Monday, October 02, 2006
Sigma SD14 DSLR with 14 Megapixel Foveon X3 Sensor
Sigma has introduced their new SD14 digital SLR camera. The SD14 uses the new 14 megapixel Foveon X3 digital image sensor. Sigma appear to the the only digital camera manufacturer to currently use the Foveon sensor in a line dslr cameras. Canon, Nikon and the rest of the majors still use their own cmos or standard ccds.
The Sigma SD14 is the first Sigma camera to output to jpeg mode. While it does not have a dust removal system Sigma has designed a dust protector that covers it’s image sensor. Sigma uses a LiOn BP-21 battery with an optional ac adapter.
Accessories included in the package consist of Li-ion power battery BP-21, Battery charger BC-21, USB cable, video cable, neck strap, eye cap, body cap, eyepiece cap, SIGMA Digital Photo Pro 3.0 CD Rom, SD14 instruction manual.
Sigma SD14 Specs |
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| Format: | DSLR | Manual Focus: | Y |
| Megapixels: | 14mp | Focal Length: | |
| Optical Zoom: | use external lenses | Image Stabilization: | N |
| LCD: | 2.5" | Connectivity: | USB |
| Digital Camera Memory: | Compact Flash | Movie Mode: | N |
| Aperture: | Battery Type: | Lithium Ion | |
| RAW: | Y | Hot Shoe: | Y |
| Shutter Speed: | 1/4000-30sec | Dust Removal: | N |
| Exposure: | ISO100-1600 | ||
| SD14 Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.7 x 4.2 x 3.2 in (144 x 107 x 81mm) | ||
| SD14 Weight (inc. batt.) | 28.8oz (817g) | ||
| SD14 Intro. price (US): | $2059.99, 1099.99 pounds | ||
Some key points from their press release.
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. 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.
About the Foveon 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.
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 is also built into the SD14.
Sigma SD14 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 98% coverage pentaprism with 0.9x magnification with 2.5” 150,000 pixel LCD monitor.
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.
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.
Sigma SD 14 Digital Camera 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.
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