Sigma DP3 Quattro Black compact Digital CameraSigma DP3 Quattro Black compact Digital Camera

The world’s only image capture system to use vertical color separation technology

Leveraging the light absorption characteristics of silicon, the sensor comprises three layers of photodiodes, each at a different depth within the silicon and each corresponding to a different RGB color. Since it is the only sensor to use this superior vertical color separation technology, it is also the world’s only direct image sensor. The Foveon direct image sensor captures color vertically, recording hue, value, and chroma accurately and completely for each pixel, enabling the expression of rich gradation and tone. Moreover, there is no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a color filter array, unlike the data from other sensors, which requires artificial interpolation to “fill in” missing colors. The data from the Foveon direct image sensor is complete with light and color information for every single pixel.

Newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor 

The SIGMA dp1 Quattro incorporates a newly developed Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation name: “Quattro”). The new sensor structure features a pixel ratio of 1:1:4 from the bottom, middle to top layer. The Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is able to detect a broad range of light wavelengths. While the top layer captures both brightness and color information, the middle and bottom layers with their larger surface area capture color information only. During the image data processing stage, the brightness data captured in the top layer is applied to the top, middle, and bottom layers, resulting in brightness and color data for each individual pixel. Retaining the principle of the three-layer structure where colors are divided vertically, by applying the brightness data captured in the top layer to the layers below, high resolution and high-speed for broad data processing required are achieved.

Equivalent to 39 megapixel high resolution

A conventional color sensor captures resolution information through green megapixels, which means the information it can contain is only 50% of the whole pixels. On the other hand, the new Quattro sensor captures resolution information with the whole top layer. It holds twice as much resolution compared to conventional color sensors. 19.6 megapixel resolution information of the top layer achieves high resolution equivalent to 39 megapixels.

TRUE III image processing engine

The new dp series cameras feature the newly developed TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) III. This image processing engine has evolved in pace with our Foveon direct image sensor and incorporates all of the image processing expertise we have developed over the years. Thanks to new refinements, it is the ideal engine for processing the rich and complex image data produced by the new-generation Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. Our proprietary algorithm makes possible ultrafast processing of an immense volume of image data without any deterioration of the final images. The result is high-definition, 3D-like photographs with outstandingly rich color detail.

High performance 50mm F2.8 lens

The lens incorporates a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and a glass mold aspherical lens to minimize every type of optical aberration. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame and maximizes the sensor’s ability by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 22.6cm (8.9”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, which can offer quality macro shooting.

Magnesium Body

A solid and lightweight magnesium alloy is incorporated to the part of exterior. With rigidity and strength, the body is highly reliable and superior as a tool for photography..

Quick Set Menu

The Quick Set (QS) Menu which consists of the 8 most commonly used functions such as ISO and White Balance can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. Using the Selector, the Front Dial and the Rear Dial, change of the settings can be made in no time. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.

Auto Focus

The SIGMA dp3 Quattro features a “9 point select mode” which can select the desired focusing point from 9 different frames and “Free move mode” which can move the desired point as you like. “Face Detection AF” prioritizes focus on the face of the subject when detected by the sensor. Moreover “AF Limit Mode” which adjusts the range of auto focusing and “Speed Priority AF” which offers faster focus adjustment by stopping the live view can be selected to increase the speed of the auto focusing. By selecting “AF+MF mode”, the focus can be adjusted manually after verifying the AF by rotating the focus ring. The SIGMA dp3 Quattro has an AF auxiliary light inside, which enables auto focus shooting in a low light environment.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor

The SIGMA dp3 Quattro features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor which ensures great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.

Hot Shoe

The SIGMA dp3 Quattro is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated view finder VF-31 (optional) and external flashgun EF-140 S (optional) as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).

Dedicated Conversion Lens FT-1201 (Optional)

When the dedicated conversion lens (optional) is attached to the front of the lens, it magnifies the focal length of the lens by 1.2 times (60mm / equivalent to 90mm on a 35mm format), and does not change the f/2.8 aperture value. It consists of 4 ultra-high quality lens elements in 3 groups, and maintains excellent rendering performance while offering a different focal length and therefore more shooting possibilities.

LCD View Finder LVF-01 (Optional)

By attaching it to the LCD display of the dp Quattro cameras, the LCD viewfinder cuts off outside light. It magnifies the LCD display 2.5 times and allows photographers to check the focusing more easily. It is exclusively designed for Quattro series and achieves clear visibility by incorporating a high performance lens and coating. Similar to the viewfinder of a DSLR, it is possible to hold it stably, thus reducing camera shake, and look at the detail of the image. Its diopter adjustment range is from -2 to +1. 

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.

14-bit RAW data

RAW data records information of light captured by the Quattro sensor. 14-bit (16384 tones) signal processing is incorporated when the analog output signal is transformed to a digital signal, achieving photography data with excellent tones and smooth gradation of subjects. RAW data incorporates lossless compression that prevents data from degradation. By processing images using SIGMA Photo Pro, it is possible to create images with natural balance like no other.

RAW processing inside the camera body

RAW data (X3F file) taken with the SIGMA dp3 Quattro can be processed and saved as a JPEG inside the camera body without using a PC. Exposure correction, white balance, color mode and aspect ratio can be adjusted by checking them on the LCD monitor.

SUPER HIGH size with 39 megapixel high resolution

The SIGMA dp3 Quattro has High size and Low size to select from depending on the purpose of the photography. High size gets the best performance out of the image sensor both with RAW data and JPEG and Low size focuses more on the number of images that can be recorded. With both of the sizes, simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG is possible. Moreover, for JPEG, SUPER HIGH that is suitable for larger prints can be selected to accommodate photographers' various needs.

Capable of 7 frames continuous shooting

A large volume buffer memory enables the camera to capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode in High size. Using high speed data transfer and processing, the SIGMA dp3 Quattro features a continuous shooting speed of up to 3.7 frames per second. In addition, depending on the situation, it is possible to capture up to 4.5 frames per second and up to 12 images per sequence in continuous shooting mode in Low size..

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of 3:2 is set as standard however 6 different aspect ratios are available including 1:1, 21:9, similar to those of wide screens used in cinemas, as well as 7:6, similar to those of 6x7 cameras, depending on your photography needs. Images recorded as RAW format can be changed to different ratios in SIGMA Photo Pro.

Electric Level

An electric level that is useful in determining composition can be displayed. The camera’s horizontal and vertical directions are displayed while shooting.

10 White Balance options

In addition to the Auto (Default) option that allows the camera to automatically determine the appropriate white balance adjustments, Auto (Lighting Source Priority) option is incorporated. This option allows the camera to adjust white balance while valuing the color and atmosphere of light source. 10 options are available and it is also possible to adjust white balance based on the image incorporated, and to set the amount of color temperature (Kelvin). Moreover, each white balance mode can be fine-tuned, enabling detailed correction of white balance and creative work with a filter effect.

More preset Color Mode options

Color Mode can adjust rendering and contrast to best suit each photography scene. With the SIGMA dp1 Quattro, 4 preset Color Modes are added including “Cinema”, which reduces saturation and emphasizes shadows to recreate an image like in a cinema and “Sunset Red” which emphasizes red color rendering, and expresses the scenes, such as sunsets, more impressively. True artistic expression has become easier than ever.

Monochrome options

With Filtering Effect contrast can be changed as if the images are taken using a color filter for black and white photography, and with Toning Effect color tones can be adjusted according to preferences such as WARM, COLD and SEPIA, so that photographers can create more impressive image of subjects.

Overexposure Correction

Blown-out highlights caused by overexposure can be corrected, based on the gradation information obtained through the arrangement of pixels on the sensor, to minimize loss of detail. In addition, by utilizing that gradation information, it is possible to expand the dynamic range while processing RAW files.

ISO Sensitivity can be set by 1/3 Step

ISO sensitivity can be set from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. By setting the range to 1/3 EV steps from the default 1 EV steps, it is possible to set the sensitivity to ISO 125 or ISO 160. ISO AUTO, where the camera automatically sets the ISO sensitivity according to brightness of the shooting environment, enables you to set the upper limit and lower limit depending on your shooting style.