While we’re not normally sticklers for megapixels, but the Sigma DS1 set launch in Japan on June 10th touts a jaw dropping 46 megapixel sensor. The cost of admission will not be cheap, in fact the DS1 is priced more than 3.5x higher than our Canon 5D MK II, but the light-weight magnesium allow body might just win you over. There’s officially a new challenger in the high-end photography market ladies and gentlemen, here’s what you need to know about the Sigma DS1.
The 46-megapixel DS1 draws its styling from the a classic 35mm and receives its imaging chops from the exclusive Foveon 23.5×15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor. The Foveon sensor is said to capture images with “film like quality”. Armed with a variety of affordable interchangeable lenses (40 Sigma SA compatible), the SD1 is targeted at high-end photographers looking for an alternative to high-priced medium format cameras.
The DS1 uses Type 1 Compact Flash Cards and is UDMA-compatible for processing large amounts of data. There’s an 11-pint shifted twin cross type sensor for fast autofocus, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 6400 and a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor with 460,000 pixel resolution LCD. Now the only detail left unsaid is the price — we caution you the Sigma DS1 is not for the faint of heart.
June | Sigma | $9700 (5978 GBP)
