Digital Home Thoughts: Sigma SD1: Rationalizing The Irrational

"This means that the SD1 can command a modest pricing premium. Conjecture, fueled by comments by some Sigma executives at trade shows and meetings during months prior to launch, hinted at $1,600 – $2,300 as the likely price point. Fine. But then on May 20 the Manufacturer’s Retail Price was announced at US $9,700."

Back when I mentioned the SDI annoucement I listed a short history and problems of the Foveon sensor (and the associated Sigma DSLRs). It appeared that despite the limitation of being able to use only Sigma lenses, the rest of the SD1 at least had competitive features that gave it a chance of making an impact in the current market. Well, Sigma just killed it all by announcing a retail price of US$9,700. At that price, there are so many other cameras to choose from, including Nikon's D3X, which can use Sigma lenses too (along with Nikkors, Tokinas, Tamrons, Zeiss, you got the idea), and Canon's 1DS Mark III. I am not the only one thinking if Sigma made a mistake, and Luminous Landscape has an opinion piece that analyses Sigma's decision. Personally, I think this will signal the end of the Foveon sensor, unless Sigma is stubborn enough to give it another go.