Description: Sigma DP1x 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera
The Sigma DP1x Digital Camera is a compact digital camera with a secret weapon--a unique (among compact cameras) 14.06 megapixel Foveon X3 20.7 x 13.8mm direct image sensor that's 8 times the size of a sensor in a typical compact digital camera. Working in tandem with Sigma's unique True II image processing engine and a 16.6mm (28mm equivalent) f/4 lens, this super-sized sensor in a compact camera provides the same superb image quality as found in the Sigma SD14 professional SLR. With the DP1x, it is possible to record images in RAW or JPEG format in four resolution modes. Furthermore, it offers five exposure modes and three metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash, hot shoe, and 2.5" TFT color LCD monitor.
Sigma DP1x 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera - Back LCD
Sigma's DP1x digital camera is a relatively minor update to the company's existing Sigma DP1s model, announced last October. The DP1s itself was an update to the Sigma DP1, which was first announced in September 2006, and reached the market in early 2008. The Sigma DP1x is a fixed-lens Digital Camera that retains most of the hardware features of the DP1, while incorporating some of the updates that have been made in the related DP2 and DP2s models.
Sigma DP1x 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera - Right Side
Like the original DP1, the DP1x has a 28mm-equivalent (16.6mm actual) lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.0 that focuses as close as 12.2" / 30cm, in front of a near-APS-C sized (0.98" / 24.9mm) diagonal Foveon X3 image sensor with 14.1 million 7.8΅m photodiodes, capable of measuring full RGB color information at every pixel location. The Sigma DP1x hence outputs a 4.64 megapixel maximum image size. In place of the original Sigma TRUE ("Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine") processor from the DP1, the Sigma DP1x incorporates Sigma's "TRUE II" image processor which made its debut in the DP2. The Sigma TRUE II processor is said to offer improvements in processing speed, operation, and performance as compared to the original TRUE processor.
Sigma DP1x 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera - Top
Features
Other changes in the Sigma DP1x as compared to the DP1 are mainly to be found in its firmware and the bundled software. The Sigma DP1x is said to have the same improved autofocus algorithms as the simultaneously announced DP2s, which should improve focusing speed. There's also a new power save mode in both the DP1x and DP2s that can be enabled to extend battery life, although it isn't stated precisely how this is acheived (nor how much the battery life can potentially be extended). The DP1x also inherits the newer setup menu and rear-panel design from the DP2 and DP2s, which includes a Quick Set button. Like the DP2s, the DP1x's icons indicating the functions of the various controls have also been changed, with a dark red instead of light blue screen printing used for the playback mode functions. Also, several more of the buttons now have their function physically imprinted into the button surface as well as being screen-printed adjacent to the button.
The other main change between the Sigma DP1x and DP1 is in the software bundle. The DP1x now includes Sigma Photo Pro 4.0, rather than the current Sigma Photo Pro 3.5.2.0 release. Sigma Photo Pro 4 has new image processing algorithms, as well as new chrominance / luminance noise reduction algorithms applied at ISO 400 or above. These are said to improve image quality, and the application also now has multi-core support, which should boost processing speed. Sigma Photo Pro 4 also is said to offer improved display speed, and better printing. Finally, the Mac version has inherited some more functions from the Windows version including batch white balance and JPEG conversion.
Pricing and availability for the Sigma DP1x had not been announced at press time.
Press Release
February 21, 2010: The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP1x Digital Camera incorporating a TRUE II image processing engine, as used in the Sigma DP2 and SD15 digital SLR.
In March 2008, Sigma introduced a high-end Digital Camera Gene Wright with the concept of A new Digital Camera t featuring the same technology as an SLR. The DP1 featured the same large image sensor as Sigmas digital SLR cameras.
The DP1 has established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. The Sigma DP2 was then launched in April 2009. After the launch of the DP2 camera, users could continue to enjoy the image quality of the DP1 for wide focal length photography and also take advantage of the DP2s standard focal length.
This new DP1x includes the TRUE II image processing engine, improving the image-processing time, as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the QS (Quick Set) button. This provides photographers easier operation of the camera controls when the DP1x is used with the DP2 series.
Summary
SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP1x camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary Digital Camera. 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 DP1x its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.
Full-color image sensor
The DP1x uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652Χ1,768Χ3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14, SD15 and other DP series cameras. Utilizing the special features 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 because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.
TRUE II image processing engine
The DP1x incorporates the TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.
AFE (Analog Front End)
AFE (Analog Front End) converts the color data, which full-color capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images.
16.6mm F4 lens
The DP1xs integral 16.6mm F4 lens (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm film camera) is built to the same design as the DP1s and produces the same outstanding image quality. The large-diameter of aspherical glass provides low distortion and high contrast images. It also offers superior peripheral brightness. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. It allows photographers to take pictures in difficult light conditions. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor provides natural shallow depth-of-field.
RAW format recording
The DP1x includes JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP1x keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data, so in RAW, X3F files, brightness and color data can be kept in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processed in Sigma Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.
SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 (supplied)
The supplied image processing software, Sigma Photo Pro 4.0″, converts RAW data quickly and easily. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces Chroma and Luminance noise when processing X3F files taken at ISO400 or more. It is possible to adjust the level of reduction for noise just by moving the slider in the control pallet. This software is compatible with multi core CPUs, ensuring high speed image processing. It also incorporates functions such as Loupe, slideshow, Printing, JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings.
Compact and lightweight body
The DP1x has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in (W) x 59.5mm/2.3in (H) x 50.3mm/2.0in (D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Three metering modes and four exposure modes
The DP1x 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 +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.
The QS (Quick Set) Menu
The DP1x features the QS (Quick Set) menu, designed to allow users to quickly access and change the most commonly used camera functions. It is possible to display the QS menu by pressing the QS button. QS menu 1 allows users to change the ISO Setting, White Balance, Flash mode and Metering mode and QS menu 2 gives access to Image Size, Color Mode, Image Quality and Drive Mode.
Pop up (manual) built-in flash
The DP1x is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in 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 area of DP1x 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 autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.
Movie Mode
It is possible to record movies with QVGA (320Χ240) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. The recording capacity is approximately 30 minutes by 1GB memory card.
Color Mode
The DP1x camera is equipped with 7 types of the Color Modes which is adjusted 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 DP1x camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.
Hot Shoe
The DP1x 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-11)
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-11 is sold separately
Powe Save Mode
The Power Save Mode lowers the battery consumption. When this mode is enabled, a greater number of pictures can be taken with a single charge of the battery.
