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 DP3 Merrill offers incredibly high levels of optical performance and is capable of capturing every detail of the subject. This state-of-the-art lens also offers enhanced macro functionality.
Sigma’s DP3 Merrill completes their series of compact cameras by covering the mid-telephoto and macro ranges of photography. The DP1 Merrill is designed for wide angle images, the DP2 Merrill covers the standard range, while the DP3 Merrill rounds out the series with a camera for all shooting situations.
Available in March, the Sigma DP3 Merrill has a suggested retail price of $1099.95.
FEATURES
1. 46 megapixel, 23.5 × 15.7 mm full-colour Foveon X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5 × 15.7 mm full-colour Foveon X3 direct image sensor featured in the 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 colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour are captured by the 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 DP3 Merrill to maximize 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 22.6 centimetres (8.9”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, which offers 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 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 DP3 Merrill features a “9-Point Select Mode”, offering a selectable focusing point from 9 different frames, and “Free Move Mode”, which moves 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 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 keeps brightness and colour 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 now offers better usability as the RAW data and JPEG data are recorded simultaneously, even 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 viewing the captured images, it is possible to achieve the desired photographic expression simply by moving the sliders from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, 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 DP3 Merrill has compact dimensions of 121.5 mm (W) × 66.7 mm (H) × 80.6 mm (D), and weighs only 400 grams. The supplied neck strap provides perfect mobility for candid photography.
11. SD card
The DP3 Merrill uses the SD Card (SDXC compatible) format, which is compact and easy to carry.
12. Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The DP3 Merrill features a 3.0-inch TFT colour monitor, which ensures great visibility, even outside in bright daylight. 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
Equipped with a hot shoe, the DP3 Merrill allows the use of the dedicated EF-140 DG flash (optional), as well as Sigma’s other electronic flash units, such as the 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 a circular polarizer, to the camera body extends the shooting possibilities. (Lens hood and 52mm filters are sold separately.)
15. Movie Mode
The DP3 Merrill is capable of capturing video at 30 frames per second (VGA, 640 × 480).
16. ISO Sensitivity can be set in 1/3 steps
ISO sensitivity can be set from ISO 100 to ISO 6400 in 1/3 EV steps. ISO AUTO, where the camera automatically sets the ISO sensitivity according to the brightness of the shooting environment, enables you to set the upper limit and lower limit depending on your shooting style.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Image Sensor Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor (CMOS)
Image Sensor Size 23.5 × 15.7 mm
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
Aperture F2.8~F16
Diaphragm Blades 7 Blades
Lens Construction 10 Elements in 8 Groups
Shooting Range 22.6 cm ~ ∞, LIMIT Mode (it is possible to choose Macro, Portrait and Scenery)
Maximum Magnification 1:3
Memory Cards SD / SDHC / SDXC, MultiMediaCard
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 ISO100 ~ ISO6400 (1/3 steps), AUTO: High limit and low limit setting is possible between
ISO100 ~ ISO6400. When using flash, it changes depending on the low limit setting.
White Balance 8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom)
Colour Mode 8 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, Sepia, FOV Classic Blue)
Autofocus Type Contrast Detection
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 Focusing 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 Metered, under, over; 1/3EV steps up to ±3EV from metered exposure
Shutter Speed 1/2000 – 30 sec.
Drive Modes Single, Continuous, Self-Timer (2 sec. / 10 sec.), Interval timer, Unlimited Shooting
LCD Monitor Type TFT colour LCD monitor
Monitor Size 3.0 inches
LCD Pixels Approx. 920,000 pixels
LCD Monitor Language English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Chinese (Simplified) / Chinese (Traditional)
Korean / Russian / Nederlands / Polski / Português / Dansk / Svenska / Norsk / Suomi
Interface USB (USB2.0), Video Out (NTSC / PAL), Audio Out (Mono)
Power Source Li-Ion Battery (BP-41), Battery Charger (BC-41),
AC Adaptor (SAC-5) with DC Connector (CN-11) (optional)
Battery Life Approx. 97 (+25° C)
Dimensions 121.5 mm / 4.8 in. (W), 66.7 mm / 2.6 in. (H), 80.6 mm / 3.2 in. (D)
Weight 400 g / 14.1 oz. (without battery and card)