Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation introduced a new generation of compact point-and-shoot cameras, the Sigma dp Quattro line—three fixed focal length models that incorporate a newly developed 39 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor.
The Foveon direct image sensor is similar to traditional color film in that its multiple layers capture all of the information that visible light transmits. Along with Sigma’s new TRUE (three-layer responsive ultimate engine) III that was developed to keep pace with the Foveon sensor, Sigma reports the sensor “produces incredible resolution, precise gradation, gorgeous color, breathtaking realism with a 3D feel. For the new dp series, we rethought and redesigned every aspect of the camera, including the sensor, engine, lens and body.”
The Quattro cameras feature a fixed focal length lens, intuitive operation and an integrated body engineered to offer a balanced shape, layout and weight distribution. The series is comprised of three cameras, each providing a different basic focal length for a particular fundamental photographic approach: the wide-angle dp1 Quattro at 19mm; the standard dp2 Quattro at 30mm; and the medium telephoto dp3 Quattro at 50mm (28mm, 45mm and 75mm equivalents, respectively).
At the core of each model is an image capture system that uses vertical color separation technology. Leveraging the light absorption characteristics of silicon, the Foveon sensor comprises three layers of photodiodes, each at a different depth within the silicon and each corresponding to a different RGB color. Most image sensors are mosaic sensors that use an array of RGB color filters in a single horizontal plane to capture color information. Each pixel is assigned only one of the three colors. In contrast, the Foveon sensor captures color vertically, recording hue, value and chroma for each pixel.
In addition, in the Foveon sensor there are no color filters to cause a loss of information transmitted by light, and there is no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a color filter array. No artificial interpolation is needed to “fill in” missing colors; the data from the Foveon sensor is complete for every pixel.
The newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro sensor for these cameras is the latest generation of this unique sensor. While retaining the characteristics of its predecessors, it offers a higher level of image quality. In addition to 30% higher resolution, the volume of image data has become lighter, and it is said to enable faster image processing and lower current consumption.
Other shared features of the dp Quattros include: ISO 100–6400; a nine-point contrast-detection autofocus system; manual focus; color modes; and a 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot TFT color LCD monitor. The launch date and pricing will be announced. sigmaphoto.com
