Photokina's big announcement for Sigma was the SD1; 46MP Foveon (15.34 output file) in a professional magnesium body.

So, who's getting excited?

Well without the full spec and the usual vague release date then it's difficult to get too excited. But it does look like it may be a fantastic camera. If it comes in at the same price as a Canon EOS 7D, i.e. about £1100 and if unlike the SD15 it is on sale before it looks totally out-of-date, then I'll probably be getting one. So £1100 and out before April 2011 please.

Oh, and if Sigma want someone to test it out to check it can cope with action shots in low light at poorly floodlit night time football matches this winter then let me play with one! So I need at least ISO 3200 without too much noise in low light, fast accurate focusing on moving objects, at least 5 frames a second shooting. A good JPEG engine would be nice as well as it's a pain to have to shoot in RAW and post process to get acceptable results.

Should be very interesting indeed. I will be particularly interested to see how it is positioned within the market place. Will this push the price of the SD15 down (after we all have bought one)? Or will it perhaps trigger a whole new series of peripherals? In any event it will be interesting and full marks to Sigma for continued Foveon development. I will volunteer to test it for in the field nature and science shots....

Regards to all,

Well, this is what we were all routing for, and now it is a reality! Much will depend upon price of course, but, if pitched at the right level, this could be the camera to really put Foveon technology on the map. I would love one, naturally, but having recently bought an SD15, I am not sure funds would allow just now.

If Sigma can produce this camera in reasonable quantities and at the right price, it could really carve a presence for itself in the market. Presumably, Sigma will also be looking at some new full-frame lenses. A few more tweaks to Photo Pro, and we shall have a totally new and exciting system to contemplate. It will be interesting to see how this goes. Look forward to some proper reviews.

JA