Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera User Manual

1. Introducció

The Sigma SD14 is a 14-megapixel Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera designed for advanced photographers. It features the Foveon X3 direct-image sensor, which captures full RGB color information at each pixel layer, aiming for high-definition images with rich gradation. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your SD14 camera.

Key features include a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, a durable shutter mechanism rated for over 100,000 cycles, a 5-point autofocus system, and continuous shooting capabilities. The camera supports both RAW and JPEG image recording formats and includes Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 software for RAW image processing.

Figura 1.1: Frontal view of the Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera, showing the lens mount and body design.

2. Què hi ha a la caixa

Verify that all the following items are included in your Sigma SD14 package:

• Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera Body
• Lithium-ion Power Battery BP-21
• Battery Charger BC-21
• Cable USB
• Cable de vídeo
• Corretja per al coll
• Eye Cap
• Gorra del cos
• Cap d'ocular
• SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 CD-ROM
• SD14 Instruction Manual (this document)

3. Configuració

3.1. Càrrega i instal·lació de la bateria

1. Insert the Lithium-ion Battery BP-21 into the Battery Charger BC-21.
2. Connecteu el carregador a una presa de corrent. L'indicador de càrrega s'il·luminarà.
3. Charging typically takes approximately 120 minutes for a full charge.
4. Un cop estigui completament carregat, traieu la bateria del carregador.
5. Open the battery compartment cover on the camera body.
6. Insert the charged battery into the compartment, ensuring correct orientation.
7. Tanqueu bé la tapa del compartiment de la bateria.

A fully charged BP-21 battery can capture approximately 500 images.

3.2. Inserció d'una targeta de memòria

The SD14 uses CompactFlash (CF) Type I/II cards. Ensure the card is formatted in the camera before first use.

1. Obriu la tapa de la ranura de la targeta CF que hi ha al lateral de la càmera.
2. Insert the CF card with the correct orientation until it clicks into place.
3. Close the CF card slot cover securely.

3.3. Col·locació d'una lent

The Sigma SD14 uses the Sigma SA Bayonet mount. Only Sigma SA mount lenses are directly compatible.

1. Traieu la tapa del cos de la càmera i la tapa posterior de l'objectiu.
2. Align the red index mark on the lens with the red index mark on the camera body's lens mount.
3. Attach the lens by rotating it clockwise until it locks into place with a click.
4. Per treure l'objectiu, premeu el botó d'alliberament de l'objectiu del cos de la càmera i gireu l'objectiu en sentit antihorari.

Figura 3.1: superior view of the Sigma SD14, illustrating the lens mount and mode dials.

4. Funcionament

4.1. Encès / apagat

Rotate the power switch to the ON position to turn on the camera. Rotate it to OFF to power down.

4.2. Controls bàsics i pantalla

The SD14 features a 2.5-inch LCD monitor for reviewing images and navigating menus, and a pentaprism viewfinder for composing shots. The top LCD panel displays key settings such as resolution, metering mode, battery status, and remaining shots.

Figura 4.1: posterior view of the Sigma SD14, showing the LCD monitor, viewvisor i botons de control.

Key buttons include MENU, ISO, WB (White Balance), and a 4-way controller with an OK button for navigation. The INFO button displays shutter speed, aperture, and other settings on the LCD.

4.3. Enfocament

The camera utilizes a 5-point autofocus (AF) system (center, left, right, up, and down). The center AF point features a cross-type sensor for enhanced precision. AF point selection can be automatic or manual.

4.4. Metering Modes

The SD14 offers three metering modes:

• 8-segment Evaluative Metering: Analyzes the entire scene for balanced exposure.
• Center Area Metering: Prioritizes the central area of the frame.
• Center Weighted Average Metering: Measures the entire frame but gives more weight to the central area.

Exposure compensation and auto bracketing functions are available for fine-tuning exposure.

4.5. Enregistrament d'imatges

The camera supports both RAW (X3F) and JPEG formats. JPEG recording offers four sizes (Super High, High, Medium, Low) and three quality settings (Fine, Normal, Basic).

• Super High (4608 x 3072 pixels): Suitable for A3 or larger prints.
• High (2640 x 1760 pixels): Suitable for A4 prints.
• Medium (1776 x 1184 pixels): Suitable for regular size prints.
• Low (1296 x 864 pixels): Apte per web pages and email.

4.6. Tret continu

The SD14 can shoot continuously at 3 frames per second. The number of frames captured in a burst depends on the resolution setting:

• Alt: 6 quadres
• Mitjà: 12 quadres
• Baix: 24 quadres

These figures apply to both RAW and JPEG modes.

4.7. Flaix integrat

The built-in flash has a guide number of 11 (ISO 100) and covers a 17mm lens angle (28mm equivalent on 35mm format). It supports S-TTL automatic flash metering and can synchronize with shutter speeds up to 1/180 second.

4.8. Mirror Lock-up

Activate the mirror lock-up mechanism to prevent camera shake caused by mirror movement during exposure. This is particularly useful for macro photography, long telephoto shots, or scientific applications. For best results, use with a remote controller or cable release (sold separately).

4.9. Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 Software

The included Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 software is a RAW image developer. It allows for quick conversion of RAW data and offers three adjustment modes: X3F Mode (original settings), Auto Adjustment Mode, and Custom Mode for manual adjustments (exposure, contrast, shadow, highlight, saturation, sharpness, fill-light). The software supports 8-bit TIFF, 16-bit TIFF, and JPEG file formats, and sRGB, Apple RGB, Adobe RGB, and ColorMatch RGB color spaces.

5. Manteniment

5.1. Image Sensor Dust Protector

The SD14 features a dust protector positioned in front of the image sensor. This design prevents dust from adhering directly to the sensor, minimizing its impact on image quality. If dust accumulates on the protector, it will be out of focus and generally not visible in images.

5.2. Neteja del cos i l'objectiu de la càmera

• Feu servir un drap suau i sense borrissol per netejar el cos de la càmera. Per a la brutícia persistent, netegeu lleugeramentampal drap amb aigua o una solució de neteja suau.
• For lenses, use a lens brush to remove loose dust, then a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the lens surface with your fingers.
• Never use organic solvents like paint thinner or benzene to clean the camera or lens.

5.3. Cura de la bateria

• Guardeu les piles en un lloc fresc i sec quan no les utilitzeu.
• Eviteu descarregar completament la bateria amb freqüència per allargar-ne la vida útil.
• Si no heu d'utilitzar la càmera durant un període prolongat, traieu-ne la bateria.

6. Solució De Problemes

For more detailed troubleshooting or error codes, please refer to the comprehensive instruction manual included with your camera or visit the Sigma support weblloc.

7. Especificacions

7.1. Optional Accessories (Sold Separately)

• Sigma Lenses (over 40 compatible models)
• Flashguns: EF-500 DG SUPER, EF-500 DG ST, EM-140 DG
• Power Grip PG-21
• Cable Release CR-21
• Remote Controller RS-31
• AC Adapter SAC-21

8. Garantia i assistència

8.1. Informació de la garantia

For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Sigma weblloc. La cobertura de la garantia normalment inclou defectes de materials i de fabricació durant un període especificat a partir de la data de compra.

8.2. Atenció al client

If you encounter any issues or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact Sigma customer support. Contact information can usually be found on the official Sigma weblloc web o a la documentació de la garantia.

Recursos en línia: Visit the official Sigma website for product registration, firmware updates, FAQs, and additional support resources.