Sigma SD-14 – the Compendium.

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 begin

The 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-21. A battery cover is included.

  7. Battery charger BC-21

  8. Battery charger Cable

  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-21. A battery grip that holds 2 batteries.

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.

Type

The SD-14 use Compact Flash (CF) cards. (It is possible to use a SD card with a CF adapter.)

Size

The 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).

Speed

A 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/charger

Sigma battery

One 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

  • double battery capacity, as it can take two Li-ion batteries, and automatically switch.
  • More safety from power related issues when doing firmware upgrade
  • Better vertical position grip.
  • Additional shutter release for verticals.

Extra batteries

Sigma says to use the original battery but several people use replacement batteries.

These batteries are known to work:

  • NP-400 for Pentax/Minolta
  • Impact DL150 (off-brand battery for Minolta NP400)
  • Pentax D-L150 battery (1620mAh)
  • Other off-brand NP400 batteries, but these may not have the same precise dimensions of the original. 3 users have reported problems with NP-400 compatible batteries sold by Cameta. These are difficult to get out of the camera. Check carefully and adjust the battery before inserting it all the way

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 charger

The Sigma charger can charge non-Sigma batteries. Chargers for NP-400 (and clones) can charge Sigma BP-21 batteries.

Getting the right camera release

Sigma 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:

Sigma SD-14 – the Compendium. 1

Before you begin. 2

The SD-14 package includes: 2

What else will you need?. 2

What you must have: 2

What you should also get: 2

What you might consider: 2

Additional stuff for later: 2

Getting the right card. 2

Type. 2

Size. 3

Speed. 3

Quality. 3

Counterfeit CF cards. 3

What lens should I get?. 3

Can you use only SA mount lenses on the SD-14?. 4

Getting the right battery/charger 4

Sigma battery. 4

The Power grip (PG-21) 4

Extra batteries. 4

The charger 5

Getting the right camera release.