Sigma SD Quattro Digital Camera with 30mm F1.4 DC HSM

Product Information

The BIOS was the key and it wasn't possible to get compatible computer without IBM licensing until Compaq (later bought by the HP) reverse engineered it in clean room method and that was then the problem for IBM as it allowed Microsoft to license the PC DOS (MS DOS) to second parties. It was game over that time. In a recent firmware update Sigma added DNG raw recording (for stills) to the SD Quattro and SD Quattro H. Previously you needed to use the very slow Sigma Photo Pro software to open X3F format raw files from the camera. Now you can simply open the DNG files in Adobe Photoshop like normal. Dynamic range on the Sigma SD Quattro is comparable with the X Pro2 and other high-end APS-C cameras but not quite up there with Sony’s best full frame sensor. There is quite a sudden burn in the highlights, so be careful exposing the camera. DNG raw benefits

But significantly, fifteen years is also the length of time we've had to use Sigma's Photo Pro software to get any sort of decent results from these cameras. In the early days, you were almost forced into it, as the SD9 didn't shoot JPEGs and Adobe Camera Raw support that was present up until the Merrills was laughable or simply non-existent. So until now, if you wanted to shoot Raw on a Sigma digital camera, you'd have to fire up Sigma Photo Pro and wait. And wait. And wait some more. And then relaunch it once it crashes, because crashing was a foregone conclusion (though to be fair, it is far less stable on Mac OS than Windows). No matter the lens (and I tested the camera with a Sigma 14mm, 50mm, and 120-300mm), the amount of detail you can pull out of images is fascinating. Image crispness is helped further by the sensor’s configuration, which does not suffer from moiré like other cameras with Bayer pattern sensors. I tried and tried to shoot and show some moiré, but it’s just not there. The new Sigma sd Quattro H mirrorless camera continues the three core Sigma camera traditions, namely superb image quality at low ISO settings, an idiosyncratic user interface, and frustratingly slow performance. Once again, if you prefer a more leisurely approach to taking pictures, the sd Quattro H will reward you with some amazing images, if you can get on with the "unusual" user interface.types ( Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Monochrome, Cinema*, Sunset Red*, Forest Green*, FOV Classic Blue*, FOV Classic Yellow* ) The Sigma sd Quattro H has a very unusual design that's quite unlike any other compact system camera that we've seen before. Measuring 147mm (W) x 95.1mm (H) x 90.8mm (D) and weighing 635grams, it's wide and heavy, with a very pronounced hand-grip with a leatherette covering which helps you to keep a firm hold and accommodates a wide range of hand sizes. There's also a generous thumb-grip at the rear of the camera.

The Sigma sd Quattro has a very unusual design that's quite unlike any other compact system camera that we've seen before. Measuring 147mm (W) x 95.1mm (H) x 90.8mm (D) and weighing 625grams, it's wide and heavy, with a very pronounced hand-grip with a leatherette covering which helps you to keep a firm hold and accomodates a wide range of hand sizes. There's also a generous thunb-grip at the rear of the camera. I found the body pretty comfortable to hold, despite its weight and I was able to shoot sharp images a long way below 1/equivalent focal length, suggesting I had a fairly stable grip on the camera. The two main dials are well placed, meaning it was easy to set the aperture and exposure compensation. The sd Quatro H has a new option which helps open possibilities: DNG files. All of us using raw file editing programs can rejoice and not have to worry about conversions. However, the format has a lower bit depth than the .X3F format. Power Source Li-ion Battery BP-61, Battery Charger BC-61, AC adapter SAC-7 (optional) [DC connector CN-31, AC cable (supplied)]It's fair to say that movies aren't exactly the Sigma sd Quattro H's strong point, in that Sigma have completely omitted video recording. The battery life is also poor, with a CIPA quoted life of 200 shots - we managed 180 images before needing to recharge. Sigma have decided to only supply one battery in the box, so you'll need to budget for a few spares to get through a days shooting. Power Grip PG-41 / Cable Release Switch CR-31 / Electronic Flash EF-630 / Li-ion Battery BP-61 / Battery Charger BC-61 (AC cable is supplied) / AC adapter SAC-7(optional)[DC connector CN-31, AC cable (supplied)] The Sigma sd Quattro H comes with two control wheels on the top of the camera. When shooting in Manual mode, the different dials, as expected, control shutter speed and aperture for easy shooting. The rear dial does not stand out too far and has just the right amount of tactile response when functioning. These functions can be switched around in the camera menu. However, in favourable situations SFD mode can bring clear benefits; in the example above I used it to record detail in a bright sky and dark foreground that the sensor simply couldn’t capture in
a single exposure. But like other multi-shot modes, it’s not very convenient to shoot or process. Sigma sd Quattro review: Verdict I absolutely love the feel of the SD Quattro’s body, and the DP range with fixed lenses is very different as well to the usual crowd.