Sigma Sd Quattro Review

The Sigma sd Quattro is a tiny system camera with a 39-megapixel Foveon X3 Quattro sensor that is scaled to fit the APS-C format.

The one-of-a-kind sensor in the sd Quattro produces raw photographs with a resolution of 5424 by 3616 pixels when it is set to its highest possible level. This sensor consists of four different layers, three of which are devoted to catching red, green, and blue light.

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Sigma sd Quattro Digital Mirrorless Camera Body

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 3:17 pm
$1,385.00

In addition to being dust and splashproof, the Sigma sd Quattro features contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus, a focus peaking function, the Dual TRUE III image processing engine, a 2.36-megapixel electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch TFT color monitor with 1,620K dots, a 3.6fps continuous shooting speed, Super-Fine Detail (SFD) exposure mode, a full range of creative shooting modes, an external hot-shoe, Quick.

Sigma Sd Quattro Build Quality

The Sigma sd Quattro is a tiny system camera with a highly distinctive design that is entirely different from any other camera that we have seen in the past. It is comprehensive and hefty, measuring 147 millimeters (W) by 95.1 millimeters (H) by 90.8 millimeters (D), and it has a highly prominent hand grip with a leatherette covering, which enables you to retain a firm grasp and accommodates a wide variety of hand sizes. The device’s dimensions are as follows: There is a sizable thumb grip on the back of the camera.

The Sigma sd Quattro is a very well-built camera that makes use of a magnesium alloy for its body. This camera is unquestionably on par with the most capable models that other manufacturers have to offer.

The O-rings and environmental seals placed around the camera’s buttons and seams make the sd Quattro suitable for use in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the lens mount has a dust protector sealed with optical glass to prevent dust from entering the camera body. This makes the sd Quattro suitable for use in environments unsuitable for outdoor photography.

The sd Quattro features an understated design that is entirely black and has a gently textured surface. This, in conjunction with the camera’s higher weight, gives the camera a more professional image and feel. The fact that the tripod attachment is made entirely of metal and is placed precisely in the middle of the lens is a dead giveaway that this is meant to be a professional-grade camera.

Sigma Sd Quattro Image Quality

All of the sample photographs used in this evaluation were captured at the High JPEG preset, which results in an image size that is around 13 megabytes on average.

When shooting in the RAW format, the Sigma sd Quattro produces exceptional picture quality, with excellent results from ISO 100-1600 over the whole ISO range.

Because there is a lot of noise and color desaturation at the higher ISOs, our recommendation is always to use the sd Quattro’s RAW mode if possible. Curiously, the quality drops off noticeably when shooting JPEGs, with only ISO 100-400 being worth using, thanks to the limitations imposed by the higher ISOs (despite the so-so Sigma Photo pro software and the huge file sizes).

The night shot came out well, and the fact that you could use the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds meant that you could catch sufficient light for the vast majority of after-dark scenarios.

Sigma Sd Quattro Specs

Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless
Body materialMagnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution6200 x 4152
Image ratio w:h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels45 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors45 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-H (26.6 x 17.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS (Foveon X3)
ProcessorDual TRUE III
Color spacesRGB
Color filter arrayFoveon X3
Image
ISO100-6400
White balance presets6
Custom white balanceYes (3 slots)
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, normal, basic
File formatJPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Sigma X3F, 14-bit / DNG, 12-bit)
Optics & Focus
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lampYes
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points9
Lens mountSigma SA Bayonet
Focal length multiplier1.3×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,620,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification1.09× (0.84× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Exposure modesProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes
Flash X sync speed1/180 sec
Continuous drive3.8 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedSpot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
MicrophoneNone
SpeakerNone
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USBUSB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMIYes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
Remote controlYes (wired)
Physical
Environmentally sealedYes
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionBP-61 lithium-ion battery & charger
Dimensions147 x 95 x 91 mm (5.79 x 3.74 x 3.58″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone

Sigma Sd Quattro Conclusion

  • Product
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Sigma sd Quattro Digital Mirrorless Camera Body

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 3:17 pm
$1,385.00

The new Sigma sd Quattro mirrorless camera upholds the three critical traditions associated with Sigma cameras. These traditions are exceptional image quality, an unconventional user interface, and sluggish performance.

Once again, if you enjoy shooting photographs in a more relaxed manner, the sd Quattro will reward you with some stunning images, provided that you can get along with the “strange” user interface.

The Foveon X3 Quattro sensor makes a comeback; regardless of whether you think it has the 39 megapixels that Sigma claims it has or the inherent 20 megapixels of the top blue/luminance layer, it is capable of producing photographs that are extremely clear and high in quality.

Since this is a tiny system camera, you can use any Sigma SA-mount lens. This is in contrast to the DP Quattro compact cameras that were popular a couple of years ago, as those had fixed lenses.

Despite some improvements to the operational speed in the form of not one but two Truepic III processors, the Sigma sd Quattro is still a rather unresponsive camera that is only suited to shooting static or slow-moving subjects. This is especially true given that the combined phase/contrast-detection AF system still takes about half a second to lock on to the subject after it has been detected.

The most recent radical new design is again divisive among consumers. The Sigma sd Quattro is comparable in size and weight to a DSLR camera, but its battery life is startlingly inadequate for a contemporary camera. However, we did like making use of the outstanding EVF as well as the rear LCD panels.

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