Sigma SD1 Starts Shipping In June

Sigma SD1 starts shipping in June for $9,700, has its sights set on medium format lovers and durably built as the SD1 may be, it still only packs a 15.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that spans 24mm x 16mm (or APS-C size). It will have to earn its stripes on the battlefield of image quality, which it’ll be ready to march onto in less than a month’s time………..

 

Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that its flagship DSLR, the Sigma SD1, will be available for purchase for the MSRP of $9,700 in early June. This 46-megapixel DSLR is delivered in a splash-proof, easy-to-handle build that is similar to that of a classic 35mm camera. Professional and high-end enthusiast photographers will utilize the SD1‘s exclusive Foveon 23.5×15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor to capture exceptionally rich and detailed images that have a film-like quality. Users will also benefit from Sigma’s wide selection of interchangeable lenses that are compatible with the SD1. “The SD1 will carve out a new category in the marketplace by providing high-end photographers with an alternative to very expensive medium-format cameras and digital backs, while offering unrivaled image quality,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “By embracing the SD1, serious photographers will also be able to take advantage of Sigma’s extensive lineup of affordable lenses, which are compatible with this new camera. The selections of lenses for medium-format cameras on the market are somewhat limited, so this will be a huge advantage for SD1 users. This is undoubtedly a very special camera, and we’re thrilled to share it with the photo community.”

 

In addition to the 23.5×15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor, the Sigma SD1 features dual “Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine (TRUE) II” image processing engines, which improves processing speed, provides high resolution power and produces high-definition images with richly graduated tones. It also allows simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording, which is a first for Sigma cameras. Additionally, the photographer has the option to select full-size, half-size or quarter-size RAW files making it a more versatile camera for a wide range of photographers. The Foveon sensor uses three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths. This technology efficiently reproduces color more accurately and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required. The optical format of the Foveon sensor has been upgraded from that which was used in previous SD cameras, and has increased from 1.7x focal length to the 1.5x focal length multiplier. The SD1 also benefits from improved image processing and noise reduction algorithms, with an ISO sensitivity range from 100 to 6400. This is two full stops more sensitivity than the SD15, which has a maximum 1600 ISO. An intuitive user interface and an impressive lightweight, yet solid magnesium alloy body and O-ring sealing connections that make the camera durable and splash proof are also key feature upgrades of the flagship SD1.

 

The SD1 adopts the TYPE 1 Compact Flash Card and is UDMA-compatible enabling fast processing of large amounts of data. The autofocus system features an 11-point shifted twin cross type sensor, which improves AF accuracy. The SD1 features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition. The SD1 can be used with more than 40 Sigma SA mount lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheye.Sigma‘s image processing software, Photo Pro 5.0, comes bundled with the camera and its simple operation allows quick and easy capture of the desired imaged. Additional functions such as Loupe, Slideshow, Print, Convert to JPEG file and Batch White Balance settings are also incorporated into this software.The Sigma SD1 will be available for the MSRP of $9,700 through select authorized Sigma dealers. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com. For more information about the Sigma SD1 DSLR, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/sd1-dslr-sigma or view the camera’s special page at www.sigma-sd.com/SD1.

 

Sigma SD1 camera specifications:

Format Interchangeable lens SLR camera
Storage Media Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible)
Image Sensor Size 24 x 16mm (1.5x APS-C)
Lens Mount SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses
Image Sensor X3 direct image sensor (CMOS)
Effective Pixels 46MP (4,800×3,200×3 layers)
Aspect Ratio 3:2
Still Image Format Exif 2.3, DCF 2.0
File Size RAW
• High
• Medium
• Low
JPEG
• High
Fine
Normal
Basic
• Medium
Fine
Normal
Basic
• Low
Fine
Normal
Basic
Approx 45 MB (4704 x 3136 x 3)
Approx 24 MB (3264 x 2176 x 3)
Approx 12 MB (2336 x 1568 x 3)

Approx 10 MB (4704 x 3136 x 3)
Approx 5.6 MB (4704 x 3136 x 3)
Approx 4.2 MB (4704 x 3136 x 3)

Approx 5 MB (3264 x 2176 x 3)
Approx 2.7 MB (3264 x 2176 x 3)
Approx 2 MB (3264 x 2176 x 3)

Approx 2.5 MB (2336 x 1568 x 3)
Approx 1.4 MB (2336 x 1568 x 3)
Approx 1 MB (2336 x 1568 x 3)

Continuous shooting speed High: 5 frames/sec, Medium: 6 frames/sec, Low: 6 frames/sec
Continuous buffer High: Max. 7 frames, Medium: Max. 14 frames, Low: Max. 14 frames
White Balance 8 types (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash and Custom)
Color Mode 7 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral Portrait, Landscape, B&W, Sepia)
ISO Range • 100
• 200
• 400
• 800
• 1600
• 3200
• 6400
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism SLR viewfinder
Viewfinder Frame Coverage 98% vertical, 98% horizontal
Viewfinder Magnification 0.95x (with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eye point 18mm
Diopter Adjustment Range -3.0 dpt – +1.5 dpt
Metering System 77-segment Evaluative Metering, Spot Metering, Center Area Metering, Center-Weighed Average Metering
Metering Range EV 1 to 20 (50mm F1.4 : ISO 100)
Shutter Type Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed 1/8000th – 30 sec, Bulb (up to 30 sec, or 2 min in extended mode)
Exposure compensation +/– 3EV (in 1/3 stop increments)
Auto Bracketing Three or Five frames (in 1/3 EV steps, 0, –, +)
Auto Focus Type TTL phase difference detection system
AF Point 11 points twin cross sensor
AF Operating Range EV -2 to +19 (ISO100)
Focus Mode • Single AF
• Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function)
• Manual
Focus Mode • Single AF
• Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function)
• Manual
Focusing Screen Fixed, all matt screen
Mirror Quick return
Depth of Field Preview Yes
AF Point Selection • Automatic Selection
• Manual Selection
Active AF point indicator Superimposed in viewfinder
Focus Lock Shutter Release Halfway-Down position
Built-in Flash • Manual Pop-up Built-in flash
• GN11
• 17mm lens angle covered
Flash Metering System S-TTL Auto Flash
Flash Compensation ±3EV (1/3 stop increments)
Flash Sync Terminal Available
Flash Connectivity Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
LCD Monitor • 3.0″ TFT colour LCD monitor
• Approx. 460,000 dots
Language • 3.0″ TFT colour LCD monitor
• Approx. 460,000 dots
Battery • Li-ion Battery Pack BP-21, Battery charger BC-21, AC Adapter SAC-4 (Optional)
Dimensions 146 mm(W) × 113 mm(H) × 80 mm (5.7″ (W) × 4.4″(H) × 3.1″)
Weight 700g/24.7oz. (without battery and card)

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