In a brief sit-down interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki, a lighthearted moment was shared when Lensvids asked why the company still makes specialised camera for its niche audience. "My father founded this company and his dream was to become a camera manufacturer," Yamaki responded.

"As a son, we have to continue otherwise he’ll come back to me as a zombie and may try to kill me. ”

Jokes aside, Yamaki also noted that Sigma’s engineers are passionate about creating complete systems. Also, by understanding the sensor mechanics and how images are processed, the team can learn how to make better optics which indirectly benefits the lens business.

"We will strive to develop innovative products with high quality. "

Among other things, Yamaki also acknowledged that the market size of the camera industry will have diminished 40% compared to 2012 in terms of shipments, if the current trend continues to the end of the year. However, while the industry has suffered Sigma sales have increased up to 30% over the past four years with the success of the Art lenses.

That said, Sigma’s growth has slowed down in some markets and declined in others. To combat sliding sales Yamaki’s strategy is to create new products that have never existed before because it may create new market entirely. With major brands choosing to dip into new territory such as mirrorless medium format, Sigma is hoping to also ride innovative trends and produce lenses for popular future camera formats.

While we didn’t quite love the Sigma SD Quattro, we applaud the company’s dedication and desire to achieve greatness. Also, there’s always the slither of a chance that Sigma might bypass the likes of Nikon and Fujifilm to create the next groundbreaking camera themselves.

2016-10-13 03:00