Sigma DP1 Update

[Ben Stafford]

The Sigma DP1 prototype was shown off at Photokina in October 2006. Many people have been anxiously awaiting this camera as it would be the first compact camera to feature a much larger sensor than other compact cameras. However, in an announcement today, the COO of Sigma apologized for the delay and let everyone know that some of the DP1 specifications that were previously announced will be changing.

Originally, the DP1 was going to feature a 14 megapixel Foveon sensor (3 layers of sensors, with each layer capturing 2652 x 1768 resolution) and feature a fixed focal length 16.6mm, F4 lens (28mm equivalent). According to the announcement today, "some specifications" wil be changing.

In pre-beta development during the summer of this year, it was discovered the image quality with the DP1 was not up to Sigma's standards. After additional testing, it was found that the image processing pipeline was not going to work the way they wanted it to. So, they decided to completely change the pipeline.

To stick with their DP1 concept of: "a camera with the best still image quality in a compact body", some specifications will need to change. They don't have an announcement yet as to what the new set of specs will be, but promised that it would be made at the appopriate time. As of November 2007, they have entered alpha testing with the new design.

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[CalebSchmerge]

This is an interesting camera (and look). However, it seems like an excellent idea!

[usapatriot]

I do not think it will be a hit, for what its probably going to cost, it would be much more cost effective and versatile to get a DSLR.

[CalebSchmerge]

No, I don't think it will be a hit, but it sounds like a great way to start down the road. If they get their sensor down, then they can work on making it a hit.

[Ed Hawco]

FYI, the illustration you're showing is of the first prototype of the DP1. The look has changed quite a bit since then. For example, it now has a hot shoe (that is also used to mount an optical viewfinder) and the "fit & finish" is much more refined. As far as I can tell, the further development will be all on the inside, so the second prototype pretty much nails it.

You can see the first and second prototypes side-by-side here:
http://mydp1.wordpress.com/2007/11/2...-dp1-timeline/

...and you can see it tricked out with the optical viewfinder and lens hood here:
http://mydp1.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/dp1-rangefinder/

[CalebSchmerge]

Hmm, I like the original look better. Thanks for the links, though!

[user]

the right looks better!!!

[Ed Hawco]

I agree. The first prototype looks like it's made of cheap plastic, and looks very "1999."