Almost two years since Sigma announced the development of the DP1, the first compact digital camera to feature an APS-C sized sensor, the company has finally confirmed that it will be launched later this year.

Almost two years since Sigma announced the development of the DP1, the first compact digital camera to feature an APS-C sized sensor, the company has finally confirmed that it will be launched later this year.

The DP1 is labelled as a ?completely new type of camera?, insofar as it features the 14MP Foveon X3 APS-C sized sensor as used in its SD14 DSLR, yet comprises of the same body as a compact camera.

The camera also offers the full functionality of a DSLR, in the shape of five exposure modes, three metering modes, Raw shooting capabilities and a hotshoe alongside a built-in flash.

Sigma has developed new features exclusively for the DP1. A 16.6mm (28mm equivalent) f/4 lens has been designed exclusively for the camera, while Sigma?s ?TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine)? has been developed further for the latest version exclusive to the DP1.

Availability will commence in Spring, though a price has not yet been announced.