PMA 2010: Sigma updates SLR, two compacts and intros five lenses

Although Sigma has been known mostly as a manufacturer of lenses compatible with just about all major SLR brands, it also produces cameras. At the show, the company announced three new ones—an SLR and two advanced compacts—plus five new lenses. Here's a rundown:

• Sigma has updated its sole SLR. The new model, the 14-megapixel SD15, continues to use the unique Foveon X3 direct image sensor, which has a unique design. But it has a larger, sharper (460,000 dots) 3-inch LCD, stores photos on SD memory cards, and has a more powerful processor that can fire off more photos in burst mode. Sigma claims you can shoot 21 RAW files in a stretch, although it also states that the capture rate is the same 3 frames-per-second as most other SLRs. The company also said it has made the graphical user interface easier to use.

• The company also unveiled two new advanced compacts the same 14-megapixel Foveon sensor as the SD15, improving the quality of photos the new DP1x and the DP2s should deliver in low-light. But unlike the new Micro Four-thirds types of compacts, neither can take interchangeable lenses. The DP1x has a wide, 28mm fixed focal length lens. The DP2s has a 41mm fixed lens. Like the SD-series SLRs and previous DP-series point-and-shoots, both have advanced features, such as the ability to capture RAW files as well as many manual settings, including manual focus.

• Sigma also debuted five SLR lenses, three of which include a new type of glass element (called FLD) that Sigma says will improve image quality. The three are an 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 wide-angle lens, a 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom (with image stabilization) and a 17-50mm f/2.8 zoom (with image stabilization). The other two new lenses are 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom with image stabilization and a prime (non-zoom) lens, an 85mm f/1.4. All are available with mounts for most major SLR brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Four-thirds cameras, as well as Sigma's SD15.

Sigma didn't provide pricing or availability on any of these new products.

—Terry Sullivan