Sigma SD10 SLR Review

The "digital half" of the SD10, the heart of which is a high resolution 1.8-inch, color TFT LCD with 130,000 pixel resolution. It allows for in-field review of captured images with all camera and exposure data plus histogram as well as accessing the camera's menu system.

On the left side of the LCD are the Menu, View, Information, Modify and Delete buttons. Top right are the +/- control buttons for index and magnified playback viewing. The 4-way controller is for navigating menus and selecting images for review. Below are the OK and Cancel buttons.

The SD10 comes with this clear protective LCD cover. It must be removed when you're using the camera as it blocks some of the control buttons.

Looking down on the grip side we see the large monochrome data LCD which lets you know all of the most important camera settings at a glance. The mode selector has positions for "P"rogram AE, "S"hutter speed priority, "A"perture priority and "M"anual. The top knob (S-Dial) is for changing shutter speeds. Around the shutter release is the Command Dial (C-Dial).

The monochrome data LCD displays the shutter speed, aperture, frame counter/ISO sensitivity, sound setting, metering mode, remote, exposure meter, Auto Bracketing, white balance, AF mode, battery condition (both the camera and digital batteries) and image size.

On the top left is the Drive Dial (D-Dial) with positions for Auto Bracketing (AB), Mirror Lock-Up (UP), 2 sec and 10 sec Self timer, Continuous Shooting, Single Frame Shooting and Power Off.

Next to the D-Dial are the Metering, Function and AF Mode buttons. Along the back edge are the Image RESolution and ISO sensitivity buttons.

Along the back edge on the right side are the AE Lock and Exposure Compensation buttons.

The SD10 is equipped with a CompactFlash Type II card slot. It is compatible with CF Type I or II flash card or IBM/Hitachi Microdrives. The camera does not come with a flash card. Plan on buying a large one, the HI mode files are approx. 8MB, MED mode are 4MB and LOW mode are 2MB each!

The I/O ports:


IEEE 1394 FireWire

USB 1.1

Video Out with NTSC or PAL format



DC INput for the supplied AC power adapter

(Not shown is the remote port for the optional wired cable release)

The USB 1.1 port is really too slow for efficient transfer of the 6-8MB raw image files. If you don't have FireWire then buy an add-in card or at the very least get yourself a speedy USB 2.0 card reader.

The SD10 can be powered by two CR-V3 type or four standard AA type batteries. If using AA type we recommend the use of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries, they're reusable and will save you money. The CR-V3 type have the benefit of a longer run time and a terrific shelf life.

The SD10 does not require the additional pair of CR123 batteries that were used in the SD9 for its camera functions. The main batteries power both the digital and camera systems.

The optional SD10 Power Pack / Battery Grip holds four CR-V3 or eight AA type batteries and also provides a vertical shutter release and grip.

(Thanks to Mark Peters at LetsGoDigital.org for the photo)