posted Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM EST
Sigma has launched an replace concerning the standing of its three-layer full-frame Foveon picture sensor. The Sigma full-frame picture sensor improvement course of has been stuffed with challenges, however necessary progress has been made since Sigma’s earlier replace final yr.
In 2020, Sigma introduced that its full-frame Foveon-based digicam was not near hitting the market. At the moment, Sigma additionally introduced that it was restarting the event course of with a clear slate and revisiting the sensor know-how.
Final yr, Sigma introduced that it was absolutely engaged within the analysis and improvement of the full-frame X3 picture sensor however there wasn’t any new info to share. Properly, we lastly have new info.
Picture courtesy of Sigma
Sigma’s three-layer picture sensor has reached stage two of a three-stage course of. As of now, Sigma is at the moment evaluating prototypes utilizing a small picture sensor that has the identical pixel dimension because the product specs. The following step is to carry out last prototype analysis utilizing a full-size, full-frame picture sensor.
The unique purpose was for brand spanking new Foveon-based full-frame Sigma digicam to hit the market in 2019. As we have seen, that did not occur. Even after as we speak’s replace, we do not know the title of the digicam or any of its options and specs. When Sigma introduced improvement of a brand new full-frame Foveon sensor, it was mentioned to be a 20MP Foveon X3 picture sensor that produced photos equal to these captured with a 60MP picture sensor. The three-layer construction permits for every layer to report solely blue, inexperienced and purple gentle respectively. Since every layer is stacked, a single photosite data the info for every colour. On a conventional Bayer filter array, a pixel data solely one of many three colours. To study rather more about how Foveon picture sensor know-how works, take a look at our in-depth interview with Sigma.
Picture courtesy of Sigma
Whereas we do not have a launch window for the full-frame digicam, we a minimum of know that the event has reached the prototyping stage, which is a big accomplishment for the crew at Sigma. It is nice information for photograph business as an entire, as Sigma is one in every of just a few firms to do the out of the strange with sensor know-how.
(Through Photograph Rumors)
Full press launch:
Expensive SIGMA clients,
To start with, thanks very a lot to your continued assist and curiosity in our merchandise.
SIGMA want to share the event standing of the three-layer picture sensor as of February 2022 by the next.
The event of the three-layer picture sensor is at the moment underway with the robust management of SIGMA’s headquarters in collaboration with analysis institutes in Japan. The phases of improvement may be roughly divided into the next:
• Stage 1: Repeated design simulations of the brand new three-layer construction to verify that it’s going to operate as supposed.
• Stage 2: Prototype analysis utilizing a small picture sensor with the identical pixel dimension because the product specs however with a lowered whole pixel rely to confirm the efficiency traits of the picture sensor in observe.
• Stage 3: Ultimate prototype analysis utilizing a full-frame picture sensor with the identical specs because the mass merchandise together with the AD converter and so forth…
We consider that these three phases are mandatory within the improvement, and we’re at the moment within the course of of making the prototype sensor for Stage 2.
Based mostly on the analysis outcomes of the prototype sensor, we are going to resolve whether or not to proceed to Stage 3 or to evaluation the design information and re-prototype “Stage 2”. After we proceed to Stage 3, we are going to confirm the mass-producibility of the sensor with analysis institutes and manufacturing distributors based mostly on the analysis outcomes, after which make a last choice on whether or not or to not mass-produce the picture sensor.
Though we now have not but reached the stage the place we will announce a selected schedule for the mass manufacturing of the picture sensor, we’re decided to do our greatest to comprehend a digicam that may really please our clients who’re ready for it, as quickly as doable.
As soon as once more, I want to thank all of you to your continued assist of SIGMA.
We are going to proceed to attempt for technological improvement to fulfill your expectations and belief.
Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Government Officer, SIGMA Company
