Sigma has dropped the price of its 14-megapixel digital SLR based on the Foveon X3 sensor. Powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image sensor, can reproduce high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail. The SD14 digital SLR camera features four JPEG recording modes, a large and bright pentaprism viewfinder with 98% coverage, a built-in flash with a Guide Number of 11, 5-point AF system, a large 2.5-inch, 150,000-pixel resolution LCD monitor, as well as a new user-friendly design. The durable shutter mechanism has over 100,000-cycle life and is ideal for the demands of digital photography.

The Sigma SD14 is now available for about $1200, which is $400 less than its original price. Sigma’s marketing manager, Tom Sobey, said that the reason for the drop was probably just an effort to improve sales, noting that the SD14 joins several other midrange digital SLRs that have recently dropped in price to remain competitive in the current market, including Canon’s 30D and 5D.

In fact, the pricing at Amazon.com is currently listed at $1153.60 (Body only).
Website :  Sigma SD14 $400 Price Drop

Sigma has released a new firmware update to its recently released 14 MP SD14 DSLR with the unique Foveon X3 sensor. This firmware update, v1.04, corrects several issues with the camera’s operation. The improvements to previous firmware versions are included in this most recent update as well. Here are the updates:

1. Corrects the phenomenon of the intermittent camera freeze with Err message in the top LCD panel under certain conditions.
2. Corrects the problems related with video output display and functionality.
3. Corrects the display problem for the number of remaining shots on the CF card.
4. In the case of Mac OS 10.4.9 with Intel core processor, the SD14 was not recognized as a Removable Disk. Now the SD14 is mounted to the desktop as Removable Disk icon.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, to get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer’s Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Website :  Sigma SD14 v1.04 Firmware Upgrade Available

PopPhoto reviewed the Sigma SD14, one that equipped with a second-generation Foveon X3 sensor, which has a 1.7X lens factor, boasts 14.1 megapixels, and is promoted as a color-accurate, detail-obsessed, low-noise alternative to the CMOS and CCD sensors used in other DSLRs. Here’s the conclusion from the article: “Our image quality tests came down in favor of RAW files over JPEGs. In JPEG mode at ISO 100, the SD14 captures detail on par with an 8MP DSLR such as the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT. Combined with an Extremely High color accuracy (9.9 Delta E), JPEGs earn an Extremely High image quality rating.

But in RAW, also at ISO 100, the SD14 performs more like a good 10MP DSLR, capturing about 10 percent higher resolution and Excellent color, earning it an Excellent image quality rating. Still, NEF RAW files from the $920 (street) 10.2MP Nikon D80 show higher detail. So this is not what you’d expect from a camera billed as having 14.1 megapixels.

…Apparently, the SD14’s internal image processor has a hard time converting high-ISO RAW data into JPEG form, while the supplied computer software handles the job more efficiently. The image processor also takes a glacial 8 to 10 sec to clear the buffer for another shot after a burst sequence of up to a mere six frames at 3 fps. That’s not even in the same ballpark as the burst rate and capacity of competitive DSLRs.

In all, the camera handles well, opens creative doors with IR, and is technologically unique. But the promise of 14.1MP doesn’t pay off. And given what you can find in today’s DSLR market for $1,600, we see the virtue in shopping around.”

Website :  Sigma SD14 Review by PopPhoto

Paul Monckton from PersonalComputerWorld reviewed the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Here’s the conclusion: “One area where the SD14 trounces its predecessor is in image noise. Push an SD10 up to the higher settings and images very virtually unusable. The SD14, however, fares rather better, producing very serviceable pictures right up to ISO 800. A semi-hidden extended mode lets you shoot at ISO 1600, where there’s certainly a fair amount of noise, but images are still useable after some image processing.

So while the SD14 isn’t for everyone, its sensor technology, good build quality and ease of use make it an exciting creative tool for keen enthusiasts and those who want full control and a film-like response.

Most importantly, the image quality from the SD14 at its best is simply superb. It’s right up there with the best you can get from digital SLRs today and capable of producing stunning, professional results, albeit without some of the advanced features found on top of the range professional cameras.”

Pros: Superb professional-level image quality; 14-megapixel sensor; big improvement on SD10
Cons: No image stabilisation; basic features; some software issues
Overall: A vast improvement over the SD10, the SD14 delivers stunning image quality but is not for everyone

Website : Sigma SD14 Review by PersonalComputerWorld

Sigma today announced its first firmware update for the SD14 DSLR, version 1.01. The update is said to offer three improvements:

1. Sensor cleaning can be done by powering the camera from the battery
2. Improved speed setting and slow-sync mode for “A” mode flash photography
3. Improved image quality when reviewing images on the camera’s LCD monitor

In addition, the update fixes overexposure when using flash, incompatibility with FAT16 CF cards, occasional camera freeze, LCD flicker, and wireless flash problems. A bug in the menu which didn’t save the AdobeRGB setting when changed from sRGB has also been fixed, as well as improvemnts in the Korean-language menu.

The Sigma SD-14 is a 14MP DSLR with a Foveon X3 sensor and is claimed to provide unusually good color reproduction due to the unique construction of the sensor.

Website : Firmware Update for Sigma SD14

Sigma may be better known as a lens manufacturer, but it has a long-running history as a camera manufacturer too, with a number of well-received 35mm SLRs to its name before digital capture became the dominant force. As the digital SLR market grew it wasn’t long before the company joined the fray, announced the new SD14 with help from sensor manufacturer Foveon. Here’s conclusion of the review from WhatDigitalCamera:

“We don’t mind that the SD14’s specification isn’t groundbreaking because what’s on offer is all you need to take a photograph. There aren’t the distractions of scene modes or features that you’ll never use or need, making this camera the closest thing to a ‘manual’ DSLR that we are likely to see and it makes a refreshing change.
Unfortunately, what features the SD14 has got just don’t seem to have gelled together this time round. While the metering system is sound, the automatic white balance is unpredictable, the AF is lacklustre and the overly soft images (especially 14MP JPEGs) make picture- taking less pleasurable than it should be.”

What Digital Camera Score 79%

Website : Sigma SD14 Review by WhatDigitalCamera

The SD14 was originally scheduled to ship in November, and then was delayed until December, and then again until sometime this year. Now Sigma has announced that the camera, along with most accessories, will be available on March 6. In addition to the camera, the battery charger, AC adapter, and battery pack will be available on March 6. The remote control and cable release will be available on March 22. The Power grip is expected in late April. Before the launch, you can enjoy the SD14 Sample Image Gallery below:

To our valued customers,The Sigma Corporation of Japan is postponing the launch date of the Sigma SD14 Digital SLR camera, which was announced at Photokina 2006.

The Sigma SD14 had originally been scheduled to launch between the end of November and the middle of December. However, during final preparations, an unexpected hardware problem caused us to change the release date of the camera.

Due to this design change, the release date is now expected to be towards the end of February and the beginning of March 2007.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause. Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us, therefore to avoid disappointment, we feel it necessary to make these changes before releasing the camera to market.

For inquiries:
Sigma World Network Web

Website : Sigma Intros 14 megapixel SD14 DSLR With Foveon X3 Sensor