The Sigma SD14 Digital SLR camera uses the innovative, Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor that is capable of detecting red, green and blue light at every single pixel. The colors produced by this three-layered image sensor, which works like photographic film, create high definition images, rich in gradation and with impressive three-dimensional detail. There's absolutely no loss or distortion of the optical data which is transformed into a faithful image, with no omissions. 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 user friendly design. The durable shutter mechanism has a lifespan of over 100,000 cycles, and is ideal for the demands of professional digital photography.
Key Features
Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor
The Foveon X3 direct image sensor can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixels arranged in three layers, insuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green, and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor.
Image Sensor Dust Protector
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.
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. There are four JPEG recording modes - Super High can be used for A3 (297x420 mm/11.6"x16.5") or larger prints; High for A4 size (210x297mm/8.2"x11.6") printing; Medium can be used for regular size printing. Low can be used for web-page and e-mail transmission. There is also a choice of three JPEG compression levels - Fine, Normal and Basic.
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 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 that can be accomplished in conjunction with the camera's predictive auto focus function when photographing fast moving subjects. 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; 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 35 mm full size) lens with a guide number of 11 (ISO 100), and can be synchronized to a shutter speed up to 1/180 second. This built-in flash enables automatic S-TTL shooting, which allows simple, easy control of advanced photography techniques.
Easy-to-use Multifunction Interface
The layout of the 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
The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror prior to shooting, 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 Metering Modes
The Sigma SD14 is equipped with three types of metering modes: 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, and an Auto Bracketing function allows the exposure to be adjusted by 1/3 EV increments up to plus/minus-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.
Long-life Power Source
The BP-21 Lithium-ion Battery (included with the camera) can shoot approximately 500 images on one full charge, and takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with the BC-21 Battery Charger (also included). The optional PG-21 power grip has a vertical shutter release button and can hold two BP-21 batteries, supplying more than enough power for most jobs. The SAC-21 AC Adapter (sold separately) enables the Sigma SD14 to obtain power from the mains supply.
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.
Large and Bright Pentaprism Viewfinder
The SD14 is equipped with a pentaprism viewfinder, which has 98-degrees(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 large 2.5 inch, 150,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor, that 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, and the large menu interface makes reviewing images and navigating menu options easy.
Includes Photo Pro 3.0 Software
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, the Auto Adjustment Mode analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data, and the Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments (exposure, contrast, shadow, highlight, saturation, sharpness and fill-light for example). Subtle or dramatic changes can be made by the photographer easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software. SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 supports 8-bit TIFF, 16-bit TIFF, and JPEG file formats and also outputs images in sRGB and AppleRGB color space.