The Sigma SD9 is the first digital camera to use Foveon's revolutionary new X3 image sensor that features three layers of embedded photo detectors. They take advantage of the fact that red, green and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths and this allows full-color to be measured at every pixel. These layers are positioned to absorb different colors of light at different depths, so one layer records red, another layer records green and the other layer records blue. This means that for every pixel on a Foveon X3 image sensor, there's actually a stack of three photo detectors, forming the first and only full-color capture system.

Conventional CCD and CMOS image sensors use only one layer of photo detectors, with just one photo detector per pixel. To capture color, pixels are organized in a grid, or mosaic, resembling a three-color checkerboard. Each pixel captures just one color-red, green or blue. Filters let only one wavelength of light (red, green or blue) pass through to any given pixel, allowing it to record only one color. As a result, mosaic sensors capture only 25% of the red and blue light, and just 50% of the green.

That approach has inherent drawbacks, no matter how many pixels a mosaic-based image sensor might contain. Since they only capture one third of the color, mosaic-based image sensors must rely on complex processing to interpolate the two-thirds they miss. Interpolation leads to color artifacts and a loss of image detail. In fact, some digital cameras intentionally blur pictures to reduce color artifacts. That's why the SIGMA SD9 powered by Foveon X3 technology delivers better color detail, sharpness and greater resistance to unpredictable color artifacts.

To further insure the best possible image quality the SD9 stores its image data in Lossless compressed RAW format. In addition to preserving the image quality, this RAW format also helps minimize storage requirements because of its compact file size. The RAW data is easily converted into high-quality TIFF and JPEG format with the supplied Sigma Photo Pro software. According to the requirements of the photographer, the characteristics of the image (white balance, color, brightness, contrast, sharpness, etc.) are highly modifiable before the conversion process. And there's no loss of image quality because the adjustments are performed on the RAW data.

Sigma SD9 Features:

• Foveon X3 Technology CMOS sensor yields 2263 x 1512 images
• Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
• Images stored as lossless compressed RAW, 3:2 aspect ratio
• Sigma SA-mount lenses (1.7x multiplier)
• Program AE w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual
• AE Bracketing, 3 frames +/-3EV in 1/2 steps
• 8-segment Evaluative, Average or Center area metering
• Single AF or Continuous AF w/Predictive AF
• 1.8-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels
• Onscreen menu for Shooting and Setup
• Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
• ISO sensitivity 100, 200, 400
• Shutter speeds from 1/6000 to 15 sec, Bulb, X sync 1/180
• TTL white balance, 7 presets and custom set
• CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
• Selectable video output, NTSC or PAL format
• Both FireWire and USB 1.1 data interfaces

Physical Views

Compare the Sigma SD9 and Nikon D100

Sigma SD9 Specifications

*The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.