Sigma SA-7 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 5.5 x 7 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005LKXR
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,832 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 18, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Award-winning lens maker Sigma has now designed an excellent autofocus SLR camera with the end user in mind. The dial-controlled SA-7 is a full-fledged SLR with a host of advanced features, including a healthy range of exposure modes and metering modes, a built-in flash, self-timer, LCD information panel, built-in motor drive for automatic film advance/rewind, and more. The Sigma SA-7 also maximizes maneuverability with its durable yet lightweight body that ensures great performance under demanding conditions. This SA-7 kit comes complete with a quality 28-80mm Sigma AF zoom lens and a handsome Sigma brand camera bag. It is important to note that the SA-7 is only compatible with Sigma's SA mount lenses.

Of course, given that Sigma is originally a lens manufacturer, one of the strongest features of the SA-7 is its autofocus system. Focusing with the SA-7 is simple--just place your subject in the center of the viewfinder and slightly depress the shutter button. The super-quiet hypersonic motor works with the AF cross sensor to do the rest, all in a split second with pinpoint accuracy. The autofocus system also features a sophisticated motion prediction mode that allows subjects moving at a constant speed to be captured in sharp focus. It calculates the time required for the shutter to open after the shutter button is pressed, then automatically adjusts the focus at the point where the subject will be located when the shutter opens. In Single AF mode, a focus-lock function is activated that locks your focus on the subject. The camera signals you when focus is achieved with a light indicator in the viewfinder and an electronic sound. With symbols and color, the viewfinder also displays other necessary information. The LCD panel atop the camera body gives you shooting information, as well.

The SA-7 features fairly intuitive dial controls, offering the ability to go from fully automatic to manual mode with just a few quick adjustments. For manual operation, there is a shutter dial so you can set your shutter speed, either to Bulb or anywhere from 1/2,000 to 4 seconds. A command dial controls various settings such as adjusting aperture when in aperture-priority auto mode. The drive dial controls fine adjustment functions, which include continuous shooting, auto bracketing, mirror lock-up, and self-timer.

There is an eight-segment metering mode that divides the image into eight sections, measuring the light separately for each section and calculating an optimum exposure value for the whole scene. Another notable feature is the ability to capture fluid action at 1.5 frames per second with one depress of the shutter button. Finally, the camera boasts a diopter adjustment, a preview button to confirm depth of field, midroll rewind, a total of three metering systems, four exposure modes, multiple exposure function for special effects, and integrated flash with red eye-reduction.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great camera for an amateur, July 24, 2001

By 

"hormiguita" (Webster, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma SA-7 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens (Electronics)

Although, Sigma is very well-known for lenses, their cameras are not as popular, which is a shame. Anyway, this is the second Sigma Camera that I own. My previous camera was a Sigma SA-300. The camera has seven years, since I received it as a gift and it is still working very well. I wanted a new camera that have newer features, and that is why I decided to buy a new camera. Since, my experience with Sigma has been very good, and after shopping around (I looked at Minolta, Canon and Nikon) I decided to stick with the Sigma SA-7. One thing that I really liked is that the lense mount is metal vs. plastic in some of the comparable models for other brands. One set back is that it only accepts Sigma lensesand that it doesn't have ability to add a battery pack. The bag that comes with the kit is very nice and roomy. You get lots of features for the money, lightweight, affordable price, good metering system, user-friendly, picture preview, multiple exposure, self-timer.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camera with a great choice of lenses, July 26, 2001

By 

Andrew Senske (Spokane, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma SA-7 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens (Electronics)

After shooting a few rolls of film with the SA-7 I'm impressed. The autofocus is quick and accurate and all the controls are intuitive and well-placed. Handling is excellent.

Since you'll be limited to a Sigma lens I must recommend the 28-300mm Aspherical which is an outrageously convenient thing. It's a bargain and provides a range of focal lengths which may make it the only lens an amateur would ever need.

Now the only thing I'm wondering is if I should have paid more for the SA-9 to get a faster shutter and date imprinting. You'll be happy with either of the two new Sigmas.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Deal!, January 3, 2002

By 

David Evans (Oklahoma City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma SA-7 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens (Electronics)

I bought this camera for my wife for Christmas. She's an artist, and a pretty experienced photographer, but only wants the basic features rather than the complex sets of programs, etc., that you get on more expensive cameras or some of the similarly priced cameras from other makers.

I have a Canon Eos Elan 7E, which I like a lot, but for her use this one is much better. It's light, extremely easy to use, works very well, and takes good photos. It's quiet (very), focuses fast, and looks a lot more expensive than it is. In fact, I have been so pleased with it that I'm considering getting an SA-9 for myself, since it's quite a lot lighter and more compact than the 7E. Don't be fooled by the post that says it's better to stick with a "name-brand"--Sigma IS a name brand, and you get a lot for your money with this package.