The information in this document
is based on my own use of the SD-14 (14.000+ images since may 2007) and on
posts made on the Sigma forum of dpreview.com.
|
Thinking of getting a SD-14? |
Waiting for, or just got a SD-14? |
Used the SD-14 for a
while? |
|
You
will find useful info in the body of this document. |
This
document is for you. |
You will find some advanced info in this document.
Also read about other lens options for the SD-14: http://www.foto.nordjylland.biz/SD14/SD14-NonSigmaLenses.htm |
In this compendium
you will find:
·
What's in the package?
·
What
else do you need?
·
Some
tips on how to get started properly.
·
Useful
information on various functions
·
Errors
and workarounds (if any)
·
Undocumented
features
·
How
to use other than SA-mount lenses?
·
Reference
to SD-14 users galleries.
·
Software
options
Before you beginThe SD-14 package includes: 1. Camera body (SD14) 2. Body cap (on the camera) 3. Eyepiece cup (on the camera) 4. Strap 5. Finder cap 6. Li-ion battery BP- 7. 8. 9. USB cable 10. Video cable 11. SIGMA Photo Pro CD (SPP3) 12. Instruction Manual 13. Warranty card 14. SIGMA Limited Warranty
& Service Network What else will you need?What you must have:A Compact Flash (CF) card A CF card reader A lens (if not included with
your package) What you should also get:Additional CF cards An additional battery What you might consider:A grey card, or other means, to help set the
white balance (WB) A screen calibration tool (either hardware or
software) Additional stuff for later:Power grip PG- An AC power adapter
(SAC-2); useful for firmware upgrades. Remote controller
RS-31. More info later Cable release switch CR-21.More info later Getting the right card.TypeThe SD-14 use Compact Flash (CF) cards. (It is possible to use a SD card with a CF adapter.) SizeThe SD14 image files in RAW format are between 8
and 20+ Mb in size. A 2Gb CF card can store about 130 images. Currently you
can get CF cards up to 16 Gb (or more). SpeedA fast CF card (with a fast card reader) getting
the images faster off the card, but
has little effect on the in-camera writing speed and preview. I use one of
the fastest available cards, the Sandisk Extreme IV
2Gb FAT16 (see below about FAT settings), but it gives me no faster writing
than a cheaper, slower card. Faster cards do not influence the frames per
second (fps) or buffer clearing time, because the SD-14 does not support the
protocols for the fast cards (UDMA 4.0), meaning it cannot take advantage of
the higher data transfer rate while writing the image. Quality
The better CF cards have
algorithms that randomly distribute the files on the CF-card, while the less
expensive ones always start from the beginning of the card. As there are a
limited number of write times at a given point at the card, the better ones
last longer. While there is no guaranty against failure for any brand of
card, it appears that the risk is smaller with the more expensive cards. I
would not dream of trusting my pictures to an unknown, cheap brand. Be aware
that there are MANY fake cards on the market - see the next section. Counterfeit CF cards
eBay estimates that more than 95% of all CF cards offered on
eBay is counterfeit. Millions of people have been cheated. See the full article: http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-SanDisk-Ultra-Compact-Flash-Cards-Exposed_W0QQugidZ10000000001235396 So, be careful, or buy only from a
recognised dealer. What lens should I get?This depends on your particular need. You can
always ask for recommendations at dpreview, Sigma
forum. Remember that the focal length of a lens in mm,
like 50mm, is stated for use on a 35mm film camera
or a full frame sensor digital camera. For digital cameras with smaller
sensors, there is a crop factor to consider, effectively changing the focal
length of a lens. The SD-14 has a crop factor of 1.7. You multiply this
factor to the mm of the lens, to get the effective focal length of the lens. Example: A 50-150mm x 1.7 gives an effective focal length of 85-255mm. The sensor deserves a good quality lens. The
Sigma lenses with EX in their name is better than non EX
lenses. Kit lenses are never EX, so you might not get optimal results with
them. If you can afford it, get better glass. Can you use only SA mount lenses on the SD-14?The SD-14 uses the Sigma SA mount, made only by
Sigma. If this is a limitation, there are alternatives – but then you, in
most cases, have to accept manual focus and aperture. As an example: A Zeiss ZS can be used with a M42 to SA adaptor. Some
members on the Sigma Forum of dpreview use a number
of Non-Sigma lenses. See http://www.foto.nordjylland.biz/SD14/SD14-NonSigmaLenses.htm
for extensive information. Getting the right battery/chargerSigma batteryOne Sigma battery (BP-21) is included in the
package along with a Sigma charger. The battery is 7.4V, 1500mAh. The Power grip (PG-21)
The advantage of this is
Extra batteriesSigma says to use the original battery but
several people use replacement batteries. These batteries are known to work:
Some users recommend only batteries with Japanese
and not Chinese cells. There are replacement batteries rated at 1200mAh,
1300mAh, 1500mAh, 1700mAh, 2000mAh or other, so check carefully. 200mAh is
roughly equal to 20 minutes of battery life. These batteries do NOT work: - Olympus BLM1 has the same specs as BP-21 (7.4V
1500mAh Li-ion), but it has wrong contacts. - Batteries for
Sigma SD9/SD10. The chargerThe Sigma charger can charge non-Sigma batteries. Chargers for NP-400 (and clones) can charge
Sigma BP-21 batteries. Getting the right camera releaseSigma CR-21 remote switch
Sigma deliver a remote switch, CR-21. Other makes
may work – see comments later in this document. SIGMA RS-31 remote controller
More info below. |
Contents: Can you use only SA mount lenses on the SD-14? |