Sigma SD15 released

[thelps]

The DPreview site has announced that the SD15 is shipping in UK -- http://www.dpreview.com/news/1006/10061 ... ilable.asp
And here are some samples from the SD15 -- http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD15/sample-photo/index.html

While I am not keen to lug a DSLR around nonetheless the SD15 is an interesting camera that departs from the normal by having a Foveon sensor. Sure SD15 is the same resolution of the long available SD14 but it will be interesting to see what improvements have been made to the processing engine etc.

I was quite surprised at the DR range of this image http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD15/sample-pho ... IM2689.jpg
The detail that hold up inside the cave compared to the bright blue sky outside is astonishing for a non-HDR image. Not many sensors could achive this IMO.

 

[odklizec]

I was always a big fan of Foveon sensor. But I think it's too late for this SD15? It was announced two years ago and there are already many better cameras for less. BTW, Tim, don't be fooled by the HDR look of the some samples images! They are most probably processed with Sigma raw editor, which gave some photos HDR look. DR of Foveon sensor is impressive, but for example A12 actually beats the Foveon cameras in DR (see the DPReview tests). What I want to say is that the DR of Foveon sensor is not so unique in these days.

In my opinion, Sigma should focus on development of small pocketable cameras like DP1/2. And also new sensor with a bit higher resolution! I know the Foveon images can be easily up-scaled to 10MP, but I think it's most you can do without significant image degradation. It cannot beat (in terms of resolution) a good 12MP sensor like the one in A12 or X1. So I think they need new Foveon with higher resolution (at least 6-7MP).

 

[Muddy]

I think Foveon FF sensor will be a good push for this sensor.

 

[deejjjaaaa]

I was always a big fan of Foveon sensor. But I think it's too late for this SD15? It was announced two years ago and there are already many better cameras for less. BTW, Tim, don't be fooled by the HDR look of the some samples images! They are most probably processed with Sigma raw editor, which gave some photos HDR look. DR of Foveon sensor is impressive, but for example A12 actually beats the Foveon cameras in DR (see the DPReview tests). What I want to say is that the DR of Foveon sensor is not so unique in these days.

In my opinion, Sigma should focus on development of small pocketable cameras like DP1/2. And also new sensor with a bit higher resolution! I know the Foveon images can be easily up-scaled to 10MP, but I think it's most you can do without significant image degradation. It cannot beat (in terms of resolution) a good 12MP sensor like the one in A12 or X1. So I think they need new Foveon with higher resolution (at least 6-7MP).

of course we do not buy foveon cameras for anything but foveon look & feel itself no matter whether or not (and surely yes) other sensors can deliver more details, etc... because otherwise those cameras are rather obsolete...