Sigma SD 9 User Manual

SIGMA SD9 Major Specifications

Storage Media CompactFlash™(CF) (Type I/II ), IBM Microdrive

Image Sensor Size 20.7x13.8mm

Lens Mount SIGMA SA bayonet mount

Angle of View Equivalent to about 1.7x the focal length of the lens (for 35mm cameras)

Compatible Lenses SIGMA SA mount Lens Group

Image Sensor FOVEON®X3™(CMOS)
Pixel Sensors 10.29 Million (2,268 Columns x 1,512 Rows x 3 Layers)

Aspect Ratio 3:2

Image Recording Format Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit )
File Size HI : 2.268 x 1,512 x 3 pixels (Approx 8MB), MED : 1,512 x 1,008 x 3 pixels (Approx 4MB), LOW : 1,134 x 756 x 3 pixels (Approx 2MB)

Continuous shooting speed HI : 1.9 frames/ second MED : 2.4 frames / second LOW : 2.5 frames / second

Maximum number of frames
for continuous shooting

Interfaces IEEE1394, USB (1.1 ), Video Out ( NTSC/PAL )

White balance 8 types (auto, bright, shady, cloudy, incandescent light, fluorescent light, flash and custom)

Viewfinder Pentaprism SLR viewfinder

Viewfinder Frame Coverage 97% vertical, 98% horizontal

Viewfinder Magnification 0.77x (50mm F1.4—)

Eye point 18mm

Diopter Adjustment Range -3dpt—+1dpt

Auto Focus Type TTL phase difference detection system

AF Operating Range EV2—18 (ISO 100)

Focus Mode AF-S (single), AF-C ( continuous), with AF motion prediction function

Metering Systems Can be switched among 8-Segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, and Center-Weighted Average Metering

Metering Range EV1—20 (50mm F1.4: ISO 100)

Exposure Modes (P) Program AE ( program shift available ), (S) Shutter Speed Priority AE, (A) Aperture Priority AE, (M) Manual

ISO Sensitivity Equivalent to ISO 100, 200, 400

Exposure Compensation ±3EV (in 1/2 steps)

AE Lock Pushbutton type. Exposure setting is locked while the button is depressed

Auto Bracketing 3 different exposure levels: Appropriate, Under Exposure, and Over Exposure, in 1/2 EV steps up to ±3EV

Shutter Type Vertical-travel metal focal plane shutter, electronically controlled through entire speed range

Shutter Speed 1/6,000 to 15 sec. (ISO 100 ), 1/6,000 to1 sec. (ISO 200 , 400 ), Bulb (ISO100, up to 15 sec.)

External Flash Synchronization Hot shoe (contact X, synchronized at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)

LCD Monitor 1.8", low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor, about 130,000 pixels, coverage area 100%, with white LED backlight.

Reviewing Images Single frame display, zoom-in display, 9-frame thumbnail display, slide show

LCD Monitor Language Japanese / English / French / German

Power Source 3V lithium battery ( CR123A or DL123A) x 2pcs.

Dimensions 152mm/6"(W) x 120mm/4.72"(H) x 79mm/3.1"(D)

Weight 805g / 28.4oz (without batteries)

HI : 6 frames MED : 14 frames LOW : 30 frames

3V lithium battery (CR-V3) x 2pcs., or AA alkaline battery x 4 pcs., or AA Ni-Mh battery x 4pcs., or Nickel Zinc Primary Battery x 4pcs.
Dedicated AC adapter.

™

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

High-definition quality with over

10.2 million pixel sensors

[ SD9 accessories ]

SIGMA Photo Pro Disk

Dedicated AC adapter SAC-1

AC cable

Dedicated USB cable

Dedicated IEEE1394 cable (FireWire™ cable)

Dedicated Video cable

LCD monitor cover

Strap

Caution : To ensure the correct and safe use of the product, be sure to read the User’s Manual Carefully prior to operation.

2-3-15 Iwado-Minami Komae-shi, Tokyo, 201-8630

Tel. 03(3480 ) 1431 Fax. [phone] http://www.sigma-photo. co.jp

[ Optional Accessories for SD9 ]

Electronic Flash

Battery Grip

Remote Controller

Cable

Release

Switch

PC-Synchro Terminal Adapter

Product external appearance, specifications, etc. may change without notice to allow for improvements.

*

[ EF-500 DG SUPER / EF-500 DG ST ]

[ Power Pack SD ]

[ RS-21 ]

[ CR-11 ]

-

[ ST

11 ]

SIGMA World Network (HOMEPAGE & E-MAIL ADDRESS)

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp (Japanese) E-Mail : [e-mail] (Japan)

http://www.sigma-photo.com (English) E-Mail : [e-mail] (U.S.A)

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com (English) E-Mail : sale@sigma-imaging -uk.com (U.K.)

http://www.sigma-photo.fr (French) E-Mail : [e-mail] (France)

http://www.sigma-foto.de (German) E-Mail : [e-mail] (Germany)

http://www.sigma-benelux.nl (Dutch) E-Mail : [e-mail] (Benelux)

http://www.sigma.com.hk (Chinese) E-Mail : [e-mail] (Hong Kong)

[e-mail] (Singapore)

E-Mail :

Digital

SEE all of the light

Digital photos have never looked quite as good as those taken on film. Until now.

Only the SIGMA SD9 digital single-lens reflex camera makes this major breakthrough.

Using FOVEON
reproduction, and sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional CCD or CMOS image sensor provides.

So you can capture more of your vision in a truer light.

Go ahead. Get more creative. The SIGMA SD9 puts the advantage of

higher technology right in your hands.

® X3™

technology with over 10.2 million pixel sensors for more accurate, efficient color

FOVEON® X3™ image sensor brings new vision to
digital imaging.

The FOVEON® X3™ image sensor is the heart of the first
and only full-color capture system for digital cameras. The X3.

image sensor uses three silicon-embedded layers of
pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon’s ability to

absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths.

A FOVEON
and detail at each and every pixel location.

The results are a revelation : better color detail, fewer color

artifacts and three times the image sharpness, compared to that

delivered by more conventional image sensors.

[ FOVEON®X3™image sensor conceptual diagram ]

®X3™

image sensor can thereby capture full color

Other image sensors are no match for the SD9’s
true full-color capture system

Unlike the SIGMA SD9, other digital cameras’ image quality

is inherently compromised. Conventional image sensors use
a single layer of pixel sensors which are organized in a three-color
checkerboard mosaic. Each pixel location has one pixel sensor
and captures just one color component — red or green or blue.

Regardless of pixel count, mosaic-based image sensors capture
only one-third of the information that FOVEON
image sensors capture per pixel location, and rely on complicated
time and energy-consuming processing to interpolate the two­thirds of all the information they miss at each pixel. This leads to
color artifacts, loss of image detail, and other disadvantages.

[ FOVEON®X3™image sensor technology diagram ]

™

The FOVEON®X3
image sensor
comprises three
layers of pixel
sensors embed­ded in silicon.

Silicon absorbs different
colors, or wavelengths,
of light at different
depth, so each layer
captures a different
color among R, G, and
B. The stack of three
layers creates a full­color pixel.

® X3™

full-color

Only the FOVEON
image sensor captures R,
G, and B light at every
pixel location.

®

X3

™

[ Data ]

Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX

Aperture : f 22

Shutter : 1/60

ISO Speed : 100

Exposure Mode : Manual

Focus Mode : Manual

Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 X 2,268

FOVEON Inc.

Founded in California in 1997, FOVEON Inc. is world- renowned for
image sensors, user interfaces, and image/digital processing technology.

[ Conventional image sensor technology diagram ]

A conventional
image sensor fea­tures color filters
applied to a single
layer of pixel
sensors in a tiled
mosaic pattern.

The filters let only one
wavelength of light —
red, green, or blue —
pass through to any given
pixel location. The pixel

location records only that
one color,so the other imfor­mation at that site is lost.

As a result, conventional
mosaic image sensors cap­ture only 25% of the R
(red), 25% of the B (blue),
and 50% of the G (green)
light.

FOR MORE FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF IMAGE DATA

Function

RAW format recording

The SD9 uses the RAW format –– the highest-quality record-

ing method –– to record information about light detected by

the FOVEON

®

X3™image sensor. The RAW data format pro-

vides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless

compression for more compact, yet uncompromised data files.

Exclusive SIGMA Photo Pro software reads RAW data

The SD9 comes with SIGMA Photo Pro software for changing

the look of recorded RAW data image files. It’s easy to adjust

white balance, exposure, color balance, and contrast,

for example, or otherwise manipulate RAW data, without

compromising image quality or definition.

< Main Window >

This basic screen for

manipulating RAW data

is a simple, yet sophisti-

cated user interface for

control of various func-

tions.

Open RAW data files
Transfer and save RAW

image data
Save images (TIFF, JPEG)
Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images in the camera or on a PC

< Review Window >

Display image
Display adjusting palette
Highlight and shadow warning
Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images

< Image Quality Adjustment

Palette >

Adjust exposure, contrast, shadows,
highlights, saturation, and sharp
Adjust colors
Adjust gray balance
Open, save, and delete custom
settings
Check histograms

< Image Information Window >

Check shooting information
Check image information
Copy information to the clipboard

ness

The SIGMA SD9 has exclusive advanced functions

Data recovery of deleted images*.

Recoverable only if no other operation has been performed after deletion of image data using

*

"Delete". If an image is taken right after deletion, the deleted image data cannot be recovered.

3-color histogram :

areas in an image)

can be displayed on the monitor in red, green,

Signal levels

(appearing as dark to bright

and blue. This makes it easy to check light and shadow details.

Seamless recording and playback

Recording and playback modes aren't separated so you can

quickly take advantage of photo opportunities and record

images even while playing back other images.

Intuitive interface

Clearly marked operation panel buttons make it easy for pho-

tographers to identify and use desired functions.

The SIGMA SD9 has an extensive variety of functions

Lock function / mark function : Simplifies image sorting.

Shortcut key settings : For convenient function setting

using the OK button.

5-stage zoom and pan : Lets you zoom in up to 400%

and pan while zooming, for checking focus and image

details in camera.

Information access : Accessing information about

camera settings, CF card data and image data is simple.

Customizable view : You can customize data displayed

on the info strip, using exposure warning display ON/OFF,

quick preview duration and style setting, and more.

Slide show settings : Use lock function/mark function to

display only those images that you want to view.

Three resolution settings

Choose among three RAW data resolution shooting modes :
HI mode (2,268 x 1,512 x 3) for optimal quality, MED
mode (1,512 x 1,008 x 3) for recording more images at high
definition, and LOW mode (1,134 x 756 x 3) for capturing

the most images per given memory capacity.

Main menu screen

Thumbnail screen Image Info screenFull screen

Easily view images and settings

A 130,000- pixel 1.8 -inch TFT liquid crystal monitor built into

the SD9’s back body panel reproduces clear, beautiful images.

With the built- in 4 -Way Controller, it also serves as an easy-

to-use multifunctional interface.

White balance for the look you like

You can shoot under any lighting conditions with a choice of

white balance modes including "bright," "shady," "cloudy,"

"incandescent light," "fluorescent light," "flash," and "auto".

There’s even "custom" for customized white balance that you

can adjust according to the

shot viewed through the

back-panel LCD.

White balance / main screen

White balance / sub screen

Frame-by-frame ISO Setting

Frame- by -frame ISO selection is among the SD9’s functions

that are unmatched by any film camera. Choose among the

100, 200, and 400 ISO settings.

Zoomed screen

Records on CF cards and Microdrives*

The SIGMA SD9 records on reliable, high -capacity Type I

and Type II CF

(CompactFlash) cards. Or, you can attach a

Microdrive* to hold even larger volumes of data.

This recording medium uses a high- speed hard disk, so it is more vulnerable to vibration and

*

shock than flash memory CF cards. If you use a Microdrive, take extra care not to expose the

camera to shock or vibration, especially during recording and playback.

Pick your power source

For around- the -world shooting versatility, the SD9 can be

powered by two CR123A

batteries ; two CR123A and four AA batteries

Ni-Mh AA batteries)

the camera)

.

(DL123A) and two CR-V3 lithium

(including

; or a dedicated AC adaptor (included with

IEEE1394 and USB Interfaces

The camera has an IEEE1394 port as well as a USB port for extra-

speedy, versatile image transfer from the SD9 to a computer.

Shoots in NTSC and PAL formats

You can switch between the NTSC video standard (used in coun-

tries including Japan and the U.S.)

Europe and other countries)

many parts of the world.

and the PAL format (used in

for image playback on TV monitors in

GET READY TO SHOOT FASTER

[ Data ]

Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX

Aperture : f 8.0

Shutter : 1/15

ISO Speed : 100

Exposure Mode : Manual

Focus Mode : Manual

Raw File Format : Hi 2,268 X 1,512

[ Finder display ]

Speed

AF cross sensoring

The SD9’s AF cross sensor in the center of its viewfinder lets a photog-

rapher select the subject of focus, according to compositional intention.

SIGMA lens motors for fast AF

Each SIGMA lens has a motor to drive focusing,

for AF shooting at speeds appropriate for the lens in use. Attachment of

a SIGMA HSM

Naturally, full manual focusing is also available.

(hypersonic motor) lens keeps shooting fast and quiet.

Predictive movement Auto focus

For subjects moving closer or further away at a fairly

steady speed, this feature calculates the distance the

subject will travel until the shutter opens, and drives the

lens to the optimal focus for the shot. Predictive

movement AF operates automatically when the

Continuous AF mode is on.

If subject motion is irregular or motionless, predictive movement AF won't be activated.

*

Two focus modes

왎 Continuous AF mode [ C, AF ]

In this mode, the camera continues focusing on a moving subject

while the shutter button is pressed halfway. For example, when

shooting athletes or moving vehicles, the motion prediction mech-

anism will activate and control focus, predicting the subject’s trav-

eling distance from the time the shutter button is pressed to the

instant the shutter is released.

왎 Single AF mode [ S, AF ]

In this focus-priority AF mode, AF ranging starts when the shutter

button is pressed, and the shutter is released once the subject is in

focus. When the subject comes into focus, the focus indicator turns

on in the finder

/ AE Lock functions* activate, fixing the focus.

Lock)

When the AE Lock button is pressed, exposure is fixed at that point in time. Use this

*

mode if the area that you want to meter and the subject that you want to focus on are

not one and the same.

(with an electronic sound), and the Focus Lock (AF

Center Area Metering

Flash Indicator

Focus Indicator

Shutter Speed

AE Lock Indicator

Auto Focus Frame

Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing

Aperture Value

The Sports Finder won’t miss A moment

Now, it’s easier to compose and shoot fast-moving action.

Because unlike an ordinary single-lens reflex camera with

viewfinder showing just what is within the shooting frame, the

SD9’s unique sports finder offers a view that extends outside of

the frame. All the better to anticipate the movement of subjects

coming into the frame before capturing the crucial moment.

When a 130% sports finder is attached to a conventional 35mm SLR, it increases camera body

*

size by 70%.

non-stop shooting up to 30 frames

A high-speed CPU and high-volume buffer memory enable the

SD9 to shoot at 2.5 frames per second for up to 30 consecutive

frames in LOW mode, Up to 14 consecutive frames in MED

mode, 6 frames in high- quality HI mode.

1/ 6000-second maximum shutter speed

With a shutter up to 1/ 6000- second fast, the SD9 can capture

what even the human eye cannot see. Drops of water from a

splash in the pool can be frozen in detail. Or use a high shutter

speed for outdoor shooting with a telephoto lens to create an

image in which a subject really stands out from the background.

Mirror-lock mechanism prevents camera shake

The mirror-lock mechanism raises the mirror so you can

release the shutter without the vibration of the mirror

popping up. This prevents camera shake, and is

especially effective for macro shooting and shooting

scenes using telephoto lenses. Use of a remote controller

or cable release

of camera shake.

(sold separately) also reduces the possibility

WHERE DIGITAL AND 35mm SLR ADVANTAGES CONVERGE

G

D

EB A CF

D

H

HG

왎

The SD9 features three metering methods for
greater control of photography’s essence : light.

왎 8-segment evaluative metering

This metering mode, offering exposure

control with minimal error, divides the screen

into 8 independently metered

segments, whose data is comprehensively

evaluated for optimal exposure setting. Excellent for shooting front-lit scenes,

as well as backlit, high-contrast and other special situations, 8-segment eval-

uative metering helps to reproduce brightness to a photographer’s liking.

왎 Center area metering

In this mode, the camera meters only an area of about 5mm in diameter in the

center of the screen. This minimizes the influ-

ence of perimeter light sources, so you can

establish a highly specific area for determining

the level of exposure that suits your purpose.

Center- weighted average metering

In this most common metering mode, the camera primarily meters the

subject in the center of the screen, while

giving some weight to perimeter brightness.

Exposure can be effectively controlled by

using this mode in conjunction with the

Exposure Compensation function.

Exposure compensation and auto bracketing

Before you shoot, exposure compensation lets you adjust

exposure in 0.5EV steps within a ±3EV range of deviation from

the autoexposure level set for the scene. In situations where it is

difficult to determine proper exposure, such as when there are

subtle differences of subject brightness, it’s a good idea to use

auto bracketing to take three consecutive photographs at slightly

different exposures, so you can later choose the best-exposed shot.

Names of Parts

Metering Mode Button

Function Button

AF Mode Button

Resolution Button

ISO Sensitivity Button

Self-Timer (2s /10s )

Mirror Lock- Up

Auto Bracketing

Diopter Adjuster Hot Shoe

쎲 D-Dial (Drive Dial )

Continuous shooting

Single frame shooting

Power OFF

쎲 S-Dial (Shutter Dial ) / Mode Lever

Manual Exposure

Shutter Speed Priority AE

Aperture Priority AE

Program AE

C-Dial

(Command Dial)

Shutter Button

쎲 Display Panel

Exposure Compensation
Button

AE Lock Button

[

Names of Display Panel Parts



Shutter Speed



Aperture Value



Counter / ISO Sensitivity



Sound Setting



Metering Mode



Remote Control Mode



ISO Sensitivity Setting



Exposure Meter



Auto Bracketing

쐅

Auto White Balance

쐈

AF Mode

쐉

Battery Indicator

씈

Resolution

]

4 exposure modes to suit any situation

왎 [P] Program AE

This mode covers most shooting circumstances, automatically setting a

combination of shutter speed and aperture appropriate to the subject’s

brightness, so you can shoot spontaneously without missing a moment or

adjusting exposure.

왎 [A] Aperture Priority AE

Set a desired aperture value, and the camera determines the appropriate

shutter speed. Stop down to increase depth of field. Open up to blur the

background and emphasize the subject. Aperture Priority AE is useful for

achieving these and various other effects.

Connector Cover

Lens Release Button

Battery Case
Lock Knob

Dust ProtectorLens Mount

왎 [S] Shutter Speed Priority AE

Set a desired shutter speed, and the SD9 selects the appropriate aperture

value for subject brightness. Freeze action by selecting a fast shutter speed;

capture a blur of motion with a slow shutter speed; or achieve various other

effects using Shutter Speed Priority AE.

왎 [M] Manual Exposure

This mode lets you set the shutter speed and aperture value as you choose,

as when you want to fix the exposure by referring to the TTL exposure

meter, external light meter, etc. This is particularly convenient for main-

taining an exposure setting for several shots.

Depth- of- field
preview Button

Remote Control Sensor

Main Menu Button

View Button

Information Button

Modify Menu Button

Delete Button

Color LCD Monitor

Tripod Socket

CF Card Access LampEyepiece Cup Zoom Controller

Cancel ButtonOK Button

Camera Strap Eyelet

CF Card Cover

CF Card Cover
Release Lever

4-Way Controller

Release Socket

Power Pack Contact Cover

Battery Latch

MORE LENSES TO EXPRESS MORE OF YOUR VISION

Sigma lenses — fully compatible with the SD9 digital SLR and 35mm SLRs.

Great lenses, of course, unleash the creative potential of single-lens reflex cameras. By making the SD9 compatible with the entire lineup

of lenses originally created for 35mm SLRs, SIGMA extends its heritage of superior optical technology to digital SLR photographers who

are determined to take their visions farther. The SIGMA family of interchangeable lenses is comprehensive, including fixed focal length,

macro, zoom, fisheye, and mirror models, covering a range from 8mm fisheye to 800mm super zoom. In every measure, every lens we

make exemplifies state- of-the -art performance and user-friendly operation for digital and 35mm film SLR photography alike. Naturally,

SD9 photographers stand to benefit from SIGMA’s far-reaching dedication to capturing the essence of every moment.

[ WIDE ZOOM LENS ]

Wide zoom lenses offer freedom for controlling angle and perspective for

shooting big buildings, expansive scenery, snap shots, and group photographs.

[ STANDARD ZOOM LENS ]

Standard zoom lenses provide wide coverage that suits a broad range of

spontaneous photo opportunities.

[ TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS ]

Providing mobility and closeup detail, telephoto zoom lenses can capture

from afar impressive photographs of wild animals in the field or faces of

athletes playing in stadiums.

[ HIGH PERFORMANCE ZOOM LENS ]

High performance zoom lenses can quickly, clearly focus on various subjects

within a range from close to distant.

[ WIDE LENS ]

Wide zoom lenses display their capabilities on expansive scenes. SIGMA

makes an 8mm fisheye lens covering 180 degrees, and other wide lenses up

to 28mm.

Optional Equipment

[ TELEPHOTO LENS ]

Telephoto lenses offer a closer-up view of distant or inaccessible subject

detail, or enhance an image’s feeling of airiness by compressing perspective

within a shallow depth of field and softly blurring the background.

[ MACRO LENS ]

Macro lenses widen the creative pallette by offering a clear perspective on small

flowers, insects, and more — great for closeups of nature in dramatic detail.

Image sensor dust protector

Other digital SLR cameras are typically

vulnerable to dust entering the body when

the lens is dismounted for changing. But the

SIGMA SD9 features a special dust protec-

tor that at all times keeps dust from entering

and adhering to the image sensor. This ensures extra durability and

reliable imaging integrity, even after long, rugged use.

[ Data ]

Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX

Aperture : f 22

Shutter : 1/60

ISO Speed : 100

Exposure Mode : Manual

Focus Mode : Manual

Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 X 2,268

Electronic Flash
[ EF-500 DG SUPER ]

The high-intensity EF-500 DG SUPER flash

enables automatic light control S-TTL shooting. For

extra versatility, the unit’s high-speed

synchronization function can be used

even with high shutter speeds.

Battery Grip [ Power Pack SD ]

This easy- to - carry battery pack with vertical grip is dedicat-

ed for SD9 use, and can hold four CR-V3 batteries or eight

AA batteries

— more than

enough power

for most

shoots.

Electronic Flash
[ EF-500 DG ST ]

This high-intensity automatic zoom flash enables

automatic light control S-TTL shooting for easy

and beautiful flash photographs. It

includes an automatic zoom func-

tion and a bounce-head function.

Remote Controller [ RS21 ]

Remote control allows the photographer to take self-

portraits or get into group shots. Used in conjunction

with Mirror Lock-Up function, it can reduce the

possibility of image-blurring camera shake, so

it’s particularly useful for macro or telephoto

zoom shooting.