Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki published an update on the Foveon X3 1: 1: 1 sensor and the camera that was delayed in February last year after the sensor he was working with could not go into mass production due to a critical failure.
Yamaki explains that the project had to be fully restarted after Sigma terminated its contract with the sensor manufacturer with which it had been collaborating for mass production of the sensor. As a result, the Foveon camera was postponed “indefinitely” a year ago. In an effort to inform fans about the status of the project, Yamaki provided a small update to this situation.
The company found that it needed to completely restart the process as it determined that the original sensor specifications would make it very difficult to develop a product that met its standards. He explains that the company is still in the research and development phase in this process and that Sigma has not yet continued the development of a camera itself.
Yamaki seems determined to express that Sigma is choosing to restart this process because of its desire to produce an excellent product, and anything they would have been able to produce to this point would fall short of that goal. Still, for those waiting for a Sigma Foveon camera, that device is probably still a long way off.
Below is Yamaki’s complete letter to Sigma fans:
Dear SIGMA customers,
First of all, thank you very much for your continued support and interest in our products.
In February 2020, we announced our decision to restart our plans for a Foveon X3 full frame sensor camera, starting with the development of new sensor technology. We have not been able to share any information about this project since then and I would like to use this brief message to provide an update on the situation.
As previously announced, we stopped the development of the project after the sensor we were working with was unable to go into mass production due to a critical failure. As a result, we also terminated our contract with the manufacturer of the sensor with which we had collaborated. In addition, we determined that the original sensor specifications would make it difficult to develop a product that meets our high standards and those of our customers and therefore we decided to return to design.
At the moment, we are fully engaged in the research and development of the project, led by our headquarters, and we are reviewing the specifications to ensure that we will be able to meet the expectations placed on this project. Although we have not yet developed the camera body, we will continue to do our best to create a camera in which we have complete confidence.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the strong and continuous support that you have given us.
All of our employees, including me, continue to do their best to develop new and excellent photographic technologies. Thank you for your patience and for your understanding.
Kazuto Yamaki
Executive Director, SIGMA Corporation
(via PhotoRumors)