Update: Sigma officially announced the DP3 Merrill. Click here to read the press release.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, the latest in the series of compact cameras incorporating the 46 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor.

SIGMA DP3 Merrill

Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP3 Merrill, featuring a 50mm F2.8 lens, will join the lineup of the “SIGMA DP Merrill” series. The SIGMA DP3 Merrill is the next generation of high image quality compact digital cameras. Equipped with the Foveon X3 image sensor, the DP3 Merrill ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.
Featuring a high performance 50mm F2.8 lens (a focal range equivalent to 75mm on a 35mm SLR camera), the SIGMA DP3 Merrill offers incredibly high levels of optical performance and takes in every detail of the subject’s information. This state of the art lens also offers enhanced macro functionality as well.
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill completes this series of compact cameras by satisfying the mid-telephoto and macro range shooting. The SIGMA DP1 Merrill is designed for wide angle images, the SIGMA DP2 Merrill is for standard range, while the DP3 Merrill rounds out the series with a camera for all shooting situations.

SIGMA DP3 Merrill
UPC Code : 0085126-929558

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[Key Features]
1. 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 DP3 Merrill, 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-dimensional feel.

2. Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image sensors 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-dimensional feel.

3. Exclusively designed high performance 50mm F2.8 lens
The high-performance 50mm F2.8 lens has the equivalent angle of view as 75mm on a 35mm lens, and it has been designed exclusively for the SIGMA DP3 Merrill to maximizes the sensor performance. The use of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass accompanied by aspherical lens elements not only compensates for a variety of aberrations, but also allows for a more compact size. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The DP3 Merrill has a minimum focusing distance of 22.6cm (8.9”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, which can offer quality macro shooting. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring sharp, high contrast image quality even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.

4. Advanced User Interface
The custom quick set menu and the metallic command dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command 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.

5. Capable of 7 frames continuous shooting
A large volume buffer memory enables the camera to capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode. Using the high speed data transfer and processing, the SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of up to 4 frames per second. In addition, depending on the situation, it is possible to capture up to 5 frames per second and up to 14 images per sequence in continuous shooting mode in Medium and Low image quality mode.

6. Easy to use auto focus
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a “9 point select mode” which can select the desires focusing point from 9 different frames and “Free move mode” which can move the desired point as you like. User friendly, the new “Face Detection AF”, prioritizes focus on the face of the subject when detected by the sensor. “AF Limit Mode” can adjust the range of auto focusing and “Shutter Priority AF” offers faster focus adjustment by stopping the live view to increase the speed of the auto focusing. The new AF+MF mode adjusts the focus manually after verifying the AF by rotating the focus ring.

7. 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.

8. RAW+JPEG format recording
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill features 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 camera keep brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processed in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It offers better usability as the RAW data and JPEG data are recorded simultaneously in Monochrome Mode.

9. SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. It renders the full, 46 megapixel data. While looking at the captured images, it is possible to achieve the desired photographic expression by moving the sliders from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings, highlight correction, noise reduction and aberration correction mode. Moreover, Monochrome Mode makes it possible to generate monochrome images fully optimizing the Foveon X3 direct image sensor capabilities.

10. Portable compact and lightweight body
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill has compact dimensions of 121.5mm (W)×66.7mm (H)×80.6mm (D), 400g. The supplied neck strap provides perfect mobility for candid photography.

11. SD card
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill adopts the SD Card (SDXC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry.

12. Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor which ensures 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 detail and to check focusing and composition.

13. Hot Shoe
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill is 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).

14. Dedicated lens hood
The dedicated bayonet lens hood (LH3-01) can be attached to block out extraneous light. Attaching Sigma’s optional dedicated 52mm DG filters such as the DG wide circular PL to the camera body extends the shooting possibilities.
* Lens hood and 52mm filters are sold separately.

15. Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames.

16. ISO Sensitivity can be set by 1/3 Step
ISO sensitivity can be set from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. By setting the range to 1/3 EV steps from the default 1 EV steps, it is possible to set the sensitivity to ISO 125 or ISO 160. ISO AUTO, where the camera automatically sets the ISO sensitivity according to brightness of the shooting environment enables you to set the upper limit and lower limit depending on your shooting style.

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[Specification]

Image Sensor Size	23.5×15.7mm
Number of Pixels	Total Pixels: 48MP Effective Pixels: 46MP (4,800×3,200×3)
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Focal Length	50mm
35mm Equivalent Focal Length	Approx. 75mm
Lens F number	F2.8~F16
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7 Blades
Lens Construction	10 Elements in 8 Groups
Shooting Range	22.6cm~∞, LIMIT Mode (It is possible to choose Macro, Portrait and Scenery.)
Maximum Magnification Shooting	1 : 3
Recording System	SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, Multi Media Card
File Format	Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit, High, Medium, Low), JPEG (High, Medium, Low), RAW+JPEG, Movie(AVI)
File Size	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)
Movie	VGA : 640×480 (Image area 640×426)
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 100~ISO 6400 (1/3 steps for appropriate sensitivity) AUTO: High limit, low limit setting is possible between ISO 100~ISO 6400. When using with flash, it changes depending on the low limit setting.
White Balance	8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom)
Color Mode	8 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, Sepia, FOV Classic Blue)
Auto Focus Type	Contrast Detection Type
AF Point	9 Point Select mode, Free Move mode and Face Detection AF mode (It is possible to change the size of Focus Frame to Spot, Regular and Large.)
Focus Lock	Shutter release halfway-down position(AF lock can be done by AE lock button from menu setting)
Manual Focus	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 (1/3 stop increments)
AE Lock	AE lock button
Auto Bracketing	Appropriate, under, over; 1/3EV steps up to ±3EV for appropriate exposure
Shutter Speed	1/2000* – 30sec. (*Depending on the aperture value, shutter speed changes)
Drive Modes	Single, Continuous, Self Timer (2sec. / 10sec.) Interval timer, Unlimited Shooting
LCD Monitor 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
Interfaces	USB (USB2.0), Video Out (NTSC / PAL), Audio Out (Monaural)
Power Source	Li-ion Battery BP-41, Battery Charger BC-41, AC Adapter SAC-5 (with DC Connector CN-11) (Optional)
Battery Life	Approx. 97 (+25°c)
Dimensions	121.5mm / 4.8in. (W), 66.7mm / 2.6in. (H), 80.6mm / 3.2in. (D)
Weight	400g / 14.1oz. (without battery and card)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Accessories]
Lens Hood : LH3-01
The dedicated bayonet lens hood (LH3-01) can be attached to block out extraneous light.
UPC Code : 0085126-929565

ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-140 DG
A compact flashgun designed exclusively for the DP series and featuring a Guide Number of 14. This flashgun extends the camera’s photographic possibilities with such features as fill-in flash and full-flash for night photography.
UPC Code : 0085126-925703

DG UV 52mm
The new DG UV filter incorporates Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating which reduces flare and ghosting. Black rimmed glass eliminates unnecessary internal reflections. The Sigma EX DG range comprises UV filters, which not only reduce ultraviolet light but are also ideal for protecting the lens during general photography.
UPC Code : 0085126-923693

DG WIDE CIRCULAR PL 52mm
The new Circular PL filter incorporates Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating which reduces flare and ghosting. Black rimmed glass eliminates unnecessary internal reflections. Circular Polarizing filters eliminate reflections from subject such as glass and water and deepen the intensity of blue skies.
UPC Code : 0085126-923808

AC Adapter SAC-5
It is possible to power the SIGMA DP3 Merrill from a wall outlet using the provided AC Adapter (SAC-5). This helps when using your camera for an extended period of time or connecting the camera to a computer. AC Adapter SAC-5 is used together with DC connector DC-11. DC connector DC-11 is supplied with AC Adapter SAC-5.
Battery Charger BC-41
The dedicated Li-ion battery “BP-41” is supplied with the SIGMA DP3 Merrill.
*AC cable varies depending on the country. Please use a suitable AC cable.

Li-ion Battery BP-41
This is dedicated Li-ion battery, supplied with the SIGMA DP3 Merrill camera.

Neck Strap NS-31
This dedicated neck strap is supplied with the SIGMA DP3 Merrill. The strap has an anti-slip lining and is designed to enable you to comfortably carry the camera over your shoulder or around your neck. It is possible to adjust its length.
UPC Code : 0085126-929060

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[Information]
SIGMA World Network: http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/

[Product information]
SIGMA DP3 Merrill Special Site: http://www.sigma-dp.com/

Thanks Franz!

Here are the full specifications of the Sigma DP3 Merrill: