The DP series: the world's only compact cameras with ... - SIGMA DP

The DP series:the world's only compact cameraswith DSLR specifications.Following the breakthrough,an evolution to greater refinement:the SIGMA DP1x.

Trust your eye. Trust your hand,They know a good camera.Sigma's DP cameras treat light and color with due respect.They don't change any of it. They don't lose any of it.The result? An amazing capacity to capture fine detail.Unleash your creativity.Let your inner photographer see things in a new way.Do it all with this compact body.We believe in photographing things as they really are.This shapes our concept of the way a camera should be.With the DP series, we're aiming to recapture the essence of the camera.The DP1 that launched this initiative has now been reborn.You remember the DP1? The little camera that could?It blew existing image-quality standards out of the water.It opened up new horizons for amateur photographers.And now it's even better.The SIGMA DP1x.For the photographer who wants to capture genuine emotion.02This photograph shows the approximate dimensions of the Sigma DP1x.

Camera : SIGMA DP1x, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1/80s, Aperture Value : F4.0, Focal Length: 16.6 mm 03

04Camera : SIGMA DP1x, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1 sec, Aperture Value : F4.0, Focal Length: 16.6 mm

The revolution has gained refinement.The world's first full-spec compact“A large sensor in a compact body.” Appearingall over the media, this phrase neatly summedup Sigma's DP series of high-performance, highimage-quality compact cameras.Ever since digital cameras ousted film camerasfrom their mainstream status, the image sensorsused in compact cameras had been far smallerthan those used in SLRs. Of course, photosensor size plays a crucial role in determiningimage quality. This was true in the days offilm, and it's just as true in the digital age. Yetcompact cameras had been getting steadilysmaller and lighter. Meanwhile, the all-importantpursuit of higher image quality had becomean afterthought, for reasons of cost andtechnological difficulties.What's more, digital compacts were all aboutextra functions and more megapixels. Higherpixel-counts were achieved simply by makingthe pixels extremely small, so that more ofthem could be crammed in, while the sensoritself remained as small as ever. In terms ofthe essence of photographic expression, pixelcounts don't really count. Yet competition onthis front had reached fever pitch by the springof 2008, when the Sigma DP1 made its longawaiteddebut.The DP1 opened up new horizonsThe DP1 was introduced as a compact digitalcamera with an SLR-sized image sensor. It wasa camera that satisfied the artist's need for topimage quality and yet was compact enoughto take anywhere. This had always been theamateur photographer's dream. And a dreamit remained, until Sigma boldly took up thechallenge and overcame numerous challengesto make it happen.That glimpse of unexpected beauty on yourdaily commute, early in the morning or latein the evening. The subtlety of human dramaencountered on a street corner. The dewy petalof a nameless roadside flower. As anyone wholoves photography could tell you, those crucialmoments can't be contrived. There's only oneplace you find them: the often overlookedcorners of ordinary life.At Sigma, we have strong views about whata camera should be. Sensor size isn't our onlyobsession: we're also big on pioneering sensordesign. That's why our DP cameras feature theFoveon X3® direct image sensor, which breaksnew ground by capturing the full complementof colors at each individual pixel location.Thanks to this sensor, our DP cameras producedistinctive images that combine exquisitevividness with astonishingly high definition,outclassing conventional digital image quality.Thanks to the unique 3-D feel plus the clarityand sharpness, delivered by Sigma's proprietarythree-layered Foveon X3® direct image sensor,the images created by the DP1 won acclaim fromphotographers all over the world. Their imagequality was compared to that of a mediumformatfilm camera rather than that of a DSLR.The rest is recent history: the DP1's formidabledescriptive power not only made a worldwidesplash, but also transcended the existingdistinction between SLRs and compacts,creating the new “full-spec compact” category.There's just no doubt about it—the DP1 createdquite a buzz in photographic circles.Sigma's photographic passion and principlesYou wouldn't carry an SLR around unless youintended to shoot some serious photos. Picturestaken with an SLR have to be carefully set up,framed and posed. All sorts of complicatedsettings have to be fiddled with. That'show most people would think of an SLR.Yet Sigma took the essence of an SLR, andpacked it, unabridged, into a compact body.We also included a generous dollop of extrahigh-performance functions. We gave thephotographer more artistic control, and leftmore scope for creative expression.With the introduction of the Sigma DP series,serious photography can now be part ofyour everyday routine. And that's not all:these cameras are the perfect fit for today'sincreasingly nonconformist, free-spiritedusers. They awaken the creativity within manyphotographers, often causing them to fall inlove with photography all over again.In its forms and workflows, photographicequipment changes with the times.Photographic expression is also subject topassing trends. What stays unchanged isthe way a camera should be. A camera shouldslavishly follow your direction. It should respectyour intention. And it should do this withoutlosing sight of the essence of photography,namely, capturing your own personal sensoryexperience, the picture in your mind's eye—a single image only you could create.This is the fundamental concept underlying allof Sigma's evolving technological innovation.05

A Camera that Transforms Your PerceptionAfter the ground-breaking,the fine-tuningThe DP1 was the world's first truly fullspec compact camera. It deserves tobe remembered as the camera thatlaunched Sigma's DP series. This trulyhigh-performance compact camerawas groundbreaking in that it featuredan SLR-sized image sensor. However,precisely because it was so groundbreaking,it faced some challenges.At Sigma, we believe that users shouldexperience the joy of finessing theirpictures, working with superb imagequality. In line with this philosophy, wegave the DP1 a specification worthyof an SLR, based on RAW (X3 mode)output. We wanted to create a wholenew DP world of our own. But wemust admit that, as an instrument fortaking photos, the DP1 was more of abreakthrough than a culmination.We must also concede that the TRUEthe first-generation image-processingengine featured in the DP1–processedthe abundant image data outputby the Foveon X3® direct imagesensor at a speed that some foundunsatisfactory. The DP1's earlyadopters may well have felt the needfor enhancement.A more highly evolvedversion of the DP1The concept behind the DP1—the firstgeneration model remains unchangedin the DP1x. The new camera featuresthe Foveon X3® direct image sensor,which provides astonishing definition,said to be on a par with that of mediumformat film. It also uses a speciallydesigned ultra high-performancewide-angle lens equivalent to 28mmin a 35mm camera, which is evenbetter than many high-performanceinterchangeable lenses used in SLRs.We wanted the DP1x to deliver thespecial 3-D feel and texture that arethe raison d'être of the DP series. That'swhy, rather than concentrating on asingle index such as MTF, we aimedfor all-round lens performance. As forimage texture, which is determined bydifferences in focal length, F-numberand other parameters, we took care tomake the DP1x consistent with the restof the DP series.We also endowed the DP1x with thehighly-acclaimed user interface andthe TRUE II second-generation imageprocessing engine used in the DP2—thesecond release in the DP series. Withmore intuitive controls and dramaticallyimproved operability and processingspeeds, the DP1x is a more highlyevolvedphotographic instrument.The pleasures of perspectiveThe DP1x has an integral wide-anglelens equivalent to 28mm in a 35mmcamera. Since its field angle is greaterthan that of the human eye, a wideanglelens can be used to bring outperspective, adding dynamism anddrama to your photographs.This type of lens really comes intoits own when shooting landscapesand buildings, where its distinctiveperspective can be used to fulladvantage. It allows dynamic capturesof clear blue skies, white fluffy cloudsand deep crimson sunsets. Buildings,be they historical structures, stylishexamples of modern architecture, oranything in between, can be cleverlyframed for maximum interest, orcaptured in a thousand other cool ways.Breathing new inspiration intoyour photographic artThe wide-angle lens is also greatfor snapshots. For one thing, it hastechnical advantages—it's lesssusceptible to camera-shake andallows a greater depth of field. Foranother, its wide field angle gives youan edge when it comes to capturingsubtle human interactions, or snatchingthat rare and unexpected photogenicmoment that can show up in the mostbanal of everyday scenes.Portraits are another genre you reallyshould try with the wide-angle lens onthe DP1x. The telephoto lensis the mainstream choice for thistype of shot, so using a wide-anglelens adds a fresh twist right away.For a classic headshot, use portrait(vertical) orientation. Whether youshoot in portrait or landscape, you caninject a sense of depth and a dash ofdrama by cleverly incorporating theexisting background, or by arrangingbackground objects yourself.Most photographers start out withan interest in using telephoto lenses.An obsession with wide-angle lensestends to follow later. What gets themhooked on the wide-angle lens is itsversatility and its infinite potential forartistic expression. This type of lensbrings all sorts of extraneous objectsinto the frame, so it can be trickyto master. The effort is more thanrepaid, however, by the extra scopefor dramatic staging. In terms of sheerartistic enjoyment, the wide-angle lensgets more and more rewarding as yougo up the learning curve.A lens that takes you back to basicsLike the other Sigma DP cameras,the DP1x uses a single-focus lens. Ashigh-performance zoom lenses havebecome mainstream even in integrallenscameras, this might seem anunusual choice.Certainly, when you can onlyshoot from a certain spot, a highmagnificationzoom lens is hardto beat: its extensive visual fieldconveniently covers the range fromwide-angle to telephoto. If you'veever struggled to take pictures with asingle-focus lens that has the wrongfield angle, you'll know just howfrustrating it can be.And yet, the single-focus lens has anelegance all of its own. Give it someserious attention, and it will repaythe favor by taking you right back tothe basics of photography. Choosingthe subject. Finding the best angle.Framing the shot in the best waypossible. Considering the light andshadow falling on the subject. Takingaccount of the colors. This is whatphotography is all about. In Sigma'sphilosophy, there's only one way totake a picture that is truly your own.You have to establish your personal,subjective relationship with thesubject. And that means making allthe artistic decisions yourself.A camera thattrains your artistic eyeShooting with a single-focus lensforces you to frame the shot bymoving your physical position. Witha camera that automatically selectsthe best field angle for the subject,it wouldn't really matter where youpositioned yourself. With a singlefocuslens, however, actively searchingfor the best way to frame the shotmakes you rethink your old habits.This prompts you to re-establish anew, more authentic, more personalrelationship with photography.Rediscover the joy of photography.Unleash your inner artist with the DP1x.06

Camera : SIGMA DP1x, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1/80s, Aperture Value : F4.0, Focal Length: 16.6 mm 07

The DP1x's Foveon X3® directimage sensor utilizes thespecial features of silicon,which is penetrated todifferent depths by differentwavelengths of light, tosuccessfully achieve full-colorcapture for the first time everin a single-chip configuration.No color filter is required.Since the X3 can capture all thecolor information in its threelayers, the aforementionedlate-stage color interpolationnecessitated by the Bayer filterimage-sensor is not required,and exquisite, nuanced colorexpression can be created inpixel-location units. Comparedwith the color-fudging Bayerfilter image sensor, the X3takes color resolution to anew and truly amazing level.Since it does not need a colorfilter, the direct image sensordoes not generate colorartefacts. This, of course,means that no optical lowpassfilter is needed either.This full-color capture systemcan cope with all kinds ofhigh-frequency areas, andcapture the full complementof colors. That's why theresults are both absolutelynatural and truly exquisite.R: 100% G: 100% B: 100% R: 25% G: 50% B: 25%The Foveon X3® SensorThe Foveon X3® has three layers ofphotosensors, enabling it to capture 100%of the RGB color data at once.The Bayer filter Image SensorThe old-fashioned Bayer filter image sensorcan only capture 50% of the green color data,and a mere 25% each of the blue and the red.08

The Fine Art of Capturing DetailConventional digital cameras usemonochrome sensorsYou might be surprised to learn thatthe sensors in most digital camerason the market, apart from Sigma'sSD and DP series, are basicallymonochrome. Because monochromesensors do not capture color data, acolor filter with a mosaic of pixels forthe three primary colors — red, blueand green (RGB) — is mounted on topso that color data can be represented.But each light-sensing photodiodehas a one-color filter, which meansthat each pixel can only capture onecolor, and data for the other twocolors is discarded.Until this stage, of course, as inthe Autochrome process, the RGBcolor “particles”, or pixels, arerecorded unmodified, forming thephoto. A color interpolation processknown as demosaicing is thereforeperformed in the latter stage of theimage processing, and this restoresthe colors lost by individual pixels.This interpolation process basicallyconsists of guessing the missingcolors from the neighboring pixels,and adding them back in.Post-processing the imageleads to a loss of detailHaving been continuously improvedover an extended period, this imageprocessingmethod has maturedto a certain extent, so the colorinterpolation is now performedfairly accurately. But because colorsare interpolated from neighboringpixels, the subtle color nuances of theoriginal subject are lost.Conventional digital cameras usingcolor filter arrays also generatecolor artifacts – colors not foundin the original subject – during thedemosaicing processing. This isdue to the action of the color filter(generally a Bayer filter), which triesto regulate the color distribution ifthe subject contains too much detail(high-frequency areas).A conventional digital camera usinga Bayer color filter has yet anotherfilter, known as an optical low-passfilter, interposed between the lensand the sensor, in order to suppresscolor artifacts. The optical low-passfilter acts on the images resolved ata high level by the imaging lens, itsjob being to eliminate any detailedelements likely to generate colorartifacts (high-frequency areas abovea certain level), immediately beforethey reach the sensor. So it caneffectively suppress the generationof color artifacts, but the downside isthat it naturally reduces the resolutionof the image.The Foveon X3® captures thevery feeling in the air.Images produced by Sigma's SDand DP series cameras have what'sbeen called an “emotional quality”.This phrase expresses the distinctiveimage-quality you only get with theFoveon X3® direct image sensor.In terms of clarity and fine detail, itgoes far beyond the capabilities ofconventional digital cameras. Thislevel of image quality reproduces thescene you shot, right down to thefeeling in the air. It's only possible ina vertical color-capture system thatdoes not require color interpolation,and an image-processing systemthat does not require an opticallow-pass filter.A conventional image-sensor, onthe other hand, fudges the colors,and even cuts out high-frequencyareas. To compensate, the sharpnessprocessing is ramped up to givesome overall nuancing and a generalimpression of high resolution. Thisexplains the tendency to generateimages that, as a whole, have anunnatural feel. The colors can beadjusted to some extent in postprocessing,but the detailed datapreviously lost cannot be recovered.No wonder the images produced byconventional digital cameras, despitetheir emphasized edges and clevernuancing, look so unnatural, so subtlywrong, It's all about basic principles.A sensor that discards none of theoriginal light and color. And addsnone either.The DP1x's Foveon X3® direct imagesensor utilizes the special features ofsilicon, which is penetrated to differentdepths by different wavelengths oflight, to successfully achieve fullcolorcapture for the first time ever ina single-chip configuration. No colorfilter is required. Like modern colorfilm cameras, it uses a method thatcaptures all the colors vertically.Because it does not need colorinterpolation or a low-pass filter, theX3 image sensor produces imagesthat are sharp right from the start.Therefore, sharpness processing in thelatter stages of the image processing– creating edges and emphasizingcontours – can be reduced to aminimum. This is why reviewers haveevaluated the images captured bythe X3 image sensor as having a trulynuanced, sharp feel, and praised themas very natural and demonstratingsuperior image quality.The Foveon X3® direct image sensorreproduces pure, rich data andnothing else. The image quality itdelivers is breathtaking. You reallyneed to see it for yourself.09

Camera : SIGMA DP1x, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1/4s, Aperture Value : F8, Focal Length: 16.6 mm 11

12Camera : SIGMA DP1x, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 100, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1.6s, Aperture Value : F8, Focal Length: 16.6 mm

14Camera : SIGMA DP1x + Close-up Lens AML-1, File Type: X3F Raw, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority AE, ISO Setting : 200, White Balance : Auto, Shutter Speed : 1/60s, Aperture Value : F4, Focal Length: 16.6 mm

Bigger Sensor — Better Image QualityFilm or digital: big photoreceptorsmean high image quality.The bigger the film size, the betterthe image quality. That's commonknowledge in the world of filmcameras. Even so, caught up in thepowerful tide of digitization, and thefeverish, single-minded competition toachieve the highest pixel count, mostcamera manufacturers seem to havelost sight of this obvious fact sometime ago. Ever tried using a Browniefilm camera to shoot high-qualityphotos? Then you'll have a vivid senseof the exponential increase in imagequality as film size increases. Basically,the same goes for digital cameras. Inother words, sensor performance beingequal, the image quality of a digitalcamera is determined by the size ofthe image sensor, be it CCD, CMOS orany other type.In the era of film cameras, both SLRsand compacts using the 35mm systemused the same size of film, and imagequality was down to lens performance.There used to be compact film camerasthat delivered high image qualitydespite their small body size, andthose compacts had a large followingamong photographers. When camerasmade the switch from film to digital,however, it was taken for granted thatDSLRs and digital compacts would usedifferent image sensors.The digital camera of anyone's dreamsImplementing a large sensor presentedall sorts of problems: the cost of thesensor, the difficulty of designing thelens, the high processing capacityrequired for the image-processingengine, enlarging the circuit board,increasing the memory capacity, andso on. Until these problems could beovercome, it was generally acceptedthat DSLRs used large sensors, andcompacts used small ones. Eventually,these problems were effectively solved,allowing sensors to be made smaller.However, this involved a trade-off:reduced image quality. From then on,photographers dreamed of a compactdigital camera with an SLR-sizedimage sensor. A camera small and lightenough to carry around everywhere,yet offering the technology for seriousphotography. Those dreams came truewith Sigma's DP series.Startlingly evocative image qualityAt 20.7 x 13.8mm, the DP1x's14-megapixel image sensor, like theDP1's, is SLR-sized. This is about 12times larger than the 1- to 2.5-inchsensor, and 7 times larger than a 1- to1.8-inch sensor used in a conventionaldigital compact. This generous sizetakes the DP1x's image quality to adifferent dimension.Picture this. Light traveling througha small lens is captured by a smallsensor and turned into an image.Light traveling through a large lensis captured by a large sensor andturned into an image. What's thedifference between these two images?Essentially, it's a difference in quality.In the case of the small image sensor,the image is magnified by a high ratiowhen it's printed or displayed on acomputer screen. This makes it trickyto reproduce the dynamism and 3-Dfeel of the subject. Like the other DPcameras, the DP1x does just that, byusing a large integral image sensor.The natural blurring effectyou get with an SLR.The small size of the image sensorused in a conventional compact digitalcamera explains why it captures ratherflat, unmodulated images. If the imagesensor is small, the focal length ofthe lens is short. The shorter the focallength of the lens, the greater the depthof field – in other words, the greaterthe range of distances over which thelens can focus. The prosaic quality ofthe images captured by an ordinarycompact digital camera is caused bythe depth of field characteristic of asmall image sensor: the lens focusesevenly on everything between thesubject and the background, eliminatingany cadence within the image. Thanksto its DSLR sized sensor, the DP1x canachieve SLR-worthy natural blurringeffects, even at an aperture of F4.Images of this astonishing quality andrichness are only possible with a largesensor. You really need to see themfor yourself.Image Sensor Size ComparisonSIGMA DP1x's Direct Image SensorConventionalCompactDigital Camera'sImage SensorThe DP1x has an integral 14 megapixel,SLR-sized (20.7 x 13.8mm) imagesensor. This is about 12 times largerthan 1- to 2.5-inch sensor, and 7 timeslarger than a 1- to 1.8-inch sensor usedin a conventional compact digitalcamera. This generous size takes theDP1x's image quality to a differentdimension. What's more, the pixelpitch of the image sensor is a generous7.8μm. An ordinary compact digitalcamera delivers “high quality” with ahigh pixel count achieved simply bydividing up the sensor into smallersections. In the DP1x, however, the largephotodiodes deployed at a large pixelpitch capture pure, rich light efficiently,so the image signal is superb right fromthe start. This gives the DP1x its highresolution and richly graduated tones.16

This photograph shows the approximate dimensions of the Sigma DP1x. 17

A Lens that Sees with Crystal ClarityA photo is only as good as thelens it was taken with.When it comes to photographicexpression, the lens is the most crucialelement. This is true of any camera,film or digital, and it remains justas true in any age. Observing theadvances in digital image processingtechnology designed to compensatefor lens aberrations, you would thinkthat digital image compensation wasthe answer to everything. However,no matter how far digital imageprocessing technology advances, it willnever rival the descriptive power of anexcellent lens. Some might argue thatan adequate lens is all you need, aslong as you have brilliant compensationtechnology. That's not our view. Sigmais a lens expert, and the DP1x's speciallens is the culmination of years oflens-related R&D.Up there with a high-performanceinterchangeable lensThe DP1x's integral 16.6mm F4 lens(equivalent to 28mm on a 35mmfilm camera) is built to the samedesign as the DP1's, and has the sameoutstanding descriptive power. It maybe small, but it's a high-performancewide-angle single-focus lens designedto the standards of interchangeableSLR lenses. Manufactured to exactingstandards, large-diameter (14.5mm)aspherical glass molds are arrangedin the fourth group. Besides achievinghigh-resolution and high-contrastperformance, we have succeededin storing the whole lens unit in acompact lens barrel. Its MTF – the valueindicating lens performance – is on apar with that of the interchangeablelenses used in SLR cameras.Adapting SLR lens technologyfor our own purposesThe lens we've given the DP1x is of theretro focus type, typically used in wideanglelenses for SLRs. Besides havingthe telecentricity so important inlenses for digital cameras, retro focuslenses capture plenty of peripheralbrightness. The lens specially designedfor the DP1x takes full advantage ofthis property, successfully ensuring thatthe light volume stays the same rightto the periphery, while also minimizingastigmatism and field curvature.The disadvantage of the retro focuslens, however, is that its back focus islonger than its focal length, and thisinevitably increases the total lengthof the lens. In order to keep the totallength as short as possible while stilldelivering high image quality, the rearelements of the DP1x lens include glassmoldaspherical lenses with a highrefractive index. This has successfullyshortened the total length whilereducing the number of lenses used,and maintaining high performance.The use of aspherical glass-mold lensesalso enables advanced correction ofastigmatism and comatic aberration.A lens for full photographic expressionThe DP lens uses the Super Multi-Layer Coating Sigma has developedover many years of manufacturinginterchangeable lenses for digitalcameras. Despite the compactnessof the lens-barrel, flare and ghostingcan be effectively suppressed evenwhen shooting a backlit or semibacklitscene, allowing more dramaticphotographic expression.We've also taken peripheral brightnessinto consideration: the drop inperipheral brightness at the outermostedge of the screen when the apertureis released is kept at -1EV, which is ona par with that of an interchangeablelens for a precision digital camera. So,even when you shoot blue skies whosebrightness continues to the horizon,your pictures will be bright, clear, andfree of light fall-off at the edges.Encapsulating all the sophistication ofSigma's optical know-how, this superhigh-performancelens puts SLR-levelphotographic expression in the palmof your hand. The image-quality itproduces is something you really needto see for yourself.The construction ofthe special-design lensThe lens used in the DP1x is of the retro focustype. Along with the telecentricity so importantin lenses for digital cameras, retro focus lenseshave a property that enables them to captureplenty of peripheral brightness. The lens speciallydesigned for the DP1x takes full advantage ofthis property. As well as ensuring that the lightvolume stays the same right to the periphery,it also successfully minimizes astigmatism andfield curvature.The disadvantage of the retro focus lens,however, is that its back focus is longer thanits focal length, and this inevitably increases thetotal length of the lens. In order to keep the totallength as short as possible while still deliveringhigh image quality, the rear elements of the DP1xlens include glass-mold aspherical lenses witha high refractive index. This has successfullyshortened the total length while reducing thenumber of lenses used, and maintaining highperformance. The use of aspherical glass-moldlenses also enables advanced correction ofastigmatism and comatic aberration.The DP1x lens features the rear-focus method.Since retro focus lenses tend to exhibit a highdegree of aberration variation at close range,which makes it difficult to maintain performance,this lens employs a rear-focus drive system witha high capacity for aberration compensation.The DP1x lens has also been treated withSigma's proprietary Super Multi-Layer Coating.By executing high-quality, high-precision coatingcontrol at a high level, enabling the optimizingof a higher angle of incidence, Sigma hassucceeded in minimizing the ghosting and flarethat cannot be prevented using conventionalcoating techniques.CONTRAST10.90.80.70.60.50.40.30.20.1Sigma Lens 16.6mm F4 MTF Chart00 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5Spatial Frequency Sagittal Line Meridional Line10 lp30 lpIMAGE HEIGHT (mm)The MTF chart gives the results at the wide-open aperture.19

Photo-Processing that Delivers the “Wow” FactorThe new “TRUE II”image-processing engineThe new TRUE II image-processingengine, specially developed for theFoveon X3®, was first implementedin the DP2, to high acclaim. We'vealso used it in the DP1x. Applyingour exhaustive knowledge of theimage-creation mechanism of thedirect image sensor, we applieda proprietary algorithm to do fulljustice to its uniquely sophisticated3-D rendering power, optimizing boththe image-processing time and the incameraimage processing itself, andachieving a dramatic improvement inprocessing performance.Having focused our efforts onoptimizing and recording the pure,rich signal captured by the sensor,we were determined that the optimalimage quality we had pursuedthroughout our development of SLRswould be fully reproduced throughoutour DP series of compacts-with-abig-difference.The rich optical signalcaptured by the groundbreakingdirect image sensor needed to betranslated into an information-richimage. We entrusted that crucial taskto our new, improved TRUE II.In JPEG mode, images arefinished at Sigma's discretionJPEG images captured by the DP1xare photos finished in what Sigmaconsiders the most appropriate way.If you find that the photos you takein JPEG mode look the way youintended, then by all means enjoythe ease and convenience of theJPEG setting. Your JPEG images areready to print – just plug the camerainto your printer – and the imagedata files are ready to share withyour friends and family. If you wantemail-friendly image files that canbe transferred straight from yourcamera, JPEG mode wins handsdownon convenience.However, when you create a JPEG file,the data is subjected to irreversiblecompression, which leaves verylittle scope for image-correctionafterwards. And here's the rub: ifyou only shoot JPEG mode, you mayfind it very difficult to reproduce thephoto you saw in your mind's eye,which is your own personal sensoryexperience. If you've ever used aconventional compact digital camerathat only has JPEG mode, you'll knowhow unsatisfying the results can be.Unfortunately, it can be extremelydifficult to fully express your artisticvision using only JPEG images,which are created using the camera'sautomatic settings.SIGMA Photo Pro:the image-processing software thatgets the most out of X3F (RAW) filesThe DP1x has an X3F mode (RAWfile format) in which all the imagedata captured by the sensor can berecorded without any significantdeterioration in camera performance.If you want to do your own hands-onphoto finishing, then for best results,we recommend SIGMA Photo Pro, theimage-processing software designedexclusively for these X3F files.You may think that “RAW dataprocessing” sounds like somethingintimidatingly technical, requiringhigh levels of knowledge and skill.If so, just try SIGMA Photo Pro foryourself, and you'll soon find out howeasy it really can be. SIGMA PhotoPro focuses on only those functionsyou really need for artistic photofinishing. Its interface is one of themost user-friendly and intuitive ofthe many RAW data-processingsoftware packages on the market,so even if you're a beginner, you'llfind it simple to turn your imagesinto finished photos. The AdjustmentControls Palette contains exposure,contrast, shadows, highlights, colorsaturation, sharpness, and the X3 FillLight feature. A new noise reductioncontrol area allows for reduction ofboth color noise and luminance noise.The Color Wheel allows for easyadjustment of photograph colors.Simply adjust these parameters andwatch the image change in real time.That's all it takes to recreate the idealphoto you had in your mind's eye asyou pressed the shutter.Sigma's proprietaryX3F file format ensures outstandingtexture and colorIn fact, shooting in X3F format hasother advantages too. In a digitalcamera, the image signal captured inRGB is recorded by being convertedinto what is known as YCbCr colorspace. The Y stands for brightness,and the CbCr stands for colordifference. In an ordinary digitalcamera, a file format known as YCbCr4:2:2 is used, where the color signalis set to half the brightness signal.This format was developed in orderto send color information efficientlyon the limited bandwidth available20

ack when color television was firstdeveloped. Designed on the principlethat the human eye is less sensitiveto color data than to brightness data,this historical format has survivedintact to this day, and is still usedas the mainstream format in digitalcameras.However, now that digital cameraperformance has improved sodramatically, people are using theirphotos in different ways, displayingenlargements on their computerscreens, and large photo prints aremainstream. Today's outputconditions are getting better andbetter. The old YCbCr 4:2:2 formatwas designed for efficient signaltransmission, and not for high-qualityoutput. To our way of thinking,this format is no longer adequate tomeet the needs of all photographers.X3F images preserve thebalance of the natural dataThe JPEG files from the DP1x areoutput in YCbCr 4:2:2 in compliancewith the Exchangeable image fileformat (Exif) specification,which is the standard specificationfor file formats. But in the direct imagesensor, each pixel location capturesthe full complement of RGB colordata, so in X3F files, which is theRAW data format, brightness dataand color data can be kept ina 1 :1 ratio without relying oninterpolation. When this image isprocessed in SIGMA Photo Pro,even if it is saved as a JPEG, if theJPEG quality-setting selected is 7 to12, it will be saved as YCbCr 4:4:4.The DP1x's image quality, with itsamazing vividness and texture, isreally due to the X3F image data,which preserves the balance of thenatural data. For the best photos withthe best image quality, we definitelyrecommend shooting in X3F mode.The X3 format offers outstandingimaging potential, with a rich andwell-preserved dynamic range. Youreally need to experience itfor yourself.21

An Instrument Made to Take PicturesELECTRONIC FLASH : EF-140 DGSOFT CASE : SC-11HOOD ADAPTER : HA-11CLOSE-UP LENS : AML-1VIEW FINDER : VF-11HARD CASE : HC-11A user interface that'seven more intuitiveThe business of taking photos boilsdown to the skill of the photographer.The photograph is the canvas forthe photographer's individual selfexpression.Sigma createsequipment for delving into theessence of photography. Sigma'sdesign policy is to empower thephotographer to concentrate on thecore task: taking pictures. Our toppriority is to deliver the functionalityand reliability this requires.The DP1x was designed to be amore highly-evolved photographicinstrument. So, besides giving it thesame generous complement of extrafunctions as its predecessor, we'velistened to the voice of the user,and added the same user interfacethat went down so well in the DP2.By changing the spec to makethe controls more intuitive, we'vedramatically improved its operabilityand responsiveness.A stylish new outlet foryour inner artistWith its intuitive controls, andits increased portability andtoughness, the DP1x is designedto be a serious photographicinstrument you can take alonganywhere, anytime, withoutthinking twice.Simple yet distinctive, itscompact body will drawadmiring glances. Packedinto a neatly pocket-sizedpackage, it has a capacity todeliver uncannily high imagequality that is bound to amaze.Doing away with the old DSLRversus-compactdistinctionthat cramped photographers'style more than they everknew, the DP1x offers moreartistic freedom, and newhorizons in photographicexpression, making the finestin photography far moreaccessible than ever before.ACCESSORIESHOOD ADAPTER: HA-11This set consists of a lens hood to block out extraneouslight, plus a hood adapter, designed to fit a 46mmgeneral-purpose lens filter.VIEW FINDER: VF-11This compact optical viewfinder mounts onthe camera's hot shoe. It comes with a frame equivalentto 28mm on a 35mm SLR.ELECTRONIC FLASH: EF-140 DGThis compact external flashgun was created exclusivelyfor the DP series. With a guide number 2.4 times thecamera's built-in flash, it extends your shooting range.CLOSE-UP LENS: AML-1Mount this lens on the Hood Adapter HA-11 (soldseparately) for easy close-up photography. The exclusivedesign delivers outstanding image quality from thecenter of the screen right to the edges.HARD CASE: HC-11This dedicated hard case is specifically designed toprotect the DP1x from damage while it travels aroundwith you. Made from high-quality black leather, it takeson a distinguished-looking patina with prolonged use.Just remove the outer casing and you're ready to shoot.Soft Case: SC-11This soft case will hold the DP1x with the Hood AdapterHA-11 and the Viewfinder VF-11 still mounted. Made ofNeoprene fabric, it's superbly stretchy, and provides anoutstanding level of cushioning protection.AC Adapter: SAC-3With this AC Adapter, the DP1x can be plugged into thepower outlets in your home. We recommend doing thisbefore using your DP1x for an extended period to take ordisplay pictures, or when connecting it to your computer.22

SIGMA DP1x COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA : PRINCIPAL SPECIFICATIONSIMAGE SENSORFormatImage Sensor SizeNumber of PixelsAspect RatioCOLOR MODESettingsWHITE BALANCESettingsAUTO FOCUSAuto Focus TypeAF PointAF Point SelectionFocus LockManual FocusDRIVE SYSTEMDrive ModesFOVEON X3® Direct Image Sensor (CMOS)20.7 x 13.8mm (0.8in. x 0.5in.)Total Pixel 14.45 MP (2,688 x 1,792 x 3 layers)Effective Pixel 14.06 MP (2,652 x 1,768 x 3 layers)3 : 2LENSFocal Length16.6mm35mm Equivalent Focal Length 28mmMaximum ApertureF4Lens Construction5 Groups, 6 ElementsShooting Range30cm – oo (Full Mode), 50cm – ooRECORDING SYSTEMStorage MediaRecording FormatRecording ModeFile Size / StillFile Size / MovieSD Card/Compatible with SDHC, Multi Media CardExif 2.21, DCF 2.0, DPOFLossless compression RAW data (12-bit),JPEG (High, Wide, Medium, Low),Movie (AVI), Voice memo to still images (10 sec./30 sec.),Voice recording (WAV)RAW High Approx. 15.4 MB 2,640 x 1,760JPEG High : Fine Approx. 3.3 MB 2,640 x 1,760: Normal Approx. 1.9 MB 2,640 x 1,760: Basic Approx. 1.4 MB 2,640 x 1,760Wide : Fine Approx. 2.7 MB 2,640 x 1,485: Normal Approx. 1.6 MB 2,640 x 1,485: Basic Approx. 1.2 MB 2,640 x 1,485Medium : Fine Approx. 1.6 MB 1,872 x 1,248: Normal Approx. 0.9 MB 1,872 x 1,248: Basic Approx. 0.7 MB 1,872 x 1,248Low : Fine Approx. 0.8 MB 1, 312 x: Normal Approx. 0.5 MB 1, 312 x: Basic Approx. 0.3 MB 1, 312 xQVGA : 320 x 240 (30 Frames Per Second)"Approximately 30 minutes is possible with a 1GB SD Card."7 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape,B&W, Sepia)8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent,Fluorescent, Flash, Custom)Contrast Detection Type9-PointsSelection of 1 point from 9 pointsShutter release halfway-down positionDial Type880880880ISO SENSITIVITYSettings AUTO (ISO 100–ISO 200): With Flash (ISO 100–ISO 400),ISO 50, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800(ISO 1600, ISO 3200 in Raw mode only)[1] Single, [2] Continuous, [3] Self-Timer (2sec./10sec.)SHUTTERShutter TypeShutter SpeedEXPOSURE CONTROLMetering SystemExposure Control SystemExposure CompensationAE LockAuto BracketingFLASHBuilt-in Flash TypeGuide NumberFlash Coverage RangeFlash MeteringFlash ModeExternal Flash Synch.LCD MONITORTypeMonitor SizeLCD PixelsMENULCD Monitor Language English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish /Italian / Chinese (Simplified) / Korean / RussianINTERFACEPC/IFAUDIO/VIDEOPOWERPowerDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTDimensionsWeightElectronically Controlled Lens Shutter1/2000 - 15 sec. (The maximum shutter speed is varieddepending on F value)TTL Full Aperture Metering[1] Evaluative Metering,[2] Center Weighted Average Metering,[3] Spot Metering[P] Program AE, [S] Shutter Priority AE,[A] Aperture Priority AE, [M] Manual+ - 3 EV (in 1/3 Stop Increments)AE Lock Button1/3EV Stops Up to + - 3EV Appropriate ExposurePop-up (Manual)6 (ISO 100/m)30cm to 2.1m (ISO 200)TTL typeForced Flash, Redeye Reduction, Slow Synchro,Flash Exposure CompensationHotshoe (X Sync. Contact)TFT Color LCD Monitor2.5 inchesApprox. 230,000 pixelsUSB(USB2.0)Video Out (NTSC/PAL), Audio Out (Monaural)Li-ion Battery Pack BP-31, Batterry Chager BC-31,AC Adapter SAC-3 (Optional)113.3mm/4.5"(W), 59.5mm/2.3"(H), 50.3mm/2"(D)250g / 8.8ozACCESSORIES• Li-ion Battery BP-31, • Battery Charger BC-31, • Lens Cap LCP-11, • Neck Strap NS-11,• Soft Case CS-70, • Hot Shoe Cover HSC-11, • USB Cable, • Audio Video Cable,• SIGMA Photo Pro Disc, • Instruction ManualOPTIONAL ACCESSORIES• AC Adapter SAC-3, • Hood Adapter HA-11, • View Finder VF-11,• DG UV 46mm, • DG WIDE CIRCULAR PL 46mm, • Close-upLens AML-1,• ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-140 DG, • Soft Case SC-11, • Hard Case HC-11The appearance, specifications and other aspects of this product are subject to change withoutnotice for improvement purposes. Foveon X3® is a registered trademark of Foveon, Inc.Note : To help with the correct and safe of this product, please read the manual carefully first. Copyright© 2010 Sigma Corporation All Rights Reserved.www.SIGMA-DP.com/DP1xSIGMA CORPORATION 2-4-16, Kuriki, Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 215-8530 Japan Tel: +81-44-989-7437 Fax: +81-44-989-7448 www.sigma-photo.co.jp