Manufacturing

For our manufacturing, we believe there are things more important than any of the technologies involved. One is the constant will to explore and challenge new technologies and innovations. Then, in order to turn these challenges into reality, there is our manufacturing base in Aizu; engineers who constantly explore technological innovations; skilled workers who continue to pursue accuracy and perfection. The interaction of different departments, skills and technologies is the engine behind Sigma’s unique products and manufacturing.

Core Technologies

Sigma’s core technologies are separated into three broad categories: development, manufacturing at our Aizu factory, and services. Together, they are the source of our digital cameras, lenses, accessories and software. Sigma’s unique products and services make use of inspirations and ideas that cannot be achieved within the confines of single branches but only through interactions between different specialized fields. Also, by handling each process, from research to development, manufacture and after-sales service ourselves, Sigma is able to accumulate a wealth of expertise and experience, which again helps us develop new ideas and technologies.

Small office, big factory

This phrase accurately describes Sigma’s unique production system and has been one of our fundamental principles since our foundation. Many of our products begin by following ideas such as “here’s a lens we would like to make” or “this would be the perfect product for us to create.” A highly-developed manufacturing technology is an indispensable requirement for turning such ideas into reality. A sharp sense of creativity paired with the power of a rich manufacturing system able to give shape to new thoughts. At Sigma, this balance is an integral part of our corporate philosophy.

a closely-linked business chain

Sigma’s production system is completely based in Japan: our compact supply chain is concentrated in the Tohoku region and almost all manufacturing, processing and assembly takes place at our manufacturing base in Aizu. This is an extraordinary setup in an industry that mostly favors “global procurement”, in other words sourcing the cheapest parts from around the world. Why do we insist on manufacturing domestically, despite higher costs? Because we believe such a domestic system to be an essential factor for creating unique and high-quality products.

The direct, face-to-face communication made possible by having our manufacturing site, our head office and our supply chain based in one single country also enables a speedy and meticulous product development. And because the same people are consistently involved in our manufacturing processes, they are able to accumulate a wealth of experience, knowledge and know-how from which new ideas and innovations can spring.

These are merits that cannot be acquired with money alone, and we believe them to be our greatest asset. That is why a domestic, fully integrated production system is so important to us.

Lenses and cameras

Following the constant improvements in resolution and multi-functionality of digital cameras, interchangeable lenses are also expected to deliver ever higher performance. Rapid technological advances are difficult to achieve. Instead, innovation is built on optical design, which relies on an accumulation of technology; on software that constantly needs to catch with with the latest technologies; and on mechanical design that brings everything together. Technical know-how as well as engineers with experience are an integral part of each step.

Camera development is the other foundation of Sigma’s manufacturing. With unique cameras such as the Quattro series and its Foveon sensor — the only sensor with vertical color separation in the world — or the small, lightweight full-frame fp series, Sigma has established its own unique image processing, software and mechanical design technologies.

Above all, designing and manufacturing lenses and cameras, the two fundamental tools of photography allows us to constantly consider, examine and re-examine the essential fun and pleasure of taking pictures from the standpoint of the photographer. Lenses and cameras. The pillars of Sigma’s business principle and philosophy of photography.