Sigma SD14 14MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) | 
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| Brand: Sigma
Category: Photography
List Price: $1,699.99
Buy New: $749.99
You Save: $950.00 (56%)
Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 9118
Media: Electronics
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Monitor Size: 250
Optical Zoom: 1
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Resolution: 14
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 5.7 x 4.2 x 3.2
MPN: SD14
Model: SD14
UPC: 085126924416
EAN: 0085126924416
Release Date: December 15, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Brand New , Factory Fresh , Ships Right Away!
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| Features:
| • | 14-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 20 x 27-inch prints | | • | 2.5-inch LCD display; RAW capture plus four JPEG recording modes (includes Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 software for RAW conversion) | | • | Dust protector, set off from image sensor, protects sensor from effects of dust | | • | Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second | | • | Stores images on CF Type I/II cards; powered by Lithium-ion battery BP-21 |
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Product Description
Capture the beauty of the world around you with the Sigma SD14 14 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera. The image sensor captures pure, rich light efficiently and gives the SD14 its high resolution and richly graduated tones. The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror thus preventing vibration when the shutter is released. This prevents camera shake, and is especially effective for macro photography.
FOVEON X3 Direct Image Sensor (CMOS) - 20.7mm x 13.8mm - approx. 7-12x larger than the image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras Lens Mount - SIGMA SA bayonet mount Compatible Lenses - SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses Angle of View - Equivalent to approx 1.7x the focal length of the lens for 35mm cameras Manual & Auto Focus Fast & precise focusing with 5-point AF Shutter Speed - 1/4000 - 30 sec. + bulb (up to 30 sec.) Image Sensor Dust Protector High speed continuous shooting at 3 frames per second 3 metering modes - 8-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering Built-in Flash Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact) Storage (Not included) - CompactFlash (Type I/II), Microdrive (FAT32 compatible) Recording Mode - Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit), JPEG ISO Sensitivity - Equivalent to ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 USB 2.0, Video Out (NTSC/PAL) Li-ion Battery BP-21, Battery Charger BC-21, Optional AC Adapter White Balance - Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom Exposure - Program AE (Program Shift is possible), Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual 144mm/5.7 W ? 107.3mm/4.2 H ? 80.5mm/2 D & 700g/24.7 oz (without batteries)
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 SD 14- Wouldn't trade it for... August 11, 2008
J. Kunkel (Brooklyn, NY)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
This is a DIFFERENT but Spectacular DSLR June 20, 2008
Steven D. Cheatwood (Virginia)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Don't let the price or the soothsayers and complainers even suggest that this isn't a great camera......it is simply different, and different in a better way! I came to this camera from a Nikon D2X primarily due to the high prices of Nikkor Lenses......and trust me, the Sigma SD14 for the price is the best value on the market today. Just don't plan on shooting JPEG's......even the Sigma literature will tell you that this camera and it's processor were designed for shooting in RAW mode. I am totally impressed with the results, the color, the clarity and the low light capabilities. The supplied software easily converts from RAW to JPEG and is easy to use once you get the hang of it......then you can do additional post-processsing with Adobe or other image software, The possibilities seem endless and the more I use it, the more I love it!
super camera June 2, 2008
William J. O'Connor (Larkspur, CO USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
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.
Sigma SD14 is a good 2nd camera. May 31, 2008
S. Ng (Toronto, Canada)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Sigma SD14 is a fabulous camera, capable of producing exceptional, vivid and professional quality photos that can impress your friends, but it has several shortcomings.
I have used this camera for three months and took over 4000 pictures with these four Sigma lenses: 30mm f1.4, 50mm f2.8, 18-200mm OS and 70-300mm APO. I also have the Canon Rebel XT and Nikon D40 systems.
SD14 works great when there is a lot of light, like shooting pictures during daytime outdoor or inside a well-lit studio. Without sufficient lighting, pictures can be dark and grainy. On the other hand, Nikon D40 produces better indoor pictures.
If you are upgrading from a point and shoot camera and have less than a thousand dollars to spend, I suggest you get the Nikon D40 with its kit lens and the AF-S 55-200mm VR lens. Number of megapixels does not matter, but the sensor size does. D40 has the same sensor size as D300!
If you don't look at price tags when you shop, then the Canon 1Ds is for you. It'll cost you ten grands when you include a couple of L lenses and flash speedlights.
SD14 is not an all purpose camera. It is suitable as a 2nd camera to an entry level or prosumer DSLR cameras. It let you take artistic and lively pictures to wow your friends without breaking the bank.
Pros:
1. Wow quality photos. Picture colors are absolutely amazing.
2. Camera relatively cheap.
3. Sigma professional lenses much cheaper than the Canon and Nikon counterparts.
4. Great for taking still subjects such as portraits, flowers, architectures and landscape.
Cons:
1. Slower auto focus when compared to the Canon and Nikon systems.
2. Metering less accurate when compared to the Canon and Nikon systems.
3. Battery life relatively short (150/250/400 photos for SD14/Rebel XT/D40).
4. Some Sigma lenses haves quality control issues. I had to return the 30mm f1.4 lens because of back-focus problem. It has worked fine after the exchange. Sigma USA customer support is friendly.
5. Camera system crashes a bit too often. Need to restart and waste 2 seconds every time.
6. Slower burst rate. Not suitable for shooting birds or race cars unless you are really good.
The TRUTH about SD14 February 25, 2008
Myra C. Mayo (New York, NY)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
Yes, I own the camera. Tested it extensively in all modes. I am a professional photographer for many years, use all cameras, Hasselblads, 4X5 view, etc. Read many reviews, saw many tests. Interesting camera, for sure. So, I will start with image results, because that is the only thing that is truly important to a real photographer. And the images produced by SD14 are excellent, in RAW at 100 ISO. Results are still good in JPEG at 100 ISO, but tend to deteriorate a bit with 400 and 800 ISO. Please, don't shoot 800 ISO in daylight, very stupid, but some "professional" reviewers did just that. Even 800 film will have too much grain in daylight, don't expect digital to be different. Shoot 800 ISO in low light, what it was intended for, and you will get good usable results. Can blow up to 20X24 with very high quality. Make sure depth of field is sufficient, especially with 30mm/1.4 lens. Now the bad part. The camera is too slow for any fast work. That means forget about action photography and such. I was able to get 6 shots RAW at 100 ISO on HI quality mode, and then had to wait at least 10 seconds for next shot. Another 8 seconds to be able to take another single shot. Therefore, this camera is NOT suitable for any situation that requires continuous shooting in a moments notice. I won't get into technical details, read the specifications. Amazing thing was when I took heavily under/overexposed and otherwise terrible photos on purpose, shot in RAW, I was able to recover data and ended up with very usable photos, because RAW captures so much information, up to 400 ISO. Nothing wrong with a camera, it's just not for beginners. It's not a P&S. And it has one major limitation - low speed of operation, in every way - writing speed to memory, autofocus, etc. More suitable for fine art, landscape, studio, macro, portraits, and travel. Battery life is not bad if you use manual focus. I got almost 500 shots on one battery charge, 8gb card. I suggest a second battery if shooting more than 500 photos. The film-like quality of photographs and relatively low price alone are reasons to buy this camera for low operational speed use. That's unbiased opinion.
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