Davide Caniatti

There are more than a few things in common between Foveon photographers and insecure males, but they also share a fundamental question: do sizes matter? A few days ago, I had the opportunity to upgrade: I added the H model to my Sigma SD Quattro. The difference is simple: the H model has an Aps-h sensor with a 1.3 crop factor. The original Quattro features a slightly less than the regular Aps-c sensor, with a crop factor of around 1.

The arrival of the zoom market in the 70s and 80s profoundly changed the photography market. For the first time, the amateur photographer, as well as the reporter, could have several focal lengths attached to their camera at the same time. The possibilities in terms of versatility of use and convenience were almost endless. No longer the need for two camera bodies, no more risky lens changes, but the lens always engaged and ready for use.

Foveon is undoubtedly a fascinating technology. In an era characterized by the invasion of camera AI and the return to film, this technology seems capable of combining the best of digital and analog. It retains the authenticity of analog, while from digital it inherits the low environmental and economic costs of management. But, what is Foveon? Conceived in 1997 with the contribution of the Italian genius of Federico Faggin(former inventor of the modern microprocessor and touchscreen!

Much has been written about Foveon sensors, and a lot will be on this blog too. In this short review I do not want to talk about the (extraordinary!) image quality of this camera, but to illustrate how it looks in the hands. Right from the start, it is almost impossible to place the Sigma Quattro in the traditional categories in which we are used to dividing cameras. We can say that it is mirrorless, as the machine does not have a mirror and therefore an optical viewfinder.