Sigma Corporation of America to ship SD1 camera in early June 46-megapixel DSLR!

Sigma Corporation of America to ship SD1 camera in early June
46-megapixel DSLR creates new market for medium-format photographers

Ronkonkoma, NY, May 20, 2011 – 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, is pleased to announce that its flagship DSLR, the Sigma SD1, will be available for purchase for the MSRP of $9,700 in early June.

This 46-megapixel DSLR is delivered in a splash-proof, easy-to-handle build that is similar to that of a classic 35mm camera. Professional and high-end enthusiast photographers will utilize the SD1’s exclusive Foveon 23.5x15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor to capture exceptionally rich and detailed images that have a film-like quality. Users will also benefit from Sigma’s wide selection of interchangeable lenses that are compatible with the SD1.



“The SD1 will carve out a new category in the marketplace by providing high-end photographers with an alternative to very expensive medium-format cameras and digital backs, while offering unrivaled image quality,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “By embracing the SD1, serious photographers will also be able to take advantage of Sigma’s extensive lineup of affordable lenses, which are compatible with this new camera. The selections of lenses for medium-format cameras on the market are somewhat limited, so this will be a huge advantage for SD1 users. This is undoubtedly a very special camera, and we’re thrilled to share it with the photo community.”

In addition to the 23.5x15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor, the Sigma SD1 features dual “Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine (TRUE) II” image processing engines, which improves processing speed, provides high resolution power and produces high-definition images with richly graduated tones. It also allows simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording, which is a first for Sigma cameras. Additionally, the photographer has the option to select full-size, half-size or quarter-size RAW files making it a more versatile camera for a wide range of photographers. The Foveon sensor uses 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. This technology 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.

The optical format of the Foveon sensor has been upgraded from that which was used in previous SD cameras, and has increased from 1.7x focal length to the 1.5x focal length multiplier. The SD1 also benefits from improved image processing and noise reduction algorithms, with an ISO sensitivity range from 100 to 6400. This is two full stops more sensitivity than the SD15, which has a maximum 1600 ISO. An intuitive user interface and an impressive lightweight, yet solid magnesium alloy body and O-ring sealing connections that make the camera durable and splash proof are also key feature upgrades of the flagship SD1.

The SD1 adopts the TYPE 1 Compact Flash Card, and is UDMA-compatible 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 LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition. The SD1 can be used with more than 40 Sigma SA mount lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheye.

Sigma’s image processing software, Photo Pro 5.0, comes bundled with the camera and its simple operation allows quick and easy capture of the desired imaged. Additional functions such as Loupe, Slideshow, Print, Convert to JPEG file and Batch White Balance settings are also incorporated into this software.

The Sigma SD1 will be available for the MSRP of $9,700 through select authorized Sigma dealers. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com . For more information about the Sigma SD1 DSLR, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/sd1-dslr-sigma or view the camera’s special page at www.sigma-sd.com/SD1 .

About Sigma Corporation
For 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 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 .

46 MP? Some serious camera there. I wonder what the public price will be? They list $9700 MSRP, you think it will be closer to D3x price at the end of the day?

WOW! That's a camera! So will Nikon lenses work on that camera? I know Sigma lenses will work on Nikon camera's with the right mount. Curious if they will work or not.

Good timing for Sigma to launch this camera considering Canon and Nikon higher end camera's are tough to come by these days.

Nice camera Sigma

Richard K Photography wrote: WOW! That's a camera! So will Nikon lenses work on that camera? I know Sigma lenses will work on Nikon camera's with the right mount. Curious if they will work or not.

Good question, I don't think they will or at least with out a modified mount of some sort.

46 mega pixels?? I have never used a Sigma camera before, but d@MN that is worth taking a look at! Anyone know how long Sigma has been making camera's? I know they have been making lenses for a while, just not too familiar with their camera devision. Where are these made?

Good job Sigma!!

That is awesome, can't wait to see the 3rd party reviews on that beast

Nice toy... A bit out of my league both price wise and technology. It's good to know it's there when I need it.

I got the email announcing it from Sigma earlier this morning...Love to get my hands on one for a test drive...

Screamin Scott wrote: I got the email announcing it from Sigma earlier this morning...Love to get my hands on one for a test drive...

You and me both! I was just on Sigma's site and boy that is a camera

Go team Sigma!

Impressive. I will need to keep a eye on this one.

Stanly wrote: 46 MP? Some serious camera there. I wonder what the public price will be? They list $9700 MSRP, you think it will be closer to D3x price at the end of the day?

Probably close to the MSRP I would guess.

Unless they have created some new laws of physics, I'm weary of that many pixels on that small of a chip. The reason the D700 has such great low light ability is they only put 12 mp on a big chip.

Though I don't really know, I would surmise it doesn't have good high ISO ability or some never before imagined image processor.

Matthew

Having said that I do plan on getting the new 50mp Hasselblad back when I can swing it. But its got a much bigger chip.