Sigma SD-9 (2002) / Nikon D500 (2016)

Sigma SD-9 (2002) / Nikon D500 (2016)

www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157674080070711

The 3.4 MP Sigma SD-9 (2268 x 1512)
Price: US$1,800
Photo prices with the Sigma 18-125 mm 1:3.5-5.6 DC
(with a multiplication factor of 1.7)
100-400 ISO

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The Nikon D500 20.9 MP (5568 x 3712)
Price: US$2,000
Photo prices with the Nikkor AF-S VR 24-120mm f/4 G ED N
(with a multiplication factor of 1.5)
100-51200 (100-1640000) ISO

Another splendid example from Marc's series of camera comparisons. The difference in the SD9 sky color, the so-called "Foveon Blue", is noticeable.

I like the way that the detail-comparison shots are left at 100% - the only fair method in my opinion. Up-sampling introduces softness caused by interpolation and possible pixelation. Down-sampling causes increased sharpness and possible aliasing. Not so bad for this 1.7 crop versus 1.5 crop but imagine 4/3" versus full-frame!

Other opinions vary in that regard.

No need to imagine ...
FF CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24 mm) and µ4/3 sensor (13 x 17.4)

Nikon D810 (2014) / Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (2016)
www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157720167698554

Or MF sensor (44x33 mm) and 1/2.3" sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm)

Pentax 645D (2010) / Pentax Q (2011)
www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157716800757806

Thank you Marc!
I downsized the Nikon and separately upsized the Olympus, based on the ratio of image width.

Some might not see much difference on their screen. But when the same comparison image has edge detection applied differences do become noticeable between the one at original size and the other re-sampled to the same size:

To do edge detection, I convert an image to grayscale; apply Laplace edge detection; increase visibility with Levels; then change to pure black and white with Threshold. All in the GIMP.

The panes are not framed exactly the same because of the difference in aspect ratio between the cameras ...

The "FUNDAMENTAL" approach to Foveon image sensor technology is impeccable and unmatched.

When you have your fundamentals right...the end results speak for themselves.

For me personally, its either Foveon for digital imaging or Film for analog imaging.

Regards,
Sattva

P.s: Thank you for your comparisons Maoby. Appreciate the effort.

Thank you very much 👍🏻