New Sigma Quattro cameras feature unique design and sensor

Sigma has officially announced a new series of compact cameras, called Quattro dp1, dp2, and dp3, each featuring fixed but different-sized lenses.

Although it is known as one of the most popular third-party accessory makers for DSLR cameras, Sigma is also making its own cameras. The distinctive trait of the company’s shooters consists of their APS-C sensors, which are based on Foveon X3 technology.

Such sensors use three sheets of pixels, each capturing a different color. This is different from the RGB technology found in Bayer sensors. The Sigma DP Merrill cameras have received plenty of attention from the market and consumers, but it is finally time to make room for another series.

Sigma has just announced the new “dp Quattro” generation of compact cameras that come packed with a new Foveon X3 sensor. The company says that the new cameras will capture deeper, richer, and more colorful photos than older models, as all images will become works of art.

Sigma announces dp1, dp2, and dp3 Quattro compact cameras with new sensor technology

This is how the new Sigma Foveon X3 sensor works. It is also the inspiration for the name of the new Quattro series of compact cameras.

The new cameras are called Sigma dp1, dp2, and dp3 Quattro and they are all based on vertical color separation technology. It consists of three photodiode layers stacked on top of one another. Each captures a different RGB color, therefore hues, values, and chroma are captured in a more accurate way.

The top layer captures 19.6-megapixel of Blue data. The sheet is separated in four boxes of 4.9-megapixel photodiodes and it is likely the most important of them all. The details are filled in by the middle Green and bottom Red layers, both capturing 4.9-megapixel worth of data. Speaking of which, the 4:1:1 design is the inspiration for the name of the series: “Quattro”.

The results are 19.6-megapixel JPEGs of high-quality, thanks to the fact that the Sigma dp1, dp2, and dp3 Quattro compact cameras do not feature color and anti-aliasing (optical low-pass) filters.

New Sigma Quattro cameras can capture 39-megapixel JPEG photos

Sigma dp2 Quattro camera is packed in a unique design, just like its siblings. The cameras can capture JPEG photos at 39.6-megapixel quality.

Sigma has also added a special Super-High JPEG mode of 39 megapixels, while 14-bit RAW files are also supported and they will offer 19.6MP + 4.9MP + 4.9MP of data.

This latest technological advancement provides 30% better resolution, but the data size is lighter than before. The company has also developed a new image processor, which will process the data faster and even require less power.

The TRUE III processing engine is said to maintain image quality at the highest possible levels, so the new Sigma Quatrro cameras will offer “medium format-level” photos.

Sigma dp1, dp2, and dp3 Quattro come packed in a unique design

Sigma dp2 Quattro sports a 3-inch LCD screen on the back. Its rear is another testimony of an out-of-the-ordinary design that will make buyers do a double take.

The new Sigma Quattro cameras includes three different lenses standing at 19mm, 30mm, and 50mm f/2.8 lenses. They will provide 35mm equivalents of 28mm, 45mm, and 75mm, respectively.

All three compact cameras feature 3-inch 920K-dot LCD screens on the back, maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second, ISO sensitivity between 100 and 6400, 9-point autofocus system, and support for an SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

Their weight stands at 395 grams, while the dimensions stand at 161.4 x 67 x 81.6mm. Beside the the interesting specs, the Sigma dp1, dp2, and dp3 Quattro feature intriguing designs with an elongated body.

The release date and price details have not been disclosed for the time being. Nevertheless, the company will reveal more information in the near future.

Sigma dp2 Quattro does not look like anything you have ever seen before, but it remains to be seen whether consumers will adopt it or not.