If you like a high megapixel count in your digital SLR then Sigma has got you covered. It's just announced the launch of the Sigma SD1 - a digital SLR camera that packs a 46 megapixel 24 x 16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor.

The flagship of the company's offering, it comes with a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.

That 46 megapixel sensor produces shots 4,800 x 3,200 in size in three layers capturing all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location, ensuring they capture of full and complete colour.

It can do that because it uses three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor.

Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor, is captured with a three-dimensional, but not true 3D feel.

Outside and the magnesium body holds a 3-inch TFT colour LCD monitor and you'll be able to use the camera with over 40 Sigma lenses.

The camera is expected to cost around £1500 and ship in February next year. If you're wondering what the video capabilities are, prepare to be disappointed, there aren't any.