Sigma announces next-generation compact cameras with 46-megapixel, full-color image sensor

The new DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill compact cameras now incorporate the same APS-C sized 46-megapixel X3 image sensor found in the company’s flagship SD1 SLR, now also known as the Sigma SD1 Merrill.

The Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill each provide exclusively-designed, high-performance telecentric fixed lenses. The DP1 Merrill features a wide, 19mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera. The DP2 Merrill offers a 30mm F2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 45mm lens on a 35mm camera. Both cameras are compact and lightweight, and feature the company’s own “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, which performs like fluorite glass and significantly improves lens performance, as well as Super Multi Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. With the 46-megapixel, full-color Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor, the new DP cameras capture all primary RGB colors at each pixel location with three layers, resulting in detailed images with a three-dimensional feel.

A large, highly visible three-inch TFT color LCD monitor with 920,000 pixels ensures great visibility even outdoors in the daytime. A hot shoe allows the use of the external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional). The two new Sigma models capture movies in VGA (640×480) size, with 30 shooting frames per second.