The 14-megapixel SD14 is the third DSLR from Sigma to employ the unique triple-layered Foveon sensor. Has the company got it right this time?
Sigma SD14 Review
Verdict
We don’t mind that the SD14’s specification isn’t groundbreaking because what’s on offer is all you need to take a photograph. There aren’t the distractions of scene modes or features that you’ll never use or need, making this camera the closest thing to a ‘manual’ DSLR that we are likely to see and it makes a refreshing change.
Unfortunately, what features the SD14 has got just don’t seem to have gelled together this time round. While the metering system is sound, the automatic white balance is unpredictable, the AF is lacklustre and the overly soft images (especially 14MP JPEGs) make picture-taking less pleasurable than it should be.
Details
Metering System:8-Segment Evaluative, Centreweighted, Centre
Max Flash Sync:1/180sec
PC Socket:Yes
Cable Release:No
AF Points:5
Product Shots:View product shots of the Sigma SD14
Sample Photos:View sample shots of the Sigma SD14
Built-in Flash:Built in, GN11m@ISO 100, Hotshoe
DoF Prview:-
Colour Temp Control:-
Colour Space:sRGB / AdobeRGB
White Balance Bracket:No
Exposure Comp:±3EV (in 1/3 steps)
Shutter Type:Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Focusing Modes:5 AF points with manual or auto selection
Other:-
Dust Reduction:Dust protector
Weight:700g (without battery / card)
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No
Dimensions:144 x 107 x 80.5mm
Live Mode:No
Power:Li-Ion, Optional AC Adaptor
Connectivity:USB 2.0
Memory Card:CompactFlash Type I/II
Field of View:98% coverage
Viewfinder Type:Pentaprism SLR viewfinder
White Balance:Auto, manual, 6 presets
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous (max. 3fps)
ISO:Auto / Manual 100-1600
File Format:Raw, JPEG
Exposure Modes:Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
Compression:Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit), JPEG (Super High, High, Medium, Low)
Focal Length Mag:1.7
Lens Mount:Sigma SA
Shutter Speeds:30-1/4000sec + Bulb (up to 30 sec)
LCD:2.5", low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor, approx. 150,000 pixels. Coverage area 100% with white LED backlight
Output Size:4608 X 3072, 2640 X 1760, 1776 X 1184, 1296 X 864
Sensor:Foveon X3® direct image sensor?CMOS20.7 x 13.8mm Foveon X3 CMOS sensor with 14.06 million effective pixels