Sigma DP Quattro compact cameras packing Foveon X3 sensor

Sigma, much better known as a lens-maker than camera cobbler, has developed a new “Quattro” sensor for its latest range of compact cameras in the DP series.

Sigma has worked on a new generation of Foveon X3 direct image sensor, called Quattro, and have shoved it in to its new DP range of compact cameras.

The Foveon is similar to colour film as its multiple layers capture all the information that visible light tansmits – that’s according to a lot of confusing tech-speak from Sigma.

Sigma has also redesigned the engine, lens and body for its DP series. The new cameras use Sigma’s proprietary image processing technology to produce, again according to Sigma,

“incredible resolution, precise gradation, gorgeous colour, breathtaking realism with a 3D feel. In other words, full-bodied image quality”

The Quattro generation of cameras will appear in a trio of guises, with dp1, dp2 and dp3 models equipped with 28mm, 45mm and 75mm-equivalent f2.8 lenses respectively.

I am in no doubt that the new design will provoke a ‘love it or hate it’ response from lens-monkies across the globe – personally, I dig it.

Has you can see, it’s elongated, which should make it easier to hold thanks to having more to grab hold on to. I am also guessing that there’s room for a bigger battery, giving it more shots per charge given that the LCD screen remains the same size as the previous DPs.