Sep 26: Sigma SD14

The Sigma SD14 was announced by Sigma with a teaser ad a few weeks ago but today it becomes official.

The Sigma SD14 is a 14.1 megapixel DSLR with a Foveon X3 sensor. It has a 1.7x field of view crop, in camera JPEG mode, 2.5 inch LCD screen, built in flash, image sensor dust protector, 5 point auto focusing and 3 frames per second high speed continuous shooting mode.

Sigma SD14 News Release
The SD14, 14 megapixels (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) Digital SLR camera

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new Sigma SD14 Digital SLR camera.

The new SD14, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, can reproduce high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.

The SD14 Digital SLR camera features four JPEG recording modes, a large and bright pentaprism viewfinder with 98% coverage, a built-in flash with a Guide Number of 11, 5-point AF system, a large 2.5�? 150,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor as well as a new user friendly design. The durable shutter mechanism has over 100,000-cycle life and is ideal for the demands of digital photography.

Development
Sigma introduced its first digital SLR camera, the SD9, to the market in October 2002, and has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional alike. The second model, the SD10, released on to the market in November 2003 continued to build on the support of loyal photographers. However, demand for JPEG’s greater convenience in image handling has increased and in order to meet this demand the new SD14, powered by Foveon X3 direct image sensor, now includes JPEG mode with high image quality, high performance and versatility.

Sigma SD14 Product Summary

14 megapixels Foveon X3 direct image sensor

The Foveon X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR can capture all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel arranged in three layers, insuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green, and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor.

Until now, all other image sensors have featured a just single layer of pixels and each pixel captures only one colour of light, which has been filtered through a single colour filter. Since mosaic-based conventional image sensors capture only one-third of the colour, complicated computations are required to interpolate the colours they miss. Interpolation leads to colour errors, colour artifacts and a loss of image detail. Low pass filters must then be used to reduce colour artifacts. The use of low pass filters adversely affect sharpness and resolution of the final image captured.

* Foveon X3 is the registered trademark of Foveon.

In-camera JPEG mode offers added convenience

The SIGMA SD14 incorporates both RAW and JPEG image recording formats enabling photographers to capture the highest possible picture definition and small file sizes. JPEG recording, also built into the SD14, can be used for the following printing sizes;

• Super High (14.15 million pixels: 4608×3072 pixels) can be used for A3 (297x420mm/11.6"x16.5") or larger prints.
• High (4.64 million pixels: 2640×1760 pixels) for A4 size (210x297mm/8.2"x11.6") printing.
• Medium (2.1 million pixels: 1776×1184 pixels) can be used for regular size printing.
• Low (1.03 million pixels: 1296×864 pixels) can be used for web-page and e-mail transmission.

There is a choice of three JPEG quality settings: Fine, Normal and Basic.

Versatile and easy to use SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 exclusive software, supplied with the SD14

The SD14 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyses and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments (exposure, contrast, shadow, highlight, saturation, sharpness and fill-light for example). The photographer can make subtle or dramatic changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.

The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at point of capture. Photographers` personal modifications can be saved to the RAW, X3F file for future use.

SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 supports 8-bit TIFF, 16-bit TIFF, and JPEG file formats and also outputs images in sRGB, Apple RGB, Adobe RGB and ColourMatch RGB colour spaces. The default setting for output resolution is the same as the resolution selected when capturing the image on the camera (High, Medium, or Low). It is also possible to half, (for sending via e-mails) or double (for high quality enlargements, max. 18.58 million pixels： 5,280 × 3,520 pixels）the resolution when processing the image.

Image Sensor Dust Protector
Most digital SLR cameras are typically vulnerable to dust entering the body especially when the lens is removed for changing. Dust and dirt entering through the lens mount of a digital camera can be seriously detrimental to image quality. The dust protector of the SIGMA SD14 prevents dust from entering and adhering to the image sensor. Even if dust adheres to the dust protector it will not have an adverse influence on image quality as the dust protector is located away from the image sensor and is therefore out of focus.

Large and bright pentaprism viewfinder
The SD14 is equipped with a newly developed pentaprism viewfinder, which has 98％ (vertical and horizontal) coverage with 0.9x magnification, an 18mm eye point and –3 to +1.5 dpt dioptric adjustment.

Large 2.5�? LCD monitor
The SD14 camera features a new, large 2.5 inch, 150,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the image, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image composition. It features playback options including single frame, thumbnail display (9 images), and three types of magnification (which is achieved by use of the 4-way controller). Shutter speed, aperture and other settings can be seen by pressing the INFO button. The large menu interface makes reviewing images and navigating menu options easy.

Reliable and Durable Shutter
The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has life cycle of over 100,000 exposures. The shutter is ideally suited to the requirements of digital cameras. This new shutter dramatically reduces the amount of dust and dirt from the shutter mechanism. The photographer can enjoy taking pictures without worrying about dirt and dust adhering to the image sensor either from inside or outside the camera.

Fast and precise focusing with 5-point AF
The new auto focus sensor features 5 focusing points (center, left, right, up and down) ensuring consistently fast and precise focusing. The AF metering features a cross type sensor in the center of the screen. Selecting the AF point can be done automatically or manually by photographer.

High speed continuous shooting
The SD14 features a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second. Continuous shooting can be accomplished in conjunction with the camera’s predictive auto focus function when photographing fast moving subjects. The camera’s high-speed image processing circuits are capable of handling large data files generated by the high-resolution 14 megapixel sensor. The number of images that can be captured in continuous shooting mode is dependent upon the resolution setting; High - 6 frames, Medium - 12 frames and Low - 24 frames. These figures apply in either RAW or JPEG mode.

Built-in Flash
The Sigma SD14 camera’s built-in flash offers an angle of coverage of 17mm (equivalent to 28mm with 35mm full size) lens with a guide number of 11 (ISO 100). Built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed up to 1/180 sec. This built-in flash enables automatic S-TTL shooting, which allows simple, easy control of advanced photography techniques.

Easy to use multifunction interface
The new layout of control buttons insures quick identification of the desired functions and easy use of the multifunction interface in operating camera settings. Clearly marked buttons make it easy for the photographer to display and adjust the most important settings, namely ISO, resolution, JPEG quality and file type, and white balance on one screen, using one button. The top LCD panel incorporates a backlight, which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light or dark conditions.

Mirror lock-up mechanism prevents camera shake
The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror thus preventing vibration when the shutter is released. This prevents camera shake, and is especially effective for macro photography, using extremely long telephoto lenses or scientific work. Use of a remote controller (sold separately) or cable release (sold separately) also reduces the possibility of camera shake.

Three types of metering mode
The Sigma SD14 is equipped with three types of metering mode: 8-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering and Center Weighted Average Metering. This enables the photographer to select the metering mode depending on subject and situation. Exposure compensation function allows the photographer to override the exposure value set by the camera’s exposure meter.
Auto Bracketing function allows the exposure to be adjusted by 1/3 EV increments up to ±3 EV from the exposure automatically set by the camera. In situations where it is difficult to determine proper exposure, the auto bracketing function allows a sequence of pictures to be taken of the same subject at three different exposure levels; Appropriate Exposure, Under Exposure and Over Exposure.

Power Source
The Lithium-ion Battery BP-21 (included with the camera) can shoot approximately 500 images on one full charge. It takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with Battery Charger BC-21 (also included). The optional power grip PG-21 has a vertical shutter release button and can hold two BP-21 batteries, supplying more than enough power for most shoots. The AC Adapter SAC-21 (sold separately) enables the Sigma SD14 to obtain power from the mains supply.

The top LCD panel
The top LCD panel allows the photographer to quickly and accurately confirm information such as resolution setting, metering mode, battery status, and the number of images that can be recorded on the CF card. It also incorporates an orange backlight which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light or dark conditions.

Optional accessories
The SD14 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro, and fisheye. The EF-500 DG SUPER, EF-500 DG ST, and EM-140 DG flashguns offer fully automatic S-TTL flash dedication. Other accessories include the power grip (PG-21), cable release (CR-21), remote controller (RS-31) and the AC adaptor (SAC-21). These accessories ensure that the SD14 system is both user-friendly and versatile.

Sigma SD14 Reviews

PopPhoto has a first impressions review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "While the speed of capture on the SD14 is vastly improved over the SD10, it's not going to set any records. You can continue snapping at will until the buffer fills up, which happens around frame 6, the burst limit. ... But speed isn’t everything. We found our initial field shots to have very pleasing color—highly accurate, but still with a good dollop of saturation. You might even describe the colors sometimes as translucent. The resolution, as gauged by the Eyeball Method, appears to be about that of a 9MP sensor, which is what we were expecting. Noise control appears to be quite good; available light shots at ISO 800 showed virtually no grain or mottling."

ePhotozine has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "It is not the fastest camera out there but for many forms of photography speed is not essential. What the SD14 does have, apart from the advances in handling over its predecessors, is superb image quality and colour fidelity when used in its intended RAW format. Having taken away all of the over-sophisticated beginner modes has freed the camera up to take images in a simple and uncluttered way but you need to spend some time in post processing to get the best images."

PopPhoto has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "Apparently, the SD14’s internal image processor has a hard time converting high-ISO RAW data into JPEG form, while the supplied computer software handles the job more efficiently. The image processor also takes a glacial 8 to 10 sec to clear the buffer for another shot after a burst sequence of up to a mere six frames at 3 fps. That’s not even in the same ballpark as the burst rate and capacity of competitive DSLRs. In all, the camera handles well, opens creative doors with IR, and is technologically unique. But the promise of 14.1MP doesn’t pay off. And given what you can find in today’s DSLR market for $1,600, we see the virtue in shopping around."

CNET has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "While noise is often more noticeable in the darker parts of the grayscale in most cameras, the Sigma spreads its noise out more evenly amongst the colors. Also, the noise tends to manifest itself as off-color blotches with less defined edges than the speckles that appear in most other SLRs. ... Given this camera's bizarre performance, I suggest you don't use it above ISO 400. This severely limits its usefulness. If you're only intending to use this camera below ISO 400, for studio portraits, or perhaps for landscapes or infrared photography, then you may want to consider the Sigma SD14. However, even then that probably wouldn't make sense, since there are many other cameras that are available for the same price or less that can provide just as good, or better performance and image quality."

HomeTheaterHiFi has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "The Safeway vegetable rack - one of my standard test shots - shows that the SD14 tended to underexpose it a bit. Usually, I get some over-exposed highlights on the yellow peppers, but not with this camera. This is reasonably easy to fix in Photoshop or other photo editors (I like PhotoImpact), but it is better to give a subject like this about one f/stop more than the metered exposure, and/or shoot in RAW mode, which gives you more latitude in the photo editor stages. ... The Sigma SD14 DSLR is a fine camera. It has the easiest-to-use interface I have yet experienced, has a wide variety of lenses to fit it, and takes great photographs. Its infrared capability makes it unique among DSLRs, and its 14.1 megapixels will allow enlargements of just about any size."

DPExpert has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "The price of the Sigma is the problem. It is more expensive than the Nikon D200 and the Canon 30D. Happy Sigma owners argue that the image quality from the Foveon sensor is so superior to the conventional CCD/CMOS that the price is justified. We did a crude subjective comparison with a Nikon D80 (10 megapixels) and concluded that the Sigma has better edge definition without any nasty sharpening artefacts and therefore has more apparent resolved detail. The Nikon colour was more accurate, although inclining to cold. The Sigma was warm, which is an attractive distortion, but a distortion nonetheless. We shot in RAW mode so it was easy to adjust the colour balance before opening in Photoshop. The Sigma has better apparent dynamic range. While the differences between the cameras are small they can be seen."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Sigma SD14 Digital SLR and writes, "The Sigma SD14 is a unique camera with some unique capabilities. It is solidly made, well designed and handles considerably better than its forerunners. Performance is generally good, although the slow write times are a handicap. In terms of image quality, overall detail and sharpness are superior to any 10MP DSLR, but it is colour reproduction and dynamic range that are the camera’s real strengths, with an almost film-like quality. While it may not suit everyone, I suspect the SD14 will find its fans among professional photographers who are prepared to put in a bit of work to get the best out of it."

Pocket-lint has a review of the Sigma SD14 and writes, "The SD14 lacks any form of scene modes and other fancy photo trickery. This lack means the SD14 is as manual a D-SLR as you’re likely to encounter, and that’s rather refreshing. Unfortunately, that freshness is quickly let down by sluggish performance and a series of issues (AF, noise, white balance, handling) that overall, combine to make the camera less a pleasure to use than it should be. ... given the price and weight of other issues and the fact there are cheaper and better overall D-SLRs on the market, you should think hard before parting with your money."

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