November 9, 2009         Your source for the most comprehensive and informative digital camera reviews
    
Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Sigma Digital Cameras > Sigma SD9

Sigma SD9

Sigma's digital SLR uses Foveon's "X3" sensor technology to deliver more detail per pixel!

<<Test Results & Conclusion :(Previous) | (Next): SD9 Sample Images>>

Reference: Datasheet

Review First Posted: 11/09/2002



MSRP $1799 US


General
|
Model Name:
|
Sigma SD9 
Model Number: SD9 
Camera Format: SLR 
Currently Manufactured: No 
Retail Price: $1800.00
Street Price:  
Price Update Date: 2007-02-05
Date Available: 2002-10-21
Remote Control: Yes 
Remote Control Type: RS-21 Wireless 
Tripod Mount: Yes 
Tripod Mount Material: Metal 
Operating System: Windows, MacOS 
Weight: 28.4 oz
(805 g)
Weight With Batteries?  
Size: 6.0 x 4.7 x 3.1 in.
(152 x 120 x 79 mm)
Warranty in Months:  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 2268x1512, 1512x1008, 1134x756
Movie Resolution:  
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
CCD Sensor (Megapixels): 3.43
CCD Size (inches): 0.98 
CCD Filter Type: Full Color 
CCD Manufacturer: Foveon X3 CMOS 
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.74
Movie Audio: No 
Quality Levels: 1
Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):  
Zoom Ratio:  
Digital Zoom: No 
Digital Zoom Values: n/a
Auto Focus: Yes 
Auto Focus Type: Phase Difference detection 
Auto Focus Assist Light?  
Auto Focus Min Illum:  
Auto Focus Step:  
Manual Focus: Yes 
Manual Focus Steps:  
Normal Focus Range:  
Macro Focus Range:  
Min Macro Area:  
Min Aperture:  
Max Aperture:  
Aperture Range Description: Varies with lens 
Aperture Step Size:  
Lens Thread:  
Lens Thread Type: Varies with lens 
Display
Optical Viewfinder: Yes 
Optical VF Type: Pentaprism SLR 
Optical VF Accuracy: 97%
LCD Viewfinder:  
LCD VF Accuracy: 100%
LCD Size (inches): 1.8
LCD Resolution (pixels): 130000
Max Playback Zoom:  
Exposure
ISO Settings: 100, 200, 400
ISO Rating Max: 400
Number of White Balance Settings: 8
White Balance Settings: Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, and Custom 
Manual White Balance: Yes 
Longest Shutter Time: 15 
Shortest Shutter Time: 1/6000 
Exp Adj Range: 3.0 EV
Exp Adj Step Size: 0.50 EV
Metering Modes: 8 segment evaluative, Center, Center weighted average 
Spot Metering: Yes 
Aperture Priority: Yes 
Shutter Priority: Yes 
Full Manual Exposure: Yes 
Self Timer: 2 or 10
Flash
Internal Flash: No 
No of Flash Modes: n/a
Flash Modes: n/a
Flash Guide Number (Meters): n/a
Flash Range Default ISO (meters): n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a
No of Flash "Pops": n/a
Ext Flash: Yes 
Ext Flash Connection: Hot Shoe 
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CompactFlash Type 1, CompactFlash Type 2 
Other Memory Types: Microdrive 
Memory Included (MB):  
Uncompressed Format: RAW 
CCD Raw Format: Yes 
Compressed Format: None 
Movie File Format: None 
Connectivity
Video Out: Yes 
Video Mode Switchable: Yes 
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No 
External Connections: Serial, USB 1.1, Firewire
Other Connection: DC In 
Included Software: Sigma Photo Pro 
OS Compatibility: Windows, MacOS 
Performance Timing
Startup Time: 0.540 seconds
Shutdown Time: 0.930 seconds
Play -> Record: 0.580 seconds
Record -> Play (max res): 1.050 seconds
Record -> Play (min res):  
Shutter Lag (auto focus) WIDE: 0.600 seconds
Shutter Lag (auto focus) TELE:  
Shutter Lag, Man. Focus:  
Shutter Lag, Prefocus: 0.140 seconds
Cycle Time Uncompressed Format: 11.500 seconds
Cycle Time Max Res: 0.930 seconds
Cycle Time Min Res: 0.440 seconds
Buffer Frames, Max Res: 6
Continuous Mode Rate (Frames/Sec): 1.790
Movie Mode Rate (Frames/Sec):  
Movie Sec @ Max Res:  
Movie Sec @ Min Res:  
Download speed, KB/second: 268.00
Power
Battery Form Factor: 2 x CR-123A and either 4 x AA or 2 x CR-V3 
Usable Battery Types: Alkaline or NiMH (AA), Lithium (CR-123A and CR-V3) 
Batteries Included: No 
Battery Charger Included: No 
More Information
Notes & Features: Does not offer files in the common JPEG or TIFF formats, *only* in a proprietary RAW format at three different resolutions. All photos must be converted on a PC or Macintosh computer before they can be viewed off-camera, edited or printed. RAW format allows for post-capture exposure compensation. Shutter speeds from 1 to 15 seconds are available only at ISO 100. Bulb mode is similarly limited, and works to a maximum of 15 seconds. Does not come with a lens, memory card, batteries or charger in the bundle. Compatible with Sigma SA-mount lenses only. 
Review URL: Review
Test Shots URL: Test Shots
Photo Gallery URL:  
Device Forum URL: Forum
Manufacturer URL: Mfr. Website

Reader Comments! --> Visit our discussion forum for the Sigma SD9!



<<Test Results & Conclusion | SD9 Sample Images>>

Purchase memory card for Sigma SD9 digital camera
Free Photo Lessons

Check out the Free Photo School program for lessons and tips on improving your photographs!

Simple pro lighting and use tips let you snap stunning photos. Check out our free Photo School area!