Sigma has announced the release date and suggested retail pricing for the Sigma DP2 Merrill large-sensor digital compact camera. Featuring a 15x3-megapixel Foveon sensor and a 30mm f/2.8 lens, the Sigma DP2 Merrill will be available in the UK from 12th July with a suggested retail price of £799.99. In the United States, the camera will hit the shelves on the same day at an estimated street price of $999.

Sigma Press Release

SIGMA DP2 Merrill

Compact digital camera with a 46MP APS-C size image sensor

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the new SIGMA DP2 Merrill will be available in the UK from 12th July with a suggested retail price of £799.99. This high image quality compact digital camera features a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) Foveon X3 direct image sensor. The full-colour Foveon X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel. A focus ring and custom Quick Set (QS) mode also improve the user interface.

46 megapixel, 23.5×15.7mm full-colour Foveon X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour Foveon X3 direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA DP2 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour are captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image sensors improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimensional feel.

Exclusively designed high performance 30mm F2.8 lens
The high-performance 30mm F2.8 lens has the equivalent angle of view as a 45mm (35mm equivalent focal length) lens and has been designed exclusively for the SIGMA DP2 Merrill to maximise the sensor performance. A glass mold aspherical lens and three high refractive index lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring sharp, high contrast image quality even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.

Advanced User Interface
The custom quick set menu and the metallic command dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.

Capable of 7 frames continuous shooting
A large volume buffer memory enables the camera to capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode.  Using the high speed data transfer and processing, the SIGMA DP2 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of up to 4 frames per second.  In addition, depending on the situation, it is possible to capture up to 5 frames per second and up to 14 images per sequence in continuous shooting mode in Medium and Low image quality mode.

Easy to use autofocus
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill features a “9 point select mode” which can select the desired focusing point from 9 different frames and “Free move mode” which can move the desired point as you like.  In addition, it is possible to select the size of the focus frame from three types; Spot, Regular and Large.  The new AF+MF mode adjusts the focus manually after verifying the AF by rotating the focus ring.

Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

RAW+JPEG format recording
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill features a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. 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 camera keeps brightness and colour data 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. It is also possible to record RAW data and JPEG data simultaneously to provide more convenience.

SIGMA Photo Pro (supplied)
The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. It renders the full, 46 megapixel data. While looking at the captured images, it is possible to achieve the desired photographic expression by moving the sliders. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings, highlight correction, noise reduction and aberration correction mode.

Portable compact and lightweight body
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill has compact dimensions of 121.5mm (W) × 66.7mm (H) × 59.2mm (D), and weighs just 330g.  The supplied neck strap provides perfect mobility for candid photography.

SD card
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill adopts the SD Card (SDXC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor which ensures great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.

Hot Shoe
The SIGMA DP2 Merrill 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-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).

Dedicated lens hood
The dedicated bayonet lens hood (LH2-01) can be attached to block out extraneous light.  Attaching the optional Close-up Lens AML-2 and dedicated Sigma’s DG filters to the camera body extend the shooting range.
* Lens hood, Close-up and DG filters are sold separately

Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames.

[Accessories]

LH2-01 Lens Hood
The dedicated bayonet lens hood (LH2-01) can be attached to block out extraneous light.

VF-21 Viewfinder
This precision-made optical viewfinder mounts on the camera’s hot shoe. It allows framing of the image without using the LCD monitor.

EF-140 DG Electronic Flash
A compact flashgun designed exclusively for the DP series cameras and featuring a Guide Number of 14.  This flashgun extends the camera’s photographic possibilities with such features as fill-in flash and full-flash for night photography.

AML-2 Close-up Lens
When this close-up lens is attached to the camera, it enables close-up photography.  The exclusive design ensures superior image quality.

SAC-5 AC Adapter
when using your camera for an extended period of time or connecting the camera to a computer.  AC Adapter SAC-5 is used together with DC connector DC-11.  DC connector DC-11 is supplied with AC Adapter SAC-5.

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