Sigma Lens SD14 14 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera
Sigma
- C23900
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Reviews
(19)
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I own a Canon 5D and Nikon D3 and my Sigma SD14's image quality is on par with both of these cameras.
However,...
... it does have a few shortfalls. Such as:
1. In low light conditions,... shadows will have "blotchy" noise and speckles of magenta compared to the same shot taken with a 5D/D3 at the same ISO settings. This can even happen in daylight conditions where there is a very wide dynamic range. The SD14 will expose correctly for the image, but the deep shadows will at times fail to render details in the shadows and those blotchy/magenta characteristics will appear.
2. Poorer AWB in mixed lighting than the 5D/D3.
3. Small buffer. If you need to keep up with action (sports, etc..), then you will be disappointed that after a burst of 6-8 shots the camera will lock up and take 5-20 seconds to write all that data to the card. And faster CF cards won't help. It is the buffer. The fact is that the processing is complicated and does not process quickly for fast shooting environments.
However,...
... it does have a few shortfalls. Such as:
1. In low light conditions,... shadows will have "blotchy" noise and speckles of magenta compared to the same shot taken with a 5D/D3 at the same ISO settings. This can even happen in daylight conditions where there is a very wide dynamic range. The SD14 will expose correctly for the image, but the deep shadows will at times fail to render details in the shadows and those blotchy/magenta characteristics will appear.
2. Poorer AWB in mixed lighting than the 5D/D3.
3. Small buffer. If you need to keep up with action (sports, etc..), then you will be disappointed that after a burst of 6-8 shots the camera will lock up and take 5-20 seconds to write all that data to the card. And faster CF cards won't help. It is the buffer. The fact is that the processing is complicated and does not process quickly for fast shooting environments.
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4 price(s)
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I sold my Canon 40D and lenses (Including L glass) to fund my purchase of the Sigma SD14. I miss the low light ability and the all around speed of the 40D. I miss the superior battery life and the ability to shoot full frame (If I bought another camera body) with the same lenses that I invested in for the Canon. I miss the stable operation (No lock-ups) of the 40D. The Canon 40D is an excellent camera, and is hands down a highly recommended option for many people who are into photography, I really do miss it in many ways.
But wait, this isn't a review of the Canon 40D, it is a review of the Sigma SD14. I would not trade back my SD14 with all of it's quirks (You must have read about them all if you got this far, and are interested in buying one) for the 40D. The reason is that when I look at my photos, I realize that nothing in my budget could get me anywhere near the quality of the images that I get from the SD14. I'm not a very good photographer, I'm still learning every day.
But wait, this isn't a review of the Canon 40D, it is a review of the Sigma SD14. I would not trade back my SD14 with all of it's quirks (You must have read about them all if you got this far, and are interested in buying one) for the 40D. The reason is that when I look at my photos, I realize that nothing in my budget could get me anywhere near the quality of the images that I get from the SD14. I'm not a very good photographer, I'm still learning every day.
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Don't let the price or the soothsayers and complainers even suggest that this isn't a great camera......it is simply different, and different in a better way! I came to this camera from a Nikon D2X primarily due to the high prices of Nikkor Lenses......and trust me, the Sigma SD14 for the price is the best value on the market today. Just don't plan on shooting JPEG's......even the Sigma literature will tell you that this camera and it's processor were designed for shooting in RAW mode. I am totally impressed with the results, the color, the clarity and the low light capabilities. The supplied software easily converts from RAW to JPEG and is easy to use once you get the hang of it......then you can do additional post-processsing with Adobe or other image software, The possibilities seem endless and the more I use it, the more I love it!
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I am a long-time Sigma digital camera user. I have used an SD9 in my fine-art photography business for four years. When the SD-14 came out, I was figuring out how to budget for the $1500 purchase price of the new body, when its price started dropping. Imagine my surprise when I found it on AMAZON for a third of its original price!
The camera has had lukewarm to lousy reviews, largely because the reviewers of digital cameras want a camera to shoot at ASA 5000 at 8 frames per second. Of course they never show us any of the fabulous images they've shot under those conditions.
The Sigma is an honest camera, at ASA 100, 200 or 400, it shoots beautiful files with its unique Foveon chip. Printers, who reproduce the images I shoot, love my files because they are so clean and free of digital artifacts.
The increased file size from the SD9 is very welcome and Sigma has always had the best software in the business. Sigma lenses test out as fine as anything made by Canon or Nikon, and are, at times,
The camera has had lukewarm to lousy reviews, largely because the reviewers of digital cameras want a camera to shoot at ASA 5000 at 8 frames per second. Of course they never show us any of the fabulous images they've shot under those conditions.
The Sigma is an honest camera, at ASA 100, 200 or 400, it shoots beautiful files with its unique Foveon chip. Printers, who reproduce the images I shoot, love my files because they are so clean and free of digital artifacts.
The increased file size from the SD9 is very welcome and Sigma has always had the best software in the business. Sigma lenses test out as fine as anything made by Canon or Nikon, and are, at times,
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Sigma SD14 is a fabulous camera, capable of producing exceptional, vivid and professional quality photos that can impress your friends, but it has several shortcomings.
I have used this camera for three months and took over 4000 pictures with these four Sigma lenses: 30mm f1.4, 50mm f2.8, 18-200mm OS and 70-300mm APO. I also have the Canon Rebel XT and Nikon D40 systems.
SD14 works great when there is a lot of light, like shooting pictures during daytime outdoor or inside a well-lit studio. Without sufficient lighting, pictures can be dark and grainy. On the other hand, Nikon D40 produces better indoor pictures.
If you are upgrading from a point and shoot camera and have less than a thousand dollars to spend, I suggest you get the Nikon D40 with its kit lens and the AF-S 55-200mm VR lens. Number of megapixels does not matter, but the sensor size does. D40 has the same sensor size as D300!
If you don't look at price tags when you shop, then the Canon 1Ds is for you. It'll cost you ten
I have used this camera for three months and took over 4000 pictures with these four Sigma lenses: 30mm f1.4, 50mm f2.8, 18-200mm OS and 70-300mm APO. I also have the Canon Rebel XT and Nikon D40 systems.
SD14 works great when there is a lot of light, like shooting pictures during daytime outdoor or inside a well-lit studio. Without sufficient lighting, pictures can be dark and grainy. On the other hand, Nikon D40 produces better indoor pictures.
If you are upgrading from a point and shoot camera and have less than a thousand dollars to spend, I suggest you get the Nikon D40 with its kit lens and the AF-S 55-200mm VR lens. Number of megapixels does not matter, but the sensor size does. D40 has the same sensor size as D300!
If you don't look at price tags when you shop, then the Canon 1Ds is for you. It'll cost you ten
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Yes, I own the camera. Tested it extensively in all modes. I am a professional photographer for many years, use all cameras, Hasselblads, 4X5 view, etc. Read many reviews, saw many tests. Interesting camera, for sure. So, I will start with image results, because that is the only thing that is truly important to a real photographer. And the images produced by SD14 are excellent, in RAW at 100 ISO. Results are still good in JPEG at 100 ISO, but tend to deteriorate a bit with 400 and 800 ISO. Please, don't shoot 800 ISO in daylight, very stupid, but some "professional" reviewers did just that. Even 800 film will have too much grain in daylight, don't expect digital to be different. Shoot 800 ISO in low light, what it was intended for, and you will get good usable results. Can blow up to 20X24 with very high quality. Make sure depth of field is sufficient, especially with 30mm/1.4 lens. Now the bad part. The camera is too slow for any fast work. That means forget about action
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Simply the best pixel-for-pixel image quality around. I have cropped well-composed and exposed shots, and printed the crops @ 13x19" (the largest my printer will make) with absolutely stunning results. The noise is non-existent @ ISO 50 and 100 with well-exposed shots. There are cameras out that give much faster fps, and more frills, but none that I have tried give the IQ and DR of the SD14. Thanks!
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I have found the sd14 to be a wonderful camera. It is simple to use and offers advanced features. It also allows very simple conversion to infrared. It does things that no general "consumer" dslr can do. If you are looking for a point and shoot dslr I recommend the evolt line from Olympus. If you want to take photographs that take your breath away then this is your camera. This camera gives you the ability to be a photographic artist rather than just a picture taker. If you read the "professional" reviews for the sd14 they will rate the camera according to start speed, ergonomics, etc. They all miss the beauty of the sd14. It's not about the insignificant details, it's about the photographs. Hands down this camera will beat any other camera in the 14mp class. Yes it is 14mp. Study the comparisons between the Foveon chip and the Bayer chip. Bayers use 50% for green, 25% red, and 25% blue. Foveon uses a 4.76 mp for each color. It's all about the pictures!
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I've had an SD14 for a little over a month--and it has taken me this long to begin to get the hang of Sigma's RAW file conversion in SPP 2.3 (this is Sigma's updated RAW conversion software for Mac's that must be downloaded, so far--new SPP 3.1 is apparently on the way). Having convinced myself that satisfactory images can be acquired from RAW files, I'm inclined, finally, to give the camera a thumbs up. Further color correction in Phototshop helps, as well.
As for the camera, it is hefty, well built and essential functions are easy to get to. Have to say, I've been thoroughly spoiled by the ease of using several Olympus E-series cameras (which are smaller, lighter and faster to focus and shoot). But if you take your time, the SD14 seems to work well in the field. It does not have an independently operating Exposure Lock (it's coupled awkwardly with holding the shutter button half depressed). And exposure is important with this camera--the sensor is intolerant of underexposure, otherwise,
As for the camera, it is hefty, well built and essential functions are easy to get to. Have to say, I've been thoroughly spoiled by the ease of using several Olympus E-series cameras (which are smaller, lighter and faster to focus and shoot). But if you take your time, the SD14 seems to work well in the field. It does not have an independently operating Exposure Lock (it's coupled awkwardly with holding the shutter button half depressed). And exposure is important with this camera--the sensor is intolerant of underexposure, otherwise,
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I've owned the SD9 and now the SD14. The only two lenses I own for the SD are the Sigma 150/EX Macro and the 10-20/EX zoom. I shoot predominately Canon (1Ds/2, 1D/2, 30D and assorted lenses) but have a soft spot for the Foveon X3 technology, which produces a "look" that is difficult to replicate using a non-X3 "CFA" sensor (the type used in all other dSLRs).
First, don't be caught up in the various hyperbolic statements by Foveon/Sigma marketing and X3 zealots. The SD14 is really a 4.5 (not 14) megapixel camera. Photographs are two-dimensional (flat) representations. An 8x10 photo is still 8x10 even when you stack three red, green, and blues ones on top of each other. The SD14 has "only" 4.5MP in an X/Y space, which is all that matters. It's *how* the SD14 captures each one of those pixels that gives it an advantage over cameras with similar resolution. When it comes to resolving detail, the SD14 is roughly equivalent to the current crop of 8-10MP digital SLRs, and due to the unique nature
First, don't be caught up in the various hyperbolic statements by Foveon/Sigma marketing and X3 zealots. The SD14 is really a 4.5 (not 14) megapixel camera. Photographs are two-dimensional (flat) representations. An 8x10 photo is still 8x10 even when you stack three red, green, and blues ones on top of each other. The SD14 has "only" 4.5MP in an X/Y space, which is all that matters. It's *how* the SD14 captures each one of those pixels that gives it an advantage over cameras with similar resolution. When it comes to resolving detail, the SD14 is roughly equivalent to the current crop of 8-10MP digital SLRs, and due to the unique nature
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After 8 months of SD14 usage, I still consider my earlier review posted on dpreview.com website as accurate. The SD14 has had various firmware updates as well, making it in my opinion an even more versatile camera. For example, you can now shoot ISO50 with extraordinary detail and virtually no noise in shadows, especially an advantage to landscape photographers.
People not truly familiar with the Foveon technology will argue over the megapixel rating, but in actual usage, the SD14 can and does equal image quality coming from much more expensive or 'higher' MP-rated cameras. The Sigma forum at dpreview.com has links to such comparisons.
My earlier review:
The SD14 is smaller in size than previous models SD9 (2002) and SD10 (2003) but still somewhat larger than the 'smallest' other brand DSLRs. The SD14 is solid and well-balanced, thus for me much easier to hold and hand shoot. My favorite new feature: SD14 has a new toggle control on the back to select ISO, shooting mode (RAW or various
People not truly familiar with the Foveon technology will argue over the megapixel rating, but in actual usage, the SD14 can and does equal image quality coming from much more expensive or 'higher' MP-rated cameras. The Sigma forum at dpreview.com has links to such comparisons.
My earlier review:
The SD14 is smaller in size than previous models SD9 (2002) and SD10 (2003) but still somewhat larger than the 'smallest' other brand DSLRs. The SD14 is solid and well-balanced, thus for me much easier to hold and hand shoot. My favorite new feature: SD14 has a new toggle control on the back to select ISO, shooting mode (RAW or various
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I was happy with my Canon 5D and Nikon D80 and I still use them both because I've invested heavily in lenses for them. However, after hearing about and seeing shots from the SD14 I just had to get one. I have no regrets, but it is a niche camera (in my opinion).At first I found the back of the camera and buttons a bit odd compared to Canon and Nikon. But now that I am familiar with them I can change camera settings way faster than I can with my Canon or Nikon. The SD14 layout is pretty cool. The only thing I don't care for is how you have to change aperture and/or shutter speed in aperture priority or full manual (compared to Canon/Nikon).Here's the deal. In daylight shooting, it is amazing. The color and clarity of images are just stunning. And now that the latest firmware allows ISO 50, it has allowed me to get shots that have clarity, yet a silky smooth feel to it, that of film. However, at ISO 50 you have to be careful about clipping... that is the only drawback to the ISO
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I own this camera and it is true that it isn't the most elegant body on the planet, nor is it feature rich. It struggles at high ISO settings and its LCD display is sub-par. The fps speed is slow and it takes a long time to write to the CF card from the buffer. You are stuck with Sigma lenses and I cant say that the 14.1 MP rating is s true 14.1 MP. But at the end of the day, when used for what it is intended - to take pictures - it produces the most beautiful and stunningly real, film like, dynamic, true color results. If you want features and functionality but lower quality pictures, go ahead and buy a CCD or CMOS sensor driven camera. If your after the best digital pictures available, shoot with the different cameras and review the results in a blind test. Chances are you will be a Sigma owner like me. That is what I did and I chose the Sigma.
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I own this camera and it is true that it isn't the most elegant body on the planet, nor is it feature rich. It struggles at high ISO settings and its LCD display is sub-par. The fps speed is slow and it takes a long time to write to the CF card from the buffer. You are stuck with Sigma lenses and I cant say that the 14.1 MP rating is s true 14.1 MP. But at the end of the day, when used for what it is intended - to take pictures - it produces the most beautiful and stunningly real, film like, dynamic, true color results. If you want features and functionality but lower quality pictures, go ahead and buy a CCD or CMOS sensor driven camera. If your after the best digital pictures available, shoot with the different cameras and review the results in a blind test. Chances are you will be a Sigma owner like me. That is what I did and I chose the Sigma.
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If image quality is your number one requirement, you will be happy with this camera. The user interface is well designed.
My only complains would be around the battery life and slow preview.
I would also like to see more Sigma lens with image stabilization.
My only complains would be around the battery life and slow preview.
I would also like to see more Sigma lens with image stabilization.
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First lesson: do NOT use photoshop to import the Raw files this camera produces. The artifacts I got at ISO 800 go away if you use the software to save the raw files as JPG. Be warned!
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The SD10 had problems. The battery charge system was just weird. The camera was not up to the hype when light was poor. But the images with good light were stunning. So it was with some angst, sustained by a delayed product release, that I opened my camera SD14. Very early on I knew I had a problem in that the camera hung... motion? But I got off some really spectacular images before sending it to NY repairs. They got it back quickly. I suspect something loose.
Well the images are simply wonderful. Just so you know, I have cameras at 5 & 6 times the price considered high end professional. I can get lots more pixels, but the color quality is not better.
The real test was low light. All the digital cameras fail in low light. So just a matter of how bad. OK, something is new here. This camera is far better in dim light than the SD10. When it starts to fail to low light the images become blotchy - like camoflage - rather than sandy as the GRGB cameras tend.
The SD14 X3F RAW images do well
Well the images are simply wonderful. Just so you know, I have cameras at 5 & 6 times the price considered high end professional. I can get lots more pixels, but the color quality is not better.
The real test was low light. All the digital cameras fail in low light. So just a matter of how bad. OK, something is new here. This camera is far better in dim light than the SD10. When it starts to fail to low light the images become blotchy - like camoflage - rather than sandy as the GRGB cameras tend.
The SD14 X3F RAW images do well
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I will start the review with a disclaimer that I had the chance to beta-test this camera before release; That also means I have had a few months experience in shooting with the camera.
I will start out with a little history. A few years ago, Sigma released the SD-9 and SD-10 digital cameras. They were widely hailed to have excellent image quality, but the trouble for some buyers was that the cameras did not have some convinced features that other cameras offered, like in-camera JPEG or on-camera flash, and so they went on to other systems.
Fast forward to today and the SD-14. Sigma has addressed all the little aspects of usability and features that people have asked for, like in-camera JPEG, on camera flash, PC-Sync socket, and many other little features. But best of all, in addition to adding more resolution, they also improved the image quality from the sensor even further - the camera has even more dynamic range, and much better high ISO support than before with everything up to
I will start out with a little history. A few years ago, Sigma released the SD-9 and SD-10 digital cameras. They were widely hailed to have excellent image quality, but the trouble for some buyers was that the cameras did not have some convinced features that other cameras offered, like in-camera JPEG or on-camera flash, and so they went on to other systems.
Fast forward to today and the SD-14. Sigma has addressed all the little aspects of usability and features that people have asked for, like in-camera JPEG, on camera flash, PC-Sync socket, and many other little features. But best of all, in addition to adding more resolution, they also improved the image quality from the sensor even further - the camera has even more dynamic range, and much better high ISO support than before with everything up to
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I will start the review with a disclaimer that I had the chance to beta-test this camera before release; That also means I have had a few months experience in shooting with the camera.
I will start out with a little history. A few years ago, Sigma released the SD-9 and SD-10 digital cameras. They were widely hailed to have excellent image quality, but the trouble for some buyers was that the cameras did not have some convinced features that other cameras offered, like in-camera JPEG or on-camera flash, and so they went on to other systems.
Fast forward to today and the SD-14. Sigma has addressed all the little aspects of usability and features that people have asked for, like in-camera JPEG, on camera flash, PC-Sync socket, and many other little features. But best of all, in addition to adding more resolution, they also improved the image quality from the sensor even further - the camera has even more dynamic range, and much better high ISO support than before with everything up to
I will start out with a little history. A few years ago, Sigma released the SD-9 and SD-10 digital cameras. They were widely hailed to have excellent image quality, but the trouble for some buyers was that the cameras did not have some convinced features that other cameras offered, like in-camera JPEG or on-camera flash, and so they went on to other systems.
Fast forward to today and the SD-14. Sigma has addressed all the little aspects of usability and features that people have asked for, like in-camera JPEG, on camera flash, PC-Sync socket, and many other little features. But best of all, in addition to adding more resolution, they also improved the image quality from the sensor even further - the camera has even more dynamic range, and much better high ISO support than before with everything up to
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