Sigma Corporation of America announces the release of Sigma Photo Pro 5.5 software

<p align="center"><strong>Sigma Corporation of America announces the release of Sigma Photo Pro 5.5 software<br /></strong><em>Company introduces SPP 5.5 software with updates and new Monochrome Mode interface</em><br>

<em> </em><strong>Ronkonkoma, New York —February 21, 2013 </strong>— <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/" target="_blank">Sigma Corporation of America</a> a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp" target="_blank">lenses</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/cameras/" target="_blank">cameras</a> and <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes.asp" target="_blank">flashes</a>, is pleased to introduce Sigma Photo Pro 5.5 software, which includes upgrades and updates for both Mac and Windows platforms, as well as a new Monochrome Mode processing interface. This updated software is now available for download for both Mac and Windows operating systems.<br>

The new Monochrome Mode will feature several new functions, including a channel-mixing palette, which allows users to control the level of red, green and blue within an image for better tonal separation and contrast. A new grain palette feature will allow users to add or reduce the size and strength of grain within an image, producing a texture and dimension similar to that found in film photography. Paired with the Sigma cameras’ Foveon sensor, Monochrome Mode brings out the true potential of black and white images with great detail, sharpness, contrast and tonality. Foveon X3 image sensor technology allows the camera design to bypass the need for an anti-aliasing filter, which causes image blur, as well as a color filter array which reduces image sharpness.<br>

“Black and white photography is becoming increasingly popular, and the Monochrome Mode, paired with the strength of the Foveon sensor, truly takes black and white photography to the next level,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “With an entirely new processing pipeline for monochrome images, Sigma users will be able to truly take advantage of the Foveon sensor with Monochrome Mode, which we believe will set even higher standards for our Sigma camera line.”<br>

Changes to the updated Sigma Photo Pro 5.5 software include:</p>

<ul>

<li>Design change for fringing reduction</li>

<li>Updated adjustment settings: Selecting “Auto” chooses the appropriate preset value for the color mode (only compatible with the data of the SD1, SD1 Merrill, DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill, DP3 Merrill)</li>

<li>Ensures TIFF files save completely</li>

<li>Added Monochrome Mode interface (only compatible with the RAW data from SD1, SD1 Merrill, DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill, DP3 Merrill) </li>

<li>Ensures color consistency on Macs when viewing X3 files in SPP compared to the same file in JPEG opened with the default Mac preview mode</li>

<li>Ensures SPP reflects the data of the latest lenses on Windows</li>

</ul>

<p> To download the latest Sigma PhotoPro software, visit <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/service-support/product-software">http://www.sigmaphoto.com/service-support/product-software</a><em>.</em> For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com">www.sigmaphoto.com</a>.<br>

<strong>About Sigma Corporation </strong><br>

For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,”with anemphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 50 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com">www.sigmaphoto.com</a>.<br>

Source: <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/article/sigma-corporation-of-america-announces-the-release-of-sigma-photo-pro-55-software">http://www.sigmaphoto.com/article/sigma-corporation-of-america-announces-the-release-of-sigma-photo-pro-55-software</a></p>

<p>Is this only for people with Sigma cameras?</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>It is only compatible with the RAW data of the SD1, SD1 Merrill, DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill and DP3 Merrill.</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p><em> </em></p>

<p>Per the Sigma website -</p>

<h3 ><img src="http://www.sigma-sd.com/img/download/photopro/txt_photopro_01.gif" alt="Who can download & update?" /></h3>

<p >Customers who use Sigma SD and DP series cameras.</p>

<p>These responses are hilarious! lol</p>

<p>Is the new Nikon viewer only for Nikon users?</p>

<p>Is the latest Sony RAW processor only for Sony users?</p>

<p>Duh.</p>

<p>I was just looking at the image comparison tool at DPreview. You have to go to the SD1 review to use it with the SD1 photos. Otherwise the SD1 will not show up as a camera that is available for image comparison. (Does that seem like Sigma is being shut out to anyone else?)</p>

<p>Anyway, the SD1 images actually look better in some parts, even though they are slightly lower resolution, compared to the Nikon D7100, D5200, Sony A77 and Sony A99. I didn't even bother to look at Canon images, because in my opinion the Nikon D7100 is the APS-C camera to beat right now. The Nikon D800 and D800E are the full-frame cameras to beat. The Sigma SD1 really holds its own well though, even compared to the new Nikon D7100 which doesn't have an anti-aliasing filter. Interestingly, it looks like ALL the other images from APS-C sensor cameras that are 24 megapixels seem to have jagged angular lines. Look at parts where there are angled lines, and you will see the difference. It's pretty startling. I always thought the Sigma camera did that more, because they lack the anti-aliasing filter, but not in this case.</p>