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Sigma DP2 Compact Camera

Press Release

SLR size sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 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 compact digital cameras. 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 DP2 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones. * Foveon X3 is the registered trademark of Foveon.

Full colour image sensor
The DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel (2652×1768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1. Utilising 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 colour can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

TRUE II image processing engine
The DP2 incorporates "TRUE II" which is an improved version of "TRUE" (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world's first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and DP1, is incorporated into "TRUE II".

24.2mm F2.8 lens designed exclusively for the DP2
The DP2 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. Two high refractive index glass elements and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow for the compact construction. The Super Multi Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. The SLR-sized image sensor and the large aperture of F2.8 combination provide natural shallow depth-of-field and an attractive bokeh effect.

RAW format recording
The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and colour data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full colour of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma PhotoPro Software
The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyses and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly simply by adjusting the slider controls within the software.

Compact and lightweight body
The DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in (W) x 59.5mm/2.3in (H) x 56.1mm/2.2in (D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes
The DP2 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.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash
The DP2 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.

AF Area Selection
The AF area of DP2 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.

Recording Movies
It is possible to record movies with QVGA (320x240) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. The recording capacity is approximately 30 minutes on a 1GB memory card.

Colour Mode
The DP2 camera is equipped with 7 Colour Modes which adjusted saturation, contrast, etc for each shooting situation. It is possible to select from Portrait, Landscape, Vivid, Standard, Neutral, B&W or Sepia.

2.5" TFT Colour LCD Monitor
The DP2 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 DP2 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
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-21 is sold separately.

Foveon Image Sensor Technology
The Foveon X3® direct image sensor* featured in the Sigma DP2 can capture all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel, insuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green, and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. * Foveon X3 is the registered trademark of Foveon.

Until now, all other image sensors have featured a just single layer of pixels and each pixel captures only one colour of light, which has been filtered through a single colour filter. Since mosaic-based conventional image sensors capture only one-third of the colour, complicated algorithms are required to interpolate the colour they miss. Interpolation leads to colour errors, colour artifacts and a loss of image detail. Low pass filters must then be used to reduce colour artifacts. The use of low pass filters adversely affects sharpness and resolution of the final image captured.

Pixel Counting Definitions
Prior to the existence of the Foveon X3 direct image sensor, there has been a 1:1 relationship between the number of pixels (photodetectors) and the number of pixel locations for a traditional CCD and CMOS image sensor. Given this relationship, the generic term “pixel” has been commonly used to reference both the pixel (photodetector) and the pixel location. Foveon direct image sensors are a new type of image sensor that incorporates three pixels (photodetectors) at every pixel location on the image sensor. The definition of a pixel as indicated below is consistent with standard industry conventions as applied to CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, and the Foveon X3 direct image sensor.

Pixel
A pixel on the image sensor of a digital camera is a light absorbing element (photodetector) that converts light (photons) into electrons. A pixel is also referred to as a pixel sensor when there is a need to distinguish the pixel from its location.

Pixel Location
A pixel location is the X,Y coordinate on the two-dimensional grid of an image sensor at which the pixel is located. A Foveon X3 direct image sensor consists of three layers of pixels. Each pixel detects 1 color sample.

Sigma DP1s

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