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Sigma Corporation Acquires Three-layer Image Sensor Developer Foveon, Inc.
TOKYO, Japan, November 11, 2008 - Sigma Corporation (Location: Tokyo, Japan) has acquired 100% of the stock of the company that developed the original three-layer image sensor, Foveon Inc. Foveon will continue its sensor development operations in San Jose, CA, USA.
Foveon made history when it developed and patented the world’s first three-layer image capture technology, placing a stack of RGB pixels in each pixel location. As a result, Foveon sensors detect all three primary colors in every pixel location, producing images that are sharper and have significantly reduced image artifacts compared to competing image sensor technologies.
Since Sigma first worked with Foveon in 2000, both companies have enjoyed a cooperative working relationship directed toward developing highly-efficient DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and compact digital cameras which take the best advantage of the X3 sensor technology. Sigma Corporation has employed Foveon’s technology in its entire digital camera line, producing images which are acclaimed by both amateur and professional photographers all over the world for their high resolution and for their three-dimensional look. Both the latest DLSR, the SD14, and the innovative compact DP1 camera – which packs the full spec of a DSLR into a compact camera – have met with similar acclaim. Two additional Sigma camera products based on Foveon’s image sensor technology have been announced for 2009.
The acquisition of Foveon will not only enhance the development of new types of image sensors for high quality digital cameras, but will also create a synergistic effect with Sigma’s camera and lens business by improving the integration between the camera and sensor. This will result in camera products which will uniquely meet the widely ranging functional and image quality needs of demanding photographers.
As the digital camera market continues to expand, Foveon and Sigma will continuously evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology, thus expanding the company’s photography-related business. In addition, Sigma remains firmly committed to preserving and nurturing the culture of photography.
Sigma fisheye lenses
Sigma is pleased to announce the launch of the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM the first Circular Fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras and 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM diagonal fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras for Sony and Pentax fitting cameras. This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensor, it produces circular image within the frame.
Sigma Fisheye lenses
The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, Super Multi Layer Coating and inner focusing system provides superior image quality. HSM ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and includes full-time manual focus.
Sigma 4.5mm Fisheye lens
• Lens Construction : 13 Elements, 9 Groups
• Angle of view : 180 degrees
• Number of blades : 6pcs
• Minimum Aperture : F22
• Minimum Focusing Distance : 13.5cm / 5.3in
• Maximum Magnification : 1 : 6
• Filter : Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
• Dimensions : ?76.2mm×77.2mm / 3in x 3.0in
• Weight : 480g / 16.9oz
Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM lens
This
diagonal fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. It produces a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees. The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3. It allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens’ front element. The exclusively designed integral hood and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimize flare and ghosting and create superior image quality.
Sigma 10mm Fisheye lens
• Lens Construction : 12 Elements, 7 Groups
• Angle of view : 180 degrees
• Number of blades : 7pcs
• Minimum Aperture : F22
• Minimum Focusing Distance : 13.5cm / 5.3in
• Maximum Magnification : 1 : 3.3
• Filter : Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
• Dimensions : ?75.8mm×82.6m / 3in x 3.3in
• Weight : 500g / 17.6oz
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Review:
The 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II is one of Sigma’s latest lenses, which was first announced in December 2007 for Canon, Nikon and Sigma, with a slew of follow-on releases adding compatibility for the remaining SLR mounts (i.e. Four Thirds, Sony and Pentax; however none of these versions are yet shipping). It’s a successor to the 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM of February 2006, with a refined optical layout offering improved optical performance, and becomes the fourth iteration of the same basic EX design first unveiled in 1999 (which was itself preceded by a well-respected 70-210mm F2.8 for 35mm). The HyperSonic Motor (HSM) focusing system promises fast, silent and accurate autofocus for users of all brands of DSLR, although Pentax users should be aware that this lens is effectively of ‘KAF-3′ mount specification, and therefore won’t focus on bodies which don’t support SDM lenses. Aside from that specific incompatibility, this is a design which will work on almost every DSLR ever made, and is therefore of unusually broad buyer appeal.
Sigma are fond of using a plethora of letters in their lens names (presumably on the principle that when faced with a choice, potential buyers will purchase the one with the most initials) and the 70-200mm declares its credentials accordingly. ‘EX’ stands for ‘Excellence’ and designates Sigma’s premium lens line, with superior build and optical quality, while ‘DG’ means that the lens coatings are optimized for use on digital SLRs, and the image circle covers the full-frame 35mm format. Finally ‘Macro’ is a pointer towards the closer-than-usual minimum focusing distance of just 1m, which compares favorably to the 1.5m more typical of lenses of this class, although it has recently been trumped by the 0.95m of Tamron’s SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro.
Of course as one of Sigma’s flagship lenses, the 70-200mm F2.8 boasts a suitably complex optical design, featuring 18 elements in 15 groups, two of which are Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass and two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for correction of chromatic aberrations. Other attractions include internal focusing and zooming mechanisms, and a quick-release tripod mount collar which can be removed from the lens in seconds. On paper at least, this is a lens which might interest a huge number of photographers across a range of abilities; so is it worthy of that interest?
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX design history
* 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO – Original version, minimum focus distance 1.8m (1999)
* 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG – Adds ‘digitally optimized’ lens coatings to reduce flare (2005)
* 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro (HSM) – Minimum focus distance reduced to 1m (2006)
* 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II – Improved optical performance (2007)
Headline features
* 70-200mm focal length range; fast F2.8 constant maximum aperture
* HSM (ultrasonic type) autofocus with full-time manual override
* To be available in Canon, Nikon, Four Thirds, Pentax, Sigma and Sony/Minolta mounts
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