Sigma SD9 SLR Review

The SD9 employs a Sigma SA lens mount. Above and to the right is the infrared remote receiver port for the optional RS-11 or RS-21 remote control, it's not an AF-assist lamp.

You must use a focal length conversion factor of 1.7x to determine proper focal length coverage compared to the 35mm format. (i.e. a 50mm lens is equal to 85mm)

This is not the image sensor, it's the "dust protector" that prevents dust and other contaminants from getting to the image sensor. Even if dust gets on the dust protector it won't influence the image quality because it's located away from the image sensor. It's also easy to clean with no worries of damaging the image sensor.

The Foveon X3 Pro 10M is a 25mm-diagonal high-resolution CMOS image sensor that incorporates the breakthrough Foveon X3 technology. Foveon X3 image sensors capture full-measured color images through a unique three-layer photo diode design. By capturing full-measured color images, the need for color interpolation and artifact-reducing blur filters is eliminated. As a result, the Foveon X3 Pro 10M delivers the highest effective resolution possible without color artifacts for the 25 mm optical format.

The Foveon X3 sensor features the powerful VPS™ (Variable Pixel Size) technology. VPS provides the on-chip capability of grouping neighboring pixels together to form larger pixels that are optimal for reduced resolution, high frame rate or dual mode still/video applications. Other advanced features include: low fixed pattern noise and ultra-low power consumption.

Here's the new Sigma 20-40mm f2.8 EX aspherical DG DF wide angle zoom. With the 1.7x focal length multiplier this lens has an effective coverage of 34-68mm.

The SD9's flash hot shoe allows the connection of the Sigma EF-500 DG Super SA or the EF-500 DG ST SA external flash units. Flash X-sync shutter speed is 1/180 sec or slower. The optional ST-11 PC Synchro Terminal Adapter allows you to connect other types of flash units or studio lighting.

The eye level pentaprism finder shows 98% of the captured frame. It has dioptric adjustment (-3 to +1dpt) and a comfortable eye relief with a fairly wide viewing angle.

The SD9's viewfinder display - in the center are AF focus zones and the center-area metering circle. Across the bottom is the digital readout area that indicates flash ready, autofocus status, shutter speed, AE Lock, aperture value and Auto Bracketing value (doubles as exposure meter in Manual mode.)

Because the image sensor is smaller than 35mm film, the image capture area is also smaller (indicated by the "1" above.) Sigma calls this a "sports finder" and masks out the area not captured by the image sensor. It gives you the advantage of seeing your subject before it enters the active capture area.