Sigma SD15 Body
Sigma's SD15 SLR camera is the latest model in Sigma’s SD series. Powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers. The new SD15 incorporates the "TRUE II" image processing engine which processes the large amount of data from the 14 megapixel direct image sensor. It also provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with impressive three-dimensional detail, rich in gradation. The camera adopts the SD card and incorporates a highly visible 3.0 inch LCD monitor, 77-segment AE sensor and AFE (Analog Front End). It provides high image quality and user friendly design. In addition, the durable shutter mechanism, which has a life of over 100,000 actuations, is ideal for the demand of digital photography.
Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras, the SD9, SD10 and SD14. The SD series has established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. This new SD15 has been developed with the principle of producing superior image quality from the direct image sensor, as well as improved processing speed, operation and performance.
SENSOR
X3 Direct Image Sensor
The Foveon X3® direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location. As the photo detectors are arranged in three layers, full and complete color is captured giving the images a three-dimensional feel.
ISO
ISO50-3,200
The SD15 captures light effectively and ensures noiseless image processing. The image sensor provides high definition with rich, gradated tones.
SHUTTER
Focal Plane Shutter
The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has a life cycle of over 100,000 exposures and dramatically reduces the amount of dust and dirt from the shutter mechanism.
The photographer can enjoy taking pictures without worrying about dust and dirt adhering to the image sensor either from inside or outside the camera.
DRIVE MODE
Two motor systems
The two motor systems are driven by the mirror-drive and shutter charge which lowers the vibration of the mirror movement, preventing camera shake. The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror, preventing further vibration when the shutter is released.
The prevention of camera shake is especially effective for macro photography and when using ultra-telephoto lenses.
Improved buffer memory
The SD15 is equipped with DDRII buffer memory which is twice as large in capacity as the SD14’s buffer. The camera's high-speed image processing circuits are capable of handling the large data files generated by the high-resolution 14 megapixel sensor. The SD15 features a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second with up to 21 RAW Images that can be captured in continuous shooting mode.
ENGINE
TRUE II
The SD15 incorporates the “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones. The improved processing speed of RAW and JPEG data provides ease of camera operation.
Wide coverage viewfinder
The SD15 features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.9x magnification and an 18mm eye point. A diopter adjustment is also equipped which can be adjusted from -3 to +1.5 dpt.
AUTO FOCUS
5-point AF
The auto focus sensor features 5 focusing points (center, left, right, up and down) ensuring consistently fast and precise focusing. The AF metering features a cross type sensor in the center of the screen. Selecting the AF point can be done manually or automatically.
New AE sensor
The SD15 features a new 77-segment AE sensor which allows advanced AE algorithms, improving exposure accuracy. Exact control and collaboration with the AF point ensures the camera exposes accurately even in difficult lighting conditions.
DISPLAY
Large 3.0" TFT Color LCD Monitor
The SD15 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT color LCD monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.
METERING
Four metering modes
The SD15 is equipped with four metering modes: 77-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering, Center Area Metering and Spot Metering.
¦ 77-segment Evaluative Metering
Evaluative Metering is suitable for general photography. Even under strong back lightning situations, the camera will give you the correct exposure.
¦ Center Area Metering
The camera will measure the luminance of 8.8% of the entire picture area. It is ideal for metering when the subject is backlit.
¦ Center Weighted Average Metering
The camera will measure the average luminance of the entire picture area with additional emphasis on the center area. This makes it ideal when using the optional exposure compensation.
¦ Spot Metering
The camera will measure the luminance of 1% of the entire picture area. This mode is suitable when you wish to set the exposure for a small portion of the scene and ignore the influence of the rest of the scene.
DUST PROTECTOR
Dust Protector
Most digital SLR cameras are vulnerable to dust entering the body. If the dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor, it may appear in the pictures. The mount of the SD 15 is equipped with a dust protector and the sealing parts are incorporated around the mount, preventing dust from entering the body. Even if dust adheres to the image sensor, the dust protector can be removed easily for sensor cleaning.
EXPOSURE
Exposure compensation function
It is possible to adjust the camera’s measured exposure value. When it is difficult to determine the exposure setting due to variable light conditions, it is possible to take a sequence of pictures of the same subject at three or five different exposure levels. The shift value can be set in 1/3EV increments up to ±3EV (3 stops)/±1.7EV (5 stops).
USER INTERFACE
New, intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera. The Quick Set button activates the display of the most commonly used camera functions such as Color Mode, White Balance, Image Quality and Image Size on one screen. The 4-Way Controller ensures faster operation of these features. The FUNC button enables functions such as Flash Mode and Synchro Mode.
OK Button setting
It is possible to allocate certain functions to the OK button for added convenience. These functions include Review Image, Rotate Image and Mark Image.
Backlit top LCD panel
The top LCD panel allows the photographer to quickly check camera information such as the resolution setting, metering mode, battery status and the number of images that can be recorded on the SD card. It also incorporates an orange backlight which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light conditions.
AUTO BRACKETING
Improved Auto Bracketing function
In addition to the usual three frame bracketing, five frame bracketing has now been added to the Auto Bracketing function. It allows users to get a more detailed and accurate exposure.
SOFTWARE
SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software of SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 converts RAW data quickly and easily. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces chroma and luminance noise. In addition, it is compatible with five Color Modes which apply a suitable setting to each shooting situation. The adjusted settings can be saved to the RAW file.
BUILT IN FLASH
Built-in flash with 17mm angle of coverage
The Sigma SD15 camera’s built-in flash offers an angle of coverage of 17mm (equivalent to 28mm with a 35mm camera) lens with a guide number of 11. The Built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed up to 1/180 sec. Incorporation of S-TTL automatic exposure system ensures the control of advanced flash photography.
MEMORY
SD card
The SD15 adopts the SD card (compatible with SDHC) which is also used in the DP series of Sigma cameras improving convenience to users of both camera systems.
AFE (Analog Front End)
AFE (Analog Front End) converts the color data, which full-color capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images.
BATTERY
Dedicated BP-21 Lithium-ion battery
The dedicated BP-21 Lithium-ion battery is supplied as standard with the SD15. It is possible to shoot approximately 500 images on one full charge and takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with the supplied BC-21 Battery Charger. The optional AC Adapter SAC-4 enables the Sigma SD15 to obtain power from the main supply.
TECHNOLOGIES:
FOVEON X3® DIRECT IMAGE SENSOR
Featuring three layers of photo detectors to sense the three primary colors of light, the Foveon X3® direct image sensor captures color fully and completely. The result is ultra-high quality images offering pure, rich color and fine detail.
TRUE II
Joining the SD series for the first time, the TRUE II image processing engine is Sigma’s proprietary system for quickly and optimally processing Foveon X3® direct image sensor data.
RAW X3 FORMAT DATA
Sigma's RAW data is broad in dynamic range, rich in harmony and color, and ideal for professional-level finishing. For access to this ultra-high-quality data, Sigma offers RAW mode and the .x3f data format.
SIGMA PHOTO PRO 4.0
SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 brings out the best in the high-quality .x3f format data captured by the precision Sigma lens. Easy and intuitive to use, this propriety application gives photographers what they need to finish their photographs perfectly.
Key Features
- World's first full color image sensor: Foveon X3 image sensor
- 14.45 megapixel
- True II Image processing engine
- SD card
- 21 frames captured continuously in RAW mode
- Large, highly visible 3.0' TFT color LCD Monitor
What's Included:
- SD15 DSLR Camera
- Li-ion Battery Pack BP-21
- Battery charger BC-21
- USB Cable
- Video Cable
- Neck Strap
- Eye Cap
- Body Cap
- Eyepiece Cap
- SIGMA Photo Pro Disc
- SD15 Instruction Manual