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Sigma SD9 Digital CameraThe breakthrough Sigma SD9 camera features the FOVEON® X3TM image sensor which is the world's first image-sensor that features...
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The breakthrough Sigma SD9 camera features the FOVEON® X3TM image sensor which is the world's first image-sensor that features three layers of photo detectors. The layers are embedded in silicon to take advantage of the fact that red, green and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths allowing full-color to be measured at every pixel. The layers are positioned to take advantage of the fact that silicon absorbs different colors of light at different depths, so one layer records red, another layer records green and the other layer records blue, This means that for every pixel on a FOVEON® X3TM image sensor, there's actually a stack of three photo detectors, forming the first and only full-color capture system.
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7 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Will give any Nikon or Canon a run for their money
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Pros: Image quality, resolution, sharpness, price of camera, lens selection, X3F technology, battery life
Cons: Lowlight noise, anything other than iso 100 isn't great, but that's it
The Bottom Line:
If you're looking to get into the professional ranks but can't afford the top-of-the-line, go with Sigma
I've had the SD9 for almost 2 years now, and I am completely happy with my choice, considering the cameras this one compares with in terms of image quality are at least 3-4 times as expensive. Don't be fooled by those who think if you aren't using Canon or Nikon you aren't a pro. What the SD9 lacks in name recognition it more than makes up for in image resolution, detail, sharpness and much more.
The resolution and detail of this camera, coupled with great Sigma lenses like the 50mm EX macro, 24-70mm EX f2.8 and the 70-200mm f2.8 (all of which I own), is incredible. Think individual eyelashes separated in a full-body portrait, each strand of a spider web perfectly rendered with no stairstepping. It's incredible how big you can make these images, I'm getting a 24x36" print done as we speak.
So if you're looking to get into the DSLR market but dont have $3,000 or $5,000 or $8,000 to spend, go with the SD9 (now I'd recommend its successor, the SD10, and be sure to check if there's an SD11, which is rumored to be released Summer 2005). You can't really go wrong with the Sigma.
With the SD9, lowlight and nighttime shots are not the best, though with the SD10 improvements were made to noise reduction at higher ISOs. But for daytime shots, a portrait with the SD9 will match up with the Canon 1DS or Nikon D1 anyday of the week.
Use rechargeable CRV3's in this and you can go 1000 shots without having to recharge. Also get the battery grip, gives you double the battery power and the vertical shutter release.
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