Sigma SD-14 Samples Online

[Mr. Pickles]

In case you wondered about the upcoming Sigma SD-14 camera, and its bigger Foveon sensor, you can see (download) new images (25 of them) from it here...

http://www.sigma-sd14.com/sample-photo/index.html

[Elitephoto9]

Greetings Young Ones

Saw the images and didn't see anything that makes me want to run out and spent $1500 on this camera(body only). The images were snap shots at best and all done at ASA 100 We'll see as time moves on and we see more images. All cameras are getting better and better but with the new K10D and the New Olympus coming out with their weather sealing,dust proofing ect at a lower price or half the price I think Sigma may have a hard sell on this one, unless the images blow the rest out of the water. Don't know only time will tell.

Ok now it's time to go play
Roger

[riha]

i think that we need the same images taken with some other cameras as well and show thm side by side to see the effect/difference, until then it is hard to say anything about the images.

we need some kind of reference.

[Lin Evans]

As a beta tester for this camera (SD14) I can tell you that it has exceptional IQ. It's not a sports camera or suitable for lots of low level light at high ISO, but it has exceptional image quality and the enlargement potential is spectacular.

At PMA I had a couple +AO prints along side many others from other beta testers which were very well received by visitors to the Sigma booth. I'm pretty impressed with it and I'm comparing it with my own pretty large collection of top-end dSLR's from Canon, Nikon and Kodak.

The little Northern Cheyenne beaded child's boots below are 4.5 inches from heel to toe.

here's a link to a full sized image:

http://www.lin-evans.net/sd14/moccasins.jpg

Lin

[Elitephoto9]

Hello Everyone
Well after seeing the images at PMA and waiting for sometime to pass I stand by what I said, the camera is way over priced and has to many issues to purchase at this time. I had one person say to me at PMA that he didn't like the images because their were so over worked in PS. A lot of us a PMA are working "Pros" (what ever that is) and we couldn't see wasting $1600 on a camera that can be bought from a different company for $600. The image quality is good at asa 100 but it still doesn't do well in the dark areas. The one big issues for me is, why do I have to format my CF card in the computer before I can use it in the camera Why does it only get 300-350 images per battery?? Then the software is, ....well what can one say,....poor for lack of a better word. By the time Sigma works out the bugs it will be 3 years again. What happens if some other company were to use the Foveon sensor?

Have a good one
Roger

[Lin Evans]

Very strange post Roger,

First, you have many misconceptions about the camera.

Your comments would tend to make readers believe that you have had some hand's on experience, but anyone having spent any real time with this instrument can quickly see through this as simply personal bias and that in all probability you have never held an SD14 in your hands.

Comments such as "A lot of "us" at PMA are woring "Pros" and "we" couldn't see...... are quite transparent. It would be ever so much more meainingful to let other's speak for themselves rather than attempt to bolster your own personal opinions by imaginary buy-in and reinforcement. You can't buy the SD14 from any company for $600 nor any other camera with this sensor. If you really mean that in your opinion some other brand selling for $600 is "equivalent" then say that.

It's strange that you would comment that a CF card "must" be formated in a computer before being used. Perhaps there have been some compatibility issues with certain CF cards, but in over 10,000 images I have taken with two SD14's using dozens of CF cards from five different companies, I've not experienced a single problem. I've had issues with CF card compatibility on a number of my Canon, Nikon and Kodak cameras over the years so that's not an unusual issue. No CF card or camera is guaranteed 100% compatibility at all times and many camera manufacturer's have had to do firmware upgrades to get minor incompatibilities ironed out. Perhaps some have had compatibility issues with certain CF cards and there have been a couple of firmware upgrades on the SD14 just as with any other new camera release. If so this does not indicate anything other than normal business as usual in the world of digital equipment.

The comments by the person about the PMA displayed images being "over worked in PS" are baseless and couldn't be further from truth. None of the images were "processed" in Photoshop at all. Sigma's own conversion software, SPP, was used in all cases to produce the files.

How much time have you actually spent using SPP and which version? Again, it appears you are simply repeating something you have read on a forum somewhere as if you knew it for a fact when you really have zero experience.

You have every right to have and express your "opinions" about the camera, software batteries and such, but you own it to the readers to admit that you have no personal hand's-on experience, and are only voicing your opinions.

Just for the record, of the thousands passing through the Sigma booth and examining the images and commenting on them, in the collective experience of those working the booth, not one expressed the opinions you have voiced. I'm begining to seriously doubt that you personally inspected the Sigma images at PMA. Tell us a bit about what you saw in detail please. On which wall and which side of the Sigma booth and describe the images themselves which you found lacking please.

Thanks,

Lin

Originally Posted by Elitephoto9

Hello Everyone
Well after seeing the images at PMA and waiting for sometime to pass I stand by what I said, the camera is way over priced and has to many issues to purchase at this time. I had one person say to me at PMA that he didn't like the images because their were so over worked in PS. A lot of us a PMA are working "Pros" (what ever that is) and we couldn't see wasting $1600 on a camera that can be bought from a different company for $600. The image quality is good at asa 100 but it still doesn't do well in the dark areas. The one big issues for me is, why do I have to format my CF card in the computer before I can use it in the camera Why does it only get 300-350 images per battery?? Then the software is, ....well what can one say,....poor for lack of a better word. By the time Sigma works out the bugs it will be 3 years again. What happens if some other company were to use the Foveon sensor?

Have a good one
Roger

[Mr. Pickles]

I haven't seen an SD-14 so haven't held one either. If I was really interested, I'd buy one sight unseen however. I have always been impressed with the Foveon sensor, and almost got an SD-10 long ago. I think for certain things, it takes fabulous images that can't really be touched by other cameras.

That being said, I don't think I'd throw out a camera just because the battery only lasted 350 shots. Never heard of a mandatory CF card format in PC first issue on any camera, let alone the Sigma ones.

As for the software, A long time ago I got an early version and some actual Sigma files to play with and I thought the software was very impressive. I haven't seen or used the latest version of it, but don't think it would or could be less used than the current Olympus line of software.

I think the SD-14 is a fine camera, gets some good reviews from people who aren't influenced by other manufacturers, and if ti takes better images than others, that is a good thing all around.

I'd like to see a 4:3 Foveon chip in an Olympus body...

[Elitephoto9]

Interesting Reply Lin

In accurate in many ways, but interesting. The bottom line is I really don't care. I've shot with it, it has to many issues for me and the price is way over the top. POP Photo placed it below the D80 as have many other reviews. Enough said. Oh that word I misspelled was suppose to be working not woring.

As for the Foveon sensor in a Olympus body and working the way it should would be nice. Maybe this new piggy back sensor on the Foveon will work. Who knows, who cares???

See you on the highway
Roger

[Lin Evans]

Hi Roger,

Do you have some of the photos you took with the SD14 to post for us? If so, I would be interested in seeing them.

We're all entitled to our opinions, including reviewers. There have been a number of reviews of the SD14 - some very positive and some very negative. Like any relatively new technology it takes some extensive hand's-on experience and time to get to understand strengths and weaknesses. This requirement for experience extends to reviewers as well as to users. Some of the reviewers have demonstrated that they have no business reviewing technology which they obviously don't understand and are unwilling to learn before putting their reputations on line by making foolish statements which are easily refuted. So "nuff said" may be sufficient for you to make a decision about a new camera, but it's not sufficient for many and certainly not the "final word."

As a photographer with extensive experience with not only the SD14 but with the SD9 and SD10 I've had the opportunity to explore these strengths and weaknesses and compare them to my Canon, Nikon and Kodak dSLR's on a daily basis and on a wide range of subject matter and I find the camera worth every penny of its MSRP. If you shoot it like a conventional dSLR without paying absolute attention to proper exposure you will be disappointed. The SD14 is more like a finely-tuned sports car than a daily commuter. When you treat it right it will produce consistent superior images which have no peer for enlargeability and native pixel level sharpness. It provides little margin for error and doesn't tolerate meritocracy on the part of the photographer. Because there are far more mediocre photographers than good photographers, it's de-facto not a camera for everyone. For those willing to take the time to understand it, it can be a fantastic tool. For those who prefer a tool which provides large tolerances for error on the part of the user, better stick with conventional CFA technology.

Best regards,

Lin

Originally Posted by Elitephoto9

Interesting Reply Lin

In accurate in many ways, but interesting. The bottom line is I really don't care. I've shot with it, it has to many issues for me and the price is way over the top. POP Photo placed it below the D80 as have many other reviews. Enough said. Oh that word I misspelled was suppose to be working not woring.

As for the Foveon sensor in a Olympus body and working the way it should would be nice. Maybe this new piggy back sensor on the Foveon will work. Who knows, who cares

See you on the highway
Roger

[Elitephoto9]

Greetings
Here's a few images. I'll get back to everyone later to discuss the rest.

http://www.pbase.com/elitephoto9/test

Enjoy
Roger

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Elitephoto9

Here's a few images. I'll get back to everyone later to discuss the rest.

No offense, but those are the smallest images on your site. And no EXIF info on any image on your site in my quick survey.

I think what others in this post wanted was a little more concrete example of what the problems are with this camera, and from these examples, it is pretty hard to tell.

[jazzology]

I could post crappy images from an H2D-39... I don't think that would prove much about the camera nor contribute to useful discourse... I have at least been impressed with Sigma lensing so I have "some" faith that they are not releasing junk for cameras...

anyone have any experience with this?

http://www.d-shell.info/d-shell.net/...1/newpage5.htm

J

[Elitephoto9]

Greetings

Ya, the images are not large and I do not know why and there is no information and I do not understand why. As for the images being bad, well that's how they can out. I do not do very much PP so what I get is what I get. For some this camera may be great for me it just didn't do it, I'm sorry to say. Sigma produces some great EX lenses, but there are other lenses that do just as well. As for the reviews in the different magazines, well take them with a grain of salt, most of those guys doing these reveiws have no clue to what their doing, or do they?????? Here is on more

http://www.digit.no/photoalbum/view/?size=org&id=160050

Got a 64%

But you know what, who cares, if it works for you great. I have 3 system right now(2 more than I need and in Sept. I'll narrow it down to one) and I've been doing this for 35 years and I've never seen so much fighting and name calling over camera brands. Oh well times have changed. If I get time I'll try to fix the images, but don't hold your breath as I have to much work to get done and this is last on my list. I agree their are way to many mediocre photographers and way to many gear heads out there. They have the best gear, but really do not put it to good use.

Well, I just received have 4 more assignments so I better get ready to do some traveling.

Good luck

See you on the highway

Roger

[Lin Evans]

You are a photographer and you don't know "why" the images are not large and why they have no EXIF information? Hmmmm.

Well, there are thousands of full sized Sigma SD9/SD10/SD14 images available "with" complete EXIF information for interested parties on major photo sharing sites. Strangely, most users have no problem figuring out how to post their images at full size and with full EXIF header information.

Let's just agree to disagree about the quality of the SD14 output. As I've said before, all have a right to their opinions - some have the evidence to back up their conclusions.

Lin

Originally Posted by Elitephoto9

Greetings

Ya, the images are not large and I do not know why and there is no information and I do not understand why. As for the images being bad, well that's how they can out. I do not do very much PP so what I get is what I get. For some this camera may be great for me it just didn't do it, I'm sorry to say. Sigma produces some great EX lenses, but there are other lenses that do just as well. As for the reviews in the different magazines, well take them with a grain of salt, most of those guys doing these reveiws have no clue to what their doing, or do they Here is on more

http://www.digit.no/photoalbum/view/?size=org&id=160050

Got a 64%

But you know what, who cares, if it works for you great. I have 3 system right now(2 more than I need and in Sept. I'll narrow it down to one) and I've been doing this for 35 years and I've never seen so much fighting and name calling over camera brands. Oh well times have changed. If I get time I'll try to fix the images, but don't hold your breath as I have to much work to get done and this is last on my list. I agree their are way to many mediocre photographers and way to many gear heads out there. They have the best gear, but really do not put it to good use.

Well, I just received have 4 more assignments so I better get ready to do some traveling.

Good luck

See you on the highway

Roger

[Sidebyte]

I am very interested in the Foveon sensor and ran across this article in Steve Sanders web page from an unbiased source, Mike Chaney, Pres. of Qimage.
Steve's Digicams - Tech Corner - May 2007