http://www.vstudio-fotografie.de/

X3 magazine : V-studio shoots Sigma SD1

*important note
It seems that the SD1 Merrill and the original SD1 have differently numbered firmware versions. And that version 1.0 on the Merrill is feature wise the same as the v1.05 on the original SD1.

Software updates

Both Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma Capture Pro have been updated to support the SD1 Merrill.

» download Sigma Photo Pro 5.2.1

» download Sigma Capture Pro 1.0.1

Firmware update SD1

Benefits of the firmware update

• It is not necessary to run “Update Lens Information” in order to update the lens information in the camera.
• Accuracy of Auto Focus is improved.
• Accuracy of evaluative metering is improved in the backlight or low light conditions.
• Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.

» download SIGMA SD1 Firmware Ver.1.05 

Special site http://sigma-sd.com/ updated for SD1 Merrill

Including a new Sample Gallery. http://sigma-sd.com/SD1Merrill/sample-photo/

X3 magazine : Sigma SD1 Merrill available now and some updates.

SIGMA SD15 firmware Ver.1.04 is available for download at the following site.
http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD15/firmware.html

X3 magazine : SIGMA SD15 Firmware Ver.1.04

They  also opened an Official Facebook Page (in Japanese). The 30mm F2.8 EX DN is now available for Micro Four Thirds cameras. And that the SIGMA SD1 Merrill is scheduled to start shipping at the end of this month.

New Firmware for Sigma DP1x & DP2x

Benefits of the firmware update

SIGMA DP1x firmware [Ver.1.03]
• Languages to be displayed in Set Up menu are added.
• Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.

SIGMA DP2x firmware [Ver.1.02]
• Languages to be displayed in Set Up menu are added.
• Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.

SIGMA DP1x firmware Ver.1.03 is available for download at the following site.
http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP1x/firmware.html
SIGMA DP2x firmware Ver.1.02 is available for download at the following site.
http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP2x/firmware.html

Sigma SD1 Point Support Program

We would like to express our appreciation for your loyal patronage of SIGMA products. We will be offering a “SIGMA SD1 Point Support Program” for current SIGMA SD1 owners. This “SIGMA SD1 Point Support Program” will provide points that can be exchanged for a selection of our products worth up to approximately JPY400,000-.
*Points for each product were allocated based on the current market price as of February 8th, 2012.

Intended Customers
Current “SIGMA SD1” owners who have purchased their camera before February 23rd, 2012 and fulfill the conditions of the SIGMA SD1 Point Support Program.
* “SIGMA SD1 Merrill” users are not eligible for this support program.

Registration period
From Thursday February 23rd, 2012, to Thursday May 31st, 2012.

Registration method
For further information regarding the registration method, please contact your nearest authorized Sigma Service Station.

World Network:

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.htm

Questions and Inquiries relating to the program
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized Sigma Service Station.

World Network:

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.htm

We would like to express our thanks for your patronage once again, and look forward to meeting your needs now and in the future.

 

Sigma Official Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/foveon (in Japanese)

Availability

The Sigma SD1 Merrill is scheduled to start shipping by the end of this month (february). And the first of the new lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, the 30mm F2.8 EX DN is now available for the Micro Four Thirds system.

X3 magazine : A few small notices from Sigma

The vision and passion of Dick Merrill on the Sigma USA blog.

X3 magazine : The vision and passion of Dick Merrill

Gizmodo Japan has some photos showing the DP2M next to a original DP-series camera. It’s bigger but not too much.
http://www.gizmodo.jp/2012/02/_cpplus2012_sigmamerrill.html

For more info about the camera’s visit http://sigma-dp.com/

From Sigma’s website:

The latest high image quality digital camera incorporating the new generation 46 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor in a compact body
SIGMA DP1 Merrill, SIGMA DP2 Merrill

2012.2.8

The Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill. These high image quality compact digital cameras feature a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation-name “Merrill”) which is also incorporated in the new digital SLR Camera, SIGMA SD1 Merrill.The SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill are the next generation of high image quality digital cameras which incorporate a newly developed 46 mexapixel large image sensor in a compact body. The full-color Foveon X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimentional feel. Focus ring and custom Quick Set (QS) mode improve the user interface. Developmental BackgroundIn March 2008, the Sigma Corporation released the SIGMA DP1, the world’s first compact digital camera incorporating a large image sensor equivalent to the one in SLR cameras, and it attracted a wide range of people including photo enthusiasts and professional photographers. After that, the Sigma Corporation released the SIGMA DP2 featuring 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, making it possible to choose the SIGMA DP1 for wide angle photography and the SIGMA DP2 for standard photography. As the latest models of SIGMA DP series, based on the basic concept, the SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill were developed in order to maximize the performance of the newly developed 46 megapixel large image sensor “Merrill”, as well as to incorporate dedicated high performance lenses and improve the user interface. About the generation-name “Merrill” The Foveon X3 direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality. As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honor of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

SIGMA DP Special Site : www.SIGMA-DP.com/

SIGMA DP1 Merrill, SIGMA DP2 Merrill

SIGMA DP Merrill series Product Summary SIGMA DP Merrill : Major Specifications

[SIGMA DP Merrill series Product Summary]46 megapixel. 23.5×15.7mm Full-color Foveon X3 Merrill sensor The 23.5×15.7mm full-color Foveon X3 direct image sensor (Generation name “Merrill”), featured in the SIGMA DP Merrill series, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, are captured by the 46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-color X3 Merrill sensor with a three-dimentional feel. Dual TRUE II image processing engine The SIGMA DP Merrill series incorporate a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image snsor, and it improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimentional feel. Exclusively designed high performance lenses The exclusively designed lenses for the SIGMA DP Merill series are developed to maximize the sensor performance. For the SIGMA DP1 Merrill, a 19mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, and for SIGMA DP2 Merrill, a 30mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm SLR camera. FLD (“F” Low Dispersion), which has a performance equal to fluorite glass, and molded glass aspherical lenses correct aberrations. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, which makes it usable even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun. RAW+JPEG format recording The SIGMA DP Merrill series obtain a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP Merrill series keep brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processes in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It is also possible to record RAW data and JPEG data simultaneously to provide more convenience. SIGMA Photo Pro (supplied) The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. It renders the full, 46 megapixel data. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to reder desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure pickr, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings. Manual Focus Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing. Advanced User Interface The custom quick set menu and the metalic comand dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the comand dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences. Portable compact and lightweight body The DP Merrill series have compact dimensions of 121.5mm (W) ×66.7mm (H) × 64.3mm (D), and lightweight of 340g（DP1 Merrill）、121.5mm (W) ×66.7mm (H) × 59.2mm (D), 330g（DP2 Merrill）. Supplied neck strap provides perfect mobility for candid photography. SD card The DP Merrill series adopt the SD Card (SDHC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry. Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor The DP Merrill series feature a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor which ensures a great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detailes and to check focusing and composition. Hot Shoe The DP Merrill series cameras are equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional). Dedicated lens hood The dedicated bayonet lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light. * A hood adapter is sold separately Movie Mode Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames.

SIGMA DP Merrill series Product Summary SIGMA DP Merrill : Major Specifications

SIGMA DP Merrill : Major Specifications Image Sensor Foveon X3® direct image sensor (CMOS) Image Size 23.5×15.7mm Number of Pixels Total Pixels: 48MP Effective Pixels: 46MP(4,800×3,200×3) Aspect Ratio 3:2 DP1 Merrill DP2 Merrill Focal Length 19mm 30mm 35mm Equivalent Focal Format Approx. 28mm Approx. 45mm Maximum Aperture F2.8 F2.8 Number of Diaphragm Blades 9 Blades 9 Blades Lens Construction 9 Elements in 8 Groups 8 Elements in 6 Groups Minimum Focusing Distance 20cm 28cm Maximum Magnification Shooting 1:8.4 1:7.6 Storage Media SD Card / Compatible with SDHC, Multi Media Card Recording Mode Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit, High, Medium, Low), JPEG (High, Medium, Low), RAW+JPEG, Movie (motion jpeg), Voice memo to still images (10sec.) File Size / Still RAW High 4,704×3,136×3 (Approx. 45MB) Medium 3,264×2,176×3 (Approx. 24MB) Low 2,336×1,568×3 (Approx. 12MB) JPEG High Fine 4,704×3,136 (Approx. 10MB) Normal 4,704×3,136 (Approx. 5.6MB) Basic 4,704×3,136 (Approx. 4.2MB) Medium Fine 3,264×2,176 (Approx. 5MB) Normal 3,264×2,176 (Approx. 2.7MB) Basic 3,264×2,176 (Approx. 2MB) Low Fine 2,336×1,568 (Approx. 2.5MB) Normal 2,336×1,568 (Approx. 1.4MB) Basic 2,336×1,568 (Approx. 1MB) File Size / Movie VGA:640×480 (30Frames Per Second) White Balance 8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom) Color Mode 7 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, Sepia) Auto Focus Type Contrast Detection Type AF Point 9-Points AF Point Selection Automatic selection, Manual Selection Focus Lock Shutter release halfway-down position, AE lock button Manual Focus Ring Type Metering Systems Evaluative Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering, Spot Metering, Exposure Control System (P) Program AE (Program Shift is possible), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual Exposure Compensation ±3EV Appropriate Exposure (in 1/3 stop increments) AE Lock AE lock button Auto Bracketing With 3 flames bracketing:1/3EV Steps Up to ±3EV Drive Mode Single, Continuous, Self-Timer (2sec. / 10sec.), Interval Timer Type TFT color LCD monitor Monitor Size 3.0 inches LCD Pixels Approx. 920,000 Pixels LCD Monitor Language English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Chinese (Simplified) / Korean / Russian / Chinese (Traditional) / Nederlands / Polski / Português / Dansk / Svenska / Norsk / Suomi PC / IF USB (USB2.0) Power Li-ion Battery Pack BP-41, Battery Charger BC-41 DP1 Merrill DP2 Merrill Dimensions (W) 121.5mm / 4.8″ (W) 121.5mm / 4.8″ (H) 66.7mm / 2.6″ (H) 66.7mm / 2.6″ (D) 64.3mm / 2.5″ (D) 59.2mm / 2.3″ Weight 340g / 12oz. (without batteries) 330g / 11.6oz. (without batteries)

SIGMA DP Merrill series Product Summary SIGMA DP Merrill : Major Specifications

All images copyright Sigma Corporation

X3 magazine : Sigma DP1M & DP2M announced, featuring the same sensor as the Sigma SD1

Europe € 2,099

Announcement of SD1 Merrill

2012.2.8
To our valued customers,

We would like to express our appreciation for your loyal patronage of SIGMA products.

Today, we announced our new digital single lens reflex camera, the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This product has the same features, performance, and specifications as the SIGMA SD1, however, the price is substantially revised. We are gearing up for its release in March 2012, and the market price is expected to be approximately “JPY200,000.- ”.

At the time of its introduction, the SIGMA SD1 was a revolutionary product incorporating a 46MP* direct image sensor which provided the highest resolution in a digital SLR camera. As the world’s only full color sensor capturing all three primary color components (R, G, and B) within each pixel location, the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor made it possible for the image quality of SD1 not only to demonstrate improved resolution, but also to obtain richer expressions of gradation, as well as to enhance the three-dimensional impression which is specific to Foveon sensors. *Resolution equivalent to 30MP on a color filter array sensor.

However, even with this revolutionary image sensor, we could not solve issues related to some of the manufacturing methods before the start of mass production, and the production cost ended up substantially exceeding our originally expected price. As a result, we had no choice but to set the price of the SIGMA SD1 high. This caused great discouragement to all of you who looked forward to its release, and wished to experience the very unique image quality of the SIGMA SD1 in person; this has become our biggest disappointment and pain.

Since then, overcoming this situation has become the first priority for us and Foveon, and we have together made improvements to reduce production cost substantially. Even though this effort took nearly a year, at last, we achieved a reduction target close to the price we originally planned. Therefore, we decided to release SIGMA SD1 as a new product, and were able to make our recent announcement.

The SIGMA SD1 Merrill keeps the best image quality of the SIGMA SD1, which has a unique identity, but comes with a substantially revised price. Although some of the manufacturing methods have been enhanced, the performance and characteristics of the sensor itself have not changed. There is nothing more pleasurable for us than enabling our valued customers to experience the SIGMA SD1 Merrill in person, as a digital SLR camera of a new era which inspires photographers’ inner artistic sensitivity, providing “high image quality” and changing current perceptions of what is possible.

On the other hand, we fully understand that it is not acceptable for current SIGMA SD1 users, that a new product with exactly the same specifications as their camera will be released with a substantially revised price a year later. After all, those customers committed to purchasing the SIGMA SD1 with great expectations.

During this period, we have seriously considered how we can express our appreciation for our Sigma SD1 customers. Currently, we have a plan to offer a support program for current SIGMA SD1 owners. This support program will provide points that can be exchanged for our products worth up to “JPY400,000.-”. This program is expected to be valid after the release of SIGMA SD1 Merrill and last until the end of this year, 2012. It will be applicable for all SIGMA products including both current and new products to be released this year. More details will be available soon; we appreciate your kind understanding as we finalize this program.

We would like to once again express our appreciation to current SIGMA SD1 owners, and other customers who are looking forward to our next DSLR camera, for your loyal patronage to SIGMA. We will continue doing our best with the aim to design and manufacture ideal photographic equipment that inspires the artistic hearts of photographers everywhere. We sincerely value your continued support.

Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Executive Officer
SIGMA CORPORATION

X3 magazine : SD1 rebranded and price drop

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/info_120203.htm

Announcement: New CEO of Sigma Corporation

2012.2.3
We would like to announce that Kazuto Yamaki, previously Chief Operating Officer, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Corporation.

1. Name and Biography of New Chief Executive Officer

New Job Title Chief Executive Officer
Name Kazuto Yamaki
Date of Birth March 22nd, 1968

Biography
April, 1993 joined Sigma Corporation
November, 2000 Manager of Corporate Planning Division
November, 2003 Vice-President
November, 2005 Chief Operating Officer
January, 2012 Chief Executive Officer

2. Date of Assumption of Office
January 18th, 2012, Wednesday

X3 magazine : New CEO of Sigma Corporation, Kazuto Yamaki.

We are very sad about this and for his family. We want to give them our sincerest condolences. We were fortunate to have met him a couple of times and that always was a wonderful experience. Because of his achievements we have gained a lot in life and got to know many friends that are so very dear to us. May his soul rest in peace and be in our thoughts forever. Thanks Mr. Yamaki!

Official statement from Sigma Corporation

Announcement of the death of Michihiro Yamaki, CEO

2012.1.27
We regret to announce that the founder and CEO of Sigma Corporation, Michihiro Yamaki passed away at 1:53am on January 18th, 2012. We would like to sincerely express our deep gratitude for your generous support for him till this day.

Record

Michihiro Yamaki
Current Job Title Chief Executive Officer
Date of Birth August 2nd, 1933
Date of Decease January 18th, 2012, Wednesday (at the age of 78)

Biography
September, 1961 – established Sigma Research Center
November, 1970 – officially changed trade name to Sigma Corporation
November, 1979 – established Sigma Germany
May, 1983 – established Sigma Hong Kong
May, 1986 – established Sigma America
May, 1991 – established Sigma Benelux
April, 1992 – established Sigma Singapore
September, 1993 – established Sigma France
November, 2000 – established Sigma U. K.
March, 2003 – received PMA Hall of Fame Award
February, 2009 – received International Photographic Council (IPC) of UN Hall of Fame Award
February, 2011 – received Golden Photokina Pin

* To abide by the wishes of the deceased, a private funeral was conducted for close family members and relatives, and this announcement was made after the ceremony.
We are planning company funerals in Tokyo and Aizu at a later date.

 

X3 magazine : Michihiro Yamaki passed away

PS. If you want to see the progression of the renovation of our house annex studio please visit http://www.vstudio-palazzo.de/

X3 magazine : Posting hiatus

The following info comes from: http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD1/capturepro.html More info and findings will come once we had some time with this new piece of software.

Main Features

Ver.1.0

• It is possible to control cameras and take pictures from the computer. In addition, it is possible to store images to either the card in the camera or the PC Drive, or both simultaneously.
• Even if the camera is connected to the computer, it is possible to operate the camera and take pictures by operating the camera body.
  * There is a restriction on timing for taking pictures.
• It is possible to set how many times the shutter is released automatically at one operation. During multiple frame shooting, autofocus will set for each exposure.
  * If the focus mode is set to MF, the shutter will be released the number of times which you set without auto focusing.

X3 magazine : SIGMA Capture Pro 1.0

Sigma released a new firmware, v1.04, for the SD1 flagship camera. The following points are the benefits of this software:

• Languages to be displayed in Set Up menu are added.
• Enables the use of “SIGMA Capture Pro” camera control software.
• Playback Menu is improved.
• Saturation limit of highlight areas on JPEG images is improved.
• Accuracy of evaluative exposure metering is improved.
• Accuracy of Auto Focus is improved.
• Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.

Download the new firmware here: http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD1/firmware.html

Sigma Photo Pro

At the same time they released a new version of their RAW Developer, SPP. Version 5.2.0  also brings compatibility with SIGMA Capture Pro. The full list of improvements si:

• Compatibility with SIGMA Capture Pro remote camera control software.
• Added Highlight Correction function.
• Corrects the phenomenon that saved JPEG or TIFF file will be marked automatically after image processing.
• Reduced the frequency of processing errors.
• Improved stability of the operation.

Download SPP here: http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD1/photopro.html

X3 magazine : New firmware for SD1 and a new version of Sigma Photo Pro