Sigma teases SD14 DSLR

We've gotta hand it to Sigma, with other companies announcing a slew of digital cameras in advance of Photokina, it's holding out and unveiling its new DSLR, the SD14, at the show itself. Of course, they're still doing their best to build anticipation with a trying-to-be-mysterious teaser site that taunts us with such penetrating dialogue as "you believe that all RAW data is created equal?" and "if you could have fundamentally better technology, would you settle for added, improved functions instead?" We'll leave you to ponder that for a minute, but rest assured, "the truth will soon be revealed." It also looks like the truth has been leaked, as evidenced by the pic after the break that cropped up Xitek.com's discussion forum, although it seems we'll still have to wait for the big unveiling at Photokina to get all the camera's deets.

[Via DP Review, thanks Robby B]

[ryantv @ Aug 29th 2006 4:56PM]

"if you could have fundamentally better technology, would you settle for added, improved functions instead?"

I'd settle for a Nikon. Sigma cant make a decent lens - I'm sure as hell not going to buy a camera made by them.

[Detroit Photographer @ Aug 29th 2006 6:15PM]

The fact is that most Sigma cameras use Nikon mounts, as do Fuji bodies, so if you're looking to have the best glass (Nikon) with whatever Sigma is touting -- which MUST be better than the noisy crappy Nikon files -- then you can have what is probably a 14MP body with great glass -- the test will be high ISO noise and shadow detail.

John

[Brian @ Aug 29th 2006 6:22PM]

Detroit Photographer,
You have no idea what you're talking about.

The Sigma mount that this camera has is proprietary to Sigma and IS NOT the same thing as a Nikon mount (F-mount).

See, for example, this review of the SD10: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sigma/sd10-review/

Also, if you're getting "noisy crappy Nikon files" then you should probably learn how to use your camera properly.

[Brandon @ Aug 29th 2006 6:30PM]

"
I'd settle for a Nikon. Sigma cant make a decent lens - I'm sure as hell not going to buy a camera made by them."

What are you smoking my friend? Sigma makes some very highly regarded lenses. These include their 14mm f2.8, 15mm f2.8 fisheye, every macro lens they make in addition to the excellent tele's such as the Sigma 300mm f2.8 and Sigma 500mm f4.5.

The Sigma 20mm f1.8 is almost a legend with the Canon 1Ds mkII and 5D. Going head to head with the Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm in some cases.

[Mark @ Aug 29th 2006 7:37PM]

Detroit Photographer:

Nikon's the best glass huh. Let's keep that kinda stuff outta here. I personally think (using both systems) that the other major competitor has the best glass, but it's neither here nor there.

I want a foveon chip for my Canons! :D

[Jeff @ Aug 29th 2006 8:08PM]

"I want a foveon chip for my Canons! :D"

Yeah, I think every other camera user should be envious of the Foveon. It's an elegant system that's really the equivalent of connecting a DVD player to your TV with component cables when everybody else is still using s-video. The Foveon is capable of a lot more detail and much more accurate color, all else being equal... the problem is that so far, other manufacturers have been able to keep up the detail wars with sheer brute force (i.e. more megapixels) and Sigma has lagged in noise levels and features. Their previous cameras also had some pretty serious flaws in their image processors - you basically *had* to use them in RAW mode. (This is what I usually do with my Canon, but it's still nice to put it in jpg mode for those times when I just want to take a hundred photos quickly and not worry about processing them later one by one.)

If I could have a Foveon in my Canon, with 8-10 megapixels (and I mean final image resolution, not Sigma's "multiply by three" method) and with Canon's DIGIC II processor and lenses... I mean, where do I sign up??

If Sigma has significantly bumped up the resolution on the sensor for the SD14, improved their image processor and features, and is selling the camera at a low price, they could have a winner. I own one Sigma lens (135-400 APO DG) and it is fabulous - I would not hesitate to buy one of their cameras if it managed to go toe to toe with my Canon in most areas and still had that Foveon. (Of course, now I'm invested in the EOS system, but if anything could ever make me switch, it'd be a technology like the Foveon.)

[adaminc @ Aug 29th 2006 11:56PM]

I remember reading somewhere that while the Foveon was amazing for colour and clarity, it has problems with darker situations, but that could be a thing of the past , or not true at all.

[unimog @ Aug 30th 2006 12:06AM]

YAWN

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/cameras/cameras_cameras_details.asp?id=3256

[Andreas @ Aug 30th 2006 2:55AM]

I've been waiting for a new Foveon dSLR system for years now. Hold in mind that they've been at work with this one for about 3 years now. They've taken their time. I think we can assume that it is much, MUCH improved over the SD10. It will probably have all the functions that the other dSLR cameras on the market has, but with the fantastic image quality of the Foveon technology. And hopefully Foveon has not been standing still for 3 years either. I put high hopes in Sigma's and Foveon's partnership. This one could finally put Sigma in the race.

[yuppicide @ Aug 30th 2006 2:03PM]

Yeah, that guy is talking crazy. Sigma makes some very good lenses. I'm gonna stick with Canon though for my camera. I had the Digital Rebel XT and will now get the Rebel XTi.

[MomoInu @ Aug 31st 2006 7:47AM]

Foveron has not been able to realized the potential of their sensor technology and can only get their resolution levels up to entry-level DLSR standards. Add to that a sub-standard Sigma body (that doesn't appear to be significantly changed from 3 years ago) and a lens mount that locks you into mostly mediocre Sigma lenses and you have a recipe for -- nothing. Sales of Sigma DLSR's will continue to be insignificant. At the very least, Foveron needs to find another partner.

[Timmy Toucan @ Sep 3rd 2006 5:14AM]

@ unimog:

Maybe you should wake up; that camera you're linking to is 3 years old... This is a press release for something 'new', as in 'not yet released'.

[TAG @ Sep 13th 2006 8:08AM]

RACE. It is a race and depreciation is the handicap. I owned both the sd9 and sd10. As a commerical photographer using the sd in sunlight was fantastic but in low light situations it became impossable to use the sd. Canon raced past the sd series in both detail and stability. All the while leaving me with a sigma system wrapped around my neck like a dead albatross. I think the foveon has potential, unfortunatley I think it is hampered by being stuck in Polaroid and Sigma bodies.
When the hardware (lenses and bodies) and the information (sensor and or film)
are tied together with no options, in other words i could buy Sigma bodies and lenses and still decide to use Kodak or Fuji I think the powerhouses Nikon and Canon will reign....they have the Profit margins for considerable R&D to stay on top.

[SLOPhotographer @ Jan 27th 2007 5:59PM]

I own several Sigma SA bodies and several Sigma EX lenses. If and when I make the leap to digital, it is going to have to be the SD-14 as I can't afford to buy a whole slew of new lenses also. I am very happy with my Sigma film gear so far. Can the SD-14 be THAT bad?