Press Releases Sigma

Sigma dp2 Quattro Features New Foveon X3 Sensor, Now Available in Canada

The Sigma dp2 Quattro, announced back in February, is now available in Canada. It boasts a new bold redesign and a new Foveon X3 image sensor that promises to capture subtle difference in colour through a layered processing for rich and vibrant images. Other key redesign features include a 30mm fixed focal length lens for the highest level of sensor and lens performance, a 39 megapixel-equivalent ultra-high resolution and a newly developed TRUE III image processing engine that allows for ultrafast processing of data without any image deterioration.

The Sigma dp2 Quattro is available this month at the MSRP of CAD $1,099.95.

PRESS RELEASE

SIGMA REINVENTS ITS DP SERIES CAMERAS WITH THE NEW DP2 QUATTRO FEATURING A NEW FOVEON X3 SENSOR

TORONTO, ON., July 17, 2014 – Gentec International announces the launch of Sigma’s dp2 Quattro digital camera, one of their new generation of high image quality compact cameras incorporating a newly developed Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Unique among image sensors, the Foveon direct image sensor is similar to traditional colour film in that its multiple layers capture all of the information that visible light transmits. Along with Sigma’s proprietary image processing technology, this sensor produces incredible resolution with richer, deeper colours that are more faithful to the scene than ever before.

Every aspect of the new dp2 Quattro has been completely redesigned, from the sensor and processing engine to the lens and body. The dp2 Quattro embodies Sigma’s philosophy of creating cameras that deliver the highest level of performance to produce photographic works of art.

Significant features of the new dp2 Quattro include:

Optimized for image quality
Thanks to its optimized design featuring a 30mm fixed focal length lens (45mm full-frame equivalent) and integrated body, the dp2 Quattro offers both sensor and lens performance at the highest level. Along with its exceptional handling performance with a balanced shape, layout, and weight distribution, the highly intuitive dp2 Quattro allows photographers to concentrate fully on photography and leverage the camera’s potential to produce outstanding images.

The world’s only image capture system to use vertical colour separation technology
Leveraging the light absorption characteristics of silicon, the sensor comprises three layers of photodiodes, each at a different depth within the silicon and each corresponding to a different RGB colour. Almost all other image sensors are mosaic sensors, which use an array of RGB colour filters in a single horizontal plane to capture colour information. Each pixel is assigned only one of the three colours and cannot capture all three colours at once. In contrast, the Foveon direct image sensor captures colour vertically, recording hue, value, and chroma accurately and completely for each pixel.

In the Foveon direct image sensor, there are no colour filters, which cause a loss of information transmitted by light. Moreover, there is no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a colour filter array. Finally, unlike the data from other sensors, which requires artificial interpolation to “fill in” missing colours, the data from the Foveon direct image sensor is complete for every single pixel and requires no interpolation. The unique technological principle of this sensor produces consistently outstanding image quality.

Newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor now featuring 39 megapixel-equivalent ultra-high resolution
The newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro is the latest generation of this unique sensor. While retaining the distinctive characteristics of its predecessors, it offers an even higher level of image quality. In addition to 30% higher resolution, the volume of image data has become lighter, enabling much faster image processing and lower current consumption.

Newly developed TRUE III image processing engine
The dp2 Quattro features the newly developed TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) III. Thanks to new refinements, it is the ideal engine for processing the rich and complex image data produced by the new-generation Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. A proprietary algorithm allows ultrafast processing of an immense volume of image data without any deterioration of the final images. The result is a high-definition image with outstandingly rich colour detail and an almost three-dimensional appearance.

The dp2 Quattro has a suggested retail price of $1,099.95 and will be available in Canada in July.

About Sigma Corporation
Since 1961, Sigma has worked toward its goal of developing photographic technologies that push the envelope, empower photographers, and produce unparalleled imagery. Sigma has honoured this commitment by maintaining control of its design, research and development, and manufacturing processes in its Aizu factory. The family-owned company is the largest independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 45 lenses that are compatible with cameras from most leading manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
For more information, visit www.SigmaCanada.ca.

About Gentec International
Founded in 1990, Gentec International is Canada’s leading consumer accessory products company, supplying a complete range of photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theatre, electronics, wireless, and mobile audio products to the Canadian retail marketplace. Gentec offers a variety of prominent brands, including Optex, Sigma, SanDisk, Manfrotto, Gitzo, National Geographic, Kata, Avenger, Roots, Gary Fong, Black Rapid, Mobifoto, iQ, Sunpak, Energizer, Bushnell, Tasco, and Zeiss. Gentec operates out of a high-cube, state-of-the-art, fully computerized 100,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution centre that offers efficient, seamless service to our customers. With over 90 employees, Gentec covers the needs of its retailers coast to coast using the latest technology systems, streamlined efficiencies, and customer service that is second to none.
Learn more – visit www.gentec-intl.com.