Sigma sd Quattro H

Sigma is turning camera development on its head by developing a camera specifically to take full advantage of the Global Vision lens series with the release of the sd Quattro H Mirrorless Digital Camera with a Sigma SA lens mount.

This camera offers the utmost in resolution with a 44.8MP APS-H Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS sensor that uses a unique stacked design to deliver full color information at every single pixel without interpolation. By using a 1:1:4 RGB pixel ratio with a layered design, this eliminates the need for an optical low-pass filter, the sd Quattro H can create 25.5MP lossless compressed raw images with a spatial resolution equivalent to, and with richer colors, than that of a 51MP Bayer sensor.

These vast quantities of image data are handled quickly and efficiently thanks to a Dual TRUE III image processing engine. Additionally, the relatively unique APS-H size provides a 1.3x crop factor when compared to a full-frame 35mm sensor.

Image quality is the key advantage of the Foveon sensor, with the processing and available feature set allowing photographers to benefit as much as possible from the technology. Ensuring sharp imagery, this newly designed sensor has a hybrid phase- and contrast-detect autofocus system with nine selectable points.

There is even focus peaking for shooters who prefer the precision of manual focus. Users will also be able to shoot at up to 3.8 fps in High quality and with a sensitivity reaching up to ISO 6400. Also, a Super-Fine Detail exposure mode is available which will take seven exposures and blend them into one exceptionally clean raw image file with a wide dynamic range.

Although optimized for lenses, the sd Quattro H still caters to the needs of photographers by offering a plethora of physical controls along with an integrated 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder for precise eye-level monitoring.

Moving down the back of the camera, Sigma has also introduced a dual monitor system comprised of a 3.0 1.62m-dot main LCD and a sub LCD screen that displays your basic exposure information and more for constant access to your critical settings. Other controls include a dedicated Quick Set button for bringing up the Quick Set Menu at a moments notice and a lock switch to prevent accidental changes.

44.8MP APS-H Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS Sensor & Dual TRUE III Processing Engine

At the heart of Sigmas digital imaging system there has always been a Foveon sensor. This 44.8MP APS-H format Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS sensor represents the latest in this technology, offering outstanding resolution and rich color with smooth gradations and a wide dynamic range by using a layered pixel array. This system stacks the red, green, and blue pixels vertically with a 1:1:4 pixel ratio, allowing full color information to be collected at every photosite and a resolution equivalent to that of a 51MP Bayer array. Additionally, the top layer of blue pixels has a 25.5MP array, resulting in natural raw image data of 6192 x 4128 pixels.

Ensuring the vast amount of image data is handled efficiently and quickly, the sd Quattro H utilizes a Dual TRUE III image processing engine. This allows for continuous shooting rates of up to 3.8 fps in High quality for 10 frames as well as working sensitivities up to ISO 6400. It also enables features like the Super-Fine Detail mode, which takes seven unique exposures and blends them into one clean and detailed raw image with a wide dynamic range.

Sigma SA Lens System

Featuring Sigmas SA interchangeable lens mount, nearly every single one of their respected Global Vision series of lenses will be available for use with the sd Quattro H. This model features an APS-H size sensor which has a crop factor of approximately 1.3x, meaning that a 50mm lens will have the equivalent field of view of a 65mm lens on a full-frame sensor. Additionally, the lens mount has complete electronic communication, ensuring all functions and features, including autofocus, optical stabilization, and more work correctly.

Current owners of Sigma Global Vision lenses can take advantage of the companys Mount Conversion Service to have lenses converted for use on different mounts. This ensures that a large library of glass will never become obsolete in the event a user invests in a new camera system.

Dual LCD Monitors & Electronic Viewfinder

For composing images and reviewing settings, a bright 3.0 1.62m-dot LCD is available on the back of the camera. Unique to the sd Quattro series is a sub monitor adjacent to the main LCD which provides constant access to your most critical settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and more. These screens are covered by the same sheet of protective glass for a seamless appearance. For users looking for a more natural eye-level shooting stance, the sd Quattro H is also equipped with a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder with a 1.09x magnification. A dedicated switch is available for quickly changing between the monitor, viewfinder, or an automatic switching setting.

Hybrid AF System

Equipped with both phase-detect and contrast-detect points, the sd Quattro H can capture moving subjects with ease and lock on in no time at all. The system has up to 9 selectable points as well as free move and face detection. Additionally, it has been optimized to function in a range of shooting conditions with an operating range of -1 to 18 EV.

Super-Fine Detail Exposure Mode

Maximizing the performance of the stellar Foveon sensor technology is the Super-Fine Detail exposure mode. This creates seven different exposures of the scene which are then blended into one raw file in X3I format. Combined with processing form the Sigma Photo Pro software, a photographer can work with image data that is super clean and with a wide dynamic range. This can greatly benefit studio and tripod-based work.

Body Design

Known for distinctive camera designs, Sigmas sd Quattro series sports a very unique design with a comfortable grip and physical controls designed for intuitive control. This includes a Quick Set button near the shutter that instantly brings up the Quick Set Menu for access to your most commonly used settings while continuing to look through the viewfinder. On the top of the body, in addition to two command dials, is a Lock switch that prevents accidental changing of settings. This can be further customized to lock only select buttons for ideal functionality. On the rear of the camera are several additional buttons all easily reachable by the right thumb, including the menu button, focus frame button, and AEL/AF button with lever.