Sigma Releases Update on Foveon Image Sensor

Sigma has recently released an update regarding the development status of their three-layer image sensor, Foveon.

According to the report, the development of the image sensor is currently underway in collaboration with research institutes in Japan. The report divides its development into three stages wherein Stage 1 includes repeated design simulations of the three-layer structure to confirm that it will function as intended, Stage 2 includes prototype evaluation using a small image sensor with the same pixel size as the product specifications, but, with a reduced total pixel count to verify the performance characteristics of the image sensor in practise and Stage 3 involves final prototype evaluation using a full-frame image sensor. Sigma reports that it is currently in the process of creating the prototype sensor for Stage 2 and on the basis of the evaluation results of the prototype sensor, they will decide whether to proceed to Stage 3 or to review the design data and re-prototype “Stage 2”.

Kazuto Yamaki, CEO, Sigma Corporation said “When we proceed to Stage 3, we will verify the mass-producibility of the sensor with research institutes and manufacturing vendors based on the evaluation results, and then make a final decision on whether or not to mass-produce the image sensor. Although we have not yet reached the stage where we can announce a specific schedule for the mass production of the image sensor, we are determined to do our best to realise a camera that will truly please our customers who are waiting for it, as soon as possible. We will continue to strive for technological development to meet your expectations and trust.”