Sigma Announces Two New Mirrorless Cameras: Sigma sd Quattro and sd Quattro H

<p><a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/">Sigma</a> has announced the release of two new mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. The new <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-camera">Sigma sd Quattro</a> and <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-h-camera">Sigma sd Quattro H</a>, both with Foveon Quattro sensors. The Sigma sd Quattro features an APS-C sized sensor and the <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-h-camera">Sigma sd Quattro H</a> has an even larger APS-H sized sensor for greater image quality. The mirrorless aspect of the cameras, means both the <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-camera">sd Quattro</a> and <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-h-camera">sd Quattro H</a> are compatible with all Sigma Global Vision lenses. Both cameras are compact yet rugged in their design and construction, making them durable and portable. Their Foveon Quattro sensor's ensure exceptional imaging quality and fast processing.</p>

<p>Both cameras have a two-mode Autofocus detection that combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection for focus speed and accuracy, enhanced focus features such as Movement Prediction, Face Detection, Free Movement, Focus Peaking and more. More features include a 2.3 megapixel viewfinder that displays close to 100% of the field of view, a new “Super-Fine Detail” mode that captures seven different exposures with one shot and merges them for exceptional dynamic range, and improved Auto White Balance for a more accurate white balance. </p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-camera">sd Quattro</a> utilizes the same sensor found in the dp Quattro line. The <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-h-camera">sd Quattro H</a> boasts the larger sensor of the two, an APS-H sensor (26.6x17.9mm). Both cameras use the latest Dual TRUE III image processor and take full advantage of the Art, Contemporary and Sport line Global Vision lenses that are made for high megapixel cameras. Like all Sigma Cameras, RAW (X3F) data can be processed with <a href="https://www.sigmaphoto.com/service-support/product-software-and-firmware-download">Sigma Photo Pro</a>. To read more about the new <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-camera">Sigma sd Quattro</a> and <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sd-quattro-h-camera">Sigma sd Quattro H</a> click <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/article/sd-quattro-announcement">here!</a> </p>

<p>They didn't make a "mirrorless" camera, they made a DSLR with a weird shape and omitted the mirror.</p>

<p>Not the prettiest camera I've ever seen but who knows, could be a good shooter.</p>

<p>Once one gets beyond "Sigma Speak" and simply looks at file size based on the usual way of measuring, the files coming out of <em><strong>the forthcoming H-series camera</strong></em> appear to be over 25 honest megapixels in size. I got that number from B&H's ads, and the number appears to be consistent with (and an incremental improvement over) numbers for their earlier cameras, which were topping out at something over 19 megapixels, as I recall--in this case based on my own measurements of the downloaded files from samples shown on DPReview.com.</p>

<p>Sigma may still have some formidable problems with color accuracy as well as software, however. One thing is clear, though. In spite of all the faux hype from Sigma about the Foveon sensors, they do seem to be getting slowly better and better. I base that judgment on my own evaluation of the downloaded samples, which are available to anyone who cares to look at the DPReview links to Sigma cameras. Their niche market can probably be expected to improve slightly, although Sigma lost a LOT of credibility with its earlier misleading claims about the number of megapixels on its cameras. In terms of marketing, that may have been a fatal error: many people won't even read beyond their headlines any more.</p>

<p>I don't see the Foveon sensors as likely to represent a serious challenge to CMOS sensors, but I've been wrong before.</p>

<p>I will be looking for the first samples when they finally appear on DPReview, especially for the H-series camera, since the number of megapixels is finally right up there with that of other APS-C sensors. Sigma made the announcement pretty early, though, and so no date has been given for likely availability. Nor has there been any announcement about prices. Due to early pricing fiascos by Sigma, it will be interesting to see where the initial prices will be set.</p>

<p>As far as I can tell, the Sigma cameras are designed to be used with Sigma lenses. I sincerely hope that Sigma does not shoot itself in the foot again, as it has so frequently in the past with regard to its Foveon-based line of cameras. Competition is a good thing, even if Sigma has yet to strike fear in the big guys at Canon, Nikon, and Sony--for good reason.</p>

<p>One still wishes Sigma the best. I hope they come out with at least one marketable camera with broader appeal.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

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