Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
SIGMA SD9 Major Specifications
Storage Media
CompactFlash™ (CF) (Type I/II), IBM Microdrive™
Image Sensor Size
Lens Mount
20.7x13.8mm
SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Angle of View
Equivalent to about 1.7x the focal length of the lens (for 35mm cameras)
Compatible Lenses
Image Sensor
SIGMA SA mount Lens Group
FOVEON® X3™ (CMOS)
High-definition quality w ith over
10.2 million pixel sensors
Pixel Sensors
Aspect Ratio
10.29 Million (2,268 Columns x 1,512 Rows x 3 Layers)
3:2
Image Recording Format
File Size
Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit)
HI : 2.268 x 1,512 x 3 pixels (Approx 8MB), MED : 1,512 x 1,008 x 3 pixels (Approx 4MB), LOW : 1,134 x 756 x 3 pixels (Approx 2MB)
HI : 1.9 frames/second MED : 2.4 frames/second LOW : 2.5 frames/second
Continuous shooting speed
Maximum number of frames
for continuous shooting
HI : 6 frames MED : 14 frames LOW : 30 frames
Interfaces
IEEE1394, USB (1.1), Video Out (NTSC/PAL)
8 types (auto, bright, shady, cloudy, incandescent light, fluorescent light, flash and custom)
Pentaprism SLR viewfinder
White balance
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Viewfinder Magnification
Eye point
97% vertical, 98% horizontal
—
0.77x (50mm F1.4
18mm
)
—
Diopter Adjustment Range
Auto Focus Type
AF Operating Range
Focus Mode
-3dpt
+1dpt
TTL phase difference detection system
—
EV2
18 (ISO 100)
AF-S (single), AF-C (continuous), with AF motion prediction function
Metering Systems
Metering Range
Exposure Modes
ISO Sensitivity
Can be switched among 8-Segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, and Center-Weighted Average Metering
—
EV1
20 (50mm F1.4: ISO 100)
(P) Program AE (program shift available), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual
Equivalent to ISO 100, 200, 400
Exposure Compensation
AE Lock
3EV (in 1/2 steps)
Pushbutton type. Exposure setting is locked while the button is depressed
3 different exposure levels: Appropriate, Under Exposure, and Over Exposure, in 1/2 EV steps up to 3EV
Vertical-travel metal focal plane shutter, electronically controlled through entire speed range
1/6,000 to 15 sec. (ISO 100), 1/6,000 to 1sec. (ISO 200, 400), Bulb (ISO100, up to 15 sec.)
Auto Bracketing
Shutter Type
Shutter Speed
External Flash Synchronization
LCD Monitor
Hot shoe (contact X, synchronized at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
1.8", low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor, about 130,000 pixels, coverage area 100%, with white LED backlight.
Reviewing Images
LCD Monitor Language
Power Source
Single frame display, zoom-in display, 9-frame thumbnail display, slide show
Japanese / English / French / German
3V lithium battery (CR123A or DL123A) x 2pcs.
3V lithium battery (CR-V3) x 2pcs., or AA alkaline battery x 4 pcs., or AA Ni-Mh battery x 4pcs., or Nickel Zinc Primary Battery x 4pcs.
Dedicated AC adapter.
Dimensions
152mm/6"(W) x 120mm/4.72"(H) x 79mm/3.1"(D)
Weight
805g / 28.4oz (without batteries)
[ SD9 accessories ]
[ Optional Accessories for SD9 ]
-
-
SIGMA Photo Pro Disk
Dedicated AC adapter SAC-1
AC cable
Dedicated IEEE1394 cable (FireWire™ cable)
Dedicated Video cable
LCD monitor cover
Electronic Flash
Battery Grip
[ EF 500 DG SUPER / EF 500 DG ST ]
[ Power Pack SD ]
-
Remote Controller
Cable Release Switch
[ RS 21 ]
-
Dedicated USB cable
Strap
[ CR 11 ]
-
PC-Synchro Terminal Adapter [ ST 11 ]
Product external appearance, specifications, etc. may change without notice to allow for improvements.
*
Caution : To ensure the correct and safe use of the product, be sure to read the User’s Manual Carefully prior to operation.
SIGMA World Network (HOMEPAGE & E-MAIL ADDRESS)
E-Mail : [email protected] (Japan)
E-Mail : [email protected] (U.S.A)
2-3-15 Iwado-Minami Komae-shi, Tokyo, 201-8630
E-Mail : [email protected] (France)
E-Mail : [email protected] (Germany)
E-Mail : [email protected] (Benelux)
E-Mail : [email protected] (Hong Kong)
E-Mail : [email protected] (Singapore)
FOR MORE FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF IMAGE DATA
F u n c t i o n
RAW format recording
The SIGMA SD9 has exclusive advanced functions
The SD9 uses the RAW format –– the highest-quality record-
ing method –– to record information about light detected by
the FOVEON® X3™ image sensor. The RAW data format pro-
vides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless
compression for more compact, yet uncompromised data files.
Data recovery of deleted images*.
Recoverable only if no other operation has been performed after deletion of image data using
*
"Delete". If an image is taken right after deletion, the deleted image data cannot be recovered.
3-color histogram : Signal levels (appearing as dark to bright
areas in an image) can be displayed on the monitor in red, green,
and blue. This makes it easy to check light and shadow details.
Main menu screen
Exclusive SIGMA Photo Pro software reads RAW data
Seamless recording and playback
The SD9 comes with SIGMA Photo Pro software for changing
the look of recorded RAW data image files. It’s easy to adjust
white balance, exposure, color balance, and contrast,
for example, or otherwise manipulate RAW data, without
compromising image quality or definition.
Recording and playback modes aren't separated so you can
quickly take advantage of photo opportunities and record
images even while playing back other images.
Thumbnail screen
Full screen
Zoomed screen
Image Info screen
Intuitive interface
Clearly marked operation panel buttons make it easy for pho-
tographers to identify and use desired functions.
< Main Window >
This basic screen for
manipulating RAW data
is a simple, yet sophisti-
cated user interface for
control of various func-
tions.
The SIGMA SD9 has an extensive variety of functions
Easily view images and settings
Records on CF cards and Microdrives*
Lock function / mark function : Simplifies image sorting.
A 130,000-pixel 1.8-inch TFT liquid crystal monitor built into
the SD9’s back body panel reproduces clear, beautiful images.
With the built-in 4-Way Controller, it also serves as an easy-
to-use multifunctional interface.
The SIGMA SD9 records on reliable, high-capacity Type I
and Type II CF (CompactFlash) cards. Or, you can attach a
Microdrive* to hold even larger volumes of data.
Shortcut key settings : For convenient function setting
using the OK button.
Open RAW data files
Transfer and save RAW
5-stage zoom and pan : Lets you zoom in up to 400%
and pan while zooming, for checking focus and image
details in camera.
This recording medium uses a high-speed hard disk, so it is more vulnerable to vibration and
*
image data
shock than flash memory CF cards. If you use a Microdrive, take extra care not to expose the
camera to shock or vibration, especially during recording and playback.
Save images (TIFF, JPEG)
Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images in the camera or on a PC
White balance for the look you like
Pick your power source
< Review Window >
You can shoot under any lighting conditions with a choice of
white balance modes including "bright," "shady," "cloudy,"
"incandescent light," "fluorescent light," "flash," and "auto".
There’s even "custom" for customized white balance that you
can adjust according to the
Information access : Accessing information about
Display image
For around-the-world shooting versatility, the SD9 can be
powered by two CR123A (DL123A) and two CR-V3 lithium
batteries ; two CR123A and four AA batteries (including
Ni-Mh AA batteries) ; or a dedicated AC adaptor (included with
the camera).
Display adjusting palette
Highlight and shadow warning
Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images
camera settings, CF card data and image data is simple.
Customizable view : You can customize data displayed
on the info strip, using exposure warning display ON/OFF,
quick preview duration and style setting, and more.
shot viewed through the
< Image Quality Adjustment
Palette >
Slide show settings : Use lock function/mark function to
back-panel LCD.
Adjust exposure, contrast, shadows,
highlights, saturation, and sharpness
Adjust colors
display only those images that you want to view.
IEEE1394 and USB Interfaces
The camera has an IEEE1394 port as well as a USB port for extra-
speedy, versatile image transfer from the SD9 to a computer.
Adjust gray balance
Open, save, and delete custom
settings
White balance / main screen
White balance / sub screen
Check histograms
Three resolution settings
Shoots in NTSC and PAL formats
Choose among three RAW data resolution shooting modes :
HI mode (2,268 x 1,512 x 3) for optimal quality, MED
mode (1,512 x 1,008 x 3) for recording more images at high
definition, and LOW mode (1,134 x 756 x 3) for capturing
the most images per given memory capacity.
You can switch between the NTSC video standard (used in coun-
tries including Japan and the U.S.) and the PAL format (used in
Europe and other countries) for image playback on TV monitors in
many parts of the world.
Frame- by- frame ISO Setting
Frame-by-frame ISO selection is among the SD9’s functions
that are unmatched by any film camera. Choose among the
100, 200, and 400 ISO settings.
< Image Information Window >
Check shooting information
Check image information
Copy information to the clipboard
GET READY TO SHOOT FASTER
AF cross sensoring
Predictive movement Auto focus
The SD9’s AF cross sensor in the center of its viewfinder lets a photog-
rapher select the subject of focus, according to compositional intention.
For subjects moving closer or further away at a fairly
steady speed, this feature calculates the distance the
subject will travel until the shutter opens, and drives the
lens to the optimal focus for the shot. Predictive
movement AF operates automatically when the
Continuous AF mode is on.
SIGMA lens motors for fast AF
Each SIGMA lens has a motor to drive focusing,
for AF shooting at speeds appropriate for the lens in use. Attachment of
a SIGMA HSM (hypersonic motor) lens keeps shooting fast and quiet.
Naturally, full manual focusing is also available.
If subject motion is irregular or motionless, predictive movement AF won't be activated.
*
Two focus modes
˾ Continuous AF mode [ C, AF ]
In this mode, the camera continues focusing on a moving subject
while the shutter button is pressed halfway. For example, when
shooting athletes or moving vehicles, the motion prediction mech-
anism will activate and control focus, predicting the subject’s trav-
eling distance from the time the shutter button is pressed to the
instant the shutter is released.
[ Data ]
Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX
Aperture : f 8.0
Shutter : 1/15
ISO Speed : 100
Exposure Mode : Manual
Focus Mode : Manual
Raw File Format : Hi 2,268 X 1,512
˾ Single AF mode [ S, AF ]
In this focus-priority AF mode, AF ranging starts when the shutter
button is pressed, and the shutter is released once the subject is in
focus. When the subject comes into focus, the focus indicator turns
on in the finder (with an electronic sound), and the Focus Lock (AF
Lock) /AE Lock functions* activate, fixing the focus.
S p e e d
When the AE Lock button is pressed, exposure is fixed at that point in time. Use this
*
[ Finder display ]
mode if the area that you want to meter and the subject that you want to focus on are
not one and the same.
Center Area Metering
Auto Focus Frame
Mirror- lock mechanism prevents camera shake
The mirror-lock mechanism raises the mirror so you can
release the shutter without the vibration of the mirror
popping up. This prevents camera shake, and is
especially effective for macro shooting and shooting
scenes using telephoto lenses. Use of a remote controller
or cable release (sold separately) also reduces the possibility
of camera shake.
Flash Indicator
Focus Indicator
Shutter Speed
Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing
non-stop shooting up to 30 frames
A high-speed CPU and high-volume buffer memory enable the
SD9 to shoot at 2.5 frames per second for up to 30 consecutive
frames in LOW mode, Up to 14 consecutive frames in MED
mode, 6 frames in high-quality HI mode.
Aperture Value
AE Lock Indicator
The Sports Finder won’t miss A moment
Now, it’s easier to compose and shoot fast-moving action.
Because unlike an ordinary single-lens reflex camera with
viewfinder showing just what is within the shooting frame, the
SD9’s unique sports finder offers a view that extends outside of
the frame. All the better to anticipate the movement of subjects
coming into the frame before capturing the crucial moment.
1/ 6000- second maximum shutter speed
With a shutter up to 1/6000-second fast, the SD9 can capture
what even the human eye cannot see. Drops of water from a
splash in the pool can be frozen in detail. Or use a high shutter
speed for outdoor shooting with a telephoto lens to create an
image in which a subject really stands out from the background.
When a 130% sports finder is attached to a conventional 35mm SLR, it increases camera body
*
size by 70%.
WHERE DIGITAL AND 35mm SLR ADVANTAGES CONVERGE
C-Dial (Command Dial)
Shutter Button
Names of Parts
The SD9 features three metering methods for
greater control of photography’s essence : light.
˾
Center-weighted average metering
In this most common metering mode, the camera primarily meters the
subject in the center of the screen, while
˾ 8-segment evaluative metering
G
H
giving some weight to perimeter brightness.
Exposure can be effectively controlled by
using this mode in conjunction with the
D
A
D
This metering mode, offering exposure
control with minimal error, divides the screen
into 8 independently metered
Metering Mode Button
Function Button
E
B
C
F
b Display Panel
Exposure Compensation function.
H
G
[
Names of Display Panel Parts
]
segments, whose data is comprehensively
AF Mode Button
ᕡ
ᕢ
ᕣ
ᕤ
ᕥ
ᕦ
ᕧ
ᕨ
ᕩ
µ
¸
¹
Ƹ
Shutter Speed
evaluated for optimal exposure setting. Excellent for shooting front-lit scenes,
as well as backlit, high-contrast and other special situations, 8-segment eval-
uative metering helps to reproduce brightness to a photographer’s liking.
Aperture Value
Exposure compensation and auto bracketing
Counter / ISO Sensitivity
Sound Setting
Resolution Button
Exposure Compensation
Button
Before you shoot, exposure compensation lets you adjust
Metering Mode
Remote Control Mode
ISO Sensitivity Setting
Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing
Auto White Balance
AF Mode
˾ Center area metering
exposure in 0.5EV steps within a 3EV range of deviation from
the autoexposure level set for the scene. In situations where it is
difficult to determine proper exposure, such as when there are
subtle differences of subject brightness, it’s a good idea to use
auto bracketing to take three consecutive photographs at slightly
different exposures, so you can later choose the best-exposed shot.
ISO Sensitivity Button
Diopter Adjuster Hot Shoe
AE Lock Button
In this mode, the camera meters only an area of about 5mm in diameter in the
center of the screen. This minimizes the influ-
ence of perimeter light sources, so you can
b D-Dial (Drive Dial)
b S-Dial (Shutter Dial) / Mode Lever
Self-Timer (2s /10s)
Mirror Lock-Up
Continuous shooting
Single frame shooting
Power OFF
Manual Exposure
Shutter Speed Priority AE
Battery Indicator
Resolution
establish a highly specific area for determining
the level of exposure that suits your purpose.
Auto Bracketing
Aperture Priority AE
Program AE
Lens Mount
Dust Protector
Depth-of-field
preview Button
Eyepiece Cup
CF Card Access Lamp
Zoom Controller
Remote Control Sensor
Camera Strap Eyelet
CF Card Cover
Main Menu Button
View Button
CF Card Cover
Release Lever
Connector Cover
Information Button
4-Way Controller
Modify Menu Button
Delete Button
Lens Release Button
Release Socket
Battery Case
Lock Knob
Color LCD Monitor OK Button Cancel Button
4 exposure modes to suit any situation
˾ [P] Program AE
˾ [S] Shutter Speed Priority AE
This mode covers most shooting circumstances, automatically setting a
combination of shutter speed and aperture appropriate to the subject’s
brightness, so you can shoot spontaneously without missing a moment or
adjusting exposure.
Set a desired shutter speed, and the SD9 selects the appropriate aperture
value for subject brightness. Freeze action by selecting a fast shutter speed;
capture a blur of motion with a slow shutter speed; or achieve various other
effects using Shutter Speed Priority AE.
Power Pack Contact Cover
˾ [A] Aperture Priority AE
˾ [M] Manual Exposure
Set a desired aperture value, and the camera determines the appropriate
shutter speed. Stop down to increase depth of field. Open up to blur the
background and emphasize the subject. Aperture Priority AE is useful for
achieving these and various other effects.
This mode lets you set the shutter speed and aperture value as you choose,
as when you want to fix the exposure by referring to the TTL exposure
meter, external light meter, etc. This is particularly convenient for main-
taining an exposure setting for several shots.
Battery Latch
Tripod Socket
MORE LENSES TO EXPRESS MORE OF YOUR VISION
Sigma lenses — fully compatible with the SD9 digital SLR and 35mm SLRs.
Great lenses, of course, unleash the creative potential of single-lens reflex cameras. By making the SD9 compatible with the entire lineup
of lenses originally created for 35mm SLRs, SIGMA extends its heritage of superior optical technology to digital SLR photographers who
are determined to take their visions farther. The SIGMA family of interchangeable lenses is comprehensive, including fixed focal length,
macro, zoom, fisheye, and mirror models, covering a range from 8mm fisheye to 800mm super zoom. In every measure, every lens we
make exemplifies state-of-the-art performance and user-friendly operation for digital and 35mm film SLR photography alike. Naturally,
SD9 photographers stand to benefit from SIGMA’s far-reaching dedication to capturing the essence of every moment.
[ WIDE ZOOM LENS ]
[ TELEPHOTO LENS ]
Wide zoom lenses offer freedom for controlling angle and perspective for
shooting big buildings, expansive scenery, snap shots, and group photographs.
Telephoto lenses offer a closer-up view of distant or inaccessible subject
detail, or enhance an image’s feeling of airiness by compressing perspective
within a shallow depth of field and softly blurring the background.
[ STANDARD ZOOM LENS ]
Standard zoom lenses provide wide coverage that suits a broad range of
spontaneous photo opportunities.
[ MACRO LENS ]
Macro lenses widen the creative pallette by offering a clear perspective on small
flowers, insects, and more — great for closeups of nature in dramatic detail.
[ TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS ]
Providing mobility and closeup detail, telephoto zoom lenses can capture
from afar impressive photographs of wild animals in the field or faces of
athletes playing in stadiums.
Image sensor dust protector
Other digital SLR cameras are typically
[ HIGH PERFORMANCE ZOOM LENS ]
vulnerable to dust entering the body when
High performance zoom lenses can quickly, clearly focus on various subjects
within a range from close to distant.
the lens is dismounted for changing. But the
SIGMA SD9 features a special dust protec-
tor that at all times keeps dust from entering
and adhering to the image sensor. This ensures extra durability and
reliable imaging integrity, even after long, rugged use.
[ WIDE LENS ]
Wide zoom lenses display their capabilities on expansive scenes. SIGMA
makes an 8mm fisheye lens covering 180 degrees, and other wide lenses up
to 28mm.
Optional Equipment
Electronic Flash
Electronic Flash
[ EF-500 DG ST ]
[ EF-500 DG SUPER ]
The high-intensity EF-500 DG SUPER flash
enables automatic light control S-TTL shooting. For
extra versatility, the unit’s high-speed
synchronization function can be used
even with high shutter speeds.
This high-intensity automatic zoom flash enables
automatic light control S-TTL shooting for easy
and beautiful flash photographs. It
includes an automatic zoom func-
tion and a bounce-head function.
Battery Grip [ Power Pack SD ]
Remote Controller [ RS21 ]
This easy-to-carry battery pack with vertical grip is dedicat-
Remote control allows the photographer to take self-
portraits or get into group shots. Used in conjunction
with Mirror Lock-Up function, it can reduce the
possibility of image-blurring camera shake, so
it’s particularly useful for macro or telephoto
zoom shooting.
ed for SD9 use, and can hold four CR-V3 batteries or eight
AA batteries
— more than
enough power
for most
[ Data ]
Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX
Aperture : f 22
Shutter : 1/60
shoots.
ISO Speed : 100
Exposure Mode : Manual
Focus Mode : Manual
Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 X 2,268
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