Bad news: Sigma’s Full-Frame Foveon Camera is Still at Least ‘a Few Years Away’

PetaPixel had a quick chat with Sigma CEO Yamaki. And we have some bad news regarding the Foveon sensor development:

When asked about a timeline, Yamaki responded: “at least a few years, minimum.”
However, as disheartening as it might be to hear that, Yamaki promises that he and his team are not giving up.

The main problem they have is that the sensor requires a new manufacturing method. And Sigma still has not found a manufacturer that can do this. This is sad news because potentially the Foveon tech can you give you a true advantage in terms of resolution, and color rendering compared to the Bayer sensors. I am afraid it might get close to 2030 before we see such a sensor inside a new Sigma L-mount camera.

Panasonic announced the Lumix S 28-200mm F4-7.1 Macro O.I.S. (the smalles and lightest lens in it’s class)

Press text:

Lumix S zoom lens 28-200mm/ F4-7.1 MAKRO O.I.S.

The Lumix S lens series is extended with the S-R28200E, an ultra-compact zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 0.5x macro magnification. Measuring just φ77.3 x 93.4 mm and 413 g, it is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens*, making it the perfect companion for traveling, trekking and many other occasions.

The lens has a fast, precise autofocus, impresses with smooth exposure changes, a beautiful bokeh and is perfect for both photos and videos. It has the same 67mm filter thread and similar dimensions to the F1.8 fixed focal length series and the 100mm macro lens, making it particularly interesting for gimbal users.

When traveling and on excursions with small luggage, you will never miss a subject with this focal length. From macro, landscapes and portraits to distant telephoto shots of animals, for example, the range of motifs is wide. It is also protected against dust and splash water and remains fully operational in cold temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius.

Extremely compact – the smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens in the world*
Versatile – high zoom range from 28 to 200 mm, built-in O.I.S. and 0.5x macro f. Uncompromising image quality – high resolution and beautiful bokeh
Video optimized – minimized focus breathing & smooth exposure changes
Robustness – dust, splash and frost resistant
Efficient workflows – 67mm filter thread & approximately the same size as the F1.8 lens series

The Lumix S lens series is extended with the S-R28200E, an ultra-compact zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 0.5x macro magnification. Measuring just φ77.3 x 93.4 mm and 413 g, it is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens*, making it the perfect companion for traveling, trekking and many other occasions.

The lens has a fast, precise autofocus, impresses with smooth exposure changes, a beautiful bokeh and is perfect for both photos and videos. It has the same 67mm filter thread and similar dimensions to the F1.8 fixed focal length series and the 100mm macro lens, making it particularly interesting for gimbal users.

When traveling and on excursions with small luggage, you will never miss a subject with this focal length. From macro, landscapes and portraits to distant telephoto shots of animals, for example, the range of motifs is wide. It is also protected against dust and splash water and remains fully operational in cold temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius.

Extremely compact – the smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens in the world*
Versatile – high zoom range from 28 to 200 mm, built-in O.I.S. and 0.5x macro f. Uncompromising image quality – high resolution and beautiful bokeh
Video optimized – minimized focus breathing & smooth exposure changes
Robustness – dust, splash and frost resistant
Efficient workflows – 67mm filter thread & approximately the same size as the F1.8 lens series

 

Specs: Lumix S-R28200E

L-mount connection
Focal length 28-200 mm
Open aperture F4.0 (WW) – 7.1 (telephoto)
Smallest aperture F32 (WW) – F45 (telephoto)
Diagonal viewing angle 75° (WW) – 12° (telephoto)
Aperture type 9 blades / aperture with circular opening
Shortest distance 14 cm (at 28mm focal length)
Maximum magnification 0.5x
Lens construction 17 elements in 13 groups (1 aspherical lens, 1 UHR lens, 4 ED lenses)
Image stabilizer O.I.S.
Dust/cold/splash water protection Yes / Yes / Yes (-10°C to 40°C)
Filter diameter 67 mm
Dimensions max. 77.3 x 93.4 mm
Weight approx. 413 g
Packaging dimensions/weight 11.0 x 11.0 x 24.5 cm/ 835 g
Standard accessories Front cover, rear cover, lens hood

via Photoscala