I follow Sigma cameras since the announcement of the SD9. The images from the Sigma cameras have very distinctive "3D" appearance due to use of three-layer sensors made by Foveon. Few years ago I printed several photos from SD14 and SD10 at A3 size and the quality was just amazing. Unfortunately, the Sigma DSLR cameras were rather niche product, so the local price was relatively high. In 2006 Sigma pioneered with big sensor compact, DP1, which shortly was followed by DP2. TAgain, the price in Australia was quite high. In 2010 Sigma released a new DSLR, SD1, with 3x15.4 MP but the price made it out of question for me. This year, Sigma announced the re-branding of the SD1 that now is shipping at more affordable price. It also announced two new compacts with 3x15.4 MP sensor. While the names remain the same (DP1m and DP2m, m stays for Merrill) the cameras undergone significant re-working including lenses that are not expanded as in previous models.
And today I found that now it is possible to buy the Sigma cameras directly from the Australian dealer of Sigma company, C.R.Kennedy. Right now the new SD1m is priced at 2,000AUD, and current models of DP1x and DP2x cost 600AUS. Note that these are not the latest Merrill compacts, but the "x" versions of the original DP. For comparison, the DP2 is listed at Ted's at 1,200AUD, and it is quite plausible that Teds got the original DP2, not the DP2x. Finally the Sigma prices in Australia are similar to US. Kudos to Sigma and Kennedy! I hope it will be possible to buy Sigma lenses through the same shop.
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