SigmaSd15
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Sigma SD15 DSLR gets reviewed: unique, but not for everybody
Sigma's certainly managed to get plenty of photographers' attention with its line of Foveon sensor-equipped digital cameras, but it hasn't exactly always managed to meet expectations. According to Photography Blog, it looks like that's also the case for the company's latest: the SD15. While the camera is described as 'less of an obvious odd fish than its forebears," the site says that it's still best suited for photographers looking for a "challenge," and that you likely won't want to have it as your only DSLR. In particularly, Photography Blog found that while images exhibited less of the odd color casts and white balance issues of previous models, they still left quite a bit to be desired, especially at higher ISOs. On the upside, that Foveon sensor does still offer some capabilities that can't be found elsewhere, and the site says that the camera is unique enough that it can't bring itself to actively dislike it.
Sigma's mysterious SD15 DSLR finally ships to US, gets unboxed enthusiastically
We've all waited close to two years for this day to come, and now that it has, just a single question remains: "Does your credit card have the space?" Sigma's SD15 -- which is outfitted with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, 3-inch LCD, True II processor, an ISO range from 50 to 3,200 extended) and support for SD / SDHC cards -- is now available to order on American soil. Better still, both B&H Photo and Adorama show the beast as "in stock" for just under a grand ($989, if we're counting), and the fine folks over at Akihabara News have managed to wrangle one for a glorious unboxing. Dig into those links below if you're hungry for more, but don't blame us if you come away a fair bit poorer.
Sigma SD15 nabs a lofty price and near-term release date, at long last
All together now: "Finally!" Believe it or not, we first saw the SD15 glimmer back in September of 2008 -- practically an era ago based on what has transpired on our little planet since -- and we found out this February that Sigma was keeping the dream alive for the time being. According to a report straight out of Japan, it looks as if the long wait for a DSLR that's possibly past its prime by now is just about over. As the story goes, the SD15 (along with its famed Foveon X3 image sensor) will be shipping in at least some portions of the world by the month's end, with a body-only price of ¥120,000 / €1,199 (around $1,310 on a good day) and a kit price of ¥140,000 ($1,528). 'Course, we're still planning to wait for the first legitimate consumer unboxing before we commence celebrating, but at least the end of the tunnel is clearly marked.
Sigma trio espied at PMA, COO expresses interest in supporting 'mirrorless camera systems'
Still no word on price, but Sigma's recently-announced DP2s, DP1x, and SD15 cameras were on hand at PMA, just out of reach of our greasy hands. A shame, really, but at least we managed to at least stand in the trinity's presence, right? Perhaps more interesting comes from the mouth of Chief Operating Officer Kazuto Yamaki, who in an interview with Digital Photography Review predicts that zoom lenses are in the future for mirrorless camera systems -- which, for those not hip to his jive, apparently include Olympus' and Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds shooters, Samsung's "hybrid DSLR" NX10, and quite possibly Sony's new Alpha compact concept. Color us intrigued, but as Yamaki noted, it's all a matter of whether or not the market picks up. Let's hope -- those cameras featured above? Closer shots below. %Gallery-86255%
Sigma's new DP2s, DP1x and SD15 shooters could make you poor with the click of a shutter
Perhaps it's unfair to peg as "pricey" a trio of cameras with as yet unannounced pricing, but Sigma's got a bit of rep in that department. It also has a reputation for cramming incredible sensors inside beautiful, minimalistic form factors, and that certainly doesn't seem to be changing. The DP2s (pictured) and DP1x compacts (followups to the DP2 and DP1s, respectively) share a tweaked rear design that should hopefully make the notoriously obtuse cameras a bit easier to operate, and the DP1x is also putting the "Quick Set" button and True II processor from the DP2 to bear on its wide-angle view. Both cameras also boast a new, faster auto focus algorithm, but at the root of it all is the same old 14 megapixel DSLR-level CMOS sensor. In fact, Sigma's also stuffing this DSLR-style sensor into a DSLR, the new SD15. It was originally announced way back in 2008, but it's apparently really happening this time. It includes the same True II processor, a larger 3-inch LCD, and all those fancy DSLR perks like swappable lenses and a 77-segment AE sensor. Unfortunately, there's no word on price or release dates for any of this trio just yet.
