Sigma SD1

Foveon X3 sensor power in a professional body

Sigma SD1
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Sigma
Model SD1

Key Features

SENSOR APS-C Foveon X3 direct image sensor, 46 megapixels total
PROCESSOR Dual TRUE II image processing engines
AUTOFOCUS 11-point twin-cross sensor AF system
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated phase detection sensor, no on-sensor PDAF
VIDEO No video recording capability
STABILIZATION None (lens-dependent)
BURST RATE Up to 4.9 fps, buffer depth of 7 RAW frames
VIEWFINDER Pentaprism optical viewfinder, 98% coverage, 0.95x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch TFT LCD, 460k dots, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, Video out, Remote release terminal
MEMORY CARD Single CompactFlash (CF) Type I slot
WEATHER SEALING Magnesium alloy body with extensive dust and moisture sealing
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 350 shots per charge, BP-21 battery

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sigma SD1

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via command dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via command dials
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✓ Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Sigma SD1

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sigma SD1 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sigma SD1

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C Foveon X3
Resolution 46MP (15.3MP x 3 layers)
ISO Range 100-6400
Autofocus 11-point TTL phase detection
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 4.9 fps
Video None
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 3.0-inch 460k-dot fixed
Memory Card CompactFlash
Connectivity USB 2.0
Battery Life 350 shots
Weight 700g (body only)
Dimensions 145.5 x 113.5 x 80.0 mm