Longer lens and faster image processor enhance Sigma's new DP2

• See the official Sigma DP2 press release|

Externally, the Sigma DP2's front only has a slightly different looking lens configuration to differentiate it from the original DP1

The Sigma DP1 has been a bit of an enigma. It's gestation was long and involved a radical redesign from the original prototype that was shown some two years ago. Reviewers liked the image quality from its DSLR-sized Foveon X3 sensor and 28mm (equivalent) prime lens, but the camera was frustrating to use because of slow in-camera image processing. The DP2 announced at Photokina 2008 goes some way to address these issues.

Like its sibling, the Sigma SD15 DSLR - also announced at Photokina, the DP2 gets a new and faster image processor, called True II. 'TRUE' is an acronym for 'Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine'. while the SD15 also gets an upgrade from a 2.5 inch LCD to a 3 inch one, the 2.5 inch screen on the DP2 is unchanged. There are no changes to the 14MP (equivalent) Foveon X3 sensor.

A new Quick Select (QS) button is one of the very few changes to the outside of the DP2

A significant change is the 24.2mm f/2.8 lens, which is equivalent to a 41mm f.2.8 lens in 135 format terms. This is a fair bit longer than the 28mm equivalent wide angle optic of the DP1, suggesting that there was some feedback to suggest that 28mm was too wide for some prospective customers. The new lens is of a sophisticated design, incorporating a pair of moulded aspheric elements.

There is no word that there will be a revised DP1 incorporating the new True II image processor, though it would seem a likely and logical move. Pricing and availability of the DP2 were not decided on at the time of writing.

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Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact

DPNow Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow: Sigma has produ... (more)

Ian Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Curious to know what people think of the switch from a 28mm wide angle to a 41mm focal length with t... (more)

DTD Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
I think the move to just over 40mm equivalent lens... (more)

Ian Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Morning David - looks like your sentence was cut short! :) Ian... (more)

DTD Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Not quite sure what happened in the post above, so I'll have another go… I think the move to ... (more)

Bob Ross Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
The 41mm focal length is the best compromise between the 35mm & 50mm favorites. Years ago Sigma vent... (more)

DTD Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Can't remember the Sigmas. I'd forgot about Contax and their 45mm lens. There was a fashion for 40mm... (more)

Bob Ross Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
First a correction :( The Contax cameras I mentioned were actually the Rollei QZT/QZ35W35. I ten... (more)

yoshi Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Glad to know you remember the camera. Nikon's Ti 28 (mm) was my most favorite compact film cam... (more)

DTD Re: Photokina 2008: A look at the revised Sigma DP2 enthusiast's compact
Never used one – I think it was coming back to photography via the GR1s that first made me notice th... (more)