Archive for February, 2012

At Mobile World Congress, Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced that Adobe(r) Photoshop(r) Touch is now available for iPad 2, via the iTunes App Store*.

Adobe Photoshop Touch offers core Photoshop features, as well as new capabilities for creating and sharing in an app custom-built for tablets. The app is a central component of Adobe Touch Apps, a family of six intuitive touch screen applications, inspired by Adobe Creative Suite(r) software. iPad versions of the other Adobe Touch Apps are expected later
this year.

Photoshop Touch gives users the ability to combine multiple photos into layered images, make essential edits and apply professional effects to create beautiful artwork, touch up photos, paint, lay out ideas and much more.

The Scribble Selection Tool allows users to easily extract objects in an image by simply scribbling on what to keep, and then what to remove. With Refine Edge technology from Photoshop, even hard-to-select areas with soft edges are easily captured when making selections. Photoshop Touch helps users quickly find images and share creations through integration with Facebook and Google Image Search.

“People will be amazed with what they can create on the iPad using Photoshop Touch,” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media Business Unit, Adobe. “Photoshop Touch combines the magic of Photoshop and its core features with the convenience of a tablet, bringing image-editing power to the fingertips of millions of people.

“Adobe Photoshop Touch offers a huge convenience factor and boasts cool Photoshop features tailored for the iPad,” said Brian Yap, creative director, Boxing Clever. “Nearly all of the features I imagined being in Photoshop Touch are there, including the depth in layers, the extraction tools, and fade tool.”

“I love the organic process of working on the tablet. With Adobe Photoshop Touch, I have a new form of image creation with familiar tools but in a more relaxed work space, allowing me to rediscover image making through play rather than production,” Dan Marcolina, owner, Marcolina Design & Marcolina Slate.

“My team and I put Photoshop Touch through the paces and it shines as a tool for on-the-go photo shoots,” said Tyler Stableford, photographer and director, Tyler Stableford Photography + Film. “Time is always critical when taking pictures during the golden hours of light. With a wireless connection, the art director and I can place photos, immediately as we take them, into a layer with the client’s artwork. This is really helpful when shooting catalog covers.”

In addition to Photoshop Touch, Adobe expects to release the following touch apps for the iPad in the coming months: Adobe Collage for moodboards; Adobe Debut for presenting and reviewing creative work; Adobe Ideas for sketching; Adobe Kuler(r) for exploring color themes; and Adobe Proto for website and mobile app prototyping.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Touch is available today in the iTunes App Store for UK £6.99. Photoshop Touch is available in most geographies with English language support. The app will run on iPad 2 running on iOS5.

For more information on Photoshop Touch, visit www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshop-touch.html. Customers may submit feedback on the community powered feedback site, www.feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family.

Users may also connect with the Photoshop Touch Team directly on Facebook, via Twitter or on the Photoshop blog. For Photoshop Touch how-to videos, visit www.tv.adobe.com/show/learn-photoshop-touch/.

Bowens grabs the Limelite with a new division and a new product launch
International lighting equipment manufacturer Bowens International has launched Limelite – a new commercial subdivision created to service the growing videography and broadcast market.

And the new brand has announced its first product – the Limelite M7 7″ HD Field Monitor.

Tim Haskell, the division’s business development manager and videography/broadcast specialist, is heading the day to day operations of the new sub brand.

He said: “Limelite has been formed to deal exclusively with the burgeoning videography and broadcast marketplace.  This launch enables the company to diversify its product range whilst continuing to develop new and innovative lighting solutions for its traditional photographic market under the Bowens brand.”

He added: “Every new Limelite product – and we have a number in the pipeline to follow the M7 Field Monitor launch – will underpin the Bowens mission to provide customers with high-spec, innovative, robust and competitively priced professional equipment.”

The Limelite M7 Field Monitor is a compact, battery and mains-powered monitor built for use with HD-DSLR and video cameras. The unit can handle signals from a wide range of camera sources and does not require HDMI splitters to relay the signal to an additional monitor or external device.  It will be demonstrated at Focus on Imaging at The NEC in March and will have a price tag of £275 (ex VAT).

Added Haskell: “We see this monitor as a ‘must-have’ for every videographer. Users accustomed to hand-holding DSLR cameras for stills capture are now having to adapt  for videography – and it’s difficult to effectively shoot video with a camera at eye level. Our solution is the M7 which allows both the camera user and, if necessary, their clients, to easily view what the camera sees, whether the M7 is mounted on the camera or onto a support rig. Its specification includes a hotshoe swivel mount and the widest viewing angle in its class (150 degrees).”

Key features:

* Compact, lightweight, 16:9/4:3, pro-grade 7″ HD field monitor kit
* Super high 1024×600 native resolution – 25% more pixels than comparable monitors. Accepts up to 1920×1280
* Exceptionally wide 150-degree viewing angle
* Ultra bright 700:1 contrast ratio
* Wide range of user-adjustable menu settings?User-programmable function buttons for personalised control
* HDMI, Component, Composite and Video inputs plus HDMI output (loop through) – no need for expensive HDMI splitters

Kit includes

* Canon LP-E6, Sony NP-F and V-mount battery adaptors plus AC mains adaptor
* Optional Panasonic DU-21, Sony NP-QM and Anton Bauer battery adaptors available
* 6-24v DC input (XLR4 input provided). Accepts power from battery belts, broadcast cameras etc.
* Mounts to any 3/8″ support devices – hotshoe swivel mount and desktop mounts supplied
* Detachable sunshade and HDMI-Mini HDMI cable included
The Limelite M7 will be available from selected photo and video stockists.
www.limelite.uk.com

Following the success of the smaller version (1510), Peli launch a new 1560 Laptop Overnight Case. This practical and stylish laptop trolley case has the outstanding reputation for equipment protection associated with Peli cases.

Providing secure transportation for your laptop and travel gear, the 1560 Laptop Overnight Case (1560LOC) features a detachable padded sleeve to protect 15-17″ laptops. There are separate accessories pouches that also attach to the lid while a cloth lined clothes storage unit is located in the base of the case.

Studio Case Version
The 1560 case is also available as a Studio Case with the laptop sleeve and accessories pouches in the lid and padded dividers in the base, Ideally suited as a mobile studio, the padded dividers safely cushion and protect cameras, lenses etc.

The 1560 Peli Protector case features stainless steel ball bearing, polyurethane wheels and an extension handle for easy transportation, as well as rubberised front and side grip handles for maximum comfort. The case also features stainless-steel, reinforced padlock protectors to defend against cutting and theft.

The 1560 LOC and 1560 SC are new to the range of rugged protector cases from Peli, all are backed by the “You break it, we replace it” guarantee. For more details Tel: 01457 869999 or go to www.peliproducts.co.uk.

Color Confidencehas today announced the launch of the new range of camera bags from Booq.

Four new bags, the Python courier, Python pack, Python sling and Python toploader combine the signature aesthetics associated with Booq and the practicality required by photographers.  The Python range of bags is available from resellers across the country and more information can be found on www.colorconfidence.com

“Booq are synonymous with outstanding design and functionality creating bags which are tailored with the user in mind, commented Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director, Color Confidence. “The new Python range features all of the form and function we would expect from Booq with the level of quality not seen in camera bags up to now. We believe this an exciting new entry into the photo bag market”.

The Python courier is a shoulder bag designed to protect a large DSLR with attached lens, up to four additional lenses or similarly sized equipment, and an iPad. Inside its rigid camera compartment, contoured padded walls cradle your camera for easy access, and densely padded dividers can be configured to fit your gear of choice.

The Python toploader camera bag is a shoulder bag designed to protect either any size DSLR with a larger lens attached, or a DSLR with a smaller lens attached plus a second small lens. Dense padding all-around protects your gear, and a removable padded divider may be used to separate a lens, charger or any other equipment you choose to keep at the bottom of the bag.

The Python pack is a backpack designed for 1-2 DSLRs, up to 4 mid-size lenses, 1 large zoom lens, tripod, iPad, and a MacBook up to 15-inch. Its ergonomic shoulder strap design and side-loading camera compartment lets you access your gear while wearing the bag. A variety of pockets include concealed interior slots designed to be used to securely store accessories and flash cards, and its large laptop compartment is perfectly sized for a 15-inch MacBook Pro or magazines.

The Python sling is a sling bag designed for 1-2 DSLRs, up to 4 mid-size lenses, 1 large zoom lens, tripod, plus an 11 or 13-inch MacBook Air or iPad. Its one-strap design and side-loading camera compartment lets you access your gear while wearing the bag. Inside its rigid camera compartment, contoured padded walls cradle your camera for easy access, and densely padded dividers can be configured to fit your gear of choice.

A variety of pockets include concealed interior slots designed to be used to securely store accessories and flash cards, and its large back pocket, protected from the elements via a water-repellant zipper, is perfectly sized for a 13-inch MacBook Air, magazines, or an iPad.

Pricing and availability

All four bags are available immediately from Color Confidence and photographic resellers across the country.  

Warranty

All Booq bags come with a full five year warranty as standard. 

Please contact your local reseller for more information on these exciting new bags. To learn more visit www.colorconfidence.com

Nikon enhances its COOLPIX Performance range with the introduction of the COOLPIX P310, a powerful compact camera that is prepared for serious photography.

The new 16-megapixel camera boasts a bright f/1.8 NIKKOR 4.2x optical zoom lens with wide-angle coverage, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, advanced lens shift vibration reduction, Full HD movie recording, 7.5 cm (3.0-in.) high resolution LCD monitor and customisable function button.

James Loader, Product Manager for Consumer Products at Nikon UK, comments: “The P310 is an ideal choice for photographers looking for a combination of stunning image quality and portability from a compact camera. Its super bright f/1.8, 24mm ultra wide angle zoom lens produces images with exceptional resolution and detail, whilst the manual modes and image stabilisation technology give extra flexibility.”

Unleash your potential: the COOLPIX P310
The P310 combines Nikon’s cutting-edge imaging technology with the fastest NIKKOR lens ever featured in a COOLPIX model, to create an exceptional pocket camera. The extremely bright and lightening quick f/1.8 lens, together with a highly sensitive backlit CMOS sensor, delivers pin-sharp images even when shooting at night or in challenging lighting conditions.

Full creative control is guaranteed, thanks to four manual exposure modes: Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-priority (S), Aperture-priority (A) and Manual (M). When capturing complex subjects, the P310′s new smart AF system means you can shoot in manual focus with a 99-point autofocus system for extra-sharp results. What’s more, once an ideal camera setting has been found, a customisable function button allows you to set a shortcut, bypassing the menu to return to the same setup. 

To ensure steady shots, Nikon’s second-generation advanced lens-shift vibration reduction counters the effect of camera shake and enables the use of shutter speeds that are up to four stops slower.

Even when filming in Full HD (1080p) with stereo sound, advanced features such as optical zoom with autofocus are available. Giving even more options, the COOLPIX P310 can film in slow or fast motion using recording speeds of up to 120fps. A built-in HDMI connector lets you connect the camera directly to an HDTV, to view your photos and films instantly with family and friends.

Pricing information
RRP: £299.99 / €354
Sales start date: 22nd March 2012

The COOLPIX P310 comes in two colours, black and white.

Canon has added to its premium IXUS range with the launch of two new touch screen models – the IXUS 510 HS and the IXUS 240 HS. Fusing design with Canon’s signature image quality and new Wi-Fi functionality, both models promise to make it easier than ever to shoot photos and Full HD movies in exceptional detail and share them instantly with friends and family.

Combining a high quality and compact 12x optical zoom with a highly-pocketable, luxurious and chic design, the IXUS 510 HS is the perfect take anywhere camera for style-conscious users, while the IXUS 240 HS’s slim and elegant design and fun functionality are ideal for shooting and sharing images, anytime and anywhere.

Quality meets design

Canon’s advanced imaging technology ensures superb results, no matter the subject being shot or the conditions. Both models feature cutting-edge genuine Canon lens technology, enabling the capture of sweeping vistas or distant detail with the powerful zooms in each camera.

The IXUS 510 HS’s 28mm wide-angle 12x optical zoom lens packs into a body measuring just 19.8 mm front-to-back, while the IXUS 240 HS’s 24mm ultra-wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens comes in a high-grade, super-slim body – offering exceptional quality and versatility. Canon’s ZoomPlus technology means users can extend the zoom of their camera and get even closer to the action, while maintaining higher quality than traditional digital zoom.

With ZoomPlus, the IXUS 510 HS’ zoom extends beyond its 12x optical zoom to 21x, while the IXUS 240 HS reaches past its 5x optical zoom to 10x. The IXUS 510 HS and IXUS 240 HS also feature Canon’s Intelligent IS, providing advanced image stabilisation that offers the freedom to shoot a range of subjects with confidence. Harnessing each model’s 3.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer, Intelligent IS rapidly analyses the shooting scene and automatically adjusts the camera’s settings, selecting from seven (Normal IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Dynamic & Macro IS and Tripod Mode )different stabilisation modes to ensure photos and movies remain clear and with minimal blur.

Powered by Canon’s HS System, which optimally combines high resolution, high-sensitivity CMOS sensors with next-generation DIGIC 5 processing, both models promise to offer image quality that reflects what the eye sees. Offering supreme performance in all conditions, and especially in low light, both the IXUS 510 HS and IXUS 240 HS allow users to capture and share experiences with incredible levels of detail and clarity.

Sharing made easy

With the new models, users can instantly share their favourite images and movies, whenever and wherever they may be thanks to new integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (Wi-Fi use may be restricted in certain countries or regions. Wi-Fi support varies by device and region.

The new CameraWindow application allows photos and movies to be wirelessly transferred directly to a range of Apple iOS (Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad, iPad 2, iPod touch (4th generation) mobile devices for instant sharing on the move. Using the same application, users can also share photos via email, upload them to Facebook with their own comments, or even upload movies to YouTube.

Also launching today with the new IXUS models is the newly designed and enhanced CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, Canon’s online facility for sharing photos and video.  Now providing up to 10 GB of personal storage capacity, it is perfect for storing many photos, even in full resolution.

An easy interface allows users to search for images, create combined photo and movie Albums that can receive comments from friends, and to share Albums directly via email and Social Networking Sites. With the new Wi-Fi IXUS models, photos can be uploaded directly to the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY without the need for a computer, using just the cameras’ wireless menus and home wireless networks.

Complete control at your fingertips

Both models feature large, bright and vibrant 8.0 cm (3.2″) PureColor II Touch LCD displays with sharp 460,000-dot resolution, giving exceptional colours and accurate contrast. They are ideal for reviewing newly-captured images and movies and showcasing them to friends.

The highly responsive touch navigation and customisable on-screen icons provide quick, easy access to camera settings, menus and a user’s entire photo collection, so photos can be quickly selected to upload to social networks and comments even typed in. The touchscreen also powers Canon’s Touch Shutter functionality which makes it possible to compose and shoot with a single touch of the screen.

Point and shoot creativity

For those who like to point and shoot for excellent images, Canon’s latest Smart Auto mode now identifies up to 58 different scenes. The new Face Identification (Face ID) functionality included within Smart Auto enables users to get the best possible shots of friends and family, making it easy to capture tricky subjects with new levels of clarity.

Face ID allows users to register family faces and their birthdays within the camera, it then stores this information, and with Smart Auto adjusts image settings accordingly. For example, when taking a picture of a sleeping baby, Face ID will identify the subject, automatically disengage the flash and adjust the exposure to give the image a brighter feel. If a child over the age of two is identified, the camera will automatically engage Servo AF in anticipation of movement, enabling sharper pictures of children that are often difficult to capture.

Users can even browse their photos in-camera by name, so images of their friends and family can be easily and quickly searched and reviewed. Each model also features Multi-area White Balance which detects multiple light sources and corrects the colour balance for each, delivering natural images in challenging conditions featuring multiple light sources. An enhanced range of creative shooting modes also expands the gamut of effects users can explore, with two new modes added.

In addition to Toy Camera, Miniature and Fish-eye Effect, new Smooth Skin Effect improves portraits by smoothing out skin textures, while Soft Focus Effect simulates the dreamy effect provided by a dedicated soft-focus lens. Both new modes offer three effect levels, enabling the user to pick a level to suit the subject.

High resolution stills, high-definition video

In addition to exceptional stills, the new IXUS 510 HS and IXUS 240 HS feature Full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound. A dedicated movie record button enables instant switching from stills to movies, while optical zoom can also be utilised in both cameras in movies. Integrated HDMI connectivity also enables sharing with friends and family using HD TV screens.

To help tell the story behind a day’s images, Movie Digest mode captures four seconds of movie before each still shot is taken and then merges all the clips together in HD (720p) quality for a fun reminder of the day’s events.

The IXUS 510 HS: Compact, catwalk style

The IXUS 510 HS takes IXUS style to a new high. With a 10.1MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and exceptional 12x optical zoom, users can enjoy the flexibility to capture a range of subjects in exceptional quality, and then share images instantly using the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity.

The IXUS 510 HS’s sleek, sharp-edged exterior truly epitomises the IXUS luxury design philosophy, offering a stylish, compact body that can be taken anywhere. The futuristic lens cover and brushed matte finish, available in striking black or white, also adds to the premium styling.

The IXUS 240 HS: Style and ease-of-use

The IXUS 240 HS is perfect for anyone looking for a camera that fuses style with substance. Its 16.1 MP resolution offers exceptional detail, while its ultra-wide angle 24mm 5x optical zoom genuine Canon lens offers great flexibility that can be carried in virtually any pocket.

Available in five contemporary metallic colours so users can pick a style to match their personality, the IXUS 240 HS is ideal for social shooting, such as holidays or evenings out with friends – allowing high quality images to be shared immediately after they are taken.

IXUS 510 HS – key features

12x optical zoom in a tiny, chic metal body HS System: 10.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 5 Intelligent IS Wi-Fi for easy image sharing 8.0 cm (3.2″) touch screen with Touch Shutter Full HD movies, HDMI Smart Auto (58 scenes) Face ID High-speed shooting Movie Digest (720p)

IXUS 240 HS – key features

Slim metal body; 24mm, 5x optical zoom HS System: 16.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 5 Intelligent IS Wi-Fi for easy image sharing 8.0 cm (3.2″) touch screen with Touch Shutter Full HD movies, HDMI   Smart Auto (58 scenes) Face ID High-speed shooting Movie Digest (720p)

Pricing and Availability

The IXUS 510 HS is available from April 2012, priced at £349.00/€399.00 RRP incl. VAT. The IXUS 240 HS is available from March 2012, priced at £279.00/€319.00 RRP incl. VAT.

Color Confidence today announce launch and availability of DataColor SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO.

Color Confidence, Europe’s leading value added distributor into the digital imaging markets, has today announced the launch and availability of the new SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO.

Following the recent launch of the Spdyer4Elite, Spyder4Pro and Spyder4Express, these new launches complete the arrival of the Spyder4 range.  The SpyderPRINT (printer profiling) and the SpyderSTUDIO (monitor and printer profiling) combine ease of use and professional functionality to offer photographers a simple way to achieve accurate colour. The range is available immediately from photographic and consumer electronics resellers across the country, as well as online at www.colorconfidence.com. 

Visitors to Focus on Imaging, at Birmingham’s NEC, 4-7th March will have the first opportunity to see these products live on the Color Confidence stand, C11.

One of the most common issues photographers have is that their print doesn’t match what they see on screen.  Both display and printer calibration are essential to provide a base for superior print matching. This greatly reduces wasted paper and ink with your printed output. 

It starts with the screen – as no two devices display the exact same colour, precise calibration is imperative in order to ensure consistent, true colour representation. In addition, even calibrated monitors, TVs and tablets will gradually decrease in accuracy, requiring colour calibration every one to two months in order to display sharp, accurate colours, shadows and highlights.

Once your screen is accurate, ensuring that the paper you use it profiled so that the printer uses the correct settings for optimum results is essential. 

“Monitor calibration is just the start of ensuring accurate colour; it needs to be a fully managed approach from capture of an image all the way through to final print. The SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO provide the tools that photographers require to get accurate colour and outstanding images.” Commented Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director, Color Confidence. “The launch of the Spyder4 range has seen significant interest from consumers. The new SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO products continue in the same path of providing users with enhanced functionality and features whilst retaining the ease of use that DataColor is renowned for.” 

SpyderSTUDIO

SpyderSTUDIO is a complete colour calibration solution designed for photographers who need the highest level of colour control in the studio and flexibility in post-production. It provides everything you need from capture, to edit, to print for the utmost in accuracy and colour management. Consider this your digital darkroom that brings you easy-to-use, full-featured, photographer-oriented solutions for your digital workflow. With solutions from RAW Camera calibration to quick and easy custom ICC printer profiles, you’ll get colours you can rely on. 

SpyderSTUDIO includes:
 
SpyderPRINT- Printer profiling
Spyder4Elite – Professional monitor profiling
Spyder Cube – Camera RAW caibration
 
SpyderPRINT 

SpyderPRINT is the full-featured solution that photographers choose to manage colour in their print output. By selecting any combination of printer, ink and media in the software, SpyderPRINT provides a full assortment of tools to let you push the limits of advanced inkjets to create gallery quality prints in colour and black and white. SpyderPRINT gives you full control of your printer output with the ability to create any number of custom profiles to ICC Standards. 

Pricing and Availability

SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO are available at photographic and consumer electronics retailers nationwide or online at www.colorconfidence.com. The SpyderPRINT is priced at £299.99, and the SpyderSTUDIO at £449.99. All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Both SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO along with the remainder of the Spyder4 range are available immediately, although supply is likely to be constrained during February due to heavy demand for the new products.

The Sigma Corporation has announced the new SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill. These high image quality compact digital cameras feature a 46 megapixel (4800 x 3200 x 3 layers) FOVEON x 3 direct image sensor.

The SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill are the next generation of high image quality digital cameras which incorporate a newly developed 46 megapixel large image sensor in a compact body. The full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel. The manual focus ring and custom QS (Quick Set) mode improve the user interface.

About the generation-name “Merrill”
The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality. As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

46 megapixel. 23.5×15.7mm Full-colour X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA DP Merrill series, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning both light and colour is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA DP Merrill series incorporate a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to FOVEON X3 direct image sensor. This improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

Exclusively designed high performance lenses
The exclusively designed lenses for the SIGMA DP Merill series are developed to maximise the sensor performance. For the SIGMA DP1 Merrill, a 19mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, and for SIGMA DP2 Merrill, a 30mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm SLR camera. FLD (“F” Low Dispersion), which has a performance equal to fluorite glass, and molded glass aspherical lenses correct aberrations. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, which makes it usable even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.

RAW+JPEG format recording
The SIGMA DP Merrill series obtain a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format of the DP Merrill series keep brightness and colour data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processes in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It is also possible to record RAW data and JPEG data simultaneously to provide more convenience.

SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.

Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Advanced User Interface
The custom quick set menu and the metallic command dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.

SD card
The DP Merrill series adopt the SD Card (SDHC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry.

Large, highly visible 3.0″ TFT colour LCD Monitor
The DP Merrill series feature a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor with approximately 920,000 pixel resolution. The monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture details and to check focusing and composition.

Hot Shoe
The DP Merrill series cameras are equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of Sigma’s optional dedicated external flashgun, the EF-140 DG as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).

Dedicated lens hood
The optional dedicated bayonet lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light.

Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames.

SIGMA DP Merrill Special Site : www.SIGMA-DP.com/DP-Merrill