Sigma SD14
Latest - Review and Sample Test Photos at PhotographyReview (added 07 December ‘07)
Sigma SD14 features:
- 14.1 megapixels
- 2.5 inch LCD
- Image sensor dust protector
- 5 point auto focusing
- Built in flash
- 3 frames per second high speed continuous shooting mode
- In camera JPEG mode
- 1.7x field of view crop
- Foveon X3 sensor
Check Current PriceReviews - (updated 07 December ‘07)
| PhotographyReview |  |
| GoodGearGuide |  |
| Pocket-lint | |
| Trusted Reviews |  |
| DP Expert | |
| Home Theater HiFi | |
| CNET |  |
| Popular Photography | |
| ePhotozine | |
| Personal Computer World | |
| Sigma User | |
| Hands On at PopPhoto | |
| PhotoReview | |
| PopPhoto | |
 |
PhotographyReview - 07 December’07 - reviews the Sigma SD14 and notes that as far as image quality goes this camera is second to none. Here’s an excerpt fro their review conclusion -
“After thoroughly testing the SD14, I’m convinced Sigma has once again delivered a photographic tool that makes clean, beautiful, detailed images. The SD14 isn’t perfect - it could make those beautiful images easier to produce across a wider range of conditions. Auto focus and white balance problems, along with questionable battery performance, make this camera a work in progress.”
GoodGearGuide - 19 September’07 - reviews the Sigma SD14 and writes;
“Unfortunately the control scheme is a little irritating. There is a shortcut key that brings up ISO, white balance, image quality and format options, but they can only be adjusted in one direction using the D-pad, so if you want ISO 400 and accidentally skip past it, you have to cycle through all the options again to get back there. Similarly, if you want to alter other settings like metering and auto focus mode, you use the function button, but it requires a complex combination of button presses and button holds to achieve the desired result. You can wind up hitting the key seven or eight times to make a single change, and if you accidentally release it at the wrong time you have to start from scratch.”
Pocket-lint reviews 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.”
Trusted Reviews reviews the Sigma SD14 and offers the following verdict. The camera generally operates smoothly however its slow write times was a let down. Its picture quality is superior to most other DSLRs but where this camera shines is its dynamic range and color reproduction and as the review notes, its images have an almost film quality.
Bottom Line: This camera is going to be of particular interest to professional photographers.
DP Expert - 7/18/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and here’s the verdict, “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. The Sigma feels rough compared with the Nikon and it costs $1000 more and it produces slightly better images. Decisions decisions!”
Home Theater HiFi - 7/9/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “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.”
CNET - 6/27/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “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.
CNET’s bottom line: Sigma and Foveon fans, who have been waiting eagerly for this camera, might be interested in the SD14, but consumers can easily find more bang for their buck from other SLRs on the market.”
Popular Photography - 6/13/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “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.”
ePhotozine - 5/31/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “Designed for the experienced photographer, the SD14 is, thankfully, free of preset scene modes but does have designated settings for things like Mirror-up, 2sec self timer with auto mirror up and a 10sec self timer, which are all useful. Sigma are well known for their lenses but are a very small camera manufacturer and to apply the advances in the SD14 over their previous models without going to a major manufacturer for the hardware speaks volumes for their ingenuity. 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.”
Personal Computer World - 5/30/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “So while the SD14 isn’t for everyone, its sensor technology, good build quality and ease of use make it an exciting creative tool for keen enthusiasts and those who want full control and a film-like response.
Most importantly, the image quality from the SD14 at its best is simply superb. It’s right up there with the best you can get from digital SLRs today and capable of producing stunning, professional results, albeit without some of the advanced features found on top of the range professional cameras.”
Sigma User - 5/28/2007 - reviews the Sigma SD14 DSLR and writes, “Well, I’ve had a week of (occasionally) playing with the camera and, to be honest, it’s growing on me. It is much easier to use than the previous models, and much much more reliable! No hissy fits with the batteries which, although the indicator in the top LCD quite quickly shows only ½ charge, has lasted me all day on a couple of occasions. And to be truthful, I rather like the output from the Jpeg option!”
Digital Camera Info - 5/28/2007 - has a first impressions review of the Sigma SD14 DSLR and they write - “It’s hard to get excited about the SD14 in its current state. Either the Foveon X3 is a big advantage, or it’s not, but Sigma isn’t ready to let us see for ourselves. They share images of some very beautiful women, lit spectacularly. The images are sharp and the tones are smooth, but it’s impossible to say what’s due to the production values, and what the camera can do.
What we can say is that the SD14 does not offer an advanced interface or mechanical system. The value of this camera rests entirely on the possibility that its image quality is superior.”
PopPhoto - 4/29/2007 - has shows how to remove the IR cutoff filter an converts the 14.1 megapixel Sigma SD14 into an infrared camera. - “Sigma is not aggressively marketing the SD14 as one of the only hot-swappable visible, IR plus visible and IR-only spectrum interchangeable lens cameras on the market, but maybe they should. It’s a cool trick of this already unconventional, Foveon-sensor based camera.”
PopPhoto - 4/20/2007 - has a hands-on of the 14.1 megapixel Sigma SD14 DSLR and they write - “Neat tricks: The three-color histogram plays back with all three colors graphed simultaneously on the display. And Jack discovered that the IR-cutoff filter pops out easily, which will allow for infrared photography on the fly. (Jack promises to bring in his IR filters and try the SD14 out for some IR shooting.)”
PhotoReview - 3/29/2007 - has reviewed the 14.1 megapixel Sigma SD14 DSLR and they write - “Sigma’s SD14 is an interesting camera that is most likely to appeal to photographers who prefer to use manual controls and shoot raw files. It will also suit photographers who want rich, eye-popping colours, subtle pastels and delicate tonal nuances - but they’ll need to work hard to obtain the best results. The supplied Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 software is a good starting point for processing X3F raw files but we suspect most users will opt for a third-party application that offers a wider range of adjustments plus useful functions like cropping and straightening.”
PopPhoto - 11/27/2006 - has a new hands on review of the 14.1 megapixel Sigma SD14 DSLR and they write - “One of our key criticisms of the SD9 and SD10 was that neither captured JPEG files. Instead, all images were saved in RAW format and had to be postprocessed (often taking 20–30 seconds each) on a computer with Sigma’s Photo Pro 3.0 software (included). That concern is now gone, since the SD14 captures either JPEGs or RAW files.”
Sample Test Photos
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at Trusted Reviews]
[Sample Photos at Sigma]
[Sample Infrared Photos at Home Theater HiFi]
[Sample Photos at Home Theater HiFi]
Sigma SD14 Videos
[Carl Rytterfalk]
[Video on the Sigma site - Scroll to the SD14 section]
Specifications
[Official Sigma Specifications]
Owners Manual
Sigma SD14 Firmware - (Updated 13 July ‘07)
[Firmware Update Version 1.04]
[Firmware Update Version 1.03]
Press Release
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.
Pages: 1 2
Compare Prices
Subscribe to Digital Camera Tracker
See also: Sigma, Sigma Review Roundups
