Sigma SD 9 User manual

[ Optional Accessories for SD9 ]
Electronic Flash [ EF-500 DG SUPER / EF-500 DG ST ]
Battery Grip [ Power Pack SD ]
Remote Controller [ RS-21 ]
Cable Release Switch [ CR-11 ]
PC-Synchro Terminal Adapter [ST-11 ]
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
High-definition quality with over
10.2 million pixel sensors
* Product external appearance, specifications, etc. may change without notice to allow for improvements.
Caution : To ensure the correct and safe use of the product, be sure to read the User’s Manual Carefully prior to operation.
[ 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
2-3-15Iwado-Minami Komae-shi, Tokyo, 201-8630
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone] http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp
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 HI : 6 frames MED : 14 frames LOW : 30 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 to15 sec. (ISO 100), 1/6,000 to 1 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.
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.
Dimensions 152mm/6"(W) x 120mm/4.72"(H) x 79mm/3.1"(D)
Weight 805g / 28.4oz (without batteries)
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp (Japanese) E-Mail : [email protected] (Japan)
http://www.sigma-photo.com (English) E-Mail : [email protected] (U.S.A)
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com (English) E-Mail : [e-mail] (U.K.)
http://www.sigma-photo.fr (French) E-Mail : [email protected] (France)
http://www.sigma-foto.de (German) E-Mail : [email protected] (Germany)
http://www.sigma-benelux.nl (Dutch) E-Mail : [email protected] (Benelux)
http://www.sigma.com.hk (Chinese) E-Mail : [email protected] (Hong Kong)
E-Mail :
[email protected] (Singapore)
SIGMA World Network (HOMEPAGE & E-MAIL ADDRESS)
SIGMA SD9 Major Specifications

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®
X3™ full-color
image sensors capture per pixel location, and rely on complicated
time and energy-consuming processing to interpolate the two-
thirds of all the information they miss at each pixel. This leads to
color artifacts, loss of image detail,and other disadvantages.
A conventional
image sensor fea-
tures 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 imfor-
mation at that site is lost.
As a result, conventional
mosaic image sensors cap-
ture only 25% of the R
(red), 25% of the B (blue),
and 50% of the G (green)
light.
The FOVEON
®
X3
™
image sensor
comprises three
layers of pixel
sensors embed-
ded 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 full-
color pixel.
Only the FOVEON®X3™
image sensor captures R,
G, and B light at every
pixel location.
[ FOVEON®X3™image sensor technology diagram ]
[ Conventional image sensor technology diagram ]
FOVEON Inc.
Founded in California in 1997, FOVEON Inc. is world-renowned for
image sensors, user interfaces, and image/digital processing technology.
Digital
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®X3™technology with over 10.2 million pixel sensors for more accurate, efficient color
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.
SEE all of the light
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®X3™image sensor can thereby capture full color
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 ]
[ 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

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.
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 (DL123A) and two CR-V3 lithium
batteries ; two CR123A and four AA batteries (including
Ni-Mh AA batteries) ; or a dedicated AC adaptor (included with
the camera).
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.) and the PAL format (used in
Europe and other countries) for image playback on TV monitors in
many parts of the world.
Thumbnail screen Image Info screenFull screen
Main menu screen
Zoomed 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.
Function
White balance / main screen
White balance / sub screen
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
ness
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
Three resolution settings
Choose among three RAW data resolution shooting modes :
HI mode (2,268 x 1,512x 3) for optimal quality, MED
mode (1,512 x 1,008x 3) for recording more images at high
definition, and LOW mode (1,134 x 756x 3) for capturing
the most images per given memory capacity.
FOR MORE FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF IMAGE DATA
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 : Signal levels (appearing as dark to bright
areas in an image)
can be displayed on the monitor in red, green,
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.

Speed
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%.
Flash Indicator
Center Area Metering
[ Finder display ]
Auto Focus Frame
Focus Indicator
Shutter Speed
AE Lock Indicator
Aperture Value
Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing 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.
[ 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
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 (hypersonic motor) lens keeps shooting fast and quiet.
Naturally, full manual focusing is also available.
GET READY TO SHOOT FASTER
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
왎Continuous 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.
왎Single 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 (with an electronic sound), and the Focus Lock (AF
Lock) /AE Lock functions* activate, fixing the focus.
*
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.
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 (sold separately) also reduces the possibility
of camera shake.

Metering Mode Button
Function Button
Resolution Button
AF Mode Button
ISO Sensitivity Button
C-Dial (Command Dial)
Shutter Button
쎲Display Panel
Exposure Compensation
Button
AE Lock Button
Diopter Adjuster Hot Shoe
Cancel ButtonOK Button
Names of Parts
[ Names of Display Panel Parts ]
Main Menu Button
CF Card Cover
Release Lever
Release Socket
CF Card Cover
View Button
Information Button
Power Pack Contact Cover
Battery Latch
Tripod Socket
Modify Menu Button
Delete Button
Color LCD Monitor
CF Card Access LampEyepiece Cup Zoom Controller
4-Way Controller
Shutter Speed
Aperture Value
Counter / ISO Sensitivity
Sound Setting
Metering Mode
Remote Control Mode
ISO Sensitivity Setting
Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing
쐅Auto White Balance
쐈AF Mode
쐉Battery Indicator
씈Resolution
쎲D-Dial (Drive Dial)
Continuous shooting
Single frame shooting
Power OFF
Self-Timer ( 2s /10s )
Mirror Lock-Up
Auto Bracketing
쎲S-Dial (Shutter Dial ) / Mode Lever
Manual Exposure
Shutter Speed Priority AE
Aperture Priority AE
Program AE
Camera Strap Eyelet
Depth-of-field
preview Button
Remote Control Sensor
The SD9 features three metering methods for
greater control of photography’s essence : light.
왎8-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.
왎Center 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.
Dust ProtectorLens Mount
왎 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.
WHERE DIGITAL AND 35mm SLR ADVANTAGES CONVERGE
G
D
EB A CF
D
H
HG
Connector Cover
Battery Case
Lock Knob
Lens Release Button
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.
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.

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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
MORE LENSES TO EXPRESS MORE OF YOUR VISION
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.
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.
Optional Equipment
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.
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.