Sigma releases SD1 flagship digital SLR (original) (raw)
Photokina 2010: Sigma has announced the SD1 digital SLR, which uses a brand new 46Mp 1.5x crop Foveon X3 sensor (4800 x 3200 x 3 layers). Designed as the company's flagship camera, the SD1 has a weatherproof magnesium alloy body, 3" 460k dot LCD, and new 11-point twin-cross AF system. Image processing is in the hands of a 'Dual True II' engine that promises improved speed and image quality, and the camera is compatible with the full range of Sigma lenses.
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Press Release:
SD1 Digital SLR Camera
Flagship digital SLR with 48.1 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor
- 46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C sensor
- Lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body
- Weather-resistant O-ring sealing connections
- Dual ‘TRUE II' image processing engines
- 11 Point Twin Cross AF Sensor
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Digital SLR Camera, incorporating a 46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor. The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.
The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and smooth and subtle graduation of colour. The SD1 is SIGMA’s latest digital SLR camera which meets high requirements of professional and enthusiast photographers for all types of photography.
SD1 Special site: www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd1
Product Summary
46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 Full-colour image sensor
The 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD1 captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor, is captured with a three-dimensional feel.
Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SD1 incorporates a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.
CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with UDMA Mode6, enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.
11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.
Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.
Weather-resistant design
Buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealings to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body.
Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.
Optional lenses The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheyes which adopt the latest technology such as FLD and SLD glass, Aspherical lenses, Sigma’s unique Optical Stabiliser function, Hyper Sonic Motor and Sigma’s Super Multi Layer Coating. They meet the various and demanding requirements of all types of photographers.
Sigma SD1 camera specifications
| Format | Interchangeable lens SLR camera |
|---|---|
| Storage Media | Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) |
| Image Sensor Size | 24 x 16mm (1.5x APS-C) |
| Lens Mount | SIGMA SA bayonet mount |
| Compatible Lenses | SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses |
| Image Sensor | X3 direct image sensor (CMOS) |
| Effective Pixels | 46MP (4,800×3,200×3 layers) |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism SLR viewfinder |
| Viewfinder Frame Coverage | 98% vertical, 98% horizontal |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.95x (with 50mm lens at infinity) |
| Eye point | 18mm |
| Diopter Adjustment Range | -3.0 dpt - +1.5 dpt |
| Auto Focus Type | TTL phase difference detection system |
| AF Point | 11 points twin cross sensor |
| AF Operating Range | EV -2 to +19 (ISO100) |
| Focus Mode | • Single AF • Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function)• Manual |
| Focusing Screen | Fixed, all matt screen |
| Mirror | Quick return |
| Depth of Field Preview | Yes |
| AF Point Selection | • Automatic Selection• Manual Selection |
| Active AF point indicator | Superimposed in viewfinder |
| Focus Lock | Shutter Release Halfway-Down position |
| Built-in Flash | • Manual Pop-up Built-in flash• GN11• 17mm lens angle covered |
| Flash Metering System | S-TTL Auto Flash |
| Flash Compensation | ±3EV (1/3 stop increments) |
| Flash Sync Terminal | Available |
| Flash Connectivity | Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact) |
| LCD Monitor | • 3.0" TFT colour LCD monitor • Approx. 460,000 dots |
| Dimensions | 145.5 mm/5.7" (W) × 112.5 mm/4.4"(H) × 80.0 mm/3.1" |
| Weight | TBA |
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