Customer Reviews

Sigma SD14 14MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The SD10 had problems. The battery charge system was just weird. The camera was not up to the hype when light was poor. But the images with good light were stunning. So it was with some angst, sustained by a delayed product release, that I opened my camera SD14. Very early on I knew I had a problem in that the camera hung... motion? But I got off some really spectacular images before sending it to NY repairs. They got it back quickly. I suspect something loose.

Well the images are simply wonderful. Just so you know, I have cameras at 5 & 6 times the price considered high end professional. I can get lots more pixels, but the color quality is not better.

The real test was low light. All the digital cameras fail in low light. So just a matter of how bad. OK, something is new here. This camera is far better in dim light than the SD10. When it starts to fail to low light the images become blotchy - like camoflage - rather than sandy as the GRGB cameras tend.

The SD14 X3F RAW images do well in Adobe's new Lightroom, and interestingly with the many controls for image modification in that program, there are none that set this camera aside (for punishment for being different).

The SD10 used a 1 GByte card but did not take larger. I tested the SD14 on 1 Gig (mechanical IBM type) and on 2 Gig, and 4 Gig, and 8 Gig CFII cards. Though, beware, some cards do badly with certain cameras across the board. So, I cannot say that ALL CFII's are OK. But I was able to find cards that worked a large range of memory capacity.

The camera saves images as RAW or JPEG. You can select two "color spaces", sRGB or AdobeRGB. I found that odd. Why not a 16 bit option? I suspect that is simply understood for RAW.

The booklet that comes with the camera may be the clearest such booklet of any camera. There were a few minor areas where referring the user to other sources seemed lazy(C1----v C2----v C3----v for camera strobes might be obvious to those who have these but ought to be explained to those who don't and maybe might want to).

Also the SD14 can shoot "tethered" - a huge fact that gets barely any mention other than an arrow pointing at the port. Those who do that, know, but maybe some need to learn how?

The camera body is nicely shaped, the controls are very logical, and shooting is easy.

There is something about the color. The SD10 drove me nuts because I had to charge batteries in shifts (they didn't all fit in the charger at once... grrrr). I almost dismissed this camera from that experience alone. The low light limits of the SD10 were also hard to take. But, that color. Seems even better in the SD14. It is not like other cameras. Just isn't. Very pleasing rich deep textural color.

So, down side? Well Sigma is not a magnet for lenses made by other manufacturers. So you will probably be a Sigma all the way person. But the Sigma lenses I used were quite good and cost way way less than other brands. There is a specific flash kind for the flash shoe. So, maybe your current flash might not work? The built-in flash, does what built in flashes do.

The SD14 battery system is quite nice. There is a built-in dust protector to assist lens swaps - very nice.

Want to do very high end photography with a wide array of lenses without going broke? Look at this model.

I own this camera and it is true that it isn't the most elegant body on the planet, nor is it feature rich. It struggles at high ISO settings and its LCD display is sub-par. The fps speed is slow and it takes a long time to write to the CF card from the buffer. You are stuck with Sigma lenses and I can't say that the 14.1 MP rating is s true 14.1 MP. But at the end of the day, when used for what it is intended - to take pictures - it produces the most beautiful and stunningly real, film like, dynamic, true color results. If you want features and functionality but lower quality pictures, go ahead and buy another camera, one without a Foveon sensor. If your after the best digital pictures available, shoot with the different cameras and review the results in a blind test. Chances are you will be a Sigma owner like me. That is what I did and I chose the Sigma.

I've owned the SD9 and now the SD14. The only two lenses I own for the SD are the Sigma 150/EX Macro and the 10-20/EX zoom. I shoot predominately Canon (1Ds/2, 1D/2, 30D and assorted lenses) but have a soft spot for the Foveon X3 technology, which produces a "look" that is difficult to replicate using a non-X3 "CFA" sensor (the type used in all other dSLRs).

First, don't be caught up in the various hyperbolic statements by Foveon/Sigma marketing and X3 zealots. The SD14 is really a 4.5 (not 14) megapixel camera. Photographs are two-dimensional (flat) representations. An 8x10 photo is still 8x10 even when you stack three red, green, and blues ones on top of each other. The SD14 has "only" 4.5MP in an X/Y space, which is all that matters. It's *how* the SD14 captures each one of those pixels that gives it an advantage over cameras with similar resolution. When it comes to resolving detail, the SD14 is roughly equivalent to the current crop of 8-10MP digital SLRs, and due to the unique nature of how its sensor captures those details gives it an edge to some believers. I like to use the SD for macro and some landscape photography, but since my acquisition of the 16MP Canon 1Ds Mk2 the SD14 has gotten little use. The SD14 easily matches both of my 8MP 1D/2 and 30D for both genres of photography, and in some ways produces images more to my personal tastes, but the 1Ds is clearly superior (as it should be for an $8,000 camera body).

If you like the unique results the SD14 is capable of, and your style of photography does not require advanced features like fast shooting, a high-performance AF system, and some other features found in most competing brands then the SD may be just the thing for you. Since landscapes don't run around and most macro subjects don't either it is perfect for these tasks -- especially at its current low price around $800. However, if your photography style is mixed and you may just as frequently find yourself capturing quick, fleeting subjects, or you need a deep buffer with a fast frame rate (ie: a responsive camera) then the SD14 is definitely NOT the body for you. The autofocus (AF) system is generations behind those in even the low end of modern dSLRs such as the Nikon D80 or Canon 40D, and leagues behind the current crop of high performance offerings like the Canon 1D or Nikon D3 or D300 series.

In short, most 10MP cameras can and do offer more compelling features, etc with likewise similar image quality, but for a narrow set of parameters the Foveon-equipped SD14 brings a "uniqueness" to the image capture that no other camera can offer. If that is your primary criteria then I can recommend the SD14. Unfortunately, much of this advantage evaporates once the image is put to print.

So, thumbs up if you're a landscape or macrophile. Otherwise the average customer would be better served by most of the more capable brands' offerings.

I own a Canon 5D and Nikon D3 and my Sigma SD14's image quality is on par with both of these cameras.

However,...

... it does have a few shortfalls. Such as:

1. In low light conditions,... shadows will have "blotchy" noise and speckles of magenta compared to the same shot taken with a 5D/D3 at the same ISO settings. This can even happen in daylight conditions where there is a very wide dynamic range. The SD14 will expose correctly for the image, but the deep shadows will at times fail to render details in the shadows and those blotchy/magenta characteristics will appear.
2. Poorer AWB in mixed lighting than the 5D/D3.
3. Small buffer. If you need to keep up with action (sports, etc..), then you will be disappointed that after a burst of 6-8 shots the camera will lock up and take 5-20 seconds to write all that data to the card. And faster CF cards won't help. It is the buffer. The fact is that the processing is complicated and does not process quickly for fast shooting environments. Yes it will shoot 3fps, but the buffer is so small that you only get a little over a handful of shots and then the camera needs time to process that burst.

The positives?

1. ISO 50-200 in daylight conditions is spectacular. I prefer the SD14 over my 5D/D3 up to 200 ISO.
2. Image sharpness is amazingly crisp and has a 3D type feel that you can only appreciate if you have shot with this camera and a Canon/Nikon in the same shooting conditions. I have done so from the same tripod to compare shots taken with similar lenses in the same lighting conditions and can attest to the differences.
3. You can use Canon speedlites to use within wireless ETTL setups. I have two Sigma EF 500 DG flash units and three Canon 580EX II speedlights. I set the Canon's to ETTL slaves and the two sigma's to wireless and then the camera to wireless. You can set all of the flash units to either channel 1, 2 or 3, then match that with the camera's channel output to fire off all the flashes. The camera meters properly using this mix of flash units. I found all this out by accident. I was testing out the 5D and wireless flash setup VS. the SD14 and wireless flash setup. I had left the 2 Canon speedlights on while I fired off the SD14's and expected only the sigma EF 500 DG units to fire. The canons did as well and the SD14 metered for all four properly.

I'd have to go further into details to review all the pros and cons. I'll just say that as a 5D and D3 owner, the SD14 can hang in image quality. And in good daylight environments I prefer it to the IQ of either the 5D or D3. The SD14 is at a minimum, on par with both respectively and often trumps those two when lighting is strong.

Also, the dynamic range of the SD14 seems to be wider than reported. I don't know why. In lightroom I'm amazed at the amount of details I can recover in the highlights VS. 5D/D3. Maybe it is the fact that because the SD14 captures R,G,B on each pixel, those hightlights are of better quality and it is able to pull those details out of the highlights for that reason. I don't know. It just "is what it is".

Well worth the purchase. The far lower price point makes up for it's low light performance. Using flash or strong daylight environments, the SD14 can hang with ANY $2000-$5000 DSLR.

I will start the review with a disclaimer that I had the chance to beta-test this camera before release; That also means I have had a few months experience in shooting with the camera.

I will start out with a little history. A few years ago, Sigma released the SD-9 and SD-10 digital cameras. They were widely hailed to have excellent image quality, but the trouble for some buyers was that the cameras did not have some convinced features that other cameras offered, like in-camera JPEG or on-camera flash, and so they went on to other systems.

Fast forward to today and the SD-14. Sigma has addressed all the little aspects of usability and features that people have asked for, like in-camera JPEG, on camera flash, PC-Sync socket, and many other little features. But best of all, in addition to adding more resolution, they also improved the image quality from the sensor even further - the camera has even more dynamic range, and much better high ISO support than before with everything up to 800 working really well and even 1600 being usable. This is a camera with a feature set that just about anyone can make use of, and leave the choice of the body to image quality rather than body features.

When considering a camera like the SD-14, it really is important to understand the difference the Foveon sensor makes as this camera really is different than any other camera on the market today. Look at sample images (look at full-size sample images, not shrunken down web versions!). Read about the Foveon sensor. The use that information to make up your mind if this is the right camera for you. For fine art work or landscapes, I'm really not sure there is anything better.

Sigma deserves a lot of credit for daring to continue updating the camera line with this unique sensor in a market full of otherwise very similar choices (except for Fuji, props there).

You can read more here about the Foveon and Bayer sensors compared in terms of detail captured and the information about resolution charts you should know:

[...]

And you can find full-size sample images either on the Sigma-sd14.com web site or here in the user galleries:

[...]

I've had an SD14 for a little over a month--and it has taken me this long to begin to get the hang of Sigma's RAW file conversion in SPP 2.3 (this is Sigma's updated RAW conversion software for Mac's that must be downloaded, so far--new SPP 3.1 is apparently on the way). Having convinced myself that satisfactory images can be acquired from RAW files, I'm inclined, finally, to give the camera a thumbs up. Further color correction in Phototshop helps, as well.

As for the camera, it is hefty, well built and essential functions are easy to get to. Have to say, I've been thoroughly spoiled by the ease of using several Olympus E-series cameras (which are smaller, lighter and faster to focus and shoot). But if you take your time, the SD14 seems to work well in the field. It does not have an independently operating Exposure Lock (it's coupled awkwardly with holding the shutter button half depressed). And exposure is important with this camera--the sensor is intolerant of underexposure, otherwise, odd colors creap into the darker tones. As a consequence, setting the EV to +.7 (yes, PLUS 2/3's of a stop) is a practical exposure compensation. I would never have found this to be the case by problem-solving on my own--just adopted suggestions from a Sigma online forum. Dynamic range is very good and recovery of highlights in RAW files is remarkable.

The initial RAW converted images that pop up on the monitor look as if from some saturated, other yellow-tinted universe, but careful color temperature correction in the software brings back images to something like reality--and to a very pleasing degree. The tendency for images to show warm colors is also something worth cultivating for iself. And getting most or all of the green out is possible with careful postprocessing. Photoshop, to repeat myself, is also a big help. Other RAW conversion software is available for Sigma cameras as well.

I returned the first SD14 because of some color issues--but this may well have been due to my inexperience. The second camera behaves much like the first. Both cameras exhibited faint dust shadows on the sensors--perhaps dust behind the dust screen from the factory. Not a serious issue--but if dust must be removed from the interior of the camera, I plan to have Sigma do it. A wall power converter is required to clean the interior of the camera and it is an optional $75.00 item not included in the camera assessories.

I'd recommend getting Sigmas' better glass--the EX lenses. The sensor can handle resolution of the best Sigma offers. I've compromised (due to price and hesitancy to leap with both feet with Sigma) and acquired a used 15-30mm EX and a new 28-70mm EX--neither ideal and both lenses requiring (seemingly) being stopped down anywhere from F8 to F16 for best images. Together with the 50 ASA possibilities of the SD14 (unique for larger DSLR's?), this will likely require resorting to a tripod because of the slow shutter speeds. I've been handholding shots at 100 ASA with good results.

I'm probably writing this review too soon--there is much left to do to see what this camera can and cannot do. But certainly, this camera is for those wanting image quality over consumer convenience--short of turning to large-format photography. Image quality is impressive. Image files are not especially large, but can be sharpen to a remarkable degree. I'm waiting for spring, so I have something more than dry grass, snow and frozen, brown landscapes to photograph.


Update 1/30/08: Adobe Photoshop CS3 with the latest Camera Raw (4.1.3) upgrade does a simply stellar job processing Sigma RAW files. It also easily converts any Sigma TIFF files saved from other developing software so images can be modifiend with Photoshop Raw tools.

Another Update 6/21/08: Exposures at ISO 50 with the SD14 should be managed differently than exposures at ISO 100 or higher. Exposing at ISO 100 or higher generally requires exposing for shadow areas, as if using negative film. At these ISO speeds, the sensor will produce odd color blotches in dark areas of an image if given too little exposure. There is a seeming enormous capacity to recover highlights from exposures that favor exposing for shadows. Good exposures in ISO 100 initially look much too overexposed. But the software will bring it back, within reason.

In contrast, when shooting ISO 50, one should expose for highlights, as if using slide film. ISO 50 seems to have less headroom for recoverying highlights, so the exposure needs to compensate for this. Having captured highlights, recovery of darker areas shot in ISO 50 appears superior to underexposed darker areas shot at ISO 100. Proper ISO 50 exposures initially look much more like properly exposed images when developed in Sigma software. The camera clearly shows a difference in image capture between ISO 50 and ISO 100 (and faster speeds). Also, Sigma software has been further updated--and appears to give better color results and sharpening than CS3 with initial RAW development (always a matter of taste). Photoshop RAW tools can be used to fine-tune the finished image, remove CA, remove dust moots, etc.

I've been hauling my SD 14 all over Yellowstone with fine results. The current price of the SD14 is remarkabley low--so I bought a second one.

I am a long-time Sigma digital camera user. I have used an SD9 in my fine-art photography business for four years. When the SD-14 came out, I was figuring out how to budget for the $1500 purchase price of the new body, when its price started dropping. Imagine my surprise when I found it on AMAZON for a third of its original price!
The camera has had lukewarm to lousy reviews, largely because the reviewers of digital cameras want a camera to shoot at ASA 5000 at 8 frames per second. Of course they never show us any of the fabulous images they've shot under those conditions.
The Sigma is an honest camera, at ASA 100, 200 or 400, it shoots beautiful files with its unique Foveon chip. Printers, who reproduce the images I shoot, love my files because they are so clean and free of digital artifacts.
The increased file size from the SD9 is very welcome and Sigma has always had the best software in the business. Sigma lenses test out as fine as anything made by Canon or Nikon, and are, at times, superior.
My only complaint comes from the fact that an AC converter is not sold with the body. My SD9 came with one. Sigma will gleefully sell me one for $135, an outrageous price for a $35 dollar item.
The new Sigma is faster, has a bigger screen in the back, has a pop-up flash, a PC connection for external flash and is a joy to use.
At this price, and while they last, there is no better deal in photography.

I sold my Canon 40D and lenses (Including L glass) to fund my purchase of the Sigma SD14. I miss the low light ability and the all around speed of the 40D. I miss the superior battery life and the ability to shoot full frame (If I bought another camera body) with the same lenses that I invested in for the Canon. I miss the stable operation (No lock-ups) of the 40D. The Canon 40D is an excellent camera, and is hands down a highly recommended option for many people who are into photography, I really do miss it in many ways.

But wait, this isn't a review of the Canon 40D, it is a review of the Sigma SD14. I would not trade back my SD14 with all of it's quirks (You must have read about them all if you got this far, and are interested in buying one) for the 40D. The reason is that when I look at my photos, I realize that nothing in my budget could get me anywhere near the quality of the images that I get from the SD14. I'm not a very good photographer, I'm still learning every day. But the learning experience is full of excitement with what this camera can produce. I don't care about all of what this camera cannot do when I sit down and have a look at what it can do- which is reward the effort of taking pictures with images that invoke everything from thoughts of "wow, did I really take that picture?" to a deep feeling in my gut that I really can one day arrive at my goal of producing images that reflect how I see the world.

For those of you who can afford to add the SD14 to your current system- you are in a fortunate position to explore this little gem without giving up on the stronger points (High ISO, high speed, stability, etc.) of your current camera.

For those of you who are thinking about getting started with digital SLR's, keep reading everything you can on the internet before making your decision, you will be giving up a lot of capabilities of the other camera systems, but if you have the same experience that I have had with the images, you may just find the SD14 to be the camera for you.

For those of you (like me) who would have to sell their current camera and lenses to purchase the SD14, all I can say is- I'm not in a position to tell you if it is the right decision for you, but I don't regret it for a second.

After 8 months of SD14 usage, I still consider my earlier review posted on dpreview.com website as accurate. The SD14 has had various firmware updates as well, making it in my opinion an even more versatile camera. For example, you can now shoot ISO50 with extraordinary detail and virtually no noise in shadows, especially an advantage to landscape photographers.

People not truly familiar with the Foveon technology will argue over the megapixel rating, but in actual usage, the SD14 can and does equal image quality coming from much more expensive or 'higher' MP-rated cameras. The Sigma forum at dpreview.com has links to such comparisons.
My earlier review:
The SD14 is smaller in size than previous models SD9 (2002) and SD10 (2003) but still somewhat larger than the 'smallest' other brand DSLRs. The SD14 is solid and well-balanced, thus for me much easier to hold and hand shoot. My favorite new feature: SD14 has a new toggle control on the back to select ISO, shooting mode (RAW or various settings of in-camera JPEG), RAW-JPEG resolutions and white balance. You can see these from the specification sheets, so I won't detail the settings' options. But in use, it is very easy to check, choose, and change your settings without digging into menu trees. The built-in flash is useful (and SD14s also of course support external flash units).

I believe most photographers are drawn to the Sigma SD14 by the high image quality produced by the Foveon sensor; in this, the SD14 is in a class by itself. Fine image quality and details captured are extraordinarily good. While a beginner can put the SD14 on "P" mode (automatic mode) and shoot satisfactorily, this camera allows photographers to grow into its (and their) full capabilities. It doesn't have pre-set 'modes' (sunset, landscape, portrait, sports or 'child' modes as some other DSLRs today), it is more a clean, classic photographers' camera.

In sum, controls and settings are simple to use, and the image quality is extraordinarily good.

Compared to the newer cameras of today the sd14 is on it's last leg. It is slow. But it does have that great foveon image quality. It's too bad that sigma decided to stick it to those of us who spent so much time with their cameras. The sd1 is ridiculous. And yes I changed my review because after waiting patiently and saving money for the SD1, I was not able to buy it, because Sigma thought that is was making fine jewelry instead of cameras. I loved the SD14. I owned several of them. I would not recommend Sigma cameras to anyone at this point.

Below is my original review

"I have found the sd14 to be a wonderful camera. It is simple to use and offers advanced features. It also allows very simple conversion to infrared. It does things that no general "consumer" dslr can do. If you are looking for a point and shoot dslr I recommend the evolt line from Olympus. If you want to take photographs that take your breath away then this is your camera. This camera gives you the ability to be a photographic artist rather than just a picture taker. If you read the "professional" reviews for the sd14 they will rate the camera according to start speed, ergonomics, etc. They all miss the beauty of the sd14. It's not about the insignificant details, it's about the photographs. Hands down this camera will beat any other camera in the 14mp class. Yes it is 14mp. Study the comparisons between the Foveon chip and the Bayer chip. Bayers use 50% for green, 25% red, and 25% blue. Foveon uses a 4.76 mp for each color. It's all about the pictures!"