Sigma SD10 User manual

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

Other image sensors cannot match the SD10’s
true full-color capture system
Unlike the SIGMA SD10, other digital cameras’ image quality
is inherently compromised through the use of optical color
filters. Conventional CCD and CMOS image sensors have a
single layer of pixels. Each pixel detects only one color of
light, which has been filtered through a single red or green or
blue color filter. As a result, two-thirds of the color at each
pixel is blocked out. To compensate, the missing color is
estimated through a complicated process of color interpolation,
leading to color errors, color artifacts and loss of image detail.
FOVEON X3®direct image sensors, however, capture all three
colors at every pixel location, insuring the capture of full,
complete color.
FOVEON X3®direct image sensor brings new
vision to digital imaging.
The FOVEON X3®direct image sensor is the heart of the first
and only capture system that directly captures full color for
digital cameras. Using 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, the
FOVEON X3®direct image sensor can thereby directly capture
full color and detail at each and every pixel location, without
interpolation.
The results are a revelation: better color detail, fewer color
artifacts and three times the image sharpness, compared to that
delivered by conventional image sensors that capture color
indirectly through mosaic filters and color interpolation.
*©1998-2003 Foveon, Inc. All rights reserved. Foveon, the stylized “F” logo, X3, and the X3
logo are registered trademarks of Foveon, Inc.
[FOVEON X3®direct image sensor conceptual diagram ]
FOVEON Inc.
Founded in California in 1997,
FOVEON Inc. is world-renowned for direct image
sensor development and technology.
Digital
Digital photos have never looked quite as good as those taken on film. Until now. Only the SIGMA SD10 digital single-lens reflex camera
makes this major breakthrough. The FOVEON X3®direct image sensor with 10.2 million pixels efficiently reproduces color more
accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional CCD or CMOS image sensor. So you can capture more of
your vision in a truer light. Go ahead. Get more creative. The SIGMA SD10 puts the advantage of higher technology right in your hands.
CAPTURE ALL OF THE LIGHT-DIRECTLY.
The FOVEON X3
®
direct 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 dif-
ferent color among R(red),
G(green) and B(blue). Full
color is directly captured at
each pixel location.
Only the FOVEON X3®
image sensor captures
100% of the R(red),
G(green), and B(blue)
light at every pixel location.
[ FOVEON X3®direct image sensor technology diagram ]
[ 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 —
R(red), G(green), or
B(blue) — pass through
to any given pixel location.
The pixel location records
only that one color,so the
other information 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.

Easily view images and settings
A 130,000-pixel 1.8 - inch TFT liquid crystal monitor built into
the SD10’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.
RAW format recording
The SD10 uses the RAW format –– the highest-quality record-
ing method –– to record information about light detected by the
FOVEON X3
®
direct 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 SD10 comes with SIGMA Photo Pro software for changing
the look of recorded RAW data image files. It’s easy to make
adjustments (white balance, exposure, color balance, and
contrast, for example) or otherwise manipulate RAW data,
without compromising image quality or definition.
Records on CF cards and Microdrives*
The SIGMA SD10 records on reliable, high-capacity Type I
and Type II CF (CompactFlash) cards. Or, you can insert 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 SD10 can be
powered by two CR-V3 lithium batteries ; four AA Ni-Mh
batteries or four Nickel Zinc primary 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 SD10 to a computer.
Shoots in NTSC and PAL formats
You can switch between the NTSC video standard (used in
countries 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 SD10’s functions that
are unmatched by any film camera. Choose among ISO 100,
200, 400, 800 and 1600 (extended option) .
FOR MORE FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF IMAGE DATA
White balance / main screen
White balance / sub screen
Function
< Main Window >
This basic screen for
manipulating RAW data is a
simple, yet sophisticated
user interface for control of
various functions.
 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
computer
< Review Window >
 Display image and magnify details up to
800%
 View highlight and shadow warning
 Mark, lock, rotate, and delete images
 Open multiple Review Windows for
side-by-side comparison
< Adjustment Controls >
 Adjust exposure, contrast,
shadows, highlights, saturation,
sharpness and X3 Fill Light
 Adjust colors
 Adjust gray balance
 Open, save, and delete custom
settings
 Check histograms
 View Overexposure and
Underexposure information
< 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 1,512 x 3 layers) for optimal quality, MED
mode (1,512 x 1,008 x 3 layers) for recording more images at
high definition, and LOW mode (1,134 x 756 x 3 layers) for
capturing the most images per given memory capacity.
The SIGMA SD10 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
photographers to identify and use desired functions.
The SIGMA SD10 has an extensive variety of functions
Lock and 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, style setting and more.
Slide show settings : Use lock function/mark functions to
display only those images that you want to view.

The Sports Finder
won’t miss a moment
Now, it’s easy 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 SD10’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.
Auto Focus (AF ) cross sensoring
The SD10’s AF cross sensor in the center of its viewfinder lets
a photographer 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.
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 moves irregularly or is 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 mechanism will activate and
control focus, predicting the subject’s traveling 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.
Non-stop shooting up to 30 frames
A high-speed CPU and high-volume buffer memory enable the
SD10 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, and up to 6 frames in high-quality HI mode.
1/6000 -second maximum shutter speed
With a shutter up to 1/ 6000- second fast, the SD10 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.
GET READY TO SHOOT FASTER
Flash Indicator
Center Area Metering Auto Focus Frame
Focus Indicator
Shutter Speed
AE Lock Indicator
Aperture Value
Exposure Meter
Auto Bracketing
[ Finder display ]
Speed
[ Data ] 쎲Lens : SIGMA MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX 쎲Aperture : F32 쎲Shutter : 1/180 쎲ISO Speed : 100 쎲Exposure Mode : Manual 쎲Focus Mode : Manual 쎲Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 x 2,268 x 3 layers

Metering Mode Button
Function Button
Resolution Button
AF Mode Button
ISO Sensitivity Button
C-Dial (Command Dial)
Shutter Button
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
Tripod Socket
Modify Menu Button
Delete Button
Color LCD Monitor
CF Card Access LampEyepiece Cup Zoom Controller
4-Way Controller
Dust Protector Depth-of- field
Preview Button
Remote Control Sensor
Lens Mount
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
The SD10 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 evaluative
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
influence of perimeter light sources, so you
can establish a highly specific area for
determining the level of exposure that suits
your purpose.
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 1/3EV 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
Camera Strap Eyelet
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 SD10 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.
쎲Display Panel

MORE LENSES TO EXPRESS MORE OF YOUR VISION
[ Data ] 쎲Lens : SIGMA MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX 쎲Aperture : F38 쎲Shutter : 1/125 쎲ISO Speed : 100 쎲Exposure Mode : Manual 쎲Focus Mode : Manual 쎲Raw File Format : Hi 1,512 x 2,268 x 3 layers
SIGMA lenses — fully compatible with the SD10 digital SLR and 35mm SLRs.
Great lenses, of course, unleash the creative potential of single-lens reflex cameras. By making the SD10 compatible with the entire lineup
of lenses originally created for SIGMA 35mm SLRs, SIGMA extends its heritage of superior optical technology to digital SLR photogra-
phers 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, SD10 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 palette 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.
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 SD10 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.
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 syn-
chronization 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 dedicated
for SD10 use, and can hold four CR-V3 batteries or eight AA
batteries —
more than
enough power
for most shoots.

[ Optional Accessories for SD10 ]
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 ]
* Product external appearance, specifications, etc. may change without notice to allow for improvements.
(2003.10)
Caution : To ensure the correct and safe use of the product, be sure to read the User’s Manual Carefully prior to operation.
[ SD10 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 ), Microdrive™
Image Sensor Size 20.7 x 13.8mm
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®direct image sensor
Number of Pixels 10.2 Million (3.4MP Red + 3.4MP Green + 3.4 MP Blue)
Aspect Ratio 3: 2
Image Recording Format Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit)
Capture File Size HI : 2.268 x 1,512 x 3 layers (Approx 8MB), MED : 1,512 x 1,008 x 3 layers (Approx 4MB), LOW : 1,134 x 756 x 3 layers (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, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, 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, 800. Extended Mode : 1600
Exposure Compensation ±3EV (in 1/3 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 1/3 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 100,200 ), 1/6,000 to 4sec. ( ISO 400, 800), Bulb (ISO100,200 up to 15 sec.)
Extended Mode: 1/6,000 to 30 sec., Bulb up to 30 sec. (ISO100 to 1600 )
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 (CR-V3) x 2pcs., 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 785g / 27.7oz (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 : [email protected] (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)
왎SIGMA World Network (HOMEPAGE & E-MAIL ADDRESS)
쎲SIGMA SD10 Major Specifications