Sigma SD1 vs Sigma SD14

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD1 and the Sigma SD14, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Sigma SD1 was introduced in September 2010 and Sigma SD14 was introduced in September 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 over Sigma SD14.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD14 over Sigma SD1.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Sigma SD1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution and Sigma SD14 has a 2.5" screen with 150k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Viewfinder

Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Sigma SD1 has 96% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Sigma SD14 has 98% coverage with 0.90x (0.60x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

Sigma SD1 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 384 mm². Its native ISO range is []. Sigma SD14 features a 5 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 190.4 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 1,600 in boosted mode.

Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

Sensor size chart

	Sensor	Dimensions	Area	Aspect Ratio	Crop Factor
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Sigma SD1 is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution. Sigma SD14 can take pictures up to 2640 x 1760 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1776 x 1184, 1296 x 864 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Cameras have Sigma SA lens mount. They both have APS-C sensor but because of a small size difference their crop factors (also called lens multiplier) differ from each other. Sigma SD1 has the crop factor of 1.5x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Sigma SD14 has the crop factor of 1.7x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.7.

No Low-Pass Filter

There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on either of the cameras. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sigma SD1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD14 nothing can be done. On Sigma SD14 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD1 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs

Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.

External Storage Slots

Sigma SD1 has a single Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot. Sigma SD14 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA compatible), Microdrive card slot.

Shutter

Sigma SD14 has Electronically controlled focal plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Sigma SD1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma SD14. Sigma SD1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sigma SD14 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.

Exposure

Exposure meterings of Sigma SD14 ranges from +1 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range on Sigma SD14. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Sigma SD1 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sigma SD14.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Sigma SD14.

Sigma SD1 body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15") and Sigma SD14 body has dimensions of 144 x 107 x 81 mm (5.67 x 4.21 x 3.19"). Sigma SD1 weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) and Sigma SD14 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz).

Sigma SD1

Sigma SD14

146 mm

113 mm

144 mm

107 mm