Sigma sd Quattro Review
We've aggregated 2 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Sigma sd Quattro
The Sigma sd Quattro is a niche APS-C mirrorless camera built around the company's distinctive 29-megapixel Foveon X3 Quattro sensor, which stacks color layers vertically rather than using a traditional Bayer array. This approach delivers exceptional color accuracy and sharpness at base ISO, though the tradeoff is slower performance and limited high ISO capability. Reviewers consistently praise image quality below ISO 1600, noting improved noise handling compared to earlier Foveon models, and the camera's magnesium alloy build feels reassuringly solid.
The sd Quattro's quirks are significant. The Foveon sensor requires proprietary raw processing, the 3.6 fps burst rate and 9-point autofocus system trail modern competitors, and you're locked into the small Sigma SA lens ecosystem. The rear LCD is fixed, there's no wireless connectivity, and workflow can be sluggish. Still, for photographers who prioritize ultimate color fidelity and detail in controlled lighting over speed or versatility, the sensor's unique output justifies the compromises. This is a camera for deliberate shooting, not fast-paced action.
- Exceptional color accuracy and sharpness from unique Foveon sensor at base ISO
- Improved high ISO performance compared to previous Foveon models
- Solid magnesium alloy build with dust and splash resistance
- Super Fine Detail mode combines 7 exposures for maximum resolution
- Weak high ISO performance above ISO 1600
- Limited to proprietary Sigma SA lens mount
- Slow 3.6 fps burst rate and basic 9-point autofocus
- Fixed rear LCD with no wireless connectivity
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
Best reviews
The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.
Editorial reviews
Pros · Great image quality below ISO 1600 · Significantly improved high ISO image quality · Solid feeling body, perhaps the most solid feeling ...
The Sigma SD Quattro is an odd and interesting mirrorless digital camera with a seriously unique feature - a 29MP Foveon sensor.
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About this product
APS-C Foveon X3 sensor; SA mount.
Specs
- Battery
- BP-61
- Weight Grams
- 625 g (body only)
- Dimensions Mm
- 147 x 95.1 x 90.8 mm
- Build Material
- Magnesium alloy
- Weather Sealing
- Dust and splash-proof
- Bit Depth
- 14-bit
- Raw Video
- No
- Pc Sync
- Yes
- Bulb Mode
- Yes
- Flash System
- TTL
- Shutter Type
- Electronic rolling shutter, Electronic front curtain
- Aspect Ratios
- 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 7:6, 1:1
- Focus Peaking
- Yes (white, black, red, yellow)
- Image Formats
- JPEG, Raw (X3F), DNG
- Exposure Modes
- Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Max Sync Speed
- 1/180 s
- Metering Range
- 0 to 17 EV
- Metering Method
- Center-weighted average, Evaluative, Spot
- Remote Terminal
- Sigma proprietary
- Super High Jpeg
- 7680 x 5120 pixels (39 MP equivalent)
- Eye Fi Compatible
- Yes
- Power Grip Support
- PG-41 (optional)
- Exposure Compensation
- -5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV steps)
- Operating Temperature
- 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
- Super Fine Detail Mode
- 7 exposures blended into one raw file
- Sensor Size
- APS-C (23.5 x 15.5 mm)
- Sensor Type
- Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS
- Image Processor
- Dual TRUE III
- Low Pass Filter
- No
- Effective Megapixels
- 29 MP (19.6 MP output)
- Release Date
- July 2016
- Launch Price Usd
- $799
- Dual Native Iso
- No
- Iso Range Stills
- ISO 100-6400
- Continuous Shooting
- 3.6 fps at 19.6 MP for 14 frames, 5.1 fps at 4.9 MP for 28 frames
- Shutter Speed Electronic
- 1/4000 to 30 s
- Viewfinder
- Electronic, 2.36m-dot, 1.09x magnification, 21 mm eye point, -4 to +2 diopter
- Rear Screen
- 3.0", 1.62m-dot LCD, fixed
- Lens Mount
- Sigma SA
- Crop Factor
- 1.5x
- Usb
- Micro-USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
- Hdmi
- Mini-HDMI (Type C)
- Audio Io
- No
- Wireless
- No
- Card Slots
- 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Ibis
- No
- Af Points
- 9 selectable points
- Af System
- Hybrid phase-detect and contrast-detect
- Af Low Light
- -1 to +18 EV
- Subject Detection
- Face detection
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- B&H Photonew● In stockBest price$2,199Buy
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