Sigma DP2xSigma has today announced a new digital compact camera called the DP2x, boasting faster AF.

The 14-million-pixel Sigma DP2x features Analog Front End technology, as used in the SD15 DSLR and DP1x compact, to convert full colour data into a digital signal.

‘This enables the camera to reproduce high-definition and richly-coloured images,’ said a company spokesman.

‘In addition, the new AF algorithm provides high-speed autofocus,’ adds the firm.

The DP2x sports a 24.2mm f/2.8 lens, designed to deliver the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 41mm optic.

Key features, as supplied by Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd:

SLR-sized image sensor

The size of the image sensor used in the DP2x camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The large photodiodes deployed capture light efficiently and give the DP2x its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-colour image sensor

Utilising the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this 14 megapixel direct image sensor succeeds in full-colour capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location.

TRUE II image processing engine

The DP2x incorporates the ?TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II? image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

AFE (Analogue Front End)

AFE (Analogue Front End) converts the colour data, which full-colour capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly coloured images.

24.2mm F2.8 lens

The DP2x is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2 series. Two high refractive index elements and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow its compact construction.

RAW format recording

The DP2x includes JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. The RAW images can be processed in the supplied Sigma PhotoPro software.