Sigma sd Quattro & sd Quattro H SA Mount Mirrorless Cameras Announced

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Sigma made a surprising announcement today! Along with the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art and 30mm F1.4 DC DN lenses, Sigma today announced the development of new sd Quattro and sd Quattro H mirrorless cameras with Foveon X3 sensor and Sigma SA mount. The official released date and pricing are not available yet.

The Sigma Quattro SD mirrorless camera will have two mode Autofocus system and the resolution equal to 39MP Bayer sensor. It will have a compact design similar to dp Quattro cameras with Dust & Splash magnesium alloy body.

Sigma SD Quattro:

  • Two mode Autofocus system
  • Mirrorless system, Dust & Splash magnesium alloy body
  • Resolution equal to 39MP Bayer sensor on resolution testing
  • Compact design similar to dp Quattro cameras
  • SA mount

Sigma SD Quattro H:

  • Larger APS-H sensor
  • Resolution equal to 51MP Bayer sensor on resolution testing
  • Designed to take advantage of SGV lenses with great IQ
  • SA mount

SIGMA sd Quattro/SIGMA sd Quattro H

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the SIGMA sd Quattro and SIGMA sd Quattro H, two new high-image-quality digital cameras that incorporate the Foveon X3 direct image sensor (generation name: “Quattro”).

Building on the concept of the SIGMA SD1 Merrill, the SIGMA sd Quattro and SIGMA sd Quattro H feature a mirrorless structure and use interchangeable lenses. The two new cameras are as compact and lightweight as cameras in the SIGMA dp Quattro series and offer the same level of outstanding image quality. Featuring the SIGMA SA mount, the two new cameras are compatible with all of the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses in the Contemporary, Art and Sports lines, and they are designed to take full advantage of these lenses’ superb optical performance.

The SIGMA sd Quattro features an APS-C size sensor and offers medium-format image quality with 39 megapixels. The SIGMA sd Quattro H features an APS-H size sensor measuring 26.6 x 17.9mm. This new, larger Foveon sensor delivers high resolution of 51 megapixels, for even more detailed expressive power.

Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor

Leveraging the light absorption characteristics of silicon, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor comprises three layers of photodiodes, each at a different depth within the silicon and each corresponding to a different RGB color. Since it is the only sensor to use this superior vertical color separation technology, it is also the world’s only direct image sensor. Requiring no low-pass filter needed to correct the interference caused by a color filter array, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is able to take full advantage of the information carried by light, including color information. The sensor features a pixel ratio of 1:1:4 in the bottom, middle, and top layers and applies the brightness data captured by the top layer to the middle and bottom layers. This unique structure makes possible fast resolution and high-speed data processing.

Two sensor sizes available

Other cameras typically use a single-layer photo sensor covered by a Bayer filter mosaic, which comprises 50% green, 25% blue, and 25% red squares. In contrast, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor uses no low-pass filter and is able to capture 100% of the data for blue, green, and red in each of its three layers. Due to this unique structure, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor can generate up to twice the resolution data of sensors using a Bayer filter. The SIGMA sd Quattro has an APS-C-size sensor with 19.6 megapixels in its top layer, giving it an equivalent total of approximately 39 megapixels and the outstanding image quality expected of a medium format camera. The SIGMA sd Quattro H features a newly developed APS-H-size sensor (26.6 x 17.9mm) with 25.5 megapixels in its top layer for an equivalent total of approximately 51 megapixels. This larger sensor takes Foveon image quality to the next level, delivering more detailed images than ever before.

Dual TRUE III for high-speed processing of high-volume data

TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) III is the dedicated image processing engine for the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. SIGMA’s original algorithm processes data without loss of color detail or other image degeneration to deliver extremely detailed image expression with a noticeable 3D pop. In addition, by using two separate TRUE III engines, the camera is able to process data from the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor at extremely high speed.

New Super-Fine Detail exposure mode

The new Super-Fine Detail (SFD) exposure mode brings out the full performance of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor. One push of the shutter generates seven different exposures, creating RAW data in the X3I file format. Using this data with the SIGMA Photo Pro software package, the photographer can create noiseless images with an extensive dynamic range. With this new mode, the more detailed imaging potential of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is fully leveraged. From each X3I file, individual X3F files may also be generated. The value of SFD exposure mode is especially apparent in studio photography.

Press Release:

In developing any product, SIGMA always has a primary objective in mind: fundamental performance that gives everyone the opportunity to take the perfect photograph. Offering breathtaking resolution, rich gradations and colors, and exceptional realism, the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is a symbol of this never-ending pursuit of excellence. It delivers image quality so distinctively intense that even the temperature, humidity, and scent of a scene seem to impress themselves upon the viewer.

Presenting the ultimate digital camera experience, the new SIGMA sd Quattro series leverages the image quality of the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor to build a complete system compatible with all SIGMA GLOBAL VISION high-performance interchangeable lenses. The sd Quattro series allows photographers to express themselves with even more freedom and precision.

Believing that the lens is the key to the photograph, SIGMA has created a new camera for the true photographic artist that leverages the power of high-quality lenses. Test its performance with your own hands and eyes—and be amazed.

Technical specifications:

Format
Format Interchangeable-Lens Digital Camera
Compatible Lenses SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses
Lens Mount SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Angle of View Equivalent to approx. 1.5 times the focal length of the lens (on 35mm cameras) Equivalent to approx. 1.3 times the focal length of the lens (on 35mm cameras)
Image Sensor
Image Sensor Foveon X3 direct image sensor(CMOS)
Image Sensor Size 23.5×15.5mm (0.9 inch×0.6inch) 26.6×17.9mm (1.0 inch×0.7 inch)
Number of Pixels Effective Pixels: Approx. 29MP

T(Top): 5,424×3,616 / M(Middle): 2,720×1,808 / B(Bottom): 2,720×1,808

Total Pixels: Approx. 33MP

 Effective Pixels: Approx. 44.8MP T(Top): 6,200×4,152 / M(Middle): 3,348×2,232 / B(Bottom): 3,348×2,232

Total Pixels: Approx. 45MP
Aspect Ratio 3:2
Recording System
Storage Media SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, Eye-Fi Card
File Format Lossless compression RAW data (14-bit), JPEG (Exif2.3), RAW+JPEG
JPEG Image Quality FINE, NORMAL, BASIC
Color Mode 11 types ( Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Cinema, Sunset Red, Forest Green, FOV Classic Blue,FOV Classic Yellow, Monochrome )
File Size
RAW
HIGH T:5,424×3,616 / M:2,712×1,808 / B:2,712×1,808
LOW T:2,704×1,808 / M:2,704×1,808 / B:2,704×1,808
JPEG
[21:9]
S-HI 7,680×3,296
HIGH 5,424×2,328
LOW 2,704×1,160
S-LO 1,920×816
[16:9]
S-HI 7,680×4,320
HIGH 5,424×3,048
LOW 2,704×1,520
S-LO 1,920×1,080
[3:2]
S-HI 7,680×5,120
HIGH 5,424×3,616
LOW 2,704×1,808
S-LO 1,920×1,280
[4:3]
S-HI 6,816×5,120
HIGH 4,816×3,616
LOW 2,400×1,808
S-LO 1,696×1,280
[7:6]
S-HI 6,352×5,120
HIGH 4,480×3,616
LOW 2,224×1,808
S-LO 1,584×1,280
[1:1]
S-HI 5,120×5,120
HIGH 3,616×3,616
LOW 1,808×1,808
S-LO 1,280×1,280
RAW
HIGH T:6192×4128 / M:3096×2064 / B:3096×2064
LOW T:3088×2056 / M:1544×1028 / B:1544×1028
JPEG
[21:9]
S-HI 8,768×3,752
HIGH 6,192×2,648
LOW 3,088×1,320
S-LO 1,920×816
[16:9]
S-HI 8,768×4,928
HIGH 6,192×3,480
LOW 3,088×1,736
S-LO 1,920×1,080
[3:2]
S-HI 8,768×5,840
HIGH 6,192×4,128
LOW 3,088×2,056
S-LO 1,920×1,280
[4:3]
S-HI 7,792×5,840
HIGH 5,504×4,128
LOW 2,736×2,056
S-LO 1,696×1,280
[7:6]
S-HI 7,296×5,840
HIGH 5,152×4,128
LOW 2,560×2,056
S-LO 1,584×1,280
[1:1]
S-HI 5,840×5,840
HIGH 4,128×4,128
LOW 2,048×2,048
S-LO 1,280×1,280
White Balance
Settings 12 types ( Auto, Auto (Lighting Source Priority), Daylight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent,Color Temperature, Flash, Custom 1, Custom 2, Custom 3 )
Viewfinder
Type Electronic viewfinder (approx. 2,360,000 pixels color LCD monitor)
Viewfinder Frame Coverage approx. 100%
Viewfinder Magnification approx. 1.09x (-1m-1, 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Eye point approx. 21mm (–1m-1)
Diopter Adjustment Range approx. -4m-1 to +2m-1
Autofocus
Auto Focus Type Phase difference detection system + Contrast detection system
AF Point 9 points select mode, Free move mode (It is possible to change the size of Focus Frame to Spot, Regular and Large),Face Detection AF Mode
AF Operating Range EV -1～EV 18 (ISO100 F1.4)
Focus Mode Single AF, Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function), Manual
Focus Lock AEL/AF lock button is pressed or shutter release button is pressed halfway
Exposure Control
Metering Systems Evaluative Metering, Spot Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering
Metering Range EV 0～EV 17 (50mm F1.4 ISO100)
Exposure Control System (P) Program AE (Program Shift is possible), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual
ISO Sensitivity ISO 100-6400
Exposure Compensation ±5 EV （in 1/3 stop increments）
AE Lock AEL/AF lock button is pressed or shutter release button is pressed halfway
Auto Bracketing Number of shots: 3, or 5 (Appropriate, under, over; 1/3EV steps up to ±3EV for appropriate exposure)
Shutter
Shutter Type Electronically Controlled Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter Speed 1/4000 – 30 sec., Bulb (With Extended Mode : Max. 2 min.)
External Flash Sync. X-Sync（1/180）
Flash
Connectivity Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
Sync Terminal Available
LCD Monitor
Type TFT color LCD monitor
Monitor Size 3.0″
LCD Pixels Approx. 1,620,000 pixels
Coverage 100%
Electronic Level Display Available
Playback
Reviewing Images Single frame display, 9 frames multi display, Zoom, Slide Show
Highlight Display Available
Histogram Available
Menu
LCD Monitor Language English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese / Korean / Russian /Dutch / Polish / Portuguese / Danish / Swedish / Norwegian / Finnish
Interfaces
Interfaces USB (USB3.0, micro B), HDMI (Type C mini-pin HDMI connector), Remote
Power Source
Power Li-ion Battery BP-61, Battery Charger BC-61, AC adapter SAC-7 (optional) [DC connector CN-31, AC cable (supplied)]
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions 147mm/5.79″(W) × 95.1mm /3.74″(H) × 90.8mm/3.57″(D) 147mm/5.79″(W) × 95.1mm /3.74″(H) × 90.8mm/3.57″(D)
Weight 625g / 22oz. (without battery and card) TBD
Operating Environment
Operating Temperature 0 – +40℃
Price
sd Quattro Body –
Accessories
Accessories Li-ion Battery Pack BP-61 / Battery Charger BC-61 / AC Cable of Battery Charger / USB Cable / Strap / Body Cap /Instruction Manual / Limited Warranty / Warranty Sticker
Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories Power Glip PG-41 / AC Adapter SAC-7 / 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)]

Note: If you are a Sigma User (Camera or Lens User), you can now join the Sigma Users Facebook Group to share your Sigma photography and advice, ask and answer questions that arise and help each others!

Sigma Users: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SigmaUsers