Sigma SD1, first pictures

A few images of the future Sigma SD1.

Sigma SD1

Sigma SD1, front view

Sigma SD1

Sigma SD1, showing the dust filter position

Sigma SD1 - magnesium body

Sigma SD1, magnesium body

Important features:

  • The Sigma SD1 will use the new (future?) 48 MP Foveon sensor
  • It will include an anti-dust filter closing completely the mirror cage
  • 3″ LCD screen with 420.000 pixels
  • 11-point AF system
  • Optical viewfinder with 98% coverage
  • Most of the body structure comes from a large magnesium allow skeleton with a lens plate in steel

Important missing feature: No video on the list!

It comes with some lenses and a flash:

  • Sigma 150mm F2.8 Macro lens
  • Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 lens
  • Sigma EF-610 DG flash

Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Digital SLR Camera, incorporating a 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor.

The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.

The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II ”image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and a smooth and subtle graduation of color.

The SD1 is SIGMA’s latest digital SLR camera which meets high requirements of professional and enthusiast photographers for all types of photography.

This product is showcased at Photokina 2010 in Koln, Germany.

SIGMA SD1 Product Summary

46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 Full-color image sensor
The 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD1 captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moire is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SD1 incorporates a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with the UDMA enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.

Weather-resistant design
Buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealing connections to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor
The SD1 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.

Optional lenses
The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheyes which adopt the latest technology such as the FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, SLD glass, Aspherical lenses, Sigma’s own unique Optical Stabilizer function, Hyper Sonic Motor and Sigma’s Super Multi Layer Coating. They meet the various and demanding requirements of all types of photographers.

Format Interchangeable lens SLR camera
Storage Media Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible)
Image Sensor Size 24×16mm
Lens Mount SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses
Angle of View Equivalent to approx. 1.5 times the focal length of the lens (for 35mm cameras)
Image Sensor X3 direct image sensor (CMOS)
Effective Pixels 46MP (4,800×3,200×3 layers)
Aspect Ratio 3 : 2
Viewfinder Typ Pentaprism SLR viewfinder
Viewfinder Frame Coverage 98% vertical, 98% horizontal
Viewfinder Magnification 0.95x (50mmF1.4 – ∞)
Eye point 18mm
Diopter Adjustment Range -3.0 dpt – +1.5 dpt
Auto Focus Type TTL phase difference detection system
AF Point 11 points twin cross sensor
AF Operating Range EV -2 to +19 (ISO100)
Focus Mode Single AF, Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function), Manual
Focusing Screen Fixed, all matt screen
Mirror Quick return
Depth of Field Preview Depth of field preview button
AF Point Selection Automatic Selection, Manual Selection
Active AF point indicator Superimposed in viewfinder
Focus Lock Shutter Release Halfway-Down position
Built-in Flash Manual Pop-up Built-in flash, GN11 (17mm lens angle covered)
Flash Metering System S-TTL Auto Flash
Flash Compensation ±3EV (1/3 stop increments)
Compatible Flashguns EF-610 DG SUPER, EF-610 DG ST, EM-140DG
Sync Terminal Available
Flash Connectivity Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
LCD Monitor Type : TFT color LCD monitor, Monitor Size : 3.0″, LCD Pixels : Approx. 460,000
Dimensions 145.5 mm/5.7″ (W) × 112.5 mm/4.4″(H) × 80.0 mm/3.1″
Weight TBD
* The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.