Sigma Foveon Images

Mobile coffee booth

SDIM0327in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

A couple more from a DP-2, to keep things going.

 

 

The update from Sigma’s CEO Kazuto Yamaki on or about February 19th was somewhat encouraging, and it's a rare occurrence when a CEO states something plainly and sincerely, without any apparent spin:

 

“In February 2020, we announced our decision to restart our plans for a full-frame Foveon X3 sensor camera, beginning with the development of new sensor technology. We have not been able to share any information regarding this project in the time since, and I would like to use this short message to provide an update about the situation. As previously announced, we halted the development of the project after the sensor we were working with could not go into mass production due to a critical flaw. As a result, we also terminated our contract with the sensor manufacturer with whom we had been collaborating. Further, we determined that the original sensor specifications would make it difficult to develop a product that will meet our and our customers’ high standards, and accordingly, we decided to go back to the drawing board.

 

At present, we are fully engaged in the research and development of the project, led by our head office, and are reviewing specifications to ensure that we will be able to satisfy the expectations placed on this project. While we have not proceeded to the development of a camera body yet, we will continue to do our utmost to create a camera in which we have full confidence.”

 

Meanwhile, here are a couple of images from a DP2 Merrill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

:

Huhhh it seems to be long time to wait next one.

SDQ

_SDI0958in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

I splashed out on an ancient SD14 because of it's easily removable hot mirror & the Foveon's unique response to IR (IR being seen in the red channel giving results similar to the old Aerochrome IR film)

wrabness aerochrome small by Mike Kanssen, on Flickr

 

seafront garden aerochrome small by Mike Kanssen, on Flickr

 

 

Getting similar results from a Bayer camera would involve huge amounts of skillfull post processing. The SD14 does this SOOC :)

petrochemist said:

I splashed out on an ancient SD14 because of it's easily removable hot mirror & the Foveon's unique response to IR (IR being seen in the red channel giving results similar to the old Aerochrome IR film)

 

Now that's interesting... Here are a couple from a Sigma DP2 Merrill.

 

 

Edited March 15, 2021 by rick_drawbridge

One from a Sigma DP2 Merrill

Sigma SD Quattro + 30mm kit lens

SDIM0422in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

Sigma DP2 Merrill.

 

_SDI1048in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1011in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

 

_SDI1031in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1055in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1039in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1017in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1022in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1186in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

Three from a Sigma DP2 Merrill

 

 

 

These are all wonderful - if it weren't for Raw and all of the hoops to jump through to get output I'd be sorely tempted. Sometimes even great ideas fail!

Foveon has it own disadvantageness. Lowlight noise, against the light, tracking ability, read/record speed, etc. These things make it almost disappear in the thin air.

Let's remain it alive here, at least.

Yes, the cameras and processing are primitive. However, I began my photographic career with my head under a dark cloth, peering into the back of a Sinar 4x5 camera; everything that's happened since has sort of washed around me, and I've sampled all the developments in film and digital. In a sense, the Sigmas take me back to the Sinar; clunky, inconvenient and demanding of the photographer, but capable of extraordinarily arresting images.

 

I originally bought into the Fovenon sensors because I was really impressed by the monochrome capabilities, and found the colour rendition to be something of a bonus. Here's a B&W sample from the DP2 Merrill, using less than half of the original file.

 

_SDI1040in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

_SDI1185in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

Hi Rick

Details acquisition by Foveon sensor is just amazing

_SDI1098in by blurrist lump, on Flickr

blurrist said:

Details acquisition by Foveon sensor is just amazing

 

It sure is, and not only detail but the very subtle recording of colour and tone. Here's a photograph of an old gum tree that's nearly monochrome, so delicate is the colour rendition. Lovely floral images of yours, BTW.

 

I just opened this thread for the first time this morning and am really impressed by the images you guys have created with this system. Absolutely beautiful! Rick, as I have said for many years, your ability to take ordinary subjects and turn them into fine art is just amazing! I hope you guys keep this going. I'm enjoying the pictures that you and blurrist have shared, with all of their incredible detail and color.