Originally posted by Pentaxor with respect to MF comparison:
I'm not sure why would you assume that the 3 layer silicon concept would produce bad colors if it captures every color detail more accurately. as was explained, the foveon sensor absorbs the RGB info per pixel as opposed to the Bayer sensor's 1 color info per pixel.
also, there is no proof yet nor sample that would support that the SD1 would have a lower resolution. again as mentioned, the Foveon sensor has the ability to capture 3 color info per pixel as opposed to 1 color info per pixel by a Bayer sensor.
First, color separation done the Foveon way is extremely lousy regarding accuracy. The sensor relies on the photon penetration depth probabilities and by nature creates very low color separation. This causes increased noise. And this lowers the DR. Also, I specifically mentioned DR in high quality imaging. The massive sensor size advantage allows for far larger full well capacity for the MF, allowing far superior image quality over the areas where photon shot noise dominates sensor generated noise.
Second, resolution is a function of luminance, not chrominance. Without the anti-alias filter Bayer sensors lose only something like 10% resolution against a black-and white sensor (or Foveon). Demosaicig does not lose much resolution at all. If the MF cameras had the low pass filter, the differencre would naturally be greater.
Interistingly, if the patent 20100155576 describes the Foveon sensor used in this camera, it does not have 3*15 million photosites as advertised, but 15 million blue photosites and 3.8 million green and red photosites. Of course it is possible that this patent does not describe this sensor, but I've not seen any recent other (sensor) patents from Sigma either.
Originally posted by Pentaxor lastly, the SD1 hasn't been released yet so the poor dynamic range premature conclusion is not even feasible nor has any bearing.
Plenty of the technology is known and how it influenced the DR also. Like that the poor color separation demands agressive color matrixing and this leads to increased noise.
Also, I did not say it has poor dynamic range. Just inferior to MF under certain conditions. Against the best APS-C (the Sony sensor in the K5 and D7000) it will be inferior for several reasons. If you insist, I'll go through them.