Business Wire: Sigma announced the new Merrill series of digital cameras with the introduction of the DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill. The Merrill series is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Merrill, the co-creator of the Foveon X3 technology that powers Sigma’s lineup of cameras.
Merrill (1949-2008) was a brilliant engineer, talented photographer and Foveon co-founder. "This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality," said Kazuto Yamaki, CEO of Sigma Corporation. "As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honor of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill."
Sigma blog post re-captures the Foveon and Dick's Merrill history. Shri Ramaswami, General Manager of Foveon, recalls Dick Merrill as a man of vision and passion: "Dick had an excellent grasp of semiconductor technology, combined that with a newly ignited passion for imaging and built an entirely new, breakthrough imaging system. He took a personal stake in making Foveon X3 image sensor technology a reality, seeing an opportunity to make something truly unique and special. He possessed a rare combination of passion and genius that drove him to move from theory, to prototype, to product."
I applaud the new naming scheme. I also hope the next generation of cameras is named for Sigma's founder, Michihiro Yamaki, who recently passed away. Mr. Yamaki was a visionary who boldly adopted Foveon's technology and made the rest of the camera industry stand up and take notice. Having personally known both men, I can say I have the deepest respect for them both.
ReplyDeleteDick was a wonderful guy. Very happy to read about Sigma honoring his name.
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