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Sigma Corporation today has introduced their anticipated 14-megapixel Super CCD Digital SLR, the SD14.

Featuring a new Foveon X3 direct image sensor, the new SD14 Digital SLR can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel, insuring the capture of full and complete color. The SD 14 also features both RAW and JPEG image capture enabling photographers to capture the highest possible picture definition as well as small file sizes.

14 megapixel high resolution image sensor

The Foveon X3 direct image sensor* featured in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel, insuring the capture of full and complete color. This third generation direct image sensor with 14-mega pixels incorporates many improvements over its very popular predecessors, SD9 and SD10, introduced to the market in 2002 and 2003 respectively. This 14 megapixel direct image sensor records natural rich detail on a par with film.

* Foveon X3 is the registered trademark of Foveon.

In-camera JPEG mode offers added convenience

The SIGMA SD14 incorporates both RAW and JPEG image recording formats enabling photographers to capture the highest possible picture definition and small file sizes. JPEG recording, also built in to the SD14, can be used for the following printing sizes;

Super High for A3 size prints or larger (14.15 million pixels: 4608?3072 pixels)

High for A4 size printing (4.64 million pixels: 2640?1760 pixels).

Medium for en-print size printing.(2.1 million pixels: 1776?1184 pixels)

Low for web-page use and emailing (1.03 million pixels: 1196?864 pixels)

There is a choice of three JPEG quality settings: Fine, Normal and Basic.

Built-in flash

The Sigma SD14 camera's built-in flash offers an angle of coverage of 17mm (equivalent to 28mm with 35mm full size) lens with a guide number of 11. Built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed up to 1/180 sec. The built-in flash enables automatic S-TTL shooting, which allows simple, easy control of advanced flash photography techniques.

New 5-point distance-measurement sensor

The new auto focus sensor features 5 focusing points (center, left, right, up and down) ensuring consistently fast and precise focusing. The AF metering features a cross type sensor in the center of the screen. Selecting the AF point can be done automatically or manually by the photographer.

Image sensor dust protector

Most digital SLR cameras are typically vulnerable to dust entering the body especially when the lens is removed for changing. Dust and dirt entering through the lens mount of a digital camera can be seriously detrimental to image quality. The dust protector of the SIGMA SD14 prevents dust from entering and adhering to the image sensor. Even if dust adheres to the dust protector it will not have an adverse influence on image quality as the dust protector is located away from the image sensor and is therefore out of focus.

Intuitive interface

The new layout of control buttons insures quick identification of the desired functions and easy use of the multifunction interface in operating camera settings. Clearly marked buttons make it easy for the photographer to display and adjust the most important settings, namely ISO, resolution, JPEG quality and file type, and white balance, on one screen, using one button. The top LCD panel incorporates a backlight which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light or dark conditions.

Reliable and durable shutter

The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has a life cycle of over 100, 000 exposures. The shutter is ideally suited to the requirements of digital cameras and keeps dust and dirt away from the sensor. The photographer can enjoy taking pictures without worrying about dirt and dust adhering to the image sensor either from inside or outside the camera.

Non-stop shooting up to 24 frames

The SD14 digital SLR camera offers high speed data processing and transfer. High-volume buffer memory enables the SD14 to shoot up to 6 frames in high-quality High mode, up to 12 consecutive frames in Medium mode, 24 consecutive frames in Low mode.

Three types of metering mode

The Sigma SD14 is equipped with three types of metering mode: 8-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering and Center Weighted Average Metering. This enables the photographer to select the metering mode depending on subject and situation. Exposure compensation function allows the photographer to override the exposure value set by the camera's exposure meter.

Auto Bracketing function allows the exposure to be adjusted by 1/3 EV increments up to ±3 EV from the exposure automatically set by the camera. In situations where it is difficult to determine proper exposure, the auto bracketing function allows a sequence of pictures to be taken of the same subject at three different exposure levels; Appropriate Exposure, Under Exposure and Over Exposure.

Large and bright pentaprism viewfinder

The SD14 is equipped with a newly developed pentaprism viewfinder, which has 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage with 0.9x magnification, an 18mm eye point and ?3 to +1.5 dpt dioptric adjustment.

Large 2.5? LCD monitor

The SD14 camera features a large new 2.5 inch 150, 000 pixel resolution LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the image allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image composition. It features playback options including single frame, thumbnail display (9-images), and three types of magnification (which is achieved by use of the 4-way controller). Shutter speed, aperture and other settings can be seen by pressing the INFO button.

Mirror lock-up mechanism prevents camera shake

The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror thus preventing vibration when the shutter is released. This prevents camera shake, and is especially effective for macro photography, using extremely long telephoto lenses or scientific work. Use of a remote controller or cable release (sold separately) also reduces the possibility of camera shake.

Top LCD panel

The top LCD panel allows the photographer to quickly and accurately confirm information such as resolution setting, metering mode, battery status, and the number of images that can be recorded on the CF card. It also incorporates an orange backlight which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light or dark conditions.

Power source

The Lithium-ion Battery BP-21 (included with the camera) can shoot up to 500 images on one full charge. It takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with the battery charger BC-21 (also included). The optional power grip PG-21 has a vertical shutter button and can hold two BP-21 batteries supplying more than enough power for most shoots. The AC Adapter AC-21 (optional extra) enables the Sigma SD14 to obtain power from the AC Power supply.

Sigma PhotoPro 3.0

The SD14 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyses and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments (exposure, contrast, shadow, highlight, saturation, sharpness and fill-light for example). Subtle or dramatic changes can be made by the photographer easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.