sd Quattro H Impression
Even better image quality and usability
Ultimate image quality.
Ultimate camera.
Two new sd Quattro cameras
Specifications
Product Lineup
Concept
The essence of photographic expression:
fine lenses for a truly powerful system camera.
The SIGMA GLOBAL VISION series of high-performances lenses comprises three distinct lines and concepts: Contemporary, Art, and Sports. SIGMA has developed each of the lenses in these three lines using the Foveon X3 direct image sensor to ensure their world-class optical performance. Offering the outstanding expression that photographers demand, the SIGMA sd Quattro series is a complete and powerful system compatible with these fine lenses.
The culmination of the SIGMA philosophy:
“The lens is the key to the photograph”
Top-performing lenses developed using the highest-resolution image sensor
Since their introduction in 2012, the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION series of lenses has received an enthusiastic welcome from photographers around the world. In order to create these fine lenses, SIGMA revolutionized its production system and aimed to endow them with ultimate quality in every respect:
1. Design: All lens designs are based on a stringent and comprehensive development concept.
2. Manufacturing: All lenses are made in Japan using the most advanced production technologies.
3. Assessment: Performance standards for each lens are carefully developed and stringently applied. For example, all lenses are tested with the A1* proprietary Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors.
*A1 = AIZU 1
A system that treats lenses as true assets:
Optional SIGMA USB DOCK for customizing focus position and more
Available Mount Conversion Service for growing and maintaining lens assets
SIGMA supports the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lineup with comprehensive products and services that help photographers get more value out of their fine lenses and enjoy using them over the long term.
The SIGMA USB DOCK is a dedicated accessory for lenses in the Contemporary, Art, and Sports lines. Simply placing a lens in the DOCK and connecting it to a personal computer via a USB cable, photographers can use the exclusive SIGMA Optimization Pro software to update lens firmware and customize the focus position and other settings. Photographers can also select the autofocus speed and adjust the focus limiter and Optical Stabilizer (OS) function on lenses that have a custom mode switch.
The Mount Conversion Service is available for all SIGMAL GLOBAL VISION lenses. For a fee, SIGMA will convert a lens mount to a mount for a different camera body. This service helps photographers use valuable lens assets for many years to come, unrestricted by their original choice of camera system.
Features
An image processing system ready for higher resolution.
Outstanding performance, next-level image quality.
With its three-layer structure, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor captures all of the information carried by visible light. This film-like capture system offers rich gradations and color and truly distinctive image quality. Optimized to match the enhanced resolution and other characteristics of the image data, the image processing system of the new SIGMA sd Quattro leverages the outstanding fundamental functions of the camera while taking overall image quality to the next level.
Two sensor sizes available
The SIGMA sd Quattro incorporates an APS-C size sensor for outstanding medium format level image quality,
while the SIGMA sd Quattro H features a new APS-H size sensor for
51 megapixel-equivalent ultra-high image quality.
Foveon X3 Sensor
Foveon direct image sensor
The world’s only image capture system to use
vertical color separation technology
Almost all other image sensors are mosaic sensors, which use an array of RGB color filters in a single horizontal plane to capture color information. Each pixel is assigned only one of the three colors and cannot capture all three colors at once. In contrast, the Foveon direct image sensor captures color vertically, recording hue, value, and chroma accurately and completely for each pixel.
In the Foveon direct image sensor, there are no color filters which would cause a loss of information transmitted by light. Moreover, there is no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a color filter array. Finally, unlike the data from other sensors, which requires artificial interpolation to “fill in” missing colors, the data from the Foveon direct image sensor is complete for every single pixel and requires no interpolation. The unique technological principle of this sensor produces consistently outstanding image quality.
Newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro
direct image sensor
Now featuring 39 megapixel-equivalent ultrahigh resolution
Capturing the information transmitted by light vertically instead of horizontally, the full-color image capture system of the Foveon direct image sensor is the only one of its kind in the world. This system makes possible the sensor’s full-bodied image quality, which is characterized by rich tone and gradation and texture that one can almost touch.
The newly developed Foveon X3 Quattro is the latest generation of this unique sensor. While retaining the distinctive characteristics of its predecessors, it offers an even higher level of image quality. Resolution is 30% higher, and its noise characteristics are further enhanced.
The new sensor structure features a ratio 1:1:4 for the number of red, green, and blue megapixels, respectively. The top layer captures luminance and color information, while the bottom two layers capture color information only. This unique structure prevents the deterioration of the signal-to-noise ratio that is typically associated with an ultrahigh megapixel count. At the same time, it makes possible high-speed data processing required for faithful color replication. Able to maintain the same exacting standard of image quality while increasing resolution and enhancing noise characteristics, this 1:1:4 solution was the inspiration for the name of the current generation of Foveon sensor: “Quattro.”
The new 1:1:4 structure (bottom 1: middle 1: top 4) offers higher resolution
that is equivalent to 39 megapixels for conventional color filter array sensors.
In addition to this ultra-high resolution, the sensor offers enhanced noise characteristics
and faster processing of high-volume image data.
The difference between the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor and a conventional color filter array sensor (Bayer filter sensor)
The Foveon X3 Quattro leverages the selective absorption of light by silicon: shorter wavelengths penetrate less deeply into the element, whereas longer wavelengths penetrate more deeply. Comprising three silicon layers for each of the three primary colors of light (blue, green, and red), the Foveon X3 Quattro sensor vertically captures full color information for every single pixel. Unlike a conventional sensor, this full-color capture system requires no color interpolation at the data processing stage. Having complete color information for every pixel location makes possible highly precise and delicate resolution and color expression.
The special characteristics of the 1:1:4 structure
As the spectroscopic chart indicates, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is able to detect a broad range of light wavelengths. We came upon the idea of having the top/blue layer capture luminance information, which in turn led us to the idea of the 1:1:4 structure. While the top layer captures both luminance and color information, the middle and bottom layers with their larger surface area capture color information only. During the image data processing stage, the luminance data captured in the top layer is applied to the top, middle, and bottom layers, resulting in luminance and color data for each individual pixel.
The Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor retains the three-layer vertical color capture of previous Foveon sensors while featuring the new ability to capture luminance information in the top layer and apply that information to the middle and bottom layers. This new structure has been the key to preventing file bloat, which may eventually have proved a problem for the 1:1:1 structure of the previous generation of Foveon sensors.
Dual TRUE III for high-speed processing
of high-volume data
Combination of two AF detection methods
Speed versus focusing performance:
two AF detection methods available for smoother and more accurate autofocusing.
Phase detection AF is superior for speed performance, while contract detection AF is superior for focusing accuracy. Combining these two methods in a single system delivers AF that is fast and precise at the same time. In addition, this approach to autofocus takes full advantage of the characteristics of high-performance lenses. The Single AF mode is optimal for everyday photography, while the Continuous AF mode is optimal for focusing on a moving object. In the latter mode, pressing the shutter button halfway causes autofocus to operate continuously, while Movement Prediction AF operates at the same time for more accurate autofocusing. A variety of other AF modes are also available. 9-Point Selection AF mode allows the user to select among nine focus frames. Free Movement AF mode allows the user to select the focus frame with high precision. Face Detection AF mode detects human faces and prioritizes focusing on them. The AF assist light incorporated in the camera body makes possible the use of AF even in low-light conditions.
SIGMA Photo Pro
Exclusive SIGMA Photo Pro software
Bringing out the full potential of every image
SIGMA Photo Pro makes possible intuitive processing of RAW data, leveraging the full power of the information captured by the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. Operation is easy: the user simply adjusts horizontal sliders while viewing the photographs to create images that perfectly match his or her vision. In addition, the software turns X3I files created using the camera’s Super-Fine Detail function into high-resolution, noiseless images with outstanding dynamic range. Various modes allow the user to take full advantage of the image sensor’s fine tones and gradations and create monochrome images of impressive depth. Available for RAW data (X3F file) from the sd Quattro series that has been taken at ISO 800 or higher, the binning function minimizes noise while maintaining rich color rendering.
SIGMA Capture Pro
SIGMA Capture Pro - the dedicated software
for remote operation from your computer
New Super-Fine Detail exposure mode
New SFD mode for lower-noise, higher-definition images
The new Super-Fine Detail (SFD) exposure mode brings out the full performance of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. One push of the shutter generates seven different exposures, creating RAW data in the X3I file format. Using this data with the SIGMA Photo Pro software package, the photographer can create noiseless images with an extensive dynamic range. With this new mode, the more detailed imaging potential of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is fully leveraged. From each X3I file, individual X3F files may also be generated. The value of SFD exposure mode is especially apparent in studio photography.
Note: To prevent camera shake, SIGMA recommends the use of a tripod.
Continuous shooting of up to
12 images in RAW format
The DDR III high-speed, high-volume memory is approximately twice the capacity of that of the SIGMA dp Quattro. This allows the SIGMA sd Quattro to capture up to 12RAW images (X3F files) in High size during continuous shooting (SIGMA sd Quattro H: up to 8 images). As a further option, when Low size is used, the SIGMA sd Quattro offers a continuous shooting of up to 24 images (SIGMA sd Quattro H: up to 16 images).
Aiming for the ideal interchangeable lens digital camera
An sd Quattro series camera provides a feeling of solidity and superior usability when you take it in both hands to compose and shoot. Each is developed to have just the right weight and shape for portability and to offer better expandability as a complete system. Moreover, each features an ergonomic design to support an intuitive photographic experience.
High-resolution Super-High size images
JPEG files in S-HI size (SIGMA sd Quattro:
39 megapixels; SIGMA sd Quattro H: 51 megapixels)
High-resolution electronic viewfinder
The high-resolution 2.36 mega-dots electronic viewfinder features near-100% viewfinder coverage and a 1.10 magnification ratio (sd Quatto H: 0.96x). The viewfinder incorporates three lenses with the outermost lens specially coated to ensure a clear field of view. Using a switch next to the viewfinder, the user can toggle between displaying the image in the viewfinder and the monitor. In AUTO mode, the camera automatically switches to the viewfinder display when the user is looking through it and to the monitor when he or she is not. This mode allows seamless use of the viewfinder to take photographs and use of the monitor to access settings and confirm results. For extra convenience, many functions of the monitor are available via the electronic viewfinder itself, such as setting values, grid lines, electronic level, zoom, focus peaking and more.
Focus peaking function
This function puts a colored outline (white, black, red, or yellow) around the subject in the viewfinder for instant confirmation of the person or object currently in focus.
Dual monitors
In addition to the 1.62 mega-dots 3.0 inch TFT LCD main monitor, the rear of the camera features a sub-monitor that displays the number of remaining shots on the SD card, shutter speed, aperture value, ISO level, and more. This extra monitor makes it easy to watch the live view and confirm key information at the same time. A sheet of special material lies between the two LCDs and the protective glass that covers them. This sheet prevents air pockets from forming and minimizes reflections, ensuring excellent display visibility in sunlight.
Intuitive user interface helps user focus
attention on creative work
Building on the success of previous SIGMA user interfaces, the new UI is more intuitive than ever. Located next to the shutter button, the Quick Set button provides instant access to the Quick Set Menu, which allows the user to quickly adjust commonly used settings while continuing to look through the viewfinder. Located on the top of the body, the LOCK switch prevents the accidental pressing of buttons, helping keep the user’s attention on the creative work. The buttons that are locked with this switch may also be customized by the user. Located on the rear of the camera near the selector are several controls for commonly used functions. Easily accessed with the thumb of the right hand, they include the menu button, focus frame button, and AEL/AF button with lever.
DNG format
DNG is the RAW image data that is developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated. DNG file makes it possible to develop images on other softwares, which gives more choices of expression.
* It is not possible to record the image data in DNG and JPEG simultaneously. In addition, the number of pixels to be recorded will change depending on the aspect ratio of shooting images
DC Crop Mode
The Sigma sd Quattro H incorporates an APS-H sized image sensor, and it automatically switches to DC Crop Mode, when DC lenses are attached. Also, it is possible to select On/Off of the DC Crop Mode manually. When a DG lens is mounted and the DC Crop Mode [On] is selected, the coverage of the LCD monitor and the view finder automatically becomes within APS-C size, which makes it easy determining the composition.
* If [On] is selected, the angle of view will be equivalent to 1.5 times longer than the focal length of the lens and the number of pixels to be recorded will be smaller.
Accessories
Supplied Accessory
REAR CAP LCR Ⅱ
* The image is for L-Mount.
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SIGMA SA-mount
Impressions / Samples
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sd Quattro Impression Vol.03
In the last two impressions, I examined the potential of the sd Quattro.
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sd Quattro Impression Vol.02
In the last impression, I examined the performance of the Foveon sensor particularly in light of resolution, color reproduction, and tonal depth. I also introduced the new function of the dedicated developing software “SIGMA Photo Pro.”
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sd Quattro Impression Vol.01
The all-new sd Quattro is a mirrorless camera and has a decapitalized model name just like the dp series.
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sd Quattro SFD Mode Impression
Capturing the Texture as it is
I took a red rose with a red silk cloth for the background. -
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sd Quattro Binning Function Impression
Express the vivid colors which had become dull by the high ISO
The early morning light was low and a strong wind was blowing. -
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sd Quattro series Sample photo gallery
