What's up with Foveon X3 technology?

[krackato]

I'm kind of thinking about getting either a Canon S50 or a Canon S400 digital camera, but I keep hearing that this Foveon X3 technology is just around the corner. The technology is already in the Signma SD9, but that's a big, professional camera. Supposedly the technology was supposed to come down to the consumer level and be a replacement for CCD technology.

I quote the review at DPreview:

"Foveon (a previously not-so-well-known technology company) and Sigma (never before produced a digital camera) have had the guts and innovation to come to a very aggressive and critical market with a totally new concept in digital image capture. They have made the first step in what must be seen as a revolution in digital photography.

Nobody can doubt that the X3 sensor is capable of doing much of what the hype promised, capture single pixel resolution, single pixel color. Indeed, in our tests it managed to perform beyond our expectations in matching the EOS-D60 for resolution. Time after time you find yourself opening images in Photo Pro, gliding the magnifying loupe over the preview and gasping at the incredible detail this camera can 'see'. "

So it seems like it's excellent technology. I know I'd probably be happy with the 4 and 5 megapixel cameras that are out now, but who doesn't hate buying outdated technology just as the next big leap is about to come out.

DPReview.com Review of Siigma SD9 and Foveon

 

[bioyuki]

Don't bother waiting for it, if Foveon survives, its sensors will only be found in prosumer DSLRs.

 

[corkyg]

There's always going to be a technology leap no matter what you buy. 2-3 years is about the current life of technology these days. And for consideration - Foveon is having some problems with noise as well as production.

 

[bioyuki]

IMO, Foveon will never make it big unless a major camera manfacturer uses it. With Canon designing and producing their own CMOS sensors and Nikon having a contract with Sony (biggest mistake EVER), it probably won't get picked up. Kodak seems like Foveon's last hope but I dunno where they are with contracts in regards to their current deal with Fillfactory. As corky-g said, there are some design flaws as well, high levels in the red channel being one of them.

Lets put it this way, photographers are way more loyal to a brand then computer users are. Having a great sensor will not make a PJ or photographer ditch his current system to go with Sigma of all manufacturers :disgust:.

 

[Gunbuster]

It also doesn't help that Sigma won't pay lens mount licence fees and is the "enemy" of Nikon, Canon, ....

 

[bioyuki]

Originally posted by: Gunbuster
It also doesn't help that Sigma won't pay lens mount licence fees and is the "enemy" of Nikon, Canon, ....

Sigma shoudn't even bother with the SA mount and just make F or EF mount lenses. I guess Sigma has aspirations of being a big time camera manfactuer LOL>

 

[0roo0roo]

yup, sadly all the major manufacturers are ignoring it. too much invested in their stuff.