SIGMA DP3 Merrill brochure 2013

SIGMA DP3 Merrill. New-generationimage sensor technology for a deeper,richer photographic experience.Now, the world’s most uncompromisingcompact camera lineup is complete.Inspired modern craftsmanshipSensor designed in CaliforniaCamera made in Japan

SIGMA DP SERIES VISIONFRESH HORIZONS OF INNOVATIONThe Sigma DP Series. A ground-breaking concept:Compact cameras with the full performance of adigital SLR. Sized perfectly to go everywhere youdo and stunning image quality that maintains itsintegrity when enlarged. Here is an all-new genreof compact cameras delivering photographicexcellence that exceeds all expectations given itsvery compact size.Praised and embraced by demandingphotographers around the globe. Designed toinspire a fresh approach to creative photography.Until the DP Series there was no such thing as aDSLR-spec compact. That it heralded the birth ofa new category is testimony to its impact. Today’shigh-performance compacts all follow in itsfootsteps.It was not Sigma’s intention to do anything radical.Our goal has always been to achieve a purer, morehonest rendition of the world we see. After all,truth is the essence of photography. But thepursuit of this fundamental functionality resultedin technology capable of capturing every nuanceof light. In a camera that answers the call ofphotographic artistry.Next came Sigma’s flagship digital SLR: TheSigma SD1 Merrill. Bringing subjects to life witha three-dimensional feel that mirrors the scene’soriginal ambience. The DP Merrill Series inheritsthe same philosophy as our flagship camera, theSD1 Merrill, of capturing photographic truth. Itachieves this by packing all the picture qualityand camera technology of the SD1 Merrill intocompact dimensions.Discover the cameras that open up newpossibilities for image quality and photographicexpression: The DP Merrill Series. Now completewith another fresh horizon of innovation.02 Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Overcast, Shutter Speed: 1/80s, Aperture Value: F5.6, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike03

CONCEPTNow, your photographic toolkitis complete.The Sigma DP3 traces its lineage backto March 2008 when the very firstmodel in the DP series was born.At the time, that camera was one ofa kind — a fixed-lens compact equippedwith the large sensor of a DSLR.Yet, single handedly, it created a wholenew camera category, one whichSigma has continued to refine witheach new generation.Sigma’s full color capture systemcreates clear, sharp images with auniquely three-dimensional feel. Withits much higher pixel count, the larger46MP new-generation sensor brings youbreathtaking definition, richly graduatedtonality and true-to-life texture.The Sigma DP3 Merrill inherits the spiritof the DP Series, delivering the imagingperformance of Sigma’s flagship DSLR,the SD1 Merrill, in a compact package.It’s a remarkable combination:the ultra-high image quality ofa medium-format sensor in an ultraconvenientcompact format. Goingbeyond mere high resolution into therealm of artistic expression, this isa camera that will both surprise anddelight the discerning photographer.Integrated lens-camera constructionminimizes vibration arising in lens orshutter mechanisms, while the contrastdetection autofocus system raisesfocusing accuracy. You can count onthe DP3 to perform at your commandwith quiet, positive precision.The unique identity of the DP1 Merrillis defined by its specially developedwide-angle lens (equivalent to a 28mmlens on a 35mm SLR), while theDP2 Merrill frames subjects witha “standard” focal length (equivalent toa 45mm lens on a 35mm SLR).Like its compatriots, the Sigma DP3was designed for creative artists. Itis the latest member of an exclusivegroup that weds compact, takeeverywhereconvenience and genuinephotographic excellence.The lens mounted on the Sigma DP3Merrill is a medium-telephoto macrolens (equivalent to a 75mm lens ona 35mm SLR) specifically developedfor this camera and exemplifyingSigma’s optical engineering expertise.Whether you’re shooting at infinityor the minimum focusing distance,imaging performance is impeccable,and the cropping effect of mediumtelephotomacro shooting enablesyou to capture your vision with framefillingimpact. From macro images toportraiture, this lens offers an artisticpalette capable of exquisite delicacy,profundity and narrative power.Each camera in the DP series featuresa state of the art lens matched toa state-of the art sensor. Now theDP3 Merrill expands your expressivepotential.You are the conductor and the SigmaDP series is your orchestra. The DP3Merrill is a new instrument with whichto enrich your photographic repertoire.04 Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Overcast, Shutter Speed: 1/320s, Aperture Value: F2.8, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike05

SIGMA DP3 Merrill Meets PRAGUEILLUMINATED BY THE PAST :There is an inherent coolness to theworks of many Czech photographers, butthe great Josef Sudek is an exception.Despite the wartime loss of one arm, hetirelessly photographed the city of Prague,producing images of great warmth andaffection. In this shot, which I took in thehallway leading to Sudek’s atelier, the lightreflecting off the wall was like a gift fromthe great man himself, a photographicopportunity of rare moment.THE VALUE OF SIMPLICITY : I came upon this chair outside a locksmith’s shop at Praha-Holešovice railway station, and was immediately struckby its stark simplicity. Battered and worn, it looked almost ready for the trash. But it was still usable, and had been kindly placed there forcustomers to sit on while they waited to have their keys duplicated. Coming upon it suddenly, I felt like I had discovered something that I myselfhad misplaced long ago. It was the importance of simplicity, the value of a job performed humbly and efficiently.To me, every subject represents a new adventure. But sometimes I wonder … To go to a place, discover something, and record its existence in aphotograph … What does it really mean? Pondering the nature of my own creative impulse, I set off again in search of adventure.10Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Overcast, Shutter Speed: 1/320s, Aperture Value: F2.8, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio SeikeCamera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Overcast, Shutter Speed: 1/320s, Aperture Value: F2.8, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike11

SENSORSee what you feelTexture that’s indescribably lifelike. Rich tonal gradation.Honestly natural image quality rendered byour new-generation 46-megapixel sensor.New-generation Foveon sensorfor ‘emotional image quality’with a dramatically boosted pixel count.The Sigma DP3 Merrill is equipped withthe same 46MP Foveon X3 Direct ImageSensor as in the SD1 Merrill DSLR.It’s not just about seeing.Photographic expression involvescapturing what you feel.Here is a sensor with a richness of imaging datathat can rock your heart and soul.Compared to the previous Foveon sensor,this new generation has an expanded areamatching the APS-C format (50% greaterequivalent focal length). It also has anarrower pixel pitch, thereby dramaticallyraising the total pixel count.In fact, we have achieved an extraordinary46MP (4,800 x 3,200 x 3) effective pixels,triple the previous number.This provides luminance resolutionequivalent to that of a 30MP CFA sensoras measured on the standard B&Wresolution chart used in conventionaldigital camera resolution testing.Medium-format-grade sensorredefines image quality with its richand wide range of expressionWith its much higher pixel count, thenew Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensorrealizes medium-format image generationcapability, while retaining the “emotionalimage quality” unique to our full colorcapture system.Sigma’s Dual TRUE II image processingengine was specially developed to processvast volumes of data at blazing speed,generating richly detailed images ofamazing depth, which can be enjoyedeven in large print formats.Eye-opening sharpness. Natural edgedefinition. Finely graduated tonality …Here is a camera that redefines “highimage quality” and invites you into a freshdimension of visual experience.The ‘Merrill’ nameDick Merrill (1949-2008), co-developer of therevolutionary Foveon image capture system, wasboth a brilliant engineer and talented photographer.As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photographyand in honor of Dick Merrill’s ability to realize artisticideals through technology, we have named thisnew-generation sensor the “Merrill.”14Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Shade, Shutter Speed: 1/20s, Aperture Value: F5.0, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike 15

CAPTURE SYSTEMNuanced expression beyond ‘colorful’.Unique sensor technology.Foveon X3 full-color capture system.Color has infinite variety.What may initially appear lackluster is filledwith subtly shifting hues.With the DP3 Merrill in your hands,you may acquire new tastes in color.Technology that worksjust like film.Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor.The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensorfeatured in Sigma digital camerasuses three layers of photodiodes togather the entire red, green andblue color information of light,forming the world’s one and onlyfull color capture system.Downstream processing of colorand luminance information isminimized to preserve the mostdelicate nuances of texture in thispioneering format.Taking advantage of thecharacteristics of silicon, this imagesensor absorbs different lightwavelengths at different levels, usinga structure similar to color film. FullRGB light information is capturedat each pixel location.This ideal system lets Sigma camerasfaithfully record the actual colorimage coming through the lens.Beginning with our first digital camerain 2002, all Sigma cameras have usedthis same sensor format. The name“Foveon” is taken from the foveacentralis, the central portion of thehuman retina that has the most acutevision, reflecting our pursuit of theideal visual experience.Faithfully records light’s purerichness without added colorinterpolation or low-pass filteringThe image sensor in mostconventional digital cameras usesan RGB color filter array (CFA)over a monochrome sensor. Eachphotosite receives just one ofthe RGB colors, so downstreaminterpolation processing isrequired to create a full-colorimage.False colors (moiré) appear in thisconventional system because ofinterference between details in thesubject. An optical low-pass filteris therefore required to clean upthe image, but at the expense ofapparent sharpness.In contrast, Sigma’s sensortechnology needs no color filter,so it doesn't sacrifice fine detail.The resulting high-definition imagecaptures the full informationfocused by the lens on the sensor.People are amazed at the almostuncanny atmospheric detailpreserved by the high resolution ofSigma cameras.The secret is simply that our uniquesystem neither adds anything to theimage nor takes anything away.The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s Foveon X3 Direct ImageSensor utilizes the characteristics of silicon toabsorb shorter wavelengths (blue) near its surfaceand longer wavelengths (green, then red) atdeeper levels. This three-layer full color capturesystem can record the full color information ateach pixel location, enabling richly detailed, vividlycolorful images, without the compromises of colorinterpolation required by conventional sensors.Foveon X3 Direct Image SensorR: 100%, G: 100%, B: 100%Full color capture system has three layers of photo detectors,enabling it to capture 100% of RGB color information directly.Conventional color filter array sensorR: 25%, G: 50%, B: 25%With a conventional digital camera’s sensor, 50% of thephotosites are dedicated to green, and 25% each gather redand blue color information via a color filter array.16Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Shade, Shutter Speed: 1/160s, Aperture Value: F2.8, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike 17

LENSResolving power for limitless creativityDedicated new DP lens optimizedfor the new-generation sensor.A medium-telephoto macro lensspecifically developed tounleash your creative impulses witha new standard of imaging excellence.Its resolving power is simplyoverwhelming.telephoto macro lens (equivalent toa 75mm lens on a 35mm SLR) forintimate compositions that capturethe inner life of your subject withexceptional clarity and realism.This lens was specifically developedto maximize the “pure image quality”of the full color capture system and46MP new-generation sensor.This new DP lens achieves excellencein every parameter of performance,from its MTF curves to distortion andbokeh. It is truly a pinnacle of thelens maker’s art.Lens constructionThe construction of the special-design lensA lens that deliversprofoundly natural imagesPerfect pair:New-generation sensor and newlydeveloped high-performance DP lensThe Sigma DP Series single-handedlytriggered today’s trend of fixed-lenshigh-end digital compact cameras.With Sigma's half century of lensmaking experience and expertise,the DP Series could offer speciallydeveloped lenses that won the acclaimof photography enthusiasts.For the DP3 Merrill, we designed anew dedicated lens that is perfectlymatched to the new-generationFoveon X3 Direct Image sensor withits larger APS-C area (equivalent to50% greater focal length): A medium-Advanced optical architecture andprecision manufacturing combine ina lens designed to faithfully deliverlight information to the sensorunsullied by aberration.The lens on the Sigma DP3Merrill creates consistentlycrisp, high-contrast images withaccurately rendered ultra-finedetail. Outstanding image surfacecharacteristics provide excellentsharpness in the plane of focus whilegently transitioning to beautifulbokeh in other areas.The best lens.The best sensor.Hallmarks of Sigma, the lens expert.The best lens and the best sensor.These are the pillars that supportSigma's photographic philosophyin action. After all, designing andmanufacturing lenses is at the coreof what we do best.CONTRASTTo maximize image quality whileminimizing lens barrel length, Sigmacombined one SLD glass and one glassmolded aspherical lens element. Withhigh-refraction glass elements, the result isa short medium-telephoto lens exhibitingvirtually ideal optical characteristics.10.90.80.70.60.50.40.30.20.10Sigma DP Lens 50mm F2.8 / MTF Chart0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.510 lp30 lpIMAGE HEIGHT (mm)Spatial Frequency Sagittal Line Meridional LineThe MTF chart gives the results at the wide-open aperture.18Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Shade, Shutter Speed: 1/13s, Aperture Value: F2.8, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike 19

RAW FORMATOne-on-one with a photograph.Artistically ‘develop’ your photoswith Sigma’s creative software.Now you can give yourcreativity free rein.Pressing the shutter release isjust the beginning.In the digital darkroomyou fully realize your vision.This is where photographic expressionreaches its apogee.x3f RAW image format filesare your digital negativesA photograph starts with pressing theshutter and ends with manipulating theimage to reproduce what you saw.You work with the full dynamic range, broadcolor spectrum and delicate gradations ofshadow and light contained in the photodata file. This rich palette lets you finish thephoto as you like.We encourage you to take advantage ofthe x3f RAW format because it preservesthe complete original image informationgathered by Sigma's X3 full color capturesystem technology.More convenient and flexible than ever:SIGMA Photo ProSIGMA Photo Pro software is designedfor the creative photographer who wishesto personally control the image finishingprocess. It allows you to "develop" theimage data you shot in RAW mode.Ever since we made our first digital camera,we have continued to refine our RAWdata processing technology. The result,we believe, is the finest digital darkroomsoftware available today. It has precisely thefunctions you really need — no more, no less.Even if you are new to RAW file formats, theintuitive interface makes it easy to use.For image correction, the AdjustmentControls Palette offers seven parameters:exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights,color saturation, sharpness, and the X3Fill Light feature. Together with the ColorWheel, these versatile tools let you craftoriginal masterpieces of photographic art.To bring out the full potential of the46MP image data captured by the newgenerationFoveon X3 Direct Image Sensor,the full range of functions also includeswhite balance control, highlight correction,noise reduction and transverse aberrationcorrection.A new monochrome interface lets you createpowerful and authentic black-and-whiteimages using the complete light informationcaptured by the Direct Image Sensor.20 Camera: SIGMA DP3 Merrill, File Type: X3F Raw/High, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance: Fluorescent, Shutter Speed: 1.3s, Aperture Value: F4.0, Focal Length: 50mm ©Tomio Seike21

DESIGNEasy-to-grip body designThe lens position is offset to enhance your grip ofthe camera body. This also helps you operate theshutter and command dial with a steady hand.Manual focus ring on lensLets you keep a steady gripon the camera while focusing,like using an SLR.Command dial for intuitive controlQuickly change menus and adjust settings foraperture, shutter speed and other parameters.3" LCD for high viewabilityHigh-definition 920,000 pixel wide-viewing-angleLCD monitor assists framing and focusing.Handy mode button for ‘scene’ switchingLocated next to the command dial for easy accessand quick selection.QS (quick set) button for favorite functionsInstantly recall ISO sensitivity, white balance and otherfrequently used functions.Crafted quality you can feel.High-end digital SLR qualityhoused in a compact bodyA compact camerayou can hold in one hand.Built to get you the shots youwant — when you want them.Speedily. Effortlessly. Repeatedly.True high-end performancethat’s always at the ready.Your hands will recognize the feel ofquality — the finely crafted precision ofa high-end digital SLR housed ina compact body.A fixed-lens compact camera equippedwith a large imaging sensor.It is a category of camera created bySigma and one that Sigma continues torefine with the spirit of a true artisan.From tiny components to the completedproduct, Sigma’s Aizu factory delivers“made in Japan” quality usingstate-of-the-art manufacturing technology.Fuelled by a passion for what really mattersin photography, Sigma’s craftsmanship livesin every detail of the Sigma DP3 Merrill.ACCESSORIESSIGMA DP3 Merrill AccessoriesLENS HOOD : LH3-01ELECTRONIC FLASH : EF-140 DGFILTER DG UV 52mmFILTER DG WIDE CIRCULAR PL 52mmLENS HOOD: LH3-01UPC Code : 0085126-929565The dedicated bayonet lens hood can beattached to block out extraneous light.ELECTRONIC FLASH: EF-140 DGUPC Code : 0085126-925703A compact flashgun designed exclusivelyfor the DP series and featuringa Guide Number of 14. This flashgunextends the camera’s photographicpossibilities with such features as fill-in flashand full-flash for night photography.FILTER DG UV 52mmUPC Code : 0085126-923693The UV filter, does not only reduce ultravioletlight but are also ideal for protecting the lensduring general photography.FILTER DG WIDE CIRCULAR PL 52mmUPC Code : 0085126-923808Circular Polarizing filters eliminate reflectionsfrom subject surfaces such as glass and waterand deepen the intensity of blue skies.2223