Sigma’s new SD15 and DP2 cameras are incremental developments of the original SD14 and DP1 cameras, but without too much in the way of change. The SD15 and DP2 share the same 3-layer 14-megapixel Foveon X3 sensor as their predecessors, but have a new True (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II image processor aboard for improved image quality and processing speed. The DP2 has a new flare-reducing 41mm-equivalent F2.8 lens, and has adjusted controls, while the SD15 has a larger 3-inch LCD…but these seem to be the main improvements. We’ll have to wait for more info from Sigma to see if the changes make a big difference or not, and for pricing and release dates. [DCWatch]
We just got a briefing on Monster’s Wireless Digital Express HD System, a UWB system that transmits video wirelessly in the same room, If you want to send it to another room, it’ll use already-in-wall coax to transmit high-def signal. Sigma Designs, known for its Blu-ray player chips, is on board, using its Wireless HDAV cable replacement to upconvert, encode and then decode the 1080p video signal on the fly. It’s going to cost US$600 for a transmitter and receiver pair, which may sound like a lot for you to connect your Wii to your 32″ LCD in place of a 30-cent AV cable, but considering what it’s capable of doing—and the technology it’s using—it’s not awful.
The guys at Pop Photo have managed to get their hands all over the much-hyped Sigma DP1. Apparently, the DP1 has a build quality comparable to the solid Canon PowerShot G9, and the mega sensor monster does away with any fuss with regards to shooting options; you’ll find Manual, Auto, Aperture-priority, Program, and Shutter-priority modes for image capture, as well as QVGA video mode (320 x 240 @ 30fps) and an audio capture mode, but beyond that, there are absolutely no ludicrous scene selections to choose from. The chaps at Pop Photo found this a refreshing turn to minimalism, and we would have to agree. All in all, the hype is looking to be well founded. Checkout the full tear down by hitting the link. [Pop Photo]
That bazooka-like Sigma lens we saw at PMA 2008 can now be your very own—for US$25,000, more than what the rep told us, but you save US$9,500.01 (28%) off its US$34k list price (!). It’s 23 kgs, but no worries, just use Super Saver shipping. [Amazon via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Sigma’s second camera to accumulate “near mythic” status in as many years, the compact DP1, is up for pre-order on Amazon. It uses the same Foveon X3 sensor as their SD14 DSLR, which means that at higher ISO settings, shots might be noisier than a Ministry concert. And for $900, you could actually buy an entry-level DSLR. [Amazon via 1001 Noisy Cameras via Gadget Lab]
It’s not quite the biggest lens ever, but this 1000mm focal length lens was the biggest piece of glass we could find at PMA, and the fattest mofo that Sigma pumps out. This bazooka-sized kit carries an appropriately explosive price —US$22,000—and can swallow a man’s head whole. Believe me, Eric’s head is not tiny. He didn’t shove his head all the way in, because he was afraid he wouldn’t get it back. You could see genuine fear on his face. Fear. [Sigma]
Popular Photography’s Michael McNamara got his hands over the much-awaited Sigma SD14. It has been three years in the making but was the wait worth it for wondersensor Foveon X3 fans? Not really. The SD14 is great at getting amazing RAW pics at ISO 400 or lower, but once you crank up the sensitivity or use JPEG, the quality falls down dramatically. It’s still better than the SD9 and the SD10, but Michael says the price is too high “for its image quality and performance.” – Jesus Diaz
Camera Test: Sigma SD14 [Popular Photography]
We first talked about the Sigma SD14 SLR last year, reporting that it would be released in Sept 2006. Evidently things were pushed back a bit.
But the camera retained its promise nonetheless. Using a multi-layered Foveon X3 image chip, the SD14 promised superb color capture by allocating a separate analog chip to each of the 3 primary colors, allowing 3 color properties per each pixel of the image instead of the normal 1. While Sigma had debuted the chip in the past, their last camera was released back in 2004. And things have changed a bit since then.
Pop Photo got their hands on one of the first Sigma SD14 models and posted a quick review. So what did they think?
