- 3.5-megapixel digital SLR uses the new Foveon image sensor for increased color resolution
- Records 2268 x 1512 stills--good for prints up to 8 by 10 and beyond--onto Type I and II CompactFlash cards
- Connects to Macs and PCs via IEEE1394 port and USB port
- Uses two CR-V3 and two CR123A batteries
- Compatible with all of Sigma's SA mount lenses
Technical Details
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Early Adopters Pick: December 2002. Powered by Foveon X3 image sensors, the world’s only technology that captures red, green, and blue light at each and every pixel in three distinct layers.
The breakthrough Sigma SD9 high-definition, digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera contains the world's first image sensor to feature three layers of photo-detectors. The camera’s SLR system can take advantage of over 30 different lenses, from 8mm circular fisheye to 800mm ultra-telephoto, plus two digital flashguns, power pack, and accessories.
Optics and Resolution
The Sigma SD9, powered by the Foveon X3 image sensors, captures red, green, and blue light at each and every pixel in three distinct layers. All other image sensors feature just one layer of photo-detectors, with just one photo-detector per pixel.
The SD9's three layers are embedded in silicon to take advantage of the fact that red, green, and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths, allowing full color to be measured at every pixel. This means that for every pixel on a Foveon X3 image sensor, there's actually a stack of three photo-detectors, forming the first and only full-color capture system.
Storage and Transfer
The SD9 uses CompactFlash memory cards and is compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards, which enables you to use IBM Microdrives as well. You can transfer the images from camera to computer with high-speed IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire) and widely available USB (1.1) interfaces. The camera's video-output system can be switched between the PAL system (used in Europe) and the NTSC system (used in Japan and the U.S.).
Image Format
With the RAW data recording system of the SD9, it is possible to obtain high-picture definition and compact file size. The lossless compression system of RAW data eliminates image deterioration, and provides superior pictures, without sacrificing original image quality.
More Features
The SD9 is equipped with a large 1.8-inch, 130,000-dot low-temperature polysilicon TFT-LCD monitor with a white LED on the back panel, which displays images, menus, and histograms.
The SD9 is equipped with a "sport finder," so you can easily follow the situation outside the picture area. The area that is out of the image sensor’s coverage range is marked by transparent light gray, to distinguish it from the active picture-taking area.
Dust and dirt entering through the lens mount of a digital camera can create serious defects in image quality. In order to prevent dust entering and adhering to the image sensor, the body mount of SIGMA SD9 is equipped with an integral dust protector.
Power, Size, and Contents
The SD9 comes equipped with four CR-V3 batteries and an AC adapter; you can also use four optional rechargeable NiMH batteries to power the camera. The SD9 measures 5.9 by 4.7 by 3.1 inches and weighs 28.3 ounces. Other standard accessories are a hand strap, CD-ROM with imaging software, USB cradle and cable, AC adapter for cradle, remote controller with LCD, and stereo headphone.
Product Description
The breakthrough Sigma SD9 high-definition, digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera contains the world's first image sensor to feature three layers of photo-detectors. The camera’s SLR system can take advantage of over 30 different lenses, from 8mm circular fisheye to 800mm ultra-telephoto, plus two digital flashguns, power pack, and accessories.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the future of digital,
This review is from: Sigma SD9 3.54MP Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)
unlike some reviewers, i have actually seen and held this camera. while i only took 3 pictures, simply loading them and having a look is shocking. this camera and the underlying X3 chip blow away everything in digital photography today. getting all three colors (rather than one like all other digital cameras) in each pixel gives you images you can easily enlarge without loss and artifacts. this camera easily blows away cameras costing many times more.this isn't a true 3 MP camera. it is more like a 9 MP. but better.... there is no longer a reason to not go digital. getting 3 colors per pixel means no interpolation. that in turn means sharper, truer color, photos without artifacts. in short, digital photos without the digital look. some of the photos taken with this camera are as good as medium format film images. digital is not as good as film, it is now better.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This camera is great..,
By Worldsense (Irvine, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Sigma SD9 3.54MP Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)
I got mine last week, and it's image quality is the best of any digital camera.My only complaint is that for the price they skimped on the little things... Specifically one of the battery doors is poorly made (I broke it after inserting the batteries :-( ) But after shooting pictures almost continuously over the holidays, I have to say that the Sony 717 doesn't compare. Lance
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best image quality currently available at any price,
By A Customer
This review is from: Sigma SD9 3.54MP Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)
Given reasonable light, this DSLR bests all others in overall image quality with its 10.2M sensors and astounding sharpness. The best digital portrait camera in existence. Don't be fooled by the camera's 3.5MP rating--that is non-interpolated--all other digital camera manufactures, including all DSLRs, list only interpolated resolutions as their MP rating. This inflates other cameras' MP rating by a factor of 3 times relative to the SD-9, since they count each Red, Green, and Blue sensor as a sigle "pixel." The SD-9 counts a full set of three sensors, one Red, one Green, and one Blue, as a single "pixel." Foveon.com claims the SD-9's image quality bests film for any given capture area, and approaches medium format film quality for enlargements up to 40 inches. Some report that sharp enlargements up to 8 feet on the long side are possible from the SD-9's interpolated 14MP output files. The camera's software is the best available. The SD-9 always works losslessly, so be sure to compare only RAW mode specs when comparing to other DSLR's operating speed and convenience of workflow. Price is amazingly low for a DSLR with so many sensors, now below [$$$]...Hopefully Amazon.com will match them soon. Not the best DSLR for low light--low light noise is a weakness. Still, can produce very fine low light/night pics with experience.
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