Sigma’s back to the drawing board on their anticipated DP1 compact camera. The company’s chief operating officer himself, Kazuto Yamaki, explains that they have “decided to change the entire image processing pipeline†for the DP1 to get it right.
First announced at Photokina 2006 and then again at PMA 2007, the DP1 is a compact shooter with a full-scale APS-C size sensor designed for serious photographers who want a second camera that can deliver “delicate, refined and 3-dimensional images rendered in fine detail†much like the Sigma SD line, according to Yamaki-san. In other words, they’re trying to fit a DSLR in a compact body, which is not an easy task.
It appears that the DP1 was fitted with an image processor ideal for speed rather than image quality so they had to change it.
He assures that the planned camera is moving in the right direction now and alpha testing for the final design has begun. But he wouldn’t give an exact launch date.
So, until then, Sigma DP1, I’ll see you when I see you.
[Site: Sigma Japan]