Sigma SD1 HANDS ON: First impressions of a legendary camera.

[@aLittlePal]

the most disgusting and absolutely infuriating situation about Sigma camera is that people will come up right to your ass and say the camera is not quick, is not low-light capable, is not good at focusing, not this and not that, totally and no doubly assume a camera should be in a certain way, therefore they judge Sigma's as a bad line of camera product, just like God judges all of us. the level of presumptuousness of our era is getting out of hand. people were never getting the chance to be absolutely smashed by reality in their entire life, so they just act like a tyrant.

[@MattsNotes]

I have to pin this comment as I couldn't agree more. I actually enjoy the focus system on the SD1; the dedicated dials and the option to choose focus points on the screen works as it should. As for the lowlight, it's inherently not the highest iso performing camera, but the depth one can get in the shadows with the SD1 is beautiful. People get too picky haha. If it means slowing down my image making process entirely to get the color reproduction that I can get from a Sigma stacked sensor, I'll take it any day. I hope they do follow up with another one of these cameras in the near future

[@humanelements2]

Haha, I've yet to find anyone who even knows what the Merrills are. Just the noisy online crowd being noisy. Foveon really was a high water mark for digital photography and if you have the patience to give it a try, you can get so much out of these files. I have an X100V for my fast photography - but when I'm willing to take my time my DP Merrills just sing!

[@MattsNotes]

@@humanelements2 I got snubbed by a local photographer for bringing my Merrill to a photoshoot. She said "I thought they were just a cheap lens company." Crazy how unnoticed both their camera lineup is/was, and the giant misconception on "third parties" for lenses and how costly some of the glass can still be lol

[@jannieschluter9670]

This camera produces 110 MB RAW files and people compare that with their 15 MB JPEGs from their Canons and say "not fast enuff! Trash!" Haha!!

[@jannieschluter9670]

@@MattsNotes Sigma lenses are incredibly sharp and high quality. I use the Sigma DP1s and DP2s. They are so good, they produce better pics than my Olympus E-PL9 in good light.

[@rocheuro]

Foveon is actually one of the best sensors ever made in digital photography history - with it's drawbacks but still a revolution.

[@xe1zlgg]

This is the best sensor... just has more microcontrast resolution at more than 100% crop than any other 45 mpx camera... it was very ahead on time.... hope to see a new one with faster processing with full 15+15+15 stack sensor AGAIN.

[@rocheuro]

actually one of the best sensors ever made in digital photography history - with it's drawbacks but still a revolution.

[@MattsNotes]

I've heard some rumors in regards to a full frame foveon sensor by sigma! Unfortunately they have been just that, rumors. That said, perhaps once the pandemic is at its tail end, we would see this come to fruition:)

[@xe1zlgg]

@@MattsNotes hope this becomes truth

[@jillianangell2570]

@@xe1zlgg sigma apparently got pretty far along on one and then had to scrap they're progress

[@xe1zlgg]

@@jillianangell2570 ... I think the economic reduction made by the Pandemic push back Sigma to release a new Foveon sensor...

[@rocheuro]

Foveon is all about COLOR, microconrast, and finally detail. No other camera can compare these 3. low light is shit, very slow write speeds, poor screen. other than that amasing piece of photo tech. foveon x3 is one of the most important steps in digital photography that not many people know about. Once you get your first Foveon Camera you'll love it (and hate it) both at the same time but picture quality in a good light is absolutely outstanding.

[@Ivlodded]

This comment perfectly explains the foveon experience regardless sd9 or sd1

[@stevieb7121]

Sigma cameras may be considered "expensive" for what they are but there is NOTHING to compare with the Foveon sensor. If you are patient, you can achieve truly remarkable images from the Sigma cameras. Great video, btw.

[@wandiloch]

I still have my SD1 and DP1x and DP1 . The SD1 is obv the greatest X3 sensor, but the DP1x is its pocket size companion. Nothing I have shot since has the colour resolution of the SD1, you will see all these colours and tones that you never saw before in a digital photo. BUT, the gotcha is, its like Velvia film, it likes plenty of light, and doesn't like high contast due to the limited dynamic range. Resolution is the equivalent of at least a 24MP CMOS sensor.

[@Ivlodded]

I sold my sd10 but already bought an sd9 the week after. I just love those weird cameras and weird sensors.

[@MattsNotes]

Haha I like your mindset! Which do you prefer? I was curious of your decision here and read on some old message boards that a few people do prefer the sd9 over the sd10

[@Ivlodded]

@@MattsNotes The sd10 is more effective due to the better iso range, and only requiring one type of batteries The sd9 has nicer color, its like the sky is colored in deeper blue than it actually is

[@ahoyhere8113]

yessssss! I have been using a dp2m and finally got my hands on an SD1, and now I have to pick lenses which isn’t an easy feat given the sensor is SO SHARP. I do think the right comparison for the Merrills is to medium or large format film photography due to the speed, ISO limitation, and annoyance of the raw files and sluggish SPP. My 35mm camera could shoot 10 frames in the time it takes the SD1 to write 1 to disk 😂 But, like MF or LF, the result is WORTH IT. I have one shot I took in the woods and every time I look like it, it feels like I’m falling into the scene again. Just magic.

[@MattsNotes]

I definitely relate to this. I also have a shot I've taken of fall foliage with my sd1 merrill that brings me back specific memories. The camera has so much dimension in its colors and it's so true to the scene. I haven't found a camera to match it's magic yet. I really hope sigma follows through with their full frame update to the series

[@NajamGaming1]

I have a DP2m and DP1m but I picked up the SD1m few days ago and I like it more. You can get m42 adapter and use vintage lenses on it. I know it's not good in terms of image quality but it's just fun.

[@mendebil]

So nice. Thumbs up man! Seeing you with that jeans jacket I could almost feel the cold myself. I got the DP2 Merrill and plan on replacing my 70D for all stills work. I feel like there is no time for point and shoot anymore... I think that slow and good quality is the new way to go

[@MattsNotes]

I'll be doing a video on both of your cameras in the coming weeks! Some of my personal favorites. Just have to wait for the weather to warm up haha. Thanks for your view and comment!

[@humanelements2]

I hope you continue to update us. I'm close to pulling the trigger on an SD1 Merrill myself. The Quattro seems more useable but I'm really intrigued by the true 1:1:1 stacked sensor of the Merrill.

[@rocheuro]

I had quattro, and totally kept my SD1m. quattro is not real foveon x3 anymore. lots of noize, not as good color

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for your watch and comment! I have a few foveon related videos and hands on with other sigma cameras in the coming weeks. I moved to a new location and had to put content creating on the backburner, but I'll be back sooner than later:)

[@humanelements2]

@@MattsNotes How are you getting along with the SD1 Merrill? I've been using the DP Merrill trio and finding them fantastic for my landscape photography. But I've been wondering if an SD1M + fast lenses might be fun for some portrait work. Do you have any thoughts on the focus speed and handling?

[@MattsNotes]

@@humanelements2 Funny that you commented this because I just picked up a 12-24 for the Merrill and I plan on taking it out for a few videos this summer! I've used this for a few modeling shots last fall "on site" (outdoors), and the colors were a thing of beauty; the tones blended well without much retouching in post (skin tones are frighteningly accurate in my opinion with the Merrill). I think in a studio setting the camera would really shine, when one can set up beforehand and have some control over the lighting too. In short, I have fun with the Merrill most times I use it, and all the dedicated buttons help out a ton lol. A lot of my work with this camera has been portrait focused, so this summer I'm gonna test the waters with landscape stuff, so we seem to be switching shoes haha. I really think it'll come down to the type of portrait shooter you'd prefer to be: if you like to keep things dynamic and fast paced for the clients interest/excitement, the Merrill could feel like it's dragging. If you're meticulous and like to time your shots and breathe, it'll play right into your strengths. I'm the latter most of the time lol

[@humanelements2]

@@MattsNotes This is a great writeup and recommendation! I was thinking I might grab the SD1M plus the 18-35mm f/1.8 since these are my favorite focal lengths and I'd love to get some bokeh in my shots. I've shot a few portraits and the foveon does sing, though lighting feels even more important since the dynamic range is fairly poor. The DPM's are tiny and do a fanastic job. And as you say, the tonality is simply unmatched, both in color and monochrome. It just feels fussy swapping betwen three cameras sometimes. You'll love the microcontrast and rendering for landscape work. I have some foveon landscapes here: www.human-element.me/blog/transitioning-over-to-landscape-photography

[@JLeoH]

I got two of these and the quattro h. This video has me eagerly waiting for a sunny day!

[@MattsNotes]

I appreciate your comment! How did you land yourself two sd1 cameras, and did you have to pay a ton of money? I see them going for wildly different prices all the time lol

[@JLeoH]

​@@MattsNotes Thanks for the video! They sell for about 500-600 Euros, with lenses about 800. Because they will always sell at this rate, I figured, I can just buy a backup body. Despite having the two merrills, I overall prefer the Quattro.

[@JG-mw8fm]

Nice work Matt!!! Always enjoy watching your videos 😁👍

[@RudyRender]

I had this camera and I can attest that the Foveon sensor renders colors in way no modern camera has done. ✅ it can shoot sunsets and contrast scenes so well that I haven’t seen any camera product anything similar

[@weisserth]

Images from a CMOS or CCD Bayer sensor are also not "true" as pixels are interpolated for colors the sensor does not actually capture in each pixel. The SD1 has 46MP, one third of them blue, one third red, one third green. A 15MP Bayer camera has not even the same ratio of true color pixels, because a lot of pixels are "imagined"/processed. You can print incredibly detailed A0 sized prints from the SD1. You cannot from any 15MP CMOS/CCD. By the way, the SD1 is NOT mainly catered to studio photographers. The SD1 is an outdoors camera, perfect for landscapes - that's why the SD1 has excellent weather sealing with o-rings, that's why it has a dedicated mirror lock-up mode.

[@sdhute]

Ohh my hometown..... moved to FL a year ago

[@MattsNotes]

Hah I moved to South Carolina this year momentarily. The heat is already getting to me lol

[@sdhute]

@@MattsNotes SC was on my list however the wife was wanting FL. Yes it's HOT for sure.

[@martinmuldoon603]

its a great camera I have 2 plus a few DPs also, You review is about right, the SD1 takes very good photos but you need to think what you are doing, definitely no AI when it was in production.

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for your comment! That's awesome that you have 2! Do use these professionally?

[@xe1zlgg]

Thanks for share

[@williamansel1367]

What you mean the Sigma sa mount was used for over a decade and discontinued in 2018 cause they make mirrorless now like every other company there are hundreds of SA lenses just look on B&H

[@MattsNotes]

Yep Sigma even made SLR cameras before going. I own some great new and old Sigma SA mount lenses but I don't plan to make the L mount switch (not yet at least lol)

[@Maddin1313]

I got one of these with a 17-50 2.8 EX, but I can't seem to get the focus right. When I do the focus adjustment it only works at a certain focal length, all others are quite a bit off. Maybe the lens is a lemon.

[@MattsNotes]

I actually have that lens too so I'll take a look at it and see if I can provide some insight! I'll report back in a few days lol

[@francismbatha3392]

Hello sir, Do you know of a place where I can get a kit lens, extra batteries and a charger for an sd1 Merrill? I have the body. I am from Kenya, East Africa

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for your comment! It's pretty hard to find any accessories for the SD1, but I've had some success on ebay for mine

[@francismbatha3392]

@@MattsNotes Can you help me out with the seller? its a bit hard to get one from Kenya, and I have a perfectly new Sd1 Merrill lying here unused

[@MattsNotes]

@@francismbatha3392 I hear what you mean. When I've sold things from the USA to someone internationally, I've set my sales to do so. I've had people request me to change an item to be sold internationally and this may be an option for you. If you come across something for the SD1 or the Sigma SA system on ebay for example, perhaps send the seller a message asking if they'd change the listing to international for you. I hope this helps! I will research some other options as well and report back

[@francismbatha3392]

@@MattsNotes Hello sir, I have been searching and I have not gotten the stuff I need for my SD1 Merril. Is there a chance you have connections to the manufacturers so I can get help? I have been trying their email but no one answers me

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Dig the channel. Subscribed.

[@MattsNotes]

Thank you buddy! You have a foveon or sigma camera?

[@OccultDemonCassette]

@@MattsNotes I'm still in the monitoring ebay for a decent deal phase, but I definitely want one! I think the output from the foveon sensors would look pretty fantastic when stitching multirow vertical panos in PTGui.

[@MattsNotes]

I found my sd1 randomly on "Keh" I believe for around 400 bucks! It's a strange camera in regards that people don't know how to price it. Sometimes you can find it for like 300 and others it'll 1000+ lol

[@unbroken1010]

When you blow up a print you'll find out why they say 45 megapixels

[@MattsNotes]

I'll run through some comparisons of this with a camera very close in resolution to the ole Simga :) Thanks for the comment!

[@RudyRender]

I also wonder if anyone has been able to create a way to shoot video with a Foveon sensor? I was able to recreate it with AI video but that doesn’t count lol

[@MattsNotes]

I read that Sigma was working on a full frame Foveon sensor, but this was just before the pandemic. If that's the case, one could hope for some video features (even if it's just basic or manual shutter options lol) I really hope they didn't abandon the project.

[@0zaree100]

This is a rare camera, hard to find. It goes for over 1000$ body only on Ebay, ect. This camera is from 2010 - 2011 I think.

[@MattsNotes]

These old sigma cameras are fluctuating in price like crazy now! They've seen a surge in popularity, but a few years ago they were as low as 200 USD! It'll be a hard one for me to get rid of lol

[@humanelements2]

Do you miss the SD1? Or was it good riddance?

[@MattsNotes]

I think about the camera on occasion lol! The camera felt so nice in the hands and the picture output was something else. I do however prefer the dp and merril model compact cameras over the old sd1. I think the quality is similar enough and the compact cam counterparts are just more convenient for me

[@humanelements2]

@@MattsNotes I think you're right re. the image quality and the convenient size of the DP series! I was thinking of an SD1 but it feels bad to invest in a dead lens mount, haha. The OVF + lack of live histogram would bug me, too. I'm spoiled by mirrorless.