Digital Camera News and Reviews

AML-1 Close-up Lens

Sigma has announced that a new lens, the AML-1 close-up lens, dedicated to their DP1 camera. The lens make the camera able to focus closer and it attached to the optional hood adapter (HA-11).
The lens will be available in June 2008 at £44.99 (suggested retail price).


Press release:
AML-1 Close-up Lens

Close-up Lens dedicated to the Sigma DP1 camera

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new AML-1 Close-up Lens dedicated for the Sigma DP1 camera.

* Enables focusing between 20cm and 33cm
* Exclusive design provides advanced optical performance
* Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
* Construction of 2 elements provides correction for color aberration and distortion

When this lens is attached to the optional Hood Adapter HA-11, it enables close-up photography with a focusing distance between 20cm and 33cm. The exclusive design creates high image quality and the super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting.

The lens construction of 2 elements in 1 group provides correction for colour aberration and distortion and delivers a high level of optical performance.

Specifications:
Lens name – AML-1 Close-up Lens
Filter size – 46 mm
Lens construction – 1 groups 2 elements
Focus distance – 20 cm – 33 cm
Maximum magnification ratio – 1:8.2 – 1:14.9
Suggested retail price – £44.99
Available June 2008

Sigma DP1

PopPhoto has reviewed the new interesting compact camera from Sigma called DP1. What is interesting about this camera is that Sigma has put DSLR type sensor in a compact camera.
Some key features for the Sigma DP1:
-Foveon 14 megapixel X3 sensor
-16.6 mm F4.0 lens (28mm equivalent)
-2.5” LCD screen
-Support for RAW files

PopPhoto ends up giving the camera a very good review due to the excellent image quality the DP1 is able to produce, even up to ISO 800. The lens quality is also very good and the design looks stylish.
On the downside the auto focus system could have been faster, there is not image stabilization and a zoom lens would be nice.
All in all this seems like a very good camera for the more professional photographers (the DP1 costs $800) out there looking for a compact camera.

Read the full review of the Sigma DP1 here.