Sigma SD9 vs Sigma SD15

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15
      51
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      59
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD9 and the Sigma SD15, 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 SD15 was introduced in February 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD9 Highlights

      • 3 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 400 Native ISO
      • 1.8" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

      Sigma SD15 Highlights

      • 5 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sigma SD9
      4. Advantage of Sigma SD15
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD15.

      PROS

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output

      CONS

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 5 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

      Advantage of Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD9
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD9 over Sigma SD15.

      Sigma SD9 vs Sigma SD15
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 98% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.77x vs 0.60x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/6000 sec vs 1/4000 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD9.

      Sigma SD14
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Epson R-D1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Fujifilm S4500
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Casio EX-ZR100
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Panasonic LF1
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Advantage of Sigma SD15

      Sigma SD15
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD15 over Sigma SD9.

      Sigma SD9 vs Sigma SD15
      Higher Sensor Resolution 3 Megapixel vs 5 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 400 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 2268 x 1512 vs 2640 x 1760
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 1.8" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 130k dot vs 460k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz) vs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD15.

      Sigma SD10
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD14
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Leica S2
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      Medium format

      38 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Samsung NX200
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      APS-C

      20 MP

      Sony a3000
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Olympus E-30
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic GM5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Samsung GX-1S
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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.

      STRENGTHS Sigma SD9 Sigma SD15
        Live View Autofocus
      WEAKNESSES Sigma SD9 Sigma SD15
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor3 Megapixel5 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO4001,600
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen130k dot460k dot
        No Live View
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sigma SD9 has a 1.8" screen with 130k dot resolution and Sigma SD15 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 SD15 has 96% coverage with 0.90x (0.60x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      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 SD15 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 - 1,600 and expands to 50 - 3,200 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
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      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 SD15 is equipped with TRUE II processor and 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. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.7x. This 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 SD9 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD15 nothing can be done. On Sigma SD15 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD9 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD9 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA compatible) card slot. Sigma SD15 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/6000 sec on Sigma SD9, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma SD15. Sigma SD15 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Sigma SD15 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 both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD9 body has dimensions of 152 x 120 x 79 mm (5.98 x 4.72 x 3.11") and Sigma SD15 body has dimensions of 144 x 107 x 81 mm (5.67 x 4.21 x 3.19"). Sigma SD9 weighs 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz) and Sigma SD15 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz).

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      152 mm

      120 mm

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      144 mm

      107 mm

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      120 mm

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      107 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD15

      Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD15 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      POOR
      52
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      POOR
      50
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      49
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
      GOOD
      74
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD15 and give them scores of 51 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      OVERALL
      51
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 5 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      84
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD15

      BAD
      36
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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