- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 16 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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4.0 stars
"For merely its image quality it gets an 8, but..."
Pros: Foveon X3 sensor extremely sharp, improved ISO over predecessor, 1/6000 max shutter, sturdy body, sports finder,currently very cheap
Cons: Long exposures very bad, High ISOs there but dont go there so often, slow fps...
Summary: I dont own one as yet, but this camera stole my heart. It is not a camera suited for the sports or action shooter but can do the job with a little technique and patience. Image quality on the whole is among the best (and this is no mean feat at 3.42 MP) comparable to 6 and 8 MP cameras. Sigma is also commended to push the envelope for the use of RAW in my opinion, as this achieves the highest image quality possible (even though most will regret the fact that this camera does not produce a JPG). The conversion to a printable or flexible file is done from the camera software (which completes the packge of this photo system), which I have on my PC (that Sigma SD10 is coming my way, late, but coming for sure),it is excellent and offers the unique X3 fill light, which allows you to simulate fill flash on your desktop!!
On the whole it is a well put together camera,makes its best on good light not so hot in poor light, but what it does it does best! Back on the note of it being a slow camera for the action shooter there is a way around it. By simply using its MED image setting, things can be speeded up and then upsample the image to 200% (yes the only camera with no loss of quality at twice its resolution). With this you get a few more fps and a few more shots. Not the fastest or best solution but it allows you to do the job.
I would say this camera is suited to the Fine Artist, Street Photographer, Landscaper (OOOh,I forgot the 1.7x crop factor which is a little too much, but not that you will look at this after you look at the results, you need extra wide lens for landscaping),Architecture,Studio/Fashion (buffer may be a bit small and take long to empty, but if things are done methodically bearing the cameras shortcomings in mind you can produce excellent work),etc...
All in all very recommended if you dont fit the photography newbie or action/sport shooter bracket.
