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Sigma SD14 reviewed: promising, but not quite there
We've been hearing about Sigma's SD14 14.1-megapixel DSLR with that nifty Foveon 3-layer image sensor since last year, but it looks like all the hype was just that: Popular Photography got their hands on a review unit and wasn't too impressed. Although the cam earned high marks for color accuracy and image quality, the reviewers didn't see the full potential of the novel image sensor -- JPEG shots were rated on par with the 8-megapixel Canon Digital Rebel XT, while RAW images actually had less detail in them than shots taken by the 10-megapixel Nikon D80. The reviewers also knocked the slow image processor, which they found produced blocky JPEG images at higher ISOs and took 8-10 seconds to clear its buffer after shooting just six pictures in burst mode. Although the Foveon sensor is promising, the review concludes that you're probably better off spending your $1,600 elsewhere -- not exactly a ringing endorsement of the "fundamentally better technology" Sigma and Foveon promised.Read - Sigma SD14 reviewRead - Foveon X3 sensor review
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-2000%
Sigma SD14 DSLR delayed 'till March
Oh, Sigma. First you get us all excited with a tantalizingly over-the-top teaser site for your flagship SD14 digital SLR, then you officially announce the camera with the usual fanfare at Photokina, only to delay the launch date by a few weeks shortly thereafter. Now, you're throwing our digital camera-loving hearts for a loop once again, announcing that the camera's been pushed back all the way to March 2007, blaming the delay solely on an unspecified "issue" that can only be remedied with a hardware fix. We'll give you this one more chance to get it right, Sigma, but there's only so torment much we can take.
Sigma launches SD14 and DP1 14 megapixel cameras
In case you're still curious about those SD14 teaser shots, Sigma has officially announced the arrival of it's newest flagship DSLR, and has thrown down a beefed up P&S to boot. The SD14 replaces the aging SD10 model, and rocks a (probably unnecessary) 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, 2.5-inch monitor, dust protector, built-in flash, CF support, USB 2.0 connectivity, AF-assist, maximum ISO of 1600, and "improved auto focus / continuous shooting." The (admittedly odd) DP1 sports a P&S enclosure, but manages to house the same superfluous 14 megapixel sensor seen in the SD14, Sigma's "True" image processor, 2.5-inch LCD, CF slot, a fixed 16.6mm F4.0 lens, and even touts RAW capability. Sigma boasts that its specially-designed Foveon X3 sensor captures colors more accurately than typical CMOS sensors thanks to its three separate color sensitive layers (and judging by the promo site, results aren't too shabby). Both models should be available soon, and while we're left to ponder how much coin the DP1 (photos after the break) will demand, there's no questioning the £1099.99 ($2,093) required for the SD14. Read - Sigma SD14 Read - Sigma DP1
Sigma teases SD14 DSLR
We've gotta hand it to Sigma, with other companies announcing a slew of digital cameras in advance of Photokina, it's holding out and unveiling its new DSLR, the SD14, at the show itself. Of course, they're still doing their best to build anticipation with a trying-to-be-mysterious teaser site that taunts us with such penetrating dialogue as "you believe that all RAW data is created equal?" and "if you could have fundamentally better technology, would you settle for added, improved functions instead?" We'll leave you to ponder that for a minute, but rest assured, "the truth will soon be revealed." It also looks like the truth has been leaked, as evidenced by the pic after the break that cropped up Xitek.com's discussion forum, although it seems we'll still have to wait for the big unveiling at Photokina to get all the camera's deets. [Via DP Review, thanks Robby B]
