New products offering
ultra-high image quality
Through careful experiments
and analysis, Lyon performed
theoretical research into the light
absorption characteristics of silicon,
determining a set of red, green, and
blue spectral sensitivity curves for
theoretical R, G, and B photodiodes
at specific depths. Based on his
research, Lyon concluded it was
possible to use the technology to
produce color images of a high
quality that would satisfy the
discerning professional.
Through the efforts of Dick
Merrill, Dick Lyon, and many other
engineers, Foveon produced the
prototype of the Foveon X3®
direct image sensor and continued
to refine it. At last in 2002,
through trial and error, creativity,
and powerful resolve, Foveon
completed the development
of an image sensor ready for a
commercial digital camera.
In October 2002, the Sigma SD9
camera debuted, featuring the
Foveon X3® direct image sensor. It
was and is the world's first single-
chip, full-color image sensor.
The Sigma SD series arrives
With its focus on creating lenses
of the highest resolution possible,
Sigma found the idea of using a
resolution-reducing optical low-pass
filter—on which conventional digital
SLR cameras rely—completely
unacceptable. A lens manufacturer
with a philosophy of leveraging its
own technology to offer the highest
level of product quality, Sigma
introduced the SD9, its first digital
SLR camera and the first camera in
the world to feature the Foveon
X3® direct image sensor.
Sigma had accepted the risk of
implementing a new technology
and selected the Foveon X3® direct
image sensor for its flagship digital
SLR camera. Having no need for an
optical low-pass filter, the Foveon
X3® direct image sensor made
full use of the potential of Sigma's
high-resolution lenses to produce
lifelike images rich in emotion and
presence.
Best lens, best image sensor
Having selected the Foveon
X3® direct image sensor to bring
out the full potential of its lenses,
Sigma once again dedicated itself to
taking the quality of its lenses to a
new level. Aiming not just for a high
modulation transfer function (MTF)
value, Sigma took a holistic approach
to lens developing, pursuing the
best photographs and best finished-
image quality possible.
In November 2008, Sigma purchased
Foveon, creator of the Foveon
X3® direct image sensor. With strong
synergy in goals and philosophy,
the two companies make an ideal
combination. In addition, Sigma had
always focused on developing its
own technology and manufacturing
its own products, including
everything from tiny screws to
injection molds. As a unified entity,
Sigma and Foveon have continued to
pursue the industry's highest level of
quality while offering products at a
reasonable cost.
Having merged the best lens with
the best image sensor, Sigma has not
stopped asking the central question:
what makes for the best overall
photograph? Sigma has continued to
pursue excellence in the body of the
camera and all of the components
to offer each photographer the best
camera possible.
Dick Lyon
The Sigma SD9 and The Foveon X3® direct image sensor.
Dick Merrill
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