What’s new: Photographyblog have posted the camera’s full review with sample images!

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Photokina 2008 introduced compact digital camera Sigma DP2 which Sigma Corporation positions as direct successor of highly rated Sigma DP1. A camera is small and light enough to carry around everywhere, yet offering the technology for serious photography.

The DP2 has image processor True II, which is supposed to increase the speed of image processing and total efficiency and quality of shots. This photo processing engine leverages the texture and color of RAW files to deliver priceless images.

The APS-C sized sensor will deliver high resolution and rich tone. Besides, it is  Sigma’s three-layered Foveon X3® direct image sensor, so I believe it captures all the color, creating images of unprecedented immediacy.

The DP2 features an integral standard lens that is brand-new and purpose-designed, with a focal length equivalent to 41mm in a 35mm camera.

Firmware Update:

Ver. 1.01:
Decrease the phenomenon of intermittent camera freeze under certain conditions.
The accuracy of the Auto Focus has been improved.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
The general operation and speed of the DP2 have been improved thanks largely to the new image processing engine and clever Quick Set menu, but don’t expect a quantum leap in performance from the turgid DP1.

Sample Photo Galleries: sigma-dp.com, dpreview.com, photographyblog.com.

Sigma DP2 - Specifications:

• Image Sensor Size 20.7×13.8mm (0.8 inch×0.5 inch)
• 14.06 megapixels (2652×1768×3 layers)
• Full Manual Controls
• Manual Focusing
• Integrated Manual Flash with “Anti Red-eye” Function and Automatic Exposure Correction
• Optional flashes and compatible viewfinders
• RAW-format, JPEG
• 2,5” LCD display with 230,000 dots
• Focal Length 24.2mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent focal length:41mm)
• Movie Mode: QVGA:320×240 (30 fps)
• ISO Sensitivity: ISO100－ 1600
• Shutter Speed 1/2000-15sec.
• Metering System: Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering, Spot Metering

Official Information: sigma-dp.com.

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Olympus has announced that it has begun development of a Micro Four Thirds System camera. Olympus are giving away few details about their new camera, other than the dimensions, which at 4.7 x 2.5 x 1.2” (119 x 64 x 31mm) makes it much smaller than the Panasonic G1. It will also use the same Four Thirds sensor as their E-System models. Product name, launch date and retail price are to be confirmed.
To say it in a few words Olympus Micro Four Thirds will give us nice opportunity of having “digital compact” with SLR image quality and what is more amazing – with changeable lenses.

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What’s new: There’s a very short review of this camera at dpexpert.com.au!

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Pentax has announced the Km (or K2000, in the US), a new DSLR that will compete in the entry-level market. The camera, which is built around an image stabilized 10 megapixel sensor, has been designed to be small, light and easy-to-use. The two lenses available in kits with the camera have also been re-engineered to be lighter. We’ve had a chance to use an early example and have prepared an in-depth, ten page preview of the new camera.

Despite the incorporation of a large-sized image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the PENTAX K-m offers a compact, lightweight body to assure remarkable portability and maneuverability. This was made possible by the development of a compact, lightweight and high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, the downsizing of the Shake Reduction mechanism and circuit boards, the employment of latest high-density packaging technologies assuring most efficient positioning and layout of various parts, and the repositioning of the battery compartment. The camera grip has also been redesigned to assure firm, comfortable hold of the camera body.

Camera Reviews:

Reviews.cnet.com:
Speedy performance lifts the Pentax K2000 above the cheap-dSLR masses, but bad default settings make it an iffy choice for newbie.

Dpexpert.com.au:
If you can live with the RAW file system – and that, after all, is the way to get better images with any camera – then the Pentax is a fine camera. This is a low cost entry into the serious photographic world of the DSLR.

Pentax K2000 - Specifications:

• Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 3200
• Effective gradation compensation
• Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• Digital filters for unique visual expressions
• 10 Scene modes, switchable with simple icon selection
• Energy-efficient power supply, recording approximately 1,650 images with four AA-size lithium batteries
• Status screen, displaying camera settings on the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel for at-a-glance confirmation
• Index function, for five different types of display and printing modes
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
• Compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards as external data-recording media
• In-body development of RAW-format images
• Compatibility with SDM-equipped lenses for quiet, smooth autofocus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software included

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