Sigma DP2 gets real with its bad self

We saw the Sigma DP2 poking around in preproduction form last month, but the update to the DP1 just had itself a little announcement down PMA way. The new model has a faster f/2.8 lens on top of a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor and 20 percent faster image processor, along with a revised control layout and slightly lighter body. Interestingly, max ISO has been dropped to 1600 from the 3200 we saw in the prepro models -- too bad, night owls. No word on pricing or availability just yet, we'll let you know when we find out.

[Via Akihabara News]

[RobJ Posted Mar 3rd 2009 11:38AM]

It's likely pricing will be the same as the DP1 at launch, US $699, which is a lot. Still, until Olympus releases a Micro 4/3rds camera or Samsung comes out with it's new NX system, this camera is in a class of its own in terms of size and image quality.

[Svelteboy Posted Mar 3rd 2009 11:42AM]

DP1 was slow and had a clunky interface. A 20 percent faster processor doesn't seem much of an improvement.

[LloydChiro Posted Mar 3rd 2009 11:54AM]

Can I get an incredibly shallow depth of field with this camera so I can work for Engadget and Autoblog with blurrycam shots?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 12:09PM]

With an f/2.8 lens, you can!

[akarol Posted Mar 3rd 2009 12:39PM]

Lumix LX3 FTW! F2.0 lens FTW!

[DavidVogt Posted Mar 3rd 2009 12:55PM]

14 Megapixels? What BS.

[Judah Rosenthal Posted Mar 3rd 2009 1:23PM]

Does this camera make phone calls? That's the only camera I want these days.

[gingerninja Posted Mar 3rd 2009 1:50PM]

@David Vogt

'14 Megapixels? What BS'

I believe you own a digital camera? So this is exactly the same, all digital still cameras (mainstream wise) use interpolation, so While it is malarkey, so is the Alpha 900's quoted 24.6MP, which is a true only 8.2MP, it's just Sigma used to be brave and quote the true figure for their Foveon sensored cameras.

Also. Alpha 900? Niiiiice pick. (100% viewfinder swing it?)

[Plothole Posted Mar 3rd 2009 2:39PM]

That assumes that you need a cluster of three pixels to equal one full pixel of information. That's not quite true. There are two separate resolutions you have to consider. Color and Luminosity. Color is derived largely from interpolation. However each pixel contributes more to the Luminosity.

Incidentally this is also how the human eye works; We too are more sensitive to Luminosity than Color. Which is why a 14MP APS-C Bayer sensor generally shows more perceivable resolution than a 14MP Foveon.

[Bad Beaver Posted Mar 3rd 2009 1:53PM]

I agree that a F2.0 lens would have been more impressive, and "20% faster" is not exactly what I was hoping for. It is a shame that this sensor is "wasted" in a camera that will not allow a lot of the things you actually want a compact for. Nevertheless, be sure to go & check out the sample shots on Sigma's site. Sadly there is a "might have been altered" note but the colors on some of those are just... stunning. If I only into daylight & landscapes, I'd get this. It'll be the LX3 then.