This item is no longer available.
Review Summary
2022-05-17T17:50:32
Best color ever and great resolution. This camera reminds me of those films with great colors like Fuji or Kodack films. Anyone who takes the challenge of taming this camera will have very rewarding images.
Ivory H.
2021-10-05T07:02:34
I've had the Sigma SD Quattro about 6 months and after owning a Sony, Canon, Fujifilm and Nikon Z50 (which I still own), the Sigma has been a revelation of how much COLOR you can actually capture but are prone to miss with the standard Bayer filter array sensor. (Fujifilm is the exception with their slightly different X-Trans sensor.) What sets the Sigma apart is the Foveon sensor that captures MORE of the visible spectrum. Typical cameras using the Bayer filter array try to make up for the elusive colors by tweaking the color science of their software. I have shot comparisons with the Nikon and there is always a noticeable difference in the hues captured by the Sigma (Foveon). Sigma will surprise you with its capture of lilacs, variety of yellows, the subtlety of pastel colors, and intense blues. The SD Quattro is the highest perfection to date (Oct. 2021) of the Foveon sensor. Where the Nikon will capture the green in a plant, shaded with a consistent light to dark green, the Sigma (Foveon) might capture a light avocado green in the highlights, some forest green in the midtones, and a cooler lime green in the shadows because of more blue in the shade. More color within the hue is typical of the Foveon and is noticeable as visibly dynamic color. It is much more than a gradation from light to dark. The SD Quattro does have its limitations such as being optimized for Base ISO of 100, no tilt of the rear LCD, shooting at one-frame-per-second, no Face AF, etc., but it is built like a tank, solid, and handles great! If you prize accurate EXCELLENT color rendition above all else, this camera is an amazing tool.
RICHARD R.
2021-09-08T05:55:12
Photos that I get from this camera look like they were shot on Ektachrome (and sometimes, Kodachrome). You have to be patient - it's a digital camera for a film user!
WTIN J.
2021-07-06T10:00:47
For a landscape photographer who grew-up on film cameras, this camera is comfortable enough & images produced can be superb. In such context, it is effectively a medium format digital camera, comparably discount-priced. Icing-on-the-cake is that it affords several aspect ratios in which to shoot, including pano-style formats almost-as-wide as Hasselblad X-Pan. Having said this, it is definitely not a camera for photographers desirous of camera versatility & video capabilities. Optimal ISO use range being 100-400.
J C.
2021-01-29T07:31:22
With all of the do-everything-mediocre cameras today, this one is for photographers that love film but hate the film workflow. With Sigma's RAW software able to keep detail up to at least 800iso it shows that the negative reviewers of this fantastic shooter never realized the detail and color that this camera gives. In my opinion, the color and detail from this camera equals or exceeds full frame high megapixel dslrs and mirror-less cameras. If you want medium format quality for a fraction of the cost and you aren't afraid to do more than push the button, THIS is the camera for you!
Thomas B.
2020-12-16T08:21:02
This is an amazing camera and the price is nice. Slow, so not for fast action, wildlife, sports etc., but the sensor really makes the images stand out for anything else. Well built. Wish I would have purchased one sooner.
Gregory A.
2020-07-18T23:21:15
This is a very good camera for day time use and I am very happy with its image quality. Camera's file writing very slow even I used a ultra fast Sony Tough SD card but make no difference.
YUKUN T.
2020-07-13T08:23:59
Next to the outstanding image quality I am very impressed by the camera itself in size and handling.
MICHAEL S.
2019-05-23T15:47:46
Quite pleased. Sigma’s offering at this price point is outstanding. Stepping away from video is unique. I wonder if Sigma May change the market with this separation of Church and State , which I view most highly as an endeavor to pursue. I would highly recommend this platform. Don’t have all it’s capa down but am very impressed. Taylor Concepts L.L.C.
Robert T.
2019-01-18T11:38:02
Sigma SD Quattro H I’m a painter, illustrator, and sculptor. My application for this camera is mostly carefully posed model shoots in a well lit studio environment. There’s a little landscape photography and a lot of photographing flat artwork as well. There’s not much in the way of describing studio work with this camera on the interwebs so I thought I’d add my thoughts here. Most of what I’ve read online is that this camera is slow, heavy, and the AF is marginal at best. But that the image quality and resolution are great. Considering that I do maybe 4 or 5 studio shoots per year I wasn’t too concerned with the speed issues but rather with the color accuracy and resolution since I print a lot of my work. I scheduled a model shoot for a few days after receiving this camera to give me some time to figure it out, but it certainly wasn’t enough to become an expert at it, which any photographer should be with their tools. I shot a few hundred images in about an hour and used the AF on each shot. The studio was dimly lit with only the modeling light on the strobe above her head to focus with. I was shooting fast and we didn’t really take any breaks. The AF on each shot was fast enough and accurate as you could possibly be. Each shot was stunningly beautiful, sharp, and the colors were perfect. The resolution was beyond what I could hope for and indeed rivals medium format cameras. For my application this camera was perfect. Unfortunately, a digital camera survives in software and that’s where this thing falls short. You cannot tether with this camera in any usable way. If I had been able to, I would have found a few shots that I loved that could have been made a little better had I seen them as I shot them. For me, the sigma capture pro, their tethering app, would not open the shot in sigma photo pro, their photo editing app. It would, however open affinity photo and send the photo there which strangely enough can read native sigma raw files. But it takes a long time. Admittedly, the files are huge but it would be nice to shoot in raw+jpeg and have the camera send a jpeg to the computer for tethering so you could see what was going on in real time. Maybe a software/firmware update could do that. The EVF is ok, not great, but good enough. The camera isn’t as heavy as many have complained but the extended flange for the lens mount shifts the center of gravity of the camera with a lens way out forward. This makes for a very comfortable handheld experience, for me anyway, and a ridiculously forward heavy tripod experience. When I had my tripod head tilted over to shoot vertical the camera kept tilting down. This is a problem with my tripod not the camera, but it would have been nice if they had put the tripod mount hole on the lens mount flange and not way back on the camera. The most amazing thing about this camera is that I got beautiful image quality and near medium format camera resolution for a third of what it would have cost me for something comparable. I don’t think I’d recommend this as someones only camera but it does have a solid place in my studio.
ROBERT F.
2018-09-24T12:26:59
I like this camera with its unique sensor and its beuatiful color
MEFLEH A.
2018-06-14T08:27:24
I Mostly work with Medium and Large format cameras. Hasselblad and SINAR. This is the only digital camera Regardless of price that can come close to the Resolution and Colour fidelity of Film. Highly Recommended.
adonis
2018-05-24T11:37:59
It is ok for children play
payam j.
2018-04-27T07:08:43
I don't want to say too much about this camera because it's like a hidden jewel and I want to keep the secret! People are flaunting their images taken by their Canon's and Nikon's and then you pull out a Sigma SD Quattro H image and the room gets quiet and their mouth drops open! It never fails to amaze! 95% of the sheep use Bayer Pattern sensors -- The creative few use Foveon! But this camera is definitely not for everyone: It doesn't do video. If you like to shoot and spray images like Nascar it's not for you since it's not the fastest camera in the world. If you want a camera that takes advantage of the highest ISO in low light this is definitely not it. You want a light weight body? Exercise a Sony Mirrorless instead. This camera is for you if you truly enjoy the meditative process of taking/composing an image! This camera is for you if you want Vogue-Magazine quality images -- rich images nearly on par with Medium Format. This camera is for you if you want to be different and have your images stand out from the rest of the crowd. And if you enjoy taking Black & White images this is probably the #1 camera to do it with since it takes incredible B&W! Tip: You can buy an adapter on Adorama that lets you attach old-fashioned M42 lens. The Takumar f1.4 50mm lens pairs well with the Sigma SD Quattro H producing mind-blowing images!
Shane G.
2018-03-23T10:30:34
Despite all the quirks this camera comes with, the final image is all that matters and the Quattro delivers. I have never worked with such a pristine raw file as the multi-shot X3i file. 350 megabytes of detail in the picture! For the price, it's hard to top,
SCOTT R.
2017-12-14T06:27:33
Much improved autofocus, card write speed and battery life over the previous foveon sensor cameras offer greater ease of use. Lens interchangeability is a plus and the 30mm f1.4 art lens delivers sharpness across the frame and excellent bokeh. The ability to switch to zone (manual) focusing makes it a great street camera in good light. Landscape photographers will enjoy the color and detailed images produced by this camera. Pentax K-mount and M42 lenses (w/K-adapter) work well with the SD Quattro body.
MICHAEL W.
2017-12-13T07:16:45
If you judge Sigma's camera with normal standard, then it's truly a horrendous camera. Slow focus speed, no dual card slot, low res viewfinder and screen (compare to the latest in 2017.) get hot some times, battery life is so so, only supports SGV Sigma lens. However, if you understand the concept behinds it. SD Quattro H is the best model they created yet. It has their largest (APSH) size X3 Foveon Quattro sensor The sensor provides breathtaking image quality and is easy to use. Faster processing speed. Compare to my DP1,2 Merrill, it's about 2 to 3 time faster. push the shutter and about 2 seconds then you can review the photo. Ease of pairing with M42 or manual lenses, focus peaking works great, custom button makes operating flexible and fast. plus it feels great in hand, surprisingly light but well constructed. The shutter is soft and steady. makes hand held shooting easier then ever. The white balance is really steady and accurate. The Viewfinder is low res (1.2 million dots) but it works great. If you like Sigma camera's extreme character and welling to spend time to understand it. If you love film quality. If you love Sigma's new SGV lens (they are sharp and they are big.) If you love landscape, street and in studio photography (or any slower pace shooting) with image quality that can compete with the best camera on the market but only cost 1/3 or less. Try this bad boy.
chih-chun c.
2017-06-07T05:32:37
After reading online reviews about how slow the camera is and how it can only be used with a tripod in bright sunlight, I was reluctant to buy it. I own a Canon T3i and a Panasonic GX85 with several lenses and I was always disappointed with the quality of my photos. I admit I am a pixel peeper. I used the Sigma at a friend's wedding without a tripod on a cloudy day and I found it no slower than the Gx85, with precise focus, and exceptional IQ. This is the best camera I owned and the best 1000$ I spent so far. I sold the GX85 and will invest in some more Sigma lenses as well as a flash so I can use it indoors.
George S.
Interchangeable-Lens Digital Camera
SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses
SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Equivalent to approx. 1.3 times the focal length of the lens (on 35mm cameras)
Foveon X3 direct image sensor (CMOS)
26.6x17.9mm (1.0 inchx0.7 inch)
Effective Pixels: Approx. 44.8MP T(Top): 6,200x4,152 / M(Middle): 3,348x2,232 / B(Bottom): 3,348x2,232
Total Pixels: Approx. 45MP
3:2
SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, Eye-Fi Card
Lossless compression RAW data (14-bit), JPEG (Exif2.3), RAW+JPEG
FINE, NORMAL, BASIC
11 types (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Cinema, Sunset Red, Forest Green, FOV Classic Blue, FOV Classic Yellow, Monochrome)
RAW
HIGH T:5,424x3,616 / M:2,712x1,808 / B:2,712x1,808
LOW T:2,704x1,808 / M:2,704x1,808 / B:2,704x1,808
JPEG [21:9] S-HI: 7,680x3,296
HIGH: 5,424x2,328
LOW: 2,704x1,160
S-LO: 1,920x816
[16:9] S-HI: 7,680x4,320
HIGH: 5,424x3,048
LOW: 2,704x1,520
S-LO: 1,920x1,080
S-HI: 7,680x5,120
HIGH: 5,424x3,616
LOW: 2,704x1,808
S-LO: 1,920x1,280
[4:3] S-HI: 6,816x5,120
HIGH: 4,816x3,616
LOW: 2,400x1,808
S-LO: 1,696x1,280
[7:6] S-HI: 6,352x5,120
HIGH: 4,480x3,616
LOW: 2,224x1,808
S-LO: 1,584x1,280
[1:1] S-HI: 5,120x5,120
HIGH: 3,616x3,616
LOW: 1,808x1,808
S-LO: 1,280x1,280
12 types (Auto, Auto (Lighting Source Priority), Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Color Temperature, Flash, Custom 1, Custom 2, Custom 3)
Type: Electronic viewfinder (approx. 2,360,000 pixels color LCD monitor)
Viewfinder Frame Coverage: approx. 100%
Viewfinder Magnification: approx. 1.09x (-1m, 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Eye point: approx. 21mm (-1m)
Diopter Adjustment Range: approx. -4m to +2m
Phase difference detection system + Contrast detection system
9 points select mode, Free move mode (It is possible to change the size of Focus Frame to Spot, Regular and Large), Face Detection AF Mode
EV -1~EV 18 (ISO100 F1.4)
Single AF, Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function), Manual
AEL/AF lock button is pressed or shutter release button is pressed halfway
Evaluative Metering, Spot Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering
EV 0~EV 17 (50mm F1.4 ISO100)
(P) Program AE (Program Shift is possible), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual
ISO 100-6400
+/-5 EV (in 1/3 stop increments)
AEL/AF lock button is pressed or shutter release button is pressed halfway
Number of shots: 3, or 5 (Appropriate, under, over; 1/3EV steps up to +/-3EV for appropriate exposure)
Electronically Controlled Focal Plane Shutter
1/4000 - 30 sec., Bulb (With Extended Mode: Max. 2 min.)
X-Sync (1/180)
Connectivity: Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
Sync Terminal: Available
Type: TFT color LCD monitor
Monitor Size: 3.0"
LCD Pixels: Approx. 1,620,000 pixels
Coverage: 100%
Electronic Level Display: Available
Reviewing Images: Single frame display, 9 frames multi display, Zoom, Slide Show
Highlight Display: Available
Histogram: Available
English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese / Korean / Russian / Dutch / Polish / Portuguese / Danish / Swedish / Norwegian / Finnish
USB (USB3.0, micro B), HDMI (Type C mini-pin HDMI connector), Remote
Li-ion Battery BP-61, Battery Charger BC-61, AC adapter SAC-7 (optional) [DC connector CN-31, AC cable (supplied)]
32 - 104deg F (0 - 40deg C)
5.79 x 3.74 x 3.57" (147 x 95.1 x 90.8mm)
1.4 lbs (635g)
085126932145
You can't beat the image quality of a Foveon Sensor
By Shane G.
I don't want to say too much about this camera because it's like a hidden jewel and I want to keep the secret! People are flaunting their images taken by their Canon's and Nikon's and then you pull out a Sigma SD Quattro H image and the room gets quiet and their mouth drops open! It never fails to amaze! 95% of the sheep use Bayer Pattern sensors -- The creative few use Foveon! But this camera is definitely not for everyone: It doesn't do video. If you like to shoot and spray images like Nas...
View full Review
Fantastic
By George S.
After reading online reviews about how slow the camera is and how it can only be used with a tripod in bright sunlight, I was reluctant to buy it. I own a Canon T3i and a Panasonic GX85 with several lenses and I was always disappointed with the quality of my photos. I admit I am a pixel peeper. I used the Sigma at a friend's wedding without a tripod on a cloudy day and I found it no slower than the Gx85, with precise focus, and exceptional IQ. This is the best camera I owned and the best 1000...
View full Review
SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the SIGMA sd Quattro H, the new high-image-quality digital camera that incorporates the Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation name: "Quattro"). The SIGMA sd Quattro H is the first camera to feature the newly developed APS-H size Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor with incredible 51-megapixel-equivalent resolution. Featuring the SIGMA SA mount, the new camera is compatible with all of the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses in the Contemporary, Art and Sports lines and it is designed to take full advantage of these lenses' superb optical performance.
In addition, it is compatible with DNG format and imaging software from other companies is also available for higher versatility. The DC Crop Mode, which is automatically activated when DC lenses are attached, makes it possible to take full advantage of your lens assets.
Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor
Leveraging the light absorption characteristics of silicon, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor comprises three layers of photodiodes, each at a different depth within the silicon and each corresponding to a different RGB color. Since it is the only sensor to use this superior vertical color separation technology, it is also the world's only direct image sensor.
Requiring no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a color filter array, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is able to take full advantage of the information carried by light, including color information. The sensor features a pixel ratio of 1:1:4 in the bottom, middle and top layers and applies the brightness data captured by the top layer to the middle and bottom layers. This unique structure makes possible fast resolution and high-speed data processing.
51 megapixel-equivalent ultra-high image quality
Other camera typically uses a single-layer photo sensor covered by a Bayer filter mosaic, which comprises 50% green, 25% blue and 25% red squares. In contrast, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image Sensor uses no low-pass filter and is able to capture 100% of the data for blue, green and red in each of its three layers. Due to this unique structure, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor can generate up to twice the resolution data of sensors using a Bayer filter.
The SIGMA So Quattro H features a newly developed APS-H size sensor (26.7 x 17.9mm) with 25.5 megapixels in its top layer for an equivalent total of approximately 51 megapixels. This larger sensor takes Foveon image quality to the next level, delivering more detailed images than ever before.
Dual TRUE III for high-speed processing of high-volume data
TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) III is the dedicated image processing engine for the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. SIGMA's original algorithm processes data without loss of color detail or other image degeneration to deliver extremely detailed image expression with a noticeable 3D pop. In addition, by using two separate TRUE III engines, the camera is able to process data from the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor at extremely high speed.
14-bit RAW data
RAW data records the light information captured by the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. Using 14-bit (16,384 gradations) signal processing to convert the analog output signal to digital results in photographic data with fine gradations that effectively represent the Smooth, natural gradations of the original Subject. RAW data uses lossless compression that prevents image degradation. Moreover, processing RAW data with SIGMA Photo Pro results in images with incomparable natural balance.
DNG Format
In addition to SIGMA's original RAW format(X3F), DNG (Digital Negative) format is available. DNG is the RAW image data that is developed by Adobe Systems incorporated. DNG file makes it possible to develop images on other softwares, which gives more choices of expression. (It is not possible to record the image data in DNG and JPEG simultaneously. In addition, the number of pixels to be recorded will change depending on the aspect ratio of shooting images.)
New Super-Fine Detail exposure mode
The new Super-Fine Detail (SFD) exposure mode brings out the full performance of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. One push of the shutter generates seven different exposures, creating RAW data in the X3 file format. Using this data with the SIGMA Photo Pro software package, the photographer can create noiseless images with an extensive dynamic range. With this new mode, the more detailed imaging potential of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is fully leveraged. From each X3 file, individual X3F files may also be generated. The value of SFD exposure mode is especially apparent in studio photography.
DC Crop Mode
The Sigma sd Quattro H incorporates an APS-H sized image sensor and it automatically switches to DC Crop Mode, when DC lenses are attached. Also, it is possible to select On/Off of the DC Crop Mode manually. When a DG lens is mounted and the DC Crop Mode (On) is selected, the coverage of the LCD monitor and the view finder automatically becomes within APS-C size, which makes it easy determining the composition. (If [On] is selected, the angle of view will be equivalent to 1.5 times longer than the focal length of the lens and the number of pixels to be recorded will be smaller.)
Exclusive SIGMA Photo Pro software
SIGMA Photo Pro makes possible intuitive processing of RAW data, leveraging the full power of the information captured by the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. Operation is easy: the user simply adjusts horizontal sliders while viewing the photographs to create images that perfectly match his or her vision. In addition, the software turns X31 files created using the camera's Super-Fine Detail function into high-resolution, noiseless images with outstanding dynamic range. Various modes allow the user to take full advantage of the image sensor's fine tones and gradations and create monochrome images of impressive depth.
SIGMA Capture Pro software
SIGMA Capture Pro allows the user to control and capture photographs with the camera via a personal computer. After connecting the camera to the computer with a USB cable, the user can take photos and adjust the aperture value, shutter speed and other settings. The photographs taken using the software may be downloaded to the camera's SD card, to the computer or both at the same time. The software also allows the user to continuously shoot a set number of photographs. While connected to the computer, the camera may still be operated and used to take photographs manually.
RAW onboard data processing
The camera can process RAW data (X3F files) into JPEGs without the need for a personal computer. The user can adjust the exposure correction, white balance, color mode and aspect ratio while viewing the photographs on the LCD monitor.
Combination of two AF detection methods
Phase detection AF is superior for speed performance, while contract detection AF is superior for focusing accuracy. Combining these two methods in a single system delivers AF that is fast and precise at the same time. In addition, this approach to autofocus takes full advantage of the characteristics of high-performance lenses. The Single AF mode is optimal for everyday photography, while the Continuous AF mode is optimal for focusing on a moving object.
In the latter mode, pressing the shutter button halfway causes autofocus to operate continuously, while Movement Prediction AF operates at the same time for more accurate autofocusing. A variety of other AF modes are also available. 9-Point Selection AF mode allows the user to select among nine focus frames. Free Movement AF mode allows the user to select the focus frame with high precision. Face Detection AF mode detects human faces and prioritizes focusing on them. The AF assist light incorporated in the camera body makes possible the use of AF even in low-light conditions.
Continuous Shooting of Up to 8 Images in RAW Format
The DDR III high-speed, high-volume memory is approximately twice the capacity of that of the SIGMA dp Quattro. This allows the SIGMA sd Quattro H to capture up to 8 RAW images (X3F files) in High size during continuous shooting. Leveraging high-speed data transfer and processing, the SIGMA sd Quattro H offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 4.4 frames per second. (4,8 frames per second when it is set as DC crop Mode.) As a further option, when Low size is used, the SIGMA sd Quattro H offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 6.2 frames per second and continuous shooting of up to 16 images. (6.8 frames per second when it is set as DC crop Mode.)
Tough Magnesium Alloy Body
The exterior and main frame of the camera body features a tough magnesium alloy. The rigidity and strength of this alloy significantly contribute to the reliability and quality of the camera as a whole.
Dust- and Splash-proof design
O-rings and sealing material effectively seal buttons and seams to prevent the intrusion of dust and water, making the camera an excellent choice for pros working under tough conditions.
Dust protector on lens mount
To prevent the intrusion of dust and debris into the camera body, the lens mount features a dust protector sealed with optical glass. Additional sealing around the mount further lessens the chance of dust entering the camera body.
Join VIP PRO
2 Day Delivery on thousands of items!
Request a Callback
Chat one-on-one with an expert
Sell or Trade your Gear
Get started in 3 easy steps