foveon

Foveon: The Clever Image Sensor That Has Failed to Catch On

Back in the early 2000s, Sigma -- a company usually known in the photography community as a lens manufacturer -- released a new type of camera sensor named the Foveon X3. This sensor technology was first patented in 1999 by a company called Foveon, Inc. (later acquired in 2008 by Sigma) and featured an innovative color perception technology: a 3-layer stack of photosensitive diodes.

PetaPixel's Bold Camera Predictions

PetaPixel’s Bold Camera Predictions for 2022

We're starting a new tradition here at PetaPixel, where our staff gets together to discuss the things they know, not just think, will transpire over the course of the next calendar year. As bold predictions go, we're almost certainly going to get a lot of this wrong.

What is the Difference Between a CCD and CMOS Camera Sensor?

A lot of words have been written and exchanged about the difference between -- and possible advantages or disadvantages of -- CCD (charged-couple device) and CMOS (metal oxide semiconductor + active-pixel sensor) camera sensors. What really is the difference between them?

Sigma Apologizes, Says Full-Frame Foveon Camera is Delayed Indefinitely

Sigma's full-frame mirrorless camera with a Foveon image sensor has been sent "back to the drawing board" and delayed indefinitely. In an update posted to the brand's website, Sigma's CEO apologized for the delay, saying that he was "not in a position to offer any specific release plan."

Review: Sigma’s dp3 Quattro Technology Needs More Time For Improvements

Sigma's dp3 Quattro compact camera is a very different piece of photographic equipment. From the unit’s elongated body shape to its internal Foveon image sensor, it is a mini technological and design wonder. However, just because a piece of tech is fascinating does not mean it will be suitable for its craft. The Sigma dp3 Quattro may be mesmerizing, but is it worth the $1000 price tag?

Sigma Offers ‘Try Before You Buy’ Program for Its DP2 Quattro Camera

Sigma raised some eyebrows when they announced their upcoming DP Quattro cameras with their new Foveon Sensor and... unique... design. But even with eyebrows raised, at $1,000, the overhead for investing in this new and interesting tech might be a bit steep for some.

In hopes of convincing these people that the camera is worth the investment, Sigma has announced a new “Try Before You Buy” program that will put the funky looking shooter in the hands of at least a few curious souls.

Canon Patents a Multi-Layer Image Sensor with Five Layers Instead of Three

Remember the advent of multi-blade shaving razors? Single blades gave way to two blades and then three, four and five. There are even a six+ blade razors out there in case you want a REALLY close shave. Well, a fresh Canon sensor patent has us wondering if the same thing isn't happening to digital sensors.

Canon has patented a Foveon-like sensor before -- a type of sensor, initially implemented by Sigma, that uses individual layers for detecting red, green and blue -- but the company's newest multi-layer sensor patent shows not three, but five layers.

Sigma Tests Show the Foveon Sensor Can Out-Resolve Conventional 36MP Shooters

Sigma took a unique approach when it worked together with its sensor subsidiary, Foveon Inc., to build the newest version of Foveon sensor found in the DP Quattro camera.

Using technology that captures light simultaneously across three separate layers of sensors -- one each for blue, red, and green -- Sigma claims that, while smaller, the sensor is actually capable of out-resolving a 36-megapixel full frame sensor similar to those found in the Nikon D800E and Sony A7r.

Sigma DP1 Merrill is a Wide-Eyed DP2 Merrill, to Hit Stores Next Month for $999

As far as camera naming conventions go, Sigma's is pretty wacky. First off, we'll start with the news: the company announced today that its new DP1 Merrill compact camera will be available starting mid-September for a street price of $999.

Good, now that that's out of the way, lets talk about the name and the camera. Basically, it's a clone baby of the DP2 Merrill announced back in July, except the DP1 Merrill features a 19mm (28mm in 35mm terms) lens instead of a 30mm (45mm in 35mm terms) one. That's it.