Sigma DP1 Update

Sigma have released an official statement about the much-anticipated but long-delayed DP1 compact camera, explaining that having to “change the entire image processing pipeline” is the reason for the release date slipping. First announced at the Photokina 2006 show way back in September 2006, the Sigma DP1 is the first ever compact camera to feature an APS-C size sensor, therefore promising better image quality than normal compacts with smaller sensors. Further details were then released at the PMA show in March 2007, but since then news of the DP1 has been scarce. Sigma also say that the DP1 specification will be different to what has previously been published, although no details have been provided. Alpha testing of the final design was begun at the start of November, but Sigma aren’t promising a final release date just yet. Fortunately for Sigma, the DP1 is still the only compact on the horizon to promise a larger image sensor, so it could turn out to be the photographer’s compact of choice for 2008 (rather than 2007...).

Sigma Press Release

Dear Valued Customers,

Over one year has passed since we announced the DP1 and showed the first concept prototype at photokina 2006. At the following PMA in March, 2007, we showed some redesigned engineering samples of the DP1. Since then, we have not made any announcements on the DP1. I apologize for this lack of information, and I would like to give you an update on the development status of the DP1 now.

After PMA, we reached the pre-beta product development stage early in the summer. During this pre-beta work, we tried to optimize the image quality, but we found it was difficult to achieve image quality as good as in our other SD cameras. The images looked okay, but they clearly did not have the special image qualities that we see in our SD cameras: delicate, refined and 3-dimensional images rendered in fine detail. After a careful evaluation, we found that the image processing pipeline we had developed for the DP1 was not ideal for achieving the best image quality as it was intended for the faster image processing speed, and we needed to make major revisions to it. At that time we had a choice between compromising image quality and moving forward or taking a different path. After long and sometimes intense discussions, we finally decided to change the entire image processing pipeline.

When we decided to change the entire image processing pipeline, we also decided to return to the simple and original product concept of “a camera with the best still image quality in a compact body” and dedicate all of our DP1 development resources to that concept. Because of this change, we had to change some of the specifications that we had announced. (An official announcement with the final specifications will be made at the appropriate time.) However, as far as I can judge from what I see in the current version of the DP1, I am convinced that the camera is moving in the right direction now.

I would like to inform our community of loyal and prospective users that we have now started the next major phase leading towards production. At the beginning of November, we began alpha testing of what we feel will be the final design. Unless we encounter serious unforeseen problems, we now think that the following development steps will progress well.

We are very aware of the many discussions in the Internet about the length of time we are spending on the development of the DP1. We have also read about the disappointment of many prospective users who wanted this camera very soon after the announcement. Although we know that many people would like to know when the DP1 will be available for sale, we honestly cannot say at the moment. Much will depend on how smoothly the next development steps go. Also, we feel that it is much more important to get it right than release it early.

We have also noted the many different ways people want to be able to use the DP1. This is heartening. However, we hope that prospective users look carefully at the finished product in light of how they intend to use it. Like our previous digital cameras, this will be a tool for photographers who value excellent image quality above all else – this time in a smaller package. It will also be a good camera for people who would like to see this quality in their own results. And, finally, we are also sure that creative users will find many uses for the DP1 that we have not even thought of.

Again, I deeply apologize for the length of the time you have been holding out for the DP1 and appreciate your patience very much. I know it is difficult for some of you to wait a little more time, but we’re working very hard to deliver a camera that we think will be worth the wait.

Thank you very much.

Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Operating Officer
SIGMA CORPORATION

Published: Friday, November 30, 2007

Reader Comments

1. I read the specs here http://sigma-dp1.com/catalog/DP1_Specifications_EN.pdf but i didn't find anything about analog zoom.

   Spyros at 11:42am on Sunday, December 02, 2007

2. Spyros, that's because the Sigma DP1 will have a fixed 28mm focal length lens, not a zoom lens.

   Mark Goldstein at 12:41pm on Sunday, December 02, 2007

3. That means it will not have optical zoom or it only has digital zoom?

   Spyros at 02:39pm on Sunday, December 02, 2007

4. There is no optical zoom on the Sigma DP-1. The lens will be what SLR users call a "prime" (fixed focal length) at 28mm (35mm equivalent) as Mark said.

   1001 noisy cameras at 04:56am on Monday, December 10, 2007

5. I must have missed this in my searches after my return from overseas. I was hoping to pick it up during the two months I was back (Nov/Dec 07). Fortunately, I got a Sigma rep that gave me the skinny. This article was helpful in realizing that the pipeline was not appropriate for the horsepower this sensor would give (sorry for the mix of metaphors. It looks like it didn't make it to this year's PMA, either, which the rep thought would happen. I went ahead and made my SD14 purchase and was horrified at the artifacts I found in low-light conditions! I am hoping that it was a defective sensor because my SD10 did magnificently better. I'm glad I didn't wait. The SD14 cost me $1k with the 18-200mm zoom. I get the replacement next week. Oooh, for some therapeutic shooting... I can't wait! I'm not going to hold my breath anymore for the DP1!!

   Michael Schneblin at 05:25pm on Friday, February 01, 2008

6. After hearing this, I am happy to wait until this camera is ready. I love photography but I don't like the size and complexity of SLRs. I am glad Sigma has decided not to compromise quality in rushing to market. This will be a very special camera indeed.

   David Burnett at 03:18pm on Thursday, February 14, 2008

7. I've been testing my SD-14 and found that it was mostly, but not all, a firmware update that needed to take place (they should put in BIG BOLD LETTERS on their accompanying manual that GO TO THIS WEBSITE AND DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE!! It would save them, the seller, and us a lot of headache and returns. Having said that, I am still not satisfied with the SD-14 since I owned an SD-10. I'm beginning to believe that they didn't choose the right "pipeline" for this sensor either. To me, it shoots exactly the same type of image power as an SD-10. Fortunately, I paid the same amount as the other camera. I think I would have returned it at the original starting price. I'm disappointed that the SD-14 is that in name only. It's taken them a long time to learn this lesson. I hope they apply it quickly to their SLR line and give a break to SD-14 owners. It must have been maddening in those early months of teething!

   Michael Schneblin at 04:20pm on Thursday, February 14, 2008