Sigma SD14 14 megapixel Digital SLR Body only

 

 

Create your own review

Maybe at its original price this camera caused consternation amongst the Canon/Nikon/Pentax fanboys in the photo press. There were some issues with the early firmware I think which probably helped to feed an already baying crowd of naysayers. The SD14 lacks lots of important features (translation: pointless clutter) found on most competing cameras. It's also not as fast for continuous shooting as other cameras in the same bracket, but in the overwhelming majority of cases that's of no consequence. Apparently, according to some reviewS the noise above ISO200 is so severe as to make the camera unusable for high ISO shots. Odd then that I've used it indoors at ISO800 with no problem at all. Much of the controversy over this camera has been caused by reviewers simply not taking the time to understand the camera. The lack of extraneous guff makes it an extremely easy camera to use. Part of Sigma's philosophy with this camera was to give the user the data exactly sensor saw it with no in-camera processing at all - and so let the user decide what was best for their needs. Maybe this is where the noise complaints come from: professional observers have noted that manufacturers of traditional Bayer cameras include some in camera noise reduction even in RAW. In any event, it's perhaps fair to say that noise in the Sigma RAW files at ISO 800 is likely a little greater than a file from a competing Bayer camera at the same ISO - but in my lmited experience the noise is not so severe as to be a problem. In an 8x10 print it would be barely perceptible and can easly be eradicated altogether usng NeatImage or similar with no noticeable loss of detail. I haven't tried ISO1600 yet. Of course we should be trying to avoid such high speeds in any event snce turning up te gain on any sensor increases noise, it's just physics.

Where this camera shines is in the beauty of the images it can create and it's certainly true to say that ISO50-200 is where its at its best, though that's also true of any Bayer camera. I've only just started using it and it's been a long time since I retired my 35mm SLR so I'm somewhat rusty...but I'm struck by how effortlessly beautiful the results so often are with this camera. It's quite easily up to the challenge of photographing my highly unpredictable and energentic 2-year-old, so while it may not be the right choice for professional sports photographer or paparrazzo it's eminently capable or everything else. I tried it for macro photography for the first time at the weekend, with astounding results. The SD14 can produce images that will turn owners of much more expensive cameras green with envy...don't believe me, just do your research online and take note of some of the professional users who comment on it. If you're coming from a film background and always thought digital photography looks somehow flat and lifeless, this is the camera you've been waiting for - provided you're not a convenience junie. Using this camera is VERY MUCH like usng a film SLR (or you could get the DP1 if you want a compact with the same image quality - though that will get trashed in reviews too - no live LCD, no zoom etc etc).

In a nutshell if image quality is your paramount concern then certainly for the current price this camera is IT (and yes the raw files are only 4.7MP in pixel size...but you won't believe how much detail is in there - shows the 12MP Bayer cameras up for the lies they are). Why camera reviewers seem to attach equal weight to image quality and other attributes like scene presets is beyond me. Surely IQ should be the primary consideration...?

Go...buy...enjoy!

Don't but this camera if you want to just shoot jpeg images, take your CF card to a shop and get your prints back.
However, if you want to shoot RAW, spend time optimising colour, sharpness, highlight & shadows, convert to TIFF and crop/anything else in Photoshop, then you will be surprised by the quality of the results.
The design is "no frills", you don't get 14 different modes you won't ever use, just P,A,S & M. The camera lets you decide how you want it take the picture, not the other way around. It's well built and the shutter is so smooth, doesn't sound like a catflap as the old SD10 did! If you grew up with films SLRs, you will find it really easy to use, took me 15 minutes to be comfortable with it, without reading the manual.
Image quality? Well I have no problem with 18"x12" prints and in club competitions I frequently get comments on how sharp and life-like the prints are. I believe that A0 size prints of good quality can be done with out too much trouble, but I never have need for a print as large as that. It can do JPEG images, but RAW gives you much more scope for post processing.
Now the down side, ISO 50 to 200 are excellent, iso 400 is very good, iso 800 is usable/good depending on the light and correct exposure, iso 1600 is, well put it this way, you use it if you have too! iso 800 benefits from a good noise reduction program like Noise Ninja or Noiseware, iso 1600 really needs it. Don't expect to shoot lots of shots in rapid succession, it will take 6 RAW images, then have a breather for around 45 seconds until it finishes writing them all to the card (CF card speed makes only a small difference to buffer clearing times). If you want to take a lot of pictures, buy a couple of spare batteries, expect around 200 images per battery. White balance/colour may need adjusting, but thats the advantage of RAW.
One final note, Sigma service in the UK has been excellent, returned my old SD10 after 10 months with a few issues to be sorted out, 7 days later they sent me a new camera (with a fresh warranty)! Would you get that from Canon?

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See both customer reviews...

 

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Search Listmania!