First-ever digital SLR camera packing X3 chip looks picture perfect.

LAS VEGAS -- Not long ago, the introduction of Foveon X3 technology created massive buzz among fans of digital photography. "Fresh Gear" witnessed first-hand this new type of sensor, which captures red, green, and blue light at every pixel in a single exposure, offering some of the most color-accurate and sharp digital images ever seen. Today at Comdex Sigma showed off the SD9, the first camera to use the X3 chip. It's available now in the United States for an impressively low $1,800.

Maximum image data per megapixel

Capturing full-measured color images eliminates the need for color interpolation and results in little or no artifacting or noise. Instead of multiple chips, as found in three-CCD video cameras, X3 technology works on a single sensor. The single-chip design, a 25 mm diagonal CMOS sensor, cuts down on expense, power consumption, and the complexity of three-CCD cameras. The X3 contains 10.2 million photo detectors organized in three color layers to form 3.43 million pixels.

Camera specs

  • SD9 captures images in JPEG, TIFF, and RAW formats at a maximum resolution of 2268x1512 pixels.
  • Compatible with Sigma lenses only, the SD9 features a 1.8-inch color LCD.
  • Accepts Type I and II CompactFlash (including the Microdrive).
  • Connects to a computer with USB or FireWire.


Because it's an SLR camera, what you see through the viewfinder is what you'll capture, although in sports finder mode you'll be able to see outside of a defined picture area. Visit Sigma's site for full specs.

While the Foveon technology and trade show stock images are impressive, we've heard that some photographers have criticized the image quality. We'll get our hands on a Sigma SD9 SLR soon to verify the fantastic results we've seen this far.

Company: Sigma
Price: $1,800 (body only)
Available: Now