Sigma L-1
Sigma’s full-frame mirrorless is unlikely to be conventional
AS WITH Panasonic, Sigma has already publicly declared its hand for 2019. It’s planning on making a full-frame mirrorless camera using its unique Foveon triple-layer sensor technology, coupled with the Leica L mount. But while Panasonic has shown essentially finalised mock- ups of its upcoming Lumix S1, we know nothing about how Sigma’s new model will look. Given the radically unconventional designs of its recent cameras, in particular the interchangeablelens SD Quattro and the DP Quattro family of fixed-lens compacts, perhaps the only thing we can really expect is to be surprised.
Logically, however, we might expect Sigma to use its existing mirrorless SD Quattro design as the basis for its latest model. There’d be no need for the long tube-like protuberance that holds the lens mount, though, because the L mount sits much closer to the sensor than Sigma’s old SD mount, which was originally designed for 35mm film SLRs. The reminder of the camera’s design may look odd, but I found it works reasonably well. Having said that, it offers no clear advantage over a conventional SLR shape either.
Keeping it steady
All previous current Foveon sensors have given extraordinary detail and colour gradation at low ISO, but rapidly deteriorated in terms of overall image quality as the sensitivity is raised. Assuming no great technological breakthrough in the full-frame version, this means that the feature I’d most like Sigma to add is in-body stabilisation. This would help photographers continue to work at low ISOs for longer without needing a tripod. It would also enable the firm to make a good range of sharp prime lenses without having to worry about including optical stabilisation.
I’d also love to see Sigma make a foray into APS- C, and produce a small L-mount body with a Foveon sensor that would be able to use its excellent little DN prime lenses.