Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
SIGMA SD9 Major Specifications
Storage Media Image Sensor Size Lens Mount Angle of View Compatible Lenses Image Sensor Pixel Sensors Aspect Ratio Image Recording Format File Size Continuous shooting speed Maximum number of frames for continuous shooting Interfaces White balance Viewfinder Viewfinder Frame Coverage Viewfinder Magnification Eye point Diopter Adjustment Range Auto Focus Type AF Operating Range Focus Mode Metering Systems Metering Range Exposure Modes ISO Sensitivity Exposure Compensation AE Lock Auto Bracketing Shutter Type Shutter Speed External Flash Synchronization LCD Monitor Reviewing Images LCD Monitor Language Power Source CompactFlash (CF ) (Type I/II ), IBM Microdrive 20.7x13.8mm SIGMA SA bayonet mount Equivalent to about 1.7x the focal length of the lens ( for 35mm cameras ) SIGMA SA mount Lens Group FOVEON X3 (CMOS) 10.29 Million ( 2,268 Columns x 1,512 Rows x 3 Layers ) 3:2 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 HI : 6 frames MED : 14 frames LOW : 30 frames IEEE1394, USB (1.1), Video Out ( NTSC/PAL) 8 types ( auto, bright, shady, cloudy, incandescent light, fluorescent light, flash and custom ) Pentaprism SLR viewfinder 97% vertical, 98% horizontal 0.77x ( 50mm F1.4 18mm - 3dpt +1dpt TTL phase difference detection system EV( ISO 100 ) AF-S ( single ), AF-C ( continuous ), with AF motion prediction function Can be switched among 8-Segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, and Center-Weighted Average Metering EV ( 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 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 1 sec. ( ISO 200 , 400 ), Bulb ( ISO100, up to 15 sec.) 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. 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. 152mm/6"(W) x 120mm/4.72"(H) x 79mm/3.1"(D) 805g / 28.4oz (without batteries) )
High-definition quality with over 10.2 million pixel sensors

Dimensions Weight

[ SD9 accessories ]
SIGMA Photo Pro Disk Dedicated AC adapter SAC-1 AC cable Dedicated USB cable Dedicated IEEE1394 cable ( FireWire cable ) Dedicated Video cable LCD monitor cover Strap
[ Optional Accessories for SD9 ]
Electronic Flash Battery Grip Remote Controller Cable Release Switch PC-Synchro Terminal Adapter [ EF-500 DG SUPER / EF-500 DG ST ] [ Power Pack SD ] [ RS- 21 ] [ CR-11 ] [ 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 Users Manual Carefully prior to operation.
SIGMA World Network ( HOMEPAGE & E-MAIL ADDRESS )
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp (Japanese) http://www.sigma-photo.com (English) E-Mail : intl@sigma-photo.co.jp (Japan) E-Mail : info@sigmaphoto.com (U.S.A) E-Mail : sigma@sigma-photo.fr (France) E-Mail : info@sigma-foto.de (Germany) E-Mail : foto@sigma-benelux.nl (Benelux) E-Mail : info@sigma.com.hk (Hong Kong) E-Mail : apdspore@singnet.com.sg (Singapore)
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com (English) E-Mail : sale@sigma-imaging-uk.com (U.K.)
2 - 3 - 15 Iwado-Minami Komae-shi, Tokyo, 201-8630 Tel. 03 (3480) 1431 Fax. 03 (3480) 0634 http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp

http://www.sigma-photo.fr (French) http://www.sigma-foto.de (German) http://www.sigma-benelux.nl (Dutch) http://www.sigma.com.hk (Chinese)

SEE all of the light

Digital photos have never looked quite as good as those taken on film. Until now. Only the SIGMA SD9 digital single-lens reflex camera makes this major breakthrough. Using FOVEON X3 technology with over 10.2 million pixel sensors for more accurate, efficient color

Digital

reproduction, and sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional CCD or CMOS image sensor provides. So you can capture more of your vision in a truer light. Go ahead. Get more creative. The SIGMA SD9 puts the advantage of higher technology right in your hands.
FOVEON X3 image sensor brings new vision to digital imaging.
The FOVEON X3 image sensor is the heart of the first and only full-color capture system for digital cameras. The X3. image sensor uses three silicon-embedded layers of pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicons ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths. A FOVEON X3 image sensor can thereby capture full color and detail at each and every pixel location. The results are a revelation : better color detail, fewer color artifacts and three times the image sharpness, compared to that delivered by more conventional image sensors.
Other image sensors are no match for the SD9s true full - color capture system
Unlike the SIGMA SD9, other digital cameras image quality is inherently compromised. Conventional image sensors use a single layer of pixel sensors which are organized in a three-color checkerboard mosaic. Each pixel location has one pixel sensor and captures just one color component red or green or blue. Regardless of pixel count, mosaic-based image sensors capture only one-third of the information that FOVEON X3 full-color image sensors capture per pixel location, and rely on complicated time and energy- consuming processing to interpolate the two thirds of all the information they miss at each pixel. This leads to color artifacts, loss of image detail, and other disadvantages.
[ FOVEON X3 image sensor technology diagram ]
[ FOVEON X3 image sensor conceptual diagram ]
The FOVEON X3 image sensor comprises three layers of pixel sensors embedded in silicon.

Silicon absorbs different colors, or wavelengths, of light at different depth, so each layer captures a different color among R, G, and B. The stack of three layers creates a fullcolor pixel.
Only the FOVEON X3 image sensor captures R, G, and B light at every pixel location.
[ Conventional image sensor technology diagram ]
[ Data ] Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX Aperture : f 22 Shutter : 1/60 ISO Speed : 100 Exposure Mode : Manual Focus Mode : Manual Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 X 2,268

FOVEON Inc.

Founded in California in 1997, FOVEON Inc. is world - renowned for image sensors, user interfaces, and image/digital processing technology.
A conventional image sensor features color filters applied to a single layer of pixel sensors in a tiled mosaic pattern.
The filters let only one wavelength of light red, green, or blue pass through to any given pixel location. The pixel location records only that one color,so the other imformation at that site is lost.
As a result, conventional mosaic image sensors capture only 25% of the R (red), 25% of the B (blue), and 50% of the G (green) light.
F O R M O R E F L E X I B L E C O N T R O L O F I M A G E D ATA

Function

RAW format recording
The SD9 uses the RAW format the highest-quality recording method to record information about light detected by the FOVEON X3 image sensor. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised data files.
The SIGMA SD9 has exclusive advanced functions
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,

Main menu screen

and blue. This makes it easy to check light and shadow details.
Exclusive SIGMA Photo Pro software reads RAW data
The SD9 comes with SIGMA Photo Pro software for changing the look of recorded RAW data image files. Its easy to adjust white balance, exposure, color balance, and contrast, for example, or otherwise manipulate RAW data, without compromising image quality or definition.
< Main Window > This basic screen for manipulating RAW data is a simple, yet sophisticated user interface for control of various functions.
Open RAW data files Transfer and save RAW image data Save images (TIFF, JPEG) Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images in the camera or on a PC
Seamless recording and playback
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 photographers to identify and use desired functions.
The SIGMA SD9 has an extensive variety of functions
Lock function / mark function : Simplifies image sorting. Shortcut key settings : For convenient function setting using the OK button. 5- stage zoom and pan : Lets you zoom in up to 400% and pan while zooming, for checking focus and image details in camera.

< Review Window >

Display image Display adjusting palette Highlight and shadow warning Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images
Easily view images and settings
A 130,000 - pixel 1.8 - inch TFT liquid crystal monitor built into the SD9s back body panel reproduces clear, beautiful images. With the built - in 4 - Way Controller, it also serves as an easyto-use multifunctional interface.
Records on CF cards and Microdrives*
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. * This recording medium uses a high - speed hard disk, so it is more vulnerable to vibration and
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.
White balance for the look you like
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". Theres even "custom" for customized white balance that you can adjust according to the shot viewed through the back-panel LCD.
Information access : Accessing information about 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.

Pick your power source

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).

< Image Quality Adjustment Palette >
Adjust exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights, saturation, and sharpness Adjust colors Adjust gray balance Open, save, and delete custom settings Check histograms
Slide show settings : Use lock function/mark function to 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 extraWhite balance / main screen
speedy, versatile image transfer from the SD9 to a computer.
Three resolution settings
Choose among three RAW data resolution shooting modes : HI mode (2,268 x 1,512 x 3 ) for optimal quality, MED
White balance / sub screen
Shoots in NTSC and PAL formats
You can switch between the NTSC video standard (used in countries including Japan and the U.S.) and the PAL format (used in Europe and other countries) for image playback on TV monitors in
Frame - by - frame ISO Setting
Frame - by - frame ISO selection is among the SD9s 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
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.

many parts of the world.

G E T R E A D Y T O S H O O T FA S T E R

AF cross sensoring

The SD9s AF cross sensor in the center of its viewfinder lets a photographer select the subject of focus, according to compositional intention.
Predictive movement Auto focus
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. * If subject motion is irregular or motionless, predictive movement AF won't be activated.
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.

Two focus modes

Continuous AF mode [ C, AF ]
In this mode, the camera continues focusing on a moving subject
[ 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

while the shutter button is pressed halfway. For example, when shooting athletes or moving vehicles, the motion prediction mechanism will activate and control focus, predicting the subjects traveling distance from the time the shutter button is pressed to the instant the shutter is released.

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.

[ Finder display ]

* When the AE Lock button is pressed, exposure is fixed at that point in time. Use this
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
Flash Indicator Focus Indicator Shutter Speed AE Lock Indicator
Exposure Meter Auto Bracketing Aperture Value
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.
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.
The Sports Finder wont miss A moment
Now, its 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 SD9s 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. * When a 130% sports finder is attached to a conventional 35mm SLR, it increases camera body size by 70%.

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.
WHERE DIGITAL AND 35mm SLR ADVANTAGES CONVERGE
The SD9 features three metering methods for greater control of photographys essence : light.
8 - segment evaluative metering
Center - weighted average metering

Names of Parts

C-Dial (Command Dial)
In this most common metering mode, the camera primarily meters the subject in the center of the screen, while giving some weight to perimeter brightness. Exposure can be effectively controlled by using this mode in conjunction with the Exposure Compensation function.
AF Mode Button Metering Mode Button Function Button Shutter Button
This metering mode, offering exposure control with minimal error, divides the screen into 8 independently metered segments, whose data is comprehensively evaluated for optimal exposure setting. Excellent for shooting front-lit scenes, as well as backlit, high-contrast and other special situations, 8-segment evaluative metering helps to reproduce brightness to a photographers liking.

Center area metering

b Display Panel
[ Names of Display Panel Parts ]
Shutter Speed Aperture Value Counter / ISO Sensitivity Sound Setting Metering Mode Remote Control Mode ISO Sensitivity Setting Exposure Meter Auto Bracketing Auto White Balance AF Mode Battery Indicator Resolution
Exposure compensation and auto bracketing

Resolution Button

Before you shoot, exposure compensation lets you adjust 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, its 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.
Self-Timer ( 2s / 10s ) Mirror Lock - Up Auto Bracketing ISO Sensitivity Button Diopter Adjuster Hot Shoe
Exposure Compensation Button

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 influence of perimeter light sources, so you can establish a highly specific area for determining the level of exposure that suits your purpose.

b D-Dial ( Drive Dial )

Continuous shooting Single frame shooting Power OFF

b S-Dial ( Shutter Dial ) / Mode Lever
Manual Exposure Shutter Speed Priority AE Aperture Priority AE Program AE

Lens Mount

Dust Protector
Depth - of - field preview Button Remote Control Sensor

Eyepiece Cup

CF Card Access Lamp

Zoom Controller

Camera Strap Eyelet
Main Menu Button CF Card Cover View Button Connector Cover Information Button Modify Menu Button Lens Release Button Delete Button CF Card Cover Release Lever 4-Way Controller

Battery Case Lock Knob

Release Socket
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 subjects brightness, so you can shoot spontaneously without missing a moment or adjusting exposure.
[ A ] Aperture Priority AE
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.

[ M ] Manual Exposure

Power Pack Contact Cover
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 maintaining an exposure setting for several shots.
Tripod Socket Battery Latch
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 SIGMAs far-reaching dedication to capturing the essence of every moment.
[ WIDE ZOOM LENS ] Wide zoom lenses offer freedom for controlling angle and perspective for shooting big buildings, expansive scenery, snap shots, and group photographs. [ STANDARD ZOOM LENS ] Standard zoom lenses provide wide coverage that suits a broad range of spontaneous photo opportunities. [ 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. [ HIGH PERFORMANCE ZOOM LENS ] High performance zoom lenses can quickly, clearly focus on various subjects within a range from close to distant. [ 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. [ TELEPHOTO LENS ] Telephoto lenses offer a closer-up view of distant or inaccessible subject detail, or enhance an images feeling of airiness by compressing perspective within a shallow depth of field and softly blurring the background. [ 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.

Image sensor dust protector
Other digital SLR cameras are typically vulnerable to dust entering the body when the lens is dismounted for changing. But the SIGMA SD9 features a special dust protector 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.

Optional Equipment

Electronic Flash [ EF-500 DG SUPER ]
The high-intensity EF-500 DG SUPER flash enables automatic light control S-TTL shooting. For extra versatility, the units high-speed synchronization function can be used even with high shutter speeds.
Electronic Flash [ EF-500 DG ST ]
This high-intensity automatic zoom flash enables automatic light control S-TTL shooting for easy and beautiful flash photographs. It includes an automatic zoom function and a bounce-head function.
Battery Grip [ Power Pack SD ]
This easy-to-carry battery pack with vertical grip is dedicated for SD9 use, and can hold four CR-V3 batteries or eight AA batteries more than enough power for most shoots.
Remote Controller [ RS 21 ]
Remote control allows the photographer to take selfportraits or get into group shots. Used in conjunction with Mirror Lock-Up function, it can reduce the possibility of image-blurring camera shake, so its particularly useful for macro or telephoto zoom shooting.