It’s fair to say that Sigma’s DP range of high end compacts hasn’t exactly sent photographers into paroxysms of delight, but Sigma are hoping that their latest iteration of this well-spec’d enthusiast snapper will get wallets a-twitching.
SLR-like specs
Sporting an APS-C size, 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor, the new Sigma DP2x incorporates the same high-speed autofocus and Analog Front End technology as used in their Sigma SD15 dSLR.
The DP2x comes with a fixed 24.2mm F2.8 aperture lens (equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera) packing high refractive index elements and two moulded glass aspherical lenses.
Video like it’s 2003
Weighing 280 g (0.62 lb)and measuring 113 x 60 x 56 mm (4.45 x 2.36 x 2.2″), the camera promises dSLR image quality in a compact package, but when it comes to video performance they’re surely having a laugh, with the DP2x only managing a lamentable 320 x 240 recording and with mono sound too.
How much?
Although we quite like the look of this camera – we certainly wouldn’t turn one down if you’re offering, thanks – at £619.99 the price seems eye-wateringly over the top.
Sigma DP2x Specs:
2.5-inch LCD 230k dot display
24.2mm f2.8 lens
14 megapixel FOVEON X3 ASP-C CMOS with direct image sensor
ISO 100-3200, high speed auto focus, and incorporates AFE (Analog Front End)
Maximum shoot resolution of 2640 x 1760 pixels with 2652 x 1768 x 3 layers
Video recording with resolution of 320 x 240 pixels at 30 frames per second
RAW format recording
3x digital zoom
Minimum shutter speed 15 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Dimensions: 113.3mm/4.5″(W)×59.5mm/2.3″(H)×56.1mm/2.2″(D)
Stored in JPEG and RAW format
Supports SD/SDHC memory card slot
9 point focusing area
A/V port (NTSC/PAL), and USB 2.0 connectivity
TRUE II image processing engine
Weight: 280g (excluding batteries and card)
Press release:
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new DP2x is £619.99. This camera is the latest model in Sigma’s DP series and will be available for purchase towards the end of April.
The new Sigma DP2x incorporates AFE (Analog Front End) and faster autofocus. AFE is also used in the DP1x compact digital camera and SD15 digital SLR and converts full color data, which the FOVEON X3® capture system records, into a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images. In addition, the new AF algorithm provides high speed autofocus, ensuring convenient shooting.
SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2x camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The large photodiodes deployed capture light efficiently and give the DP2x its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.Full-colour image sensor
Utilising the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this 14 megapixel direct image sensor succeeds in full-colour capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location.TRUE II image processing engine
The DP2x 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 and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.AFE (Analogue Front End)
AFE (Analogue Front End) converts the colour data, which full-colour capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly coloured images.24.2mm F2.8 lens
The DP2x is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2 series. Two high refractive index elements and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow its compact construction.
