This high-definition digital SLR camera is powered by the FOVEON® X3TM image sensor, which can capture all RGB colors at each and every pixel.
1. SIGMA SD9 with FOVEON® X3TM Technology
The breakthrough Sigma SD9 camera features the FOVEON® X3TM image sensor which is the world's first image-sensor that features three layers of photo detectors. The layers are embedded in silicon to take advantage of the fact that red, green and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths allowing full-color to be measured at every pixel. The layers are positioned to take advantage of the fact that silicon absorbs different colors of light at different depths, so one layer records red, another layer records green and the other layer records blue, This means that for every pixel on a FOVEON® X3TM image sensor, there's actually a stack of three photo detectors, forming the first and only full-color capture system.
SIGMA SD9 powered by FOVEON® X3TM image sensors capture red, green and blue light at each and every pixel. All other image sensors feature just one layer of photo detectors, with just one photo detector per pixel. To capture color, pixels are organized in a grid, or mosaic, resembling a three-color checkerboard. Each pixel captures just one color-red, green or blue. Filters let only one wavelength of light (red, green or blue) pass through to any given pixel, allowing it to record only one color. As a result, mosaic sensors capture only 25% of the red and blue light, and just 50% of the green.
This approach has inherent drawbacks, no matter how many pixels a mosaic-based image sensor might contain. Since they only capture one third of the color, mosaic-based image sensors must rely on complex processing to interpolate the two-thirds they miss. Interpolation leads to color artifacts and a loss of image detail. In fact, some digital cameras intentionally blur pictures to reduce color artifacts.
That's why the SIGMA SD9 powered by FOVEON® X3TM technology delivers twice the sharpness, better color detail and greater resistance to unpredictable color artifacts.
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With the RAW data recording system of the SIGMA SD9. It is possible to obtain high picture definition and compact file size. Lossless compression system of RAW data, eliminates image deterioration, provides superior pictures without sacrificing original image quality, RAW data is convertible into high TIFF and JPEG formats by dedicated image processing software "SIGMA Photo Pro". According to the requirements of the photographer, it is also possible to change the characteristics of the image, such as white balance, brightness, contrast etc. when it is converted into TIFF and JPEG formats. Even if the photographer makes some additional adjustments to the image, the quality of the image will not deteriorate, if the photographer makes the adjustments based on the saved RAW data.
3. Image Recording with Three Resolution Settings
Depending on the intention of the photographer, the SIGMA SD9 allows photographers to select the resolutions of RAW data images in one of three resolution modes.
HI mode delivers
highest resolution image performance with (2263x1512 pixels) x 3. MED mode
(1134x756 pixels) x 3 has high definition and recording capacity.
LOW mode (756x504 pixels) x3 allows consecutive shooting of more images.
The coverage of a viewfinder of a digital SLR camera with interchangeable lens is almost the same as the picture seen on its image sensor,
However, the coverage of viewfinder can be maximum 100% and no portions of the outside area reflected on the image sensor can be seen. SIGMA SD9 is equipped with a "sport finder" for easily seeing the situation outside the picture area,
The range that is out of the image sensor coverage area is marked by transparent light gray, to distinguish it from the active picture taking area.
It is also important to control the surrounding situation of the photographic subject. In this respect. The sports finder will be ready to provide a good opportunity to take a good picture anytime. When taking a picture of a fixed object or close-up photography, composition can be easily determined because the area outside of the range of the picture can be seen.
Dust and dirt entering through the lens mount of the camera can create serious defects in image quality. If dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor and are not removed, it will degrade the image quality. In order to prevent dust entering and adhering to image sensor, the body mount of SIGMA SD9 is equipped with an integral dust protector, The dust protector of the SIGMA SD9 prevents dust from entering and adhering to the image sensor, Even if dust adheres to the dust protector it will not have an influence on image quality because the dust protector is located well away from the image sensor,
Each button of the Sigma SD9 is devised and arranged to provide a functional and easy-to-use setting,
By means of the 4-Way Controller on the back of the body, menu settings and camera settings can be selected and adjusted very quickly.
By using the Zoom-in View mode, the details of the image can be enlarged and examined by moving the cursor and choosing the area viewed with the 4-Way Controller.
The command dial can quickly select the resolution settings, and the ISO sensitivity setting. It is also possible to shift the exposure program in the Program AE Mode.
The SIGMA SD9 is equipped with a large 1.8' 130,000 dot low temperature poly silicon TFT-LCD monitor with white LED on the back panel, which displays images, menus and histogram, The coverage area of the LCD monitor is 100% of the area seen by the image sensor, and it will have similar coverage to that seen from the viewfinder. Thanks to the LCD-monitor, the composition can be seen easily.
By operation Of 4-Way Controller, three types of screen display can be chosen; thumbnail display (9 segments simultaneous display), Single-image display, and a Zoom-in display (the area to be enlarged can be freely chosen with the 4-Way Controller).
The SIGMA SD9 can transmit the images from camera to computer with high-speed IEEE1394 (S400) and widely available USB interfaces,
SIGMA SD9 is equipped with IEEE1394 (Firewire) interface to deliver super-high-speed image data transmission rate.
9. Image Storage Media; Compact Flash TM (CF) Card, Microdrive ®.
SIGMA SD9 employs CF card as Image Storage Media. Since the SIGMA SD9 is compatible with the Compact Flash both Type I and II card, use of IBM Microdrive is also possible.
The outstanding storage capacity of IBM Microdrive ® enables photographers to use the camera even more effectively.
Two CR123A batteries, which are located in the grip part of a camera, are used as a power supply for the camera drive part. In addition, two CR-V3 lithium batteries located in the lower part of the camera, are used as a power supply for the digital parts, such as a display of LCD, and image processing- Lithium batteries enable photographers to shoot many images.
A shutter release button is supplied with the optional power pack SD for vertical shooting,
Since this power pack SD can be equipped with four CR-V3 batteries extensive photography can be attained,
SIGMA SD9 camera's video output system can be switched between PAL system (used in Europe, etc..) and NTSC system (in Japan and the U.S., etc.). This means that video output of the SIGMA SD9 Picture is possible anywhere in the world.