Update 2020: Sadly this technology, while still around today, never did take off. The company wasn't able to get it in the hearts and minds of people. Or in cases like me, I was waiting to see if it would take off. The concept was wonderful and really in the one important way (all colors recorded directly at each pixel instead of 'guessing' the other 2 colors at each pixel.) I still hope some day this concept (all pixels directly record all 3 colors) will take off, but it doesn't look likely.
Here is the article the way I wrote it, unaltered other than possibly spelling mistakes, as I wrote it in 2002.
This high-definition digital camera back for Nikon and Canon cameras is powered by the FOVEON® X3™ image sensor, which can capture all RGB colors at each and every pixel. The Digiback DX30 will be introduced at booth No.327 at PMA 2003 in Orlando, Florida, USA Feb 24-27, 2003.
Are you tired of Digital cameras that aren't up to par with your "real" camera? How many people complain that cameras like Nikon's D1 are just not as good as the F5 or F100? Would you like to have the power of a 30Megapixel digital camera inside your real camera? Would you like planned longevity to replace planned obsolescence? Not only does the Digiback DX30 take advantage of your favorite features in cameras like Nikons and Canons, extending their life into the digital field but the Digiback DX30 is designed for upgrading. All parts of the Digiback DX30 are designed for field replacement so that, as better image sensors, better storage options, faster data transfer choices become available, they can be replaced without throwing away your DX30! Just upgrade the part you need upgraded.
The Digiback DX30 truly is the next generation in digital photography ... and the next ... and the next ... and the next!
Price and availability to be announced.
1. Digiback DX30 with FOVEON®X3™ Technology
The breakthrough Digiback DX30 camera features the FOVEON®X3™ image sensor which is the world's first image-sensor that features three layers of photo detectors. The layers are embedded in silicon to take advantage of the fact that red, green and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths allowing full-color to be measured at every pixel. The layers are positioned to take advantage of the fact that silicon absorbs different colors of light at different depths, so one layer records red, another layer records green and the other layer records blue, This means that for every pixel on a FOVEON®X3™ image sensor, there's actually a stack of three photo detectors, forming the first and only full-color capture system.
Digiback DX30 powered by FOVEON® X3™ image sensors capture red, green and blue light at each and every pixel. All other image sensors feature just one layer of photo detectors, with just one photo detector per pixel. To capture color, pixels are organized in a grid, or mosaic, resembling a three-color checkerboard. Each pixel captures just one color-red, green or blue. Filters let only one wavelength of light (red, green or blue) pass through to any given pixel, allowing it to record only one color. As a result, mosaic sensors capture only 25% of the red and blue light, and just 50% of the green.
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This approach has inherent drawbacks, no matter how many pixels a mosaic-based image sensor might contain. Since they only capture one third of the color, mosaic-based image sensors must rely on complex processing to interpolate the two-thirds they miss. Interpolation leads to color artifacts and a loss of image detail. In fact, some digital cameras intentionally blur pictures to reduce color artifacts.
That's why the Digiback DX30 powered by FOVEON®X3™ technology delivers twice the sharpness, better color detail and greater resistance to unpredictable color artifacts.
Click here to see Sample pictures
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2. RAW Image Format
With the RAW data recording system of the Digiback DX30. It is possible to obtain high picture definition and compact file size. Lossless compression system of RAW data, eliminates image deterioration, provides superior pictures without sacrificing original image quality, RAW data is convertible into high TIFF and JPEG formats by dedicated image processing software "Digiback Pro Photo". According to the requirements of the photographer, it is also possible to change the characteristics of the image, such as white balance, brightness, contrast etc. when it is converted into TIFF and JPEG formats. Even if the photographer makes some additional adjustments to the image, the quality of the image will not deteriorate, if the photographer makes the adjustments based on the saved RAW data.
3. Image Recording with Three Resolution Settings
Depending on the intention of the photographer, the Digiback DX30 allows photographers to select the resolutions of RAW data images in one of three resolution modes.
HI mode delivers highest resolution image performance with (2263x1512 pixels) x 3. MED mode (1134x756 pixels) x 3 has high definition and recording capacity. LOW mode (756x504 pixels) x3 allows consecutive shooting of more images.
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4. Super Finder
The Digiback DX30 comes with a replacement focus screen that magnifies the image in your camera's viewfinder so that the digital image fills the whole screen. The optional Sports finder gives you a larger view where the image displays in the inner etched area, but the outside area around the image sensor can be seen.
The range that is out of the image sensor coverage area is marked by transparent light gray, to distinguish it from the active picture taking area.
It is also important to control the surrounding situation of the photographic subject. In this respect. The super finder will be ready to provide a good opportunity to take a good picture anytime. This is ideal for sports and nature photography - you can see when the subject is moving into the picture frame. When taking a picture of a fixed object or close-up photography, composition can be easily determined because the area outside of the range of the picture can be seen.
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5. Dust Protector
Dust and dirt entering through the lens mount of the camera can create serious defects in image quality. If dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor and are not removed, it will degrade the image quality. In order to prevent dust entering and adhering to image sensor, the body mount of Digiback DX30 is equipped with an integral dust protector, The dust protector of the Digiback DX30 prevents dust from entering and adhering to the image sensor, Even if dust adheres to the dust protector it will not have an influence on image quality because the dust protector is located well away from the image sensor,
6. Easy To Use Interface
Each button of the Digiback DX30 is devised and arranged to provide a functional and easy-to-use setting, And of course, all the standard buttons and features of your favorite camera will work the way you want them to.
By means of the 4-Way Controller on the back of the body, menu settings and camera settings can be selected and adjusted very quickly.
By using the Zoom-in View mode, the details of the image can be enlarged and examined by moving the cursor and choosing the area viewed with the 4-Way Controller.
The command dial can quickly select the resolution settings, and the ISO sensitivity setting. It is also possible to shift the exposure program in the Program AE Mode.
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7. 1.8" type TFT Monitor
The Digiback DX30 is equipped with a large 1.8' 130,000 dot low temperature polysilicon TFT-LCD monitor with white LED on the back panel, which displays images, menus and histogram, The coverage area of the LCD monitor is 100% of the area seen by the image sensor, and it will have similar coverage to that seen from the viewfinder. Thanks to the LCD-monitor, the composition can be seen easily.
By operation Of 4-Way Controller, three types of screen display can be chosen; thumbnail display (9 segments simultaneous display), Single-image display, and a Zoom-in display (the area to be enlarged can be freely chosen with the 4-Way Controller).
8. Firewire (EEE1394) & USB Interface
The Digiback DX30 can transmit the images from camera to computer with high-speed Firewire IEEE1394 (S400) and widely available USB interfaces,
9. Image Storage Media; Compact FlashTM(CF) Card, Microdrive®.
Digiback DX30 employs CF card as Image Storage Media. Since the Digiback DX30 is compatible with the Compact Flash both Type I and II card, use of IBM Microdrive is also possible.
The outstanding storage capacity of IBM Microdrive ® enables photographers to use the camera even more effectively.
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10. AA Batteries
Digiback DX30 uses standard AA batteries. You can use Alkaline, NiMh or, for cold weather and maximum battery life, Lithium power.
A shutter release button is supplied with the optional power pack for vertical shooting,
11. NTSC/PAL
Digiback DX30 camera's video output system can be switched between PAL system (used in Europe, etc..) and NTSC system (in Japan and the U.S., etc.). This means that video output of the Digiback DX30 Picture is possible anywhere in the world.
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Digiback DX30 Digital Camera with X3Technology