I suppose it's common knowledge that cameras with Foveon sensors record images similar to film. Because each pixels contains the red, blue and green information pixels can easily be grouped together to become one large pixel. Foveon calls this feature Variable Pixel Size (VPS) and says:
The grouping of pixel locations increases the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the camera to take full-color pictures in low-light conditions with reduced noise. Using the VPS capability to increase pixel size and reduce the resolution also allows the image sensor to run at higher frame rates, accelerating the speed at which images can be captured.
This makes it possible to shoot high-quality digital video, enabling the development of the first cameras with true dual-mode functionality. Without Foveon X3 technology, cameras attempting to accommodate both still and video functions must sacrifice performance in one mode to do the other well. And since the sizing of pixels can be done in an instant, a Foveon X3 direct image sensor can capture a high—resolution still photo in the midst of recording video—yet another first in digital photography.
According to the data sheet of the current Foveon sensor only 640 x 480 @ 30 fps video is possible. I would accept that or a slightly larger frame size at 24 fps preferable at a much more pleasing 16:9 aspect ratio. Unfortunately after so many years no consumer camera with Foveon X3 sensor offers this VGA sized video mode. The Sigma DP1 is the first photo camera with Foveon sensor and movie recording but its tiny 320 x 212 pixel video (3:2) makes no one really happy. The movie quality is very good and film like though. Watch some movie clips direcly from the DP1 at rytterfalk.com.
