Pop-up flash has a GN of 11 (m/ISO 100) and a coverage angle equivalent to a 28mm lens in 35mm format. It supports automatic S-TTL shooting. Continuous shooting is available at three frames/second for up to six frames at High resolution or 24 frames at Low resolution. A redesigned menu system and control button layout allows quick identification of key functions and simplifies camera usage. Evaluative (8-segment), centre-weighted and spot metering settings are provided, along with auto bracketing of +/- 3 steps. The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The new DP1 digital camera features the same Foveon sensor as the SD14 but it’s contained in a compact body with a 16.6mm f4 Sigma lens that gives an angle of view equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera. No viewfinder is provided but the camera has a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 100% image preview for shot composition. The DP1 supports both JPEG and raw file capture and has a pop-up flash. Release dates and pricing are not yet available for either camera. For more information, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.