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| Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki. |
Sigma’s ongoing Foveon full-frame sensor improvement undertaking has run into many points. In February 2020, Sigma introduced that it was going again to the drafting board with its full-frame Foveon sensor and can be restarting improvement from scratch. A few 12 months later, it introduced it was absolutely engaged in analysis and improvement and requested for persistence from its followers. Yesterday, Sigma launched one other replace, sharing that the event of its full-frame Foveon sensor continues to be underway and that progress has been made.
Sigma’s CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, writes, ‘The event of the three-layer picture sensor is presently underway with the robust management of Sigma’s headquarters in collaboration with analysis institutes in Japan.’ Yamaki continues by outlining three major phases of the sensor’s improvement, together with repeated design simulations of the brand new three-layer construction to verify anticipated efficiency, prototype analysis utilizing a small picture sensor with the identical pixel dimension because the full-size, full-frame picture sensor, and remaining prototype analysis utilizing a full-frame picture sensor with the identical specs because the mass-produced model, together with the AD converter. Sigma is presently within the second stage.
‘Based mostly on the analysis outcomes of the prototype sensor, we are going to determine whether or not to proceed to Stage 3 or to overview the design knowledge and re-prototype “Stage 2,” stated Yamaki. ‘Once we proceed to Stage 3, we are going to confirm the mass-producibility of the sensor with analysis institutes and manufacturing distributors primarily based on the analysis outcomes, after which make a remaining resolution on whether or not or to not mass-produce the picture sensor.’
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| Coloration spectra derived from Uncooked photographs, with Foveon (prime) displaying a lot smoother red-to-green transitions and better capability to seize violet tones that exist past the blue filter that the three Bayer cameras can seize. |
Given the continuing work, Sigma can’t publicly touch upon when stage 3 will start and when the brand new full-frame Sigma digicam will probably be prepared for manufacturing. We additionally do not know all of the specifics of the picture sensor that is being examined. Initially, Sigma stated it will be a ’60MP’ picture sensor (20 megapixels occasions three). The sensor will incorporate Foveon’s 1:1:1 construction, which means that the sensor will report full shade at every pixel location, utilizing three separate seize layers. That is an integral a part of Foveon’s attraction and core expertise and permits Foveon sensors to ship better shade decision than Bayer designs.
It is also a part of what makes the brand new full-frame sensor so tough to develop and why Sigma has needed to restart the design course of with a brand new producer. Add in numerous challenges as a result of pandemic and provide shortages, and it is simple to see why Sigma has missed its authentic 2020 launch window.
The excellent news is that progress has been made and that Sigma stays dedicated to a full-frame Foveon digicam. We hope to study extra quickly.
Press launch:
Pricey SIGMA prospects,
To start with, thanks very a lot in 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 presently underway with the robust management of SIGMA’s headquarters in collaboration with analysis institutes in Japan. The phases of improvement will 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 perform as meant.
- 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 many others…
We consider that these three phases are vital within the improvement, and we’re presently 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 determine whether or not to proceed to Stage 3 or to overview the design knowledge and re-prototype “Stage 2”. Once we proceed to Stage 3, we are going to confirm the mass-producibility of the sensor with analysis institutes and manufacturing distributors primarily based on the analysis outcomes, after which make a remaining resolution on whether or not or to not mass-produce the picture sensor.
Though we’ve not but reached the stage the place we will announce a particular schedule for the mass manufacturing of the picture sensor, we’re decided to do our greatest to comprehend a digicam that may actually please our prospects who’re ready for it, as quickly as doable.
As soon as once more, I want to thank all of you in your continued assist of SIGMA.
We’ll proceed to try for technological improvement to fulfill your expectations and belief.
Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Govt Officer, SIGMA Company
