Sigma SD1, 46MP DSLR, ships next month

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Foveon sensor-based camera will cost $9,700

By Adorama News Writer

May 20, 2011

Sigma today announced that its new flagship DSLR, the SD1, will ship in early June.

 

Boasting a new 46-megapixel sensor APX X3-sized Foveon sensor, the Sigma SD1 is being positioned as a high-end pro camera and an alternative to medium format and digital backs. The sensor uses three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors that are approximately 15.3MP each. This unique design is said to produce film-like color depth and sharper resolution. ISO range will be 100-6400. The camera body is sealed against rain and snow.

Other key features include

  • 3-inch, 460k resolution monitor
  • Magnesium body
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Larger sensor (23.5x15.7mm)
  • Dual True II image processing engine
  • Advanced buffer handles 5 fps, capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence
  • 77-segment Evaluative metering
  • 11-point twin cross AF sensor
  • Dust protection
  • Built-in flash with 17mm angle of coverage
  • 2-motor system (motor drive, shutter charge)
  • Focal Plane Shutter

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Reader Rating and Comments

8 readers rated this article. Average rating: 3.7 stars
 
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0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
$2300 price!

Sigma just repriced it. It is now the best picture quality you can get for a sub $2500 APSC DSLR.

by ALex in USA on March 10, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
NOT OVERPRICED

This camera is a lot of money, yes. As all of you have pointed out already, however, with 45 mega-pixels and Foveon 3x sensor (which doesn't use artifacts or interpolation and captures full color for three layers before contacting the ADC) its probably one of the best cameras on the market today and, in my own opinion, if nikon or canon came out with a product like this, it would be in the range of $14,000 or so, but they never picked up on the Foveon x3 technology, they still use CCD and CMOS, which is good, but is a lot of digital information, leaving for more electrons to be artificially created and not capturing the full spectrum of photons, in the natural scenery.

by CoryIphotos in New York, New York on September 20, 2011

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
Sigma is an enigma

I just don't know what Sigma was thinking about when they priced the SD1. Pricing has been eminently fair until the SD1. The DP2s and SD15 have about 15 mega pixels. The SD1 has about 45 plus waterproofing and a magnesium "chassis." Using a scale factor of 3 the camera SHOULD retail at about $3,000 plus, say $250 for extras. I think a fair MSRP should be around $3,250. Perhaps they will lower the price soon - I hope...

by Mr. JMG Schmoe in Timbuktu on June 2, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
But Way Too Expensive

I own an SD15 and DP2s. Exquisite cameras fairly priced. At $9,700, or $7,000 I think the SD1 is WAY too much. Even though I am nearly destitute $2,000 would tempt me! You can't compare the Foveon with Bayer sensors. Foveon is intrinsically superior for many reasons. Sensor size is not the issue, rather pixel size and arrangement that are. Some people should research Foveon vs Bayer before making brash statements.

by Mr. JMG Schmoe in NYC on June 1, 2011

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
overpriced

sigma is doomed for poor sales and disappointment with this mis-marketed camera. small sensor size cant compete with medium format or D3x resolution. this should be 1/3 of the msrp for anyone to consider buying it. Is anyone else question their misleading subtleties on mp?

by jamesovich in texas on May 25, 2011

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
crop sensor

The sensor is only 23.5 x 15.7mm no thanks sigma the Foveon may the best we have seen I don't no yet but come on how about a LARGE sensor

by dave n in columbus ohio on May 23, 2011

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
Larger than?

The sensor is only 23.5 x 15.7mm, big deal.

by Jyves in Osaka, JP on May 20, 2011

2 of 5 people found this comment helpful
 
For the price of...

For the price of this camera, I could buy and develop at least 950 rolls of film and buy a Canon EOS-1 or nikon F4/F100... or just buy a small car.

by jkbutseriously in Rock Island, IL on May 20, 2011

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