Sigma SD9 vs Sigma SD1

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD9 and the Sigma SD1, 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 SD9 was introduced in November 2002 and Sigma SD1 was introduced in September 2010. 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 SD9 over Sigma SD1.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 over Sigma SD9.

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 SD9 has a 1.8" screen with 130k dot resolution and Sigma SD1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Viewfinder

Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Sigma SD9 has 98% coverage with 0.77x magnification and Sigma SD1 has 96% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

Sigma SD9 features a 3 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 285.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 400. Sigma SD1 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 256 mm². Its native ISO range is [].

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 SD9 can take pictures up to 2268 x 1512 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1134 x 756, 756 x 504 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Sigma SD1 is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution.

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 SD9 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. 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.

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 SD9 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD1 nothing can be done. On Sigma SD1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD9 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs

Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.

External Storage Slots

Sigma SD9 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA compatible) card slot. Sigma SD1 has a single Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/6000 sec on Sigma SD9, and up to 1/2000 sec on Sigma SD1. Sigma SD1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.

Flash

Sigma SD1 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Sigma SD9 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Sigma SD9.

Sigma SD9 body has dimensions of 152 x 120 x 79 mm (5.98 x 4.72 x 3.11") and Sigma SD1 body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15"). Sigma SD9 weighs 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz) and Sigma SD1 weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz).

Sigma SD9

Sigma SD1

152 mm

120 mm

146 mm

113 mm

120 mm

113 mm