I had to rely on google translation tool to decipher the Japanese content form the latest Impress Japan magazine issue. It contains a “prediction” about the upcoming Sigma products. According to them we can expect:
1) a new APS-C Foveon sensor (note: current sensor are slightly smaller than APS-C).
2) the release of a new mirrorless system from Sigma
3) the improvement of Monochrome RAW information.
I would be glad to see a new system camera from Sigma!
14 Responses
I though the new 46MP Foveon was APS-C 1.5x crop factor, it was the earlier models that were a bit smaller?
Please Sigma make a new mirrorless m43 foveon sensor and m43 lenses… Please!
It says “full size”, which is how the Japanese call digital 35mm sensor
1. Technology-wise, it’s already possible to scale up the APS-C Foveon to full size (a.k.a 35mm).
2. Possibility of starting development for mirrorless system as requested by users.
3. New monochrome raw data through Sigma Photo Pro application.
Sigma mirrorless cams? I am in! 🙂
The issue with Sigma going “full-frame” is price, given the unique design of the sensors I doubt that they’re cheap to fabricate, add in the extra silicone costs for a larger sensor and… well the SD1 that is already too expensive for me is going to look cheap! Cost was also factored for the 4/3 sensor size if I remember correctly.
Having said that, a “full-frame” sensor would help Foveon become truly competitive; DR is only competitive in good (neutral/white) light at low ISO. Noisy in the shadows so can’t underexpose and lift.
If it was ISO-less 100-800 i.e, functions optimally across that range, they could forget about the high ISO consumer war!
Their no.1 goal should be speed though: RAW write speed is unacceptable, as is the buffer. That’s what’s holding me back from purchasing a new model.
Yes. The speculation said from technology side, it’s already possible. They just have to sort out the financial side first before doing the full frame Foveon.
full frame foveon with maybe 20mp would be cool (or 60 depending on how you count) that would sure be cool for landscape. and maybe high iso wouldn’t be too bad because of the bigger pixels.
I only hope Sigma consider:
1. Use ARM processors.
Sigma and Fujitsu TRUE processor research is too slow, the dual-core ARM A15 processor has faster than the same clock pulse Intel dual-core Atom, Sigma can choose many manufacturers also readily available.
Also can use the freed up resources to strengthen the development of sensors and software.
Android OS.
Easy to find people to write programs, can be convenient to find unofficial program to strengthen the competitiveness and availability.
Wouldn’t specialized processor be better ? It’s like graphic processor in computer, made for a more specific task, just like a camera that doesn’t “try to be everything”
About a month ago Kazuto Yamaki said in Poland in very known local photography magazine that Sigma is not interesed in making mirrorless system in present time. He said that they may in future be interesed in this field, but now they are focused only on new DP1M and DP2M and new line of lenses.
Full frame sensor from Sigma is now imposible, because of financial aspects, it would be to expensive and they could have problems with target clients, they have learned on the example of SD1 that quantity of sold cams is too low then they expected.
So much more possible move from Sigma could be new cam with fixed lens 18-50 mm and new sensor about 3 x 10 MP (30MP). They can’t use sensor from SD1M or DP2M/DP1M because it could kill this two lines of products, and people would buy new cheaper cams with 46MP sensor than Merrill line of cams.
If this new cam will have ISO 100-1600 with bigger buffer than DP1/2Merrill and standard but sharp at 18-50mm lens and optical viewfinder build in cam (like leica rangefinder cams) it could be good selling product. DR in new merrill sensor is very good, colors are very deap and much more apealing to eyes than in bayer sensor (ISO100).
Sigma has no vision and no financial resources. They continually play copy-cat and catch-up. A pity. The Foveon has enormous potential, but needs large capital, resources, and vision to exploit it. Sigma simply has not the capabilities. The DP Merril is an interesting camera and gives excellent IQ for a pocket camera: but using it is a pain, and it’s too costly against the competition, so sales are lagging. Soon, Sony will develop its own 3-layer imaging chip, and in the face of this Sigma may not survive. Sigma needs a FF sensor that gives much better ISO range, fast processors, long battery life, a new camera body, EVF, live view, tethered, and much better lenses. To do all this under on brand and one umbrella requires huge resources, and it must be done soon, or be left behind completely.