 |
| (Credit: Sigma) |
Sigma updated two of its large-sensor compact digital cameras with the announcement of the DP2s and DP1x. The new cameras make several improvements upon their predecessors, including faster autofocus. They will be available this spring.
The Sigma DP2s has the same 14-megapixel Foveon X3 CMOS image sensor as the DP2; the 3:2 sensor measures 0.8 x 0.5 inches (20.7 x 13.8mm), making it one of the largest included in a compact digital camera. The new version has an updated autofocus algorithm that makes it faster. Sigma also included a power save mode which they state will save battery life, according to their Feb. 21 press release. Despite this, both cameras are rated to take 250 shots with a fully charged battery.
Sigma made a few more minor changes too. The DP2s adds an ISO 3200 setting, whereas the DP2 is limited to ISO 1600. The new camera also adds a few red markings to its buttons on the back to make them more visible.
The Sigma DP2s and DP2 look exactly the same. They share the same 4.5 x 2.3 x 2.2-inch (113 x 60 x 50mm) measurements on their simple, boxy bodies. Both cameras have hot shoes and accept a range of accessories including viewfinders and flash units. They have the same fixed 24.2mm (41mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens. The older Sigma DP2 was released in spring 2009.
The Sigma DP1x has the same image sensor as its predecessor, the DP1, but borrows the image processor from the DP2 and then incorporates the newly developed algorithm for faster autofocus that is included on the DP2s.
The DP1 is almost two years old, so Sigma has had plenty of time to redesign it. The DP1x keeps the same look but adds red markings on its back, like the DP2s, and adds a quick set button for easier operation. The DP1x and DP1 have the same 16.6mm (28mm equivalent) f/4 fixed lens.
The two newly released digital cameras come with Sigma’s newest software, Photo Pro 4.0. It boasts faster image processing than the previous version and improved compatibility with multi-core CPUs. The software functions on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
