Nikon Is Awarded $14.5 Million From Sigma In VR Patent Lawsuit
It looks like Nikon has finally won its lawsuit against Sigma for its patented VR image stabilization technology dating back as far as May 2011. Recently, Sigma was ordered by the Tokyo District Court to fork over 1.5 billion JPY or roughly around $14.5 million as compensation for the company deemed by the judge for using Nikon's technology in their lenses. As of right now, there is no telling what the future holds for Sigma as they move forward in producing new lenses, but it's unrealistic to think that they will stop making optically-stabilized lenses. Depending on the decisions they make, it may result in Sigma raising their prices on future lenses. They may be forced to develop new technology or perhaps reach a deal with Nikon and continue to use their technology by paying a royalty. Either way, each alternative is costly, so we'll have to wait and see.
[Via Nikon Rumors]
Check Out Sigma's DP2 Quattro Camera
Sigma, the Japanese company that has been offering quality photography products for years, has recently unveiled its newest camera, the Sigma DP2 Quattro. Billed as the next generation of compact cameras, the DP2 Quattro sports a rather unique minimalistic design that looks good and can fit in your pocket. With its design also comes some new features inside, such as a new sensor, the Foveon X3, that captures light vertically, unlike other sensors that capture light horizontally. With the new three layer sensor, Sigma states there will be "a 30% increase in resolution to the previous Foveon sensor," resulting in 20MP images with great detail. The camera will be accompanied with a 30mm f/2.8 lens when it releases but there is no word on when it will hit the market. To learn more about the about the Sigma DP2 Quattro Camera, head on over to Sigma's official website here.
[Via Sigma Photo]