Sigma originally announced the SD15 at the 2008 Photokina trade show, claiming that the 14 million pixel resolution camera would be coming in 2009. Now, after several delays, Sigma says the launch will come soon.

The camera sports a Foveon X3 sensor, which Sigma claims 'can capture all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers'. It also features the True II image processing engine, providing enough power to reproduce high definition pictures 'rich in gradation'.

The SD15 is the fourth DSLR built entirely by Sigma. It released, since October 2002, the SD9, SD10 and SD14.

It features a 77-segment AE sensor, which allows for exposure accuracy using new AE algorithms, claims Sigma. It can shoot up to 3fps for up to 21 raw images. The camera also features a three-inch TFT LCD screen, a dust protector to prevent dust from entering the camera's body, and a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% coverage.

The SD15 has a sensitivity of ISO100 to ISO1600, which can be extended to ISO50 and ISO3200. It also has two anti-vibration systems with a mirror lock-up mechanism, which raises the mirror to prevent vibration when the shutter is released.

The SD15 will also be able to use five new lenses, which Sigma also unveiled last week. The lenses include the 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM, the 50-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

However, the most notable additions are the ultra wide-angle 8-16mm f/4-5.6 DC HSM lens and a 85mm prime model. The wide-angle zoom lens uses four newly-created FLD glass elements, which have a performance equal to fluorite glass, claims Sigma. It is composed of 15 elements in 11 groups, has a Hyper Sonic Motor, and will be available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony DSLRs.

The 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM uses one Special Low Dispersion glass element and one glass mold element to correct all types of aberrations. It has a rear focus system, a nine-blade diaphragm and a minimum focussing distance of 85cm.

Sigma has also announced the releases of two new compact digital cameras, the DP2s and the DP1x, which both introduces new features to Sigma's popular compact ranges.

The DP2s is similar to the 14 million pixel resolution DP2 camera launched last year. It sports the Foveon X3 direct image sensor, which can also be found in the SD15 DSLR. The DP2s, the 'successor to the DP2', now incorporates a new AF algorithm to speed up autofocus, a new Power Save Mode, as well as a new rear design.

The DP1x comes less than six months after the release of the DP1s, which was already an update to Sigma's DP1 camera. Now, the DP1x sports the DP2's True II image processing engine, as well as Sigma's new AF algorithm, making the DP1x virtually identical to the DP2 camera, but sporting a 16.6mm f/4 lens instead of the DP2's 24.2mm f/2.8 lens.

Pricing and availability for the UK have yet to be determined. For further information, visit sigma-imaging-uk.com.