New-generation image sensor technology for a deeper, richer photographic experience. Now, the world's most uncompromising compact camera line-up is complete. The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour Foveon X3 direct image sensor (Generation name “ Merrill”), featured in the SIGMA DP3 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4, 800×3, 200×3 layers) & 44 recording megapixels (4, 704×3, 136×3 layers). The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each & every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full & complete colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light & colour are captured by the 46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-colour X3 Merrill sensor with a three-dimensional feel. The dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to Foveon X3 direct image sensors improves the processing speed & overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power & reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimensional feel. The high-performance 50mm F2.8 lens has the equivalent angle of view as 75mm on a 35mm lens, & it has been designed exclusively for the SIGMA DP3 Merrill to maximizes the sensor performance. The use of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass accompanied by aspherical lens elements not only compensates for a variety of aberrations, but also allows for a more compact size. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The DP3 Merrill has a minimum focusing distance of 22.6cm (8.9”) & a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, which can offer quality macro shooting. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare & ghosting, ensuring sharp, high contrast image quality even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.