Compact camera’s Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures detailed, richly-colored images

Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that the DP2, a 14 mega pixel, high-definition, digital camera, is now available for $870 (MSRP) at Sigma’s US authorized dealer locations.

The DP2, a compact and light-weight camera that packs the power of a DSLR, arrived at dealers’ stores throughout the country this week. Its Foveon X3 direct image sensor, TRUE II (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) upgraded image processing engine and specially-designed 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens makes the DP2 a unique tool for photographers who are focused on image quality and enjoy the creativity involved in capturing and editing RAW images.

“We are extremely proud of the engineering and design involved in the creation of the DP2,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The Foveon X3 sensor attracts pure, rich light and provides full, RGB color capture in a single-pixel location for high resolution and richly-graduated tones. The characteristics of the impressive sensor and its standard, high quality lens combine to produce a real-life, three-dimensional effect in images that is unparalleled by other cameras on today’s market.”

In March of 2008, Sigma introduced the DP1 with its direct image sensor, which is also present in the company’s SD14 digital SLR. Since then, the multi-award winning DP1 has earned respect among a wide range of both amateur and professional photographers and has gained their ardent support.

Amir-Hamzeh said the DP1 will remain on the market so users can enjoy the image quality of the DP2 camera for standard focal length photography, while continuing to take advantage of the DP1’s wider focal length.

Like its predecessor, the DP2 includes RAW and JPEG recording modes and comes complete with Sigma Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily for retaining full image capture detail in the highest quality. The RAW data format offers lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files that maintain brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio, without relying on interpolation.

The DP2 also features an easy-to-use interface and electronically-controlled shutter with a speed of 1/2000-15 seconds. It is now available for $870 MSRP in a number of stores nationwide.

To locate the closest authorized Sigma dealer, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp.

About Sigma Corporation of America 
For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,” with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Minolta, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America.