Sigma SD14 Review

It has been a long wait but at last Sigma has released the successor of the SD9 and SD10 of the SD series, the Sigma SD14. Compared to its predecessors, the Sigma SD14 has 4 JPEG modes for recording. It features a pentaprism viewfinder, large and bright, with 98% coverage. The SD14 has a 2.5” LCD monitor with a pixel resolution of 150,000. It’s also quite easy to navigate because of its user-friendly design. This new camera from Sigma is powered by Foveon X3 direct image sensor 14 megapixels. With this, striking 3-dimensional detail and gradation rich high definition images can be reproduced.

The Sigma SD14 has a new layout for its interface. The control buttons can now quickly be identified for whatever function the photographer wants to use. The camera’s multifunction interface can now also be easily used. The buttons are clearly marked to make it easier to see the different important setting like the resolution, ISO, file type, JPEG quality, and white balance and this can be done with the click of a button. The LCD monitor of the camera also has a backlight for those times when working in darker areas.

The direct image sensor of Foveon X3 has the capability of capturing every primary RGB colors in each and every pixel. This capability of the SD14 ensures total capture of complete and full color. The 14 megapixel direct image sensor can record natural and rich details like that of in films.
Sigma SD14’s built-in flash has an angle of coverage of 17mm lens. Flash photography techniques are easier to do with this camera because of the built-in flash that can do automatic S-TTL shooting.

The JPEG mode of the SD14 was designed to give ease to the user. It uses the image recording formats JPEG and RAW making it possible for photographers to capture high definition images and save them in small file sizes. Saved images may also be printed in different sizes that include A3, A4, and other sizes. You may also choose different JPEG quality options: Fine, Basic, and Normal.

The SD14 is also equipped with the latest auto focus sensor that features focus on 5 points namely center, right, left, down and up. This feature will consistently deliver precise and consistently fast focusing. The photographer can select the auto focus point either manually or automatically.

It has a mirror lock-up mechanism. This mechanism prevents camera shake. Every time the shutter is released the mirror lock-up mechanism prevents vibration. This is most useful in macro photography and scientific work.

One of the most common problems of camera is its vulnerability to dust especially when changing lenses. The dust that entered can affect the image quality in a negative way. But the Sigma SD14 is built with a dust protector for the image sensor. Even if dust and dirt are captured in the dust protector, it won’t be able to go to the image sensor that means that the image quality will not be affected.

The shutter of the Sigma SD14 is ideally designed for digital cameras. It also has the ability to keep dirt and dust from the sensor. This feature can give the ease to most photographers’ worry that is getting dirt and dust inside the sensor that could affect the image quality.

The Sigma SD14 is capable of shooting up to 24 consecutive frames because of its high-speed data transfer and processing. It can shoot 24 consecutive frames in Low Mode, 12 consecutive frames in Medium Mode, and 6 consecutive frames in High Mode.

The SD14 has a top LCD panel wherein the photographer can easily see different setting indicators.

The camera runs on a Lithium-ion battery which when fully charged can take shots of up to 500 images.

Pros: The Sigma SD14 provides superb image quality. It has a 14-megapixel sensor and when compared to its predecessors, the Sigma SD14 is a big improvement.

Cons: There is no image stabilization. On ISO 400 and up, noise becomes obvious but it is not really something that can’t be remedied by SPP3 software.

Overall: For the price of almost $1200, the features and capabilities of the Sigma SD14 is worth it. But this camera is not recommended for the faint of heart beginners and novices.

Attached Images

Sigma_SD14.jpg (24.6 KB, 0 views)