Company also announces addition of two lenses with OS capabilities at Photokina 2010

Ronkonkoma, NY, Sept. 21, 2010 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the new Sigma SD1 Digital SLR Camera, Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, along with two upgraded lenses and two new electronic flashes, at Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany.

The Sigma SD1 incorporates a 46-megapixel (4,800x3,200x3 layers) 24x16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor, offering more megapixels than any other DSLR currently on the market.

In addition, the Sigma SD1 incorporates “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which, in combination with the 46-MP sensor, ensures that high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and a smooth and subtle graduation of color. The new magnesium alloy makes this camera lightweight and nice to handle.

“We are extremely excited to announce the Sigma SD1 digital SLR camera, which offers photographers unrivaled image quality and represents a breakthrough in image sensor technology,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The Sigma SD1 offers photographers full RGB color capture and sharper images than conventional image sensors, with a three-dimensional effect.”

Sigma is offering weather-resistance for the first time. The Sigma SD1 and the two new lenses are the first Sigma products to feature a weather-resistant design, offering protection from dust and water entering the camera and lenses.

Sigma also announced the new Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM which is the successor to the APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM introduced in July 2005. This new version offers Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabilization) technology making handheld photography for this extended focal length possible. The latest optical design includes FLD glass and is weather-resistant.; all still in a compact size.

The new Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM, a large aperture medium telephoto macro lens and the successor to the APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM introduced in October 2004, incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization function offering the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would be otherwise possible. The weather-resistant feature is for convenient outdoor use. The size remains compact.

Sigma also announced the new Electronic Flash EF-610 DG ST, which is designed to work with the latest TTL auto exposure systems of all popular digital and film SLR cameras. Also announced was the new Electronic Flash EF-610 DG SUPER, offering illumination that covers a focal length from 24mm to 105mm.

Here is a closer look at Sigma’s new products announced at Photokina:

Sigma SD1
The Sigma SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions. The Sigma SD1 incorporates a 24x16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engines. The direct image sensor featured in the SD1 captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, generated by the 46-megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

The unique image processing algorithm of the dual TRUE II image processing engine provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones. The SD1 adopts the TYPE 1 CF Card, and is compatible with the UDMA enabling fast processing of large amounts of data. The autofocus system features an 11 point shifted twin cross type sensor, which improves AF accuracy. The SD1 features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LDC monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition. The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheye. The Sigma SD1 is scheduled to be available for shipment in February 2011.

For more information about the Sigma SD1 digital SLR, visit www.sigma-sd.com/SD1

Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
This large aperture zoom lens features Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabilization) function and weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions. One SLD and two FLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, and the lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system to ensure sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. Improved optical performance provides excellent correction of sagittal coma flare, and ensures ultra-high resolution, comparable to a fixed focal length lens. The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. This system enables hand held tele-photography. Incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed AF, while allowing full-time manual focus override. The addition of the optional APO TELE CONVERTER produces an ultra telephoto zoom lens with AF.

Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a large aperture medium telephoto macro lens which incorporates Sigma’s original Optical Stabilizer function. The successor to the APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM, introduced to the market in October 2004, offers the latest optical design technology and weather-resistance throughout for use in harsh conditions. A floating focusing system moves two different lens groups in the optical path to different positions. This system compensates for astigmatic aberration and spherical aberration and provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations and the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures. Equipped with Sigma’s own proprietary OS (Optical Stabilizer) function, this lens offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus as well as full-time manual focus capability. This lens has a rounded nine-blade diaphragm creating a smooth blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image. It is also possible to use this lens with Sigma’s optional APO Tele Converters.

The Sigma EF-610 DG Super (left) adds higher-end features such as modeling flash and wireless flash to the more basic EF-610 DG ST model (right). Photos provided by Sigma Corp. of America.

Electronic Flash EF-610 DG SUPER
The EF-610 DG SUPER features a powerful Guide Number of 61/m (200/ft) and is designed to work with the latest TTL auto exposure systems of all popular digital and film SLR cameras. The autozoom function automatically sets the optimum illumination angle in accordance with the lens’ focal length in a range from 24mm to 105mm. When the built-in Wide Panel is used, the flash can cover an angle of 17mm. For bounce flash, the flashgun head can be tilted up by 90 degrees, to the left by 180 degrees, or to the right by 90 degrees. It can also be tilted down by 7 degrees allowing ease of use for close-up photography. Among the advanced features of this flash is a modeling flash function, multi-pulse flash, TTL wireless flash, FP (high speed) flash, rear-curtain Synchro flash and manual flash model, which allows the photographer to set the flash power level by up to eight stops. The Auto Power-Off function automatically shuts off the LCD panel to help save battery power. When the flashgun is fully-charged, a confirmation ‘ready’ light will be emitted.

Sigma Electronic Flash EF-610 DG ST
The Sigma Electronic Flash EF-610 DG ST features a powerful Guide Number of 61 and is designed to work with the latest auto exposure systems of all popular digital and film SLR cameras. It features TTL automatic flash exposure control for easy operation. The autozoom function automatically sets the optimum illumination angle in accordance with the lens’ focal length in a range from 24mm to 105mm. When the built-in Wide Panel is used, the flash can cover the angle of 17mm. For bounce flash, the flashgun head can be tilted up by 90 degrees, to the left by 180 degrees, or to the right by 90 degrees. It can also be tilted down by 7 degrees allowing ease of use for close-up photography. In addition to automatic mode, the flashgun features a manual flash mode, making it possible to set the flash power to full or 1/16. When the flashgun is fully charged, a confirmation ‘ready’ light will be emitted and the flash exposure level can be checked through the camera’s viewfinder. Other features incorporated into this flashgun include the Auto Power-Off function to help save battery power.

About Sigma Corporation
For nearly 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,”with anemphasis 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 50 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, 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. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com