Hands-on with Sigma's SD14 DSLR

We have to admit, we were a bit surprised that Sigma, which has continually delayed the release of 14 megapixel SD14 DSLR, had a couple of them out for playing around with at PMA. The unit we played with didn't seem quite perfect, and was definitely a little heavy and clunky by comparison to many of the sexier, slicker high-end DSLRs it competes with. But you can't argue with a sturdy brick that fires at 14 megapixels -- oh, and the mirror-reflex had a very satisfying Sony Alpha-like clack to it, which we can definitely appreciate, silly as that may sound.

Gallery: Hands-on with Sigma's SD14 DSLR

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[Ypoknons @ Mar 9th 2007 4:53AM]

Well it's a Foveon sensor, so isn't it more like 3 layers of 4.6 rather than 14MP Bayer?

[kadajawi @ Mar 9th 2007 5:34AM]

Yeah, 14 MP is a bit optimistic probably, but the SD10 with it's 3 MP could compete well with the 6 MP Bayer cameras, so maybe it's comparable to all those other 10 MP cameras.

A bit heavy and clunky? Isn't that great? Shouldn't feel like a toy and fits into your hands. I liked the SD10 alot, that one did fit wonderfully into my hands. Shame that they added saving as JPG for the SD14, now it's less of a "puristic photography machine" (think Caterham, Ariel Atom, Radical SR3/SR8, ...).

It's a bit strange however... I've seen some of these SD14s that were given away on German TV shows. Couldn't find em in shops though. But you can order them from the internet.

[Nick @ Mar 9th 2007 6:06AM]

Agreed - the bigger, heavier and chunkier the better - but only when it comes to prosumer SLRs. I can't stand the likes of the Canon 350/400D - too light, plasticy and small for my big photographer's hands.
I like to have a solid grip on my equipment, makes me constantly aware I'm working.

[kadajawi @ Mar 9th 2007 5:39AM]

Wait a second... where is the shutter speed dial gone? Ok, I'm not interested anymore, not more than in any other DSLR.

[gg @ Mar 9th 2007 5:45AM]

Are there any news about the Sigma DP1?

[Nick @ Mar 9th 2007 6:07AM]

I think you mean 'is' and not 'are'.

[Bizzle @ Mar 9th 2007 9:11AM]

What lenses do these bodies accept?

[Eric @ Mar 9th 2007 11:16AM]

The Sony Alpha satisfying clack? That cheap consumer piece of junk? You need to handle some real cameras.

[Eric @ Mar 9th 2007 5:52PM]

Hogwash, nobody's cameras have better noise than Canon's. I use a 1Ds Mark II at work. As for the quality of Sony's camera, even Sony admits it's an entry-level camera that doesn't compare to Nikon or Canon's mid-range cameras. They do promise to make a better camera in the future for more advanced people.

Don't even dispute camera quality with a former Leica professional. You will lose. :-D

[Chris K. @ Mar 9th 2007 1:21PM]

"The Sony Alpha satisfying clack? That cheap consumer piece of junk? You need to handle some real cameras."

I guess that's why the Alpha was named "2006 Camera of the Year" by Popular Photography magazine.

It's a very competent consumer DSLR...

[Eric @ Mar 9th 2007 5:54PM]

Popular Photography? Thanks for the laugh.

[Chris K. @ Mar 9th 2007 7:46PM]

You're welcome.

Give me a break. It's gotten decent reviews from every big photo magazine, and the major photo sites. Sounds like you just don't like Sony very much.

[jollyllama @ Mar 9th 2007 2:36PM]

Say what you will about the wisdom of buying a camera with a Sigma mount, but that 30mm 1.4 is what's got my eye. Mmmm...Fast and wide...