Official Sigma SD-9 Announment

Ross Clark · Sep 20, 2002

I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.

Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Luis E Limon · Sep 20, 2002

Mmmm... delivery in Oct.... sounds to good to be true!!!

Price is good do!

Ross Clark said:
I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

--
E-20, C-3030 and E-100rs happy owner

Gary Eickmeier · Sep 20, 2002

Ross Clark said:
I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Sample images, anyone?

Gary Eickmeier

Dave Knadler · Sep 20, 2002

Luis E Limon said:
Price is good do!

Ross Clark said:

I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Click to expand...

--
E-20, C-3030 and E-100rs happy owner

--
http://www.pbase.com/davek/

Jim K53618 · Sep 20, 2002

Gary Eickmeier said:
Sample images, anyone?

Gary Eickmeier

I have not seen any real samples yet, those so-called samples on other threads are totally bogus. But I have been told that when I do see the samples from the SD9 they will be very impressive. I expect to get a demo camera in October. Samples will probably begin to make their way here soon now. All those speculations of trouble or problems with the foveon sensor and sigma camera will be finally dismissed. My source tells me that the samples won't make me jump up and down, but they will show respectable quality gains.

Regards!
--
Every Camera Has Short Comings,
some camera's fall short of coming!
http://digitalphotonews.ws

SOL #82371 · Sep 20, 2002

why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

Ross Clark said:
I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

James Jones · Sep 20, 2002

dan,

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0202/02021103foveonx3preview.asp
http://www.foveon.com/X3_comparison.html

If the foveon sensor performs the way they claim it will it will be HUGE!! Just look at the crops from Phil, those are completely impressive.

True, you won't be able to print 20x30s with this camera but you will produce some stunning 8x10s.

What kills it for me is the lens mount.

-James

dan k said:
Ross Clark said:

I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Click to expand...

Z (is real) · Sep 20, 2002

How about an embargo on running any press releases from a manufacturer if it has been more than six months from the camera announcement and they have not allowed Phil to post samples from a real camera?

I'm rooting for Foveon, but at this point they have little credibility left.

-Z-

Ross Clark said:
I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Rinus Borgsteede · Sep 20, 2002

James Jones said:
True, you won't be able to print 20x30s with this camera but you
will produce some stunning 8x10s.

What kills it for me is the lens mount.

-James

dan k said:

why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP
sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same
money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

Click to expand...

Rinus Borgsteede · Sep 20, 2002

dan k said:
why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP
sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same
money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

Here we go again, all sorts of people did not look at the images that were posted. The tests clearly show that that chip is on par or better than 6MP CCDs or CMOS. Quality means it is BETTER! the numbers mean nothing if the image is BETTER! The only problem is the 1.7x multiplier not the image quality.
Rinus of Calgary

Darrell Spreen · Sep 20, 2002

Z (is real) said:
How about an embargo on running any press releases from a
manufacturer if it has been more than six months from the camera
announcement and they have not allowed Phil to post samples from a
real camera?

I'm rooting for Foveon, but at this point they have little
credibility left.

I think most camera makers have announced at least one model more
than 6 months before samples were available for testing. And some
major manufacturers have delayed initial shipments longer than Sigma.
My recollection is that Sigma was promising late summer -- looks like a
one-month slip. Not bad for a brand new sensor in a manufacturer's first
digital camera.

I'm having a hard time with the credibility of the Sigma bashers.

Darrell

Boris · Sep 20, 2002

Ross Clark said:
I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

The Big problem....Sigma Lenses.....you are locked in....no thanks.
Boris

http://public.fotki.com/borysd/

Darrell Spreen · Sep 20, 2002

Rinus said:
Here we go again, all sorts of people did not look at the images
that were posted. The tests clearly show that that chip is on par
or better than 6MP CCDs or CMOS. Quality means it is BETTER! the
numbers mean nothing if the image is BETTER! The only problem is
the 1.7x multiplier not the image quality.

Photography is about image quality. Pixel counters don't seem to get it.

I personally think the multiplier factors in the various DSLRs are a bit of a red herring if we
get some good wide-angle lenses for these cameras. When 35mm first
appeared (the miniature camera!), the fact that a medium-format wide-angle

lens didn't give the same field-of-view on the 35mm wasn't thought to be a deficiency
in the 35mm -- it was simply a different format. We've somehow come to think
that 35mm frame size is a must when, actually, we're trying to force a new
format into 35mm camera bodies.

Let's see if the Olydak sets things right.

Darrell

Igor R. · Sep 20, 2002

SOL #82371 said:
why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP
sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same
money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

Those 3 megapixels are REAL, it is equal to about 8 Bayer megapixels used in D60 and other cameras.

David Barkin · Sep 20, 2002

I followed this question of 3MP on a number of threads in the Pro section. Not that I understood them!

However, basically, by eliminating the need for Bayer pattern interpolation, the 3MP of the Sigma is the equivalent of 6 MP on a Bayer sensor. In addition you eliminate Bayer patern moire and artifacts.

If anyone wants they can do a search. These discussions peaked in July of this year. If anyone wants an analogy, which car is faster?

A v8 with a one speed transmission or a 4 cylinder engine with five on the floor?

That's how great the difference is.

Dave

James Jones said:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0202/02021103foveonx3preview.asp
http://www.foveon.com/X3_comparison.html

If the foveon sensor performs the way they claim it will it will be
HUGE!! Just look at the crops from Phil, those are completely
impressive.

True, you won't be able to print 20x30s with this camera but you
will produce some stunning 8x10s.

What kills it for me is the lens mount.

-James

dan k said:

Ross Clark said:

I got the e-mail announcement from Sigma Corporation just now. NO
more rumors!

Dear Valued Customer:

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Sigma SD-9 Digital SLR using the Foveon X3 technology.
(SUGGESTED RETAIL $1799)
Along with this camera, Sigma is introducing two new flash units
dedicated
for use with Sigma SD-9, Canon, Nikon and Minolta Digital cameras.
We are providing you with the information on SD-9 , EF-500 DG
and camera related accessories.
Based on the information from Japan , we do expect delivery of this
camera in October 2002.

For more information, please contact your local Ritz camera store.

We appreciate your interest in Sigma products.

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

David Barkin · Sep 20, 2002

Hi All

Does anyone know if Sigma is making adapters for Sigma lenses made for Canon or Nikon? Does anyone know if it's easy to alter the mounts?

It's going to be a hard sell if you have to go out and buy a slew of lenses.

Dave

Corne26033 · Sep 20, 2002

dan k said:
why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP
sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same
money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

The way I understand it is that the 6Mp D60 sensor doesn't actually resolve 6MP. According to the review it resolves 1400lph (lines per picture height). So the 3072x2048 sensor in the D60 actually produces 2100x1400 in real detail (3Mp). Read here why that is: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/Glossary/Camera_System/Sensor_01.htm

The 3.5 Mp X3 sensor however, should in theory produce a real 3.5Mp
Regards

David Nee · Sep 20, 2002

David Barkin said:
Hi All

Does anyone know if Sigma is making adapters for Sigma lenses made
for Canon or Nikon? Does anyone know if it's easy to alter the
mounts?

It's going to be a hard sell if you have to go out and buy a slew
of lenses.

Dave

Yes, I seem to recall in the early press that Sigma would offer a modestly priced ($75 I think?) retrofit option to the Sigma SA mount from any of their lenses with another mount. Don't take this as absolute fact, but I'm pretty sure Sigma said it would be an option. Time will tell.

Dave

TZZDC26562 · Sep 20, 2002

dan k said:
why would someone pay almost 2,000 for a camera that has only 3MP
sensor, It may have good quality, but I would rather spend same
money on 6MP D-60 which is an excellent camera...

What people FAIL to understand is with the Foveon sensor it takes 1 pixel per color where as the D60/D100/S2 and every other camera on the market usually take 3 pixels to make 1 color. So in general a 6MP sensor if used to record just 1 pixel per color would be equivalent to a 2MP foveon class sensor (2MPx3 colors per pixel = 6MP of raw resolution, or 6MP resolution divided by 3 colors per pixel = 2MP)

Hope its not that confusing

Choice · Sep 20, 2002

Darrell Spreen said:
I personally think the multiplier factors in the various DSLRs are
a bit of a red herring if we
get some good wide-angle lenses for these cameras. When 35mm first
appeared (the miniature camera!), the fact that a medium-format
wide-angle
lens didn't give the same field-of-view on the 35mm wasn't thought
to be a deficiency
in the 35mm -- it was simply a different format. We've somehow
come to think
that 35mm frame size is a must when, actually, we're trying to
force a new
format into 35mm camera bodies.

35mm format always had wider FOV lenses than any other standard film format. No one complained because that was not an issue. With the FOV crop of most DSLRs, there is an immediate absense of ultrawide capability.

Member said:
Let's see if the Olydak sets things right.

If Olydak produces a shipping product, and if image quality stands up, and if there a lens with about 100 degree FOV, I'll be the first to cheer. Until then, I'll reserve my judgement.

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