Sigma DP3 Merrill First Impressions

If you missed it, click here to read Sigma’s press release.

Let’s talk again (briefly) about Sigma’s third companion in the fellowship of the Merrills, the DP3. We start with the specifications:

• 46MP Foveon X3 sensor (APS-C 1.5x)
• 50mm f2.8 lens with SLD glass (Special Low Dispersion)
• Dual TRUE II Image Processing Engines
• Minimum focusing of 8.9?
• Macro shooting at 1:3
• 9 point AF
• Face detection
• 3 inch TFT LCD at 920,000 dots
• Hot shoe and lens hood
• SD video recording
• ISO 100-6400 set in 1/3 steps

Yes, 46MP…not bad uh? And a fixed 50mm f/2.8 lens, that’s a 75mm on 35mm film equivalent. Weird, isn’t it? But, hey, the DP3 looks good with its minimalist look. You just have to buy all three DP3s to have the needed flexibility (DP1 19mm, 28mm eq.; DP2 30mm, 45mm eq.). Chris Gampat over at The Phoblographer had a chance to play around a bit with the DP3. About image quality he writes:

Because I worked with a pre-production unit, I couldn’t stick a card in the camera. However, I saw prints made with it; and they’re stunning.

His first impressions:

I walked away quite impressed with the DP3 and I may even be able to get used to shooting at 75mm. It’s a weird focal length though: too long to be normal and too short to be a proper portrait focal length in my opinion.

The build quality of the camera is what truly blew me away though; and that may also help to justify its high price tag.

We have yet to wait for the price of the DP3 Merrill, as well as for pre-order options. However, you can get notified by B&H about the availability by clicking here.

Click here to see all the coverage of the Merrill series by The Phoblographer.