Sigma SD1 Merrill

Zitat: Wertung: 4 von 5 Sternen im Test. Mehr Details auf Digitalkamera Testportal!

Zitat: Wertung: 4 von 5 Sternen im Test. Mehr Details auf Spiegelreflexkamera!

Zitat: Bildqualität ISO100: 46,5 Punkte Bildqualität ISO400: 43 Punkte Bildqualität ISO800: 34 Punkte Bildqualität ISO1600: 31 Punkte Bildqualität ISO3200: 23 Punkte Bildqualität ISO6400: 13,5 Punkte Ausstattung/Performance (ma. 25 Punkte): 8 Punkte

Zitat: Pro: + Excellent build quality + Useful quick-set menu + Excellent image quality Contra: - AF problems in low light - Frequent writing to the memory card - Lacks video, live view, top LCD The Sigma SD1 Merrill is a contradiction. It´s a well-constructed DSLR with good ergonomics, a useful quick-set menu and great image quality thanks to its use of Foveon technology. However the camera´s performance is hampered by auto focus problems in low light and all-too-frequent writing to the memory card that causes the camera to freeze until the writing is completed. Further, the camera lacks several features that other mid-range DSLRs have such as a video mode, live view and an LCD on the camera´s top plate. In addition, the camera´s battery life is rather short compared to the competition. Overall it´s hard to recommend this camera wholeheartedly, especially at its premium price. For some, its superb image quality will be reason enough to buy it. However, its performance issues and absence of some popular features will cause others to look elsewhere.

Zitat: We were really excited to get hold of the Sigma SD1 Merrill, it´s a lovely camera to hold and you can feel the workmanship that´s gone into it. The magnesium alloy body ensures rigidity and the weather sealing means you don´t have to rush out of the rain. We like the colour rendition of the sensor and can´t fault the low ISO images for smoothness, sharpness and - frankly - noise free performance. Given the right lens, we think that the SD1 Merrill would be able to pick out every pore on a model´s face and get the colours and contours of the skin bang on. There are a few underlying issues with the SD1 Merrill that we´re disappointed with. The lack of live view was an issue when we were photographing the cars. We wanted a low angle but couldn´t get our eye to the viewfinder comfortably and it shows. Live view would have helped us get the framing spot on. We would love to see what the video capability of the new Foveon sensor is like but alas, the SD1 Merrill doesn´t feature it. Our curiosity aside, more and more photographers, especially fashion photographers, are using video to bolster their portfolio of skill. Wedding photographers are also using video on a DSLR because it´s convenient and the depth of field from the larger sensor is sublime. Sigma have missed a trick by not including it. It´s also a shame that the sensor isn´t full frame. However, we love the inclusion of a flash sync socket, it´s a rarity these days and we also like the small interior technological advantages, namely the twin motors for the mirror and shutter curtain. It´s much easier to recommend the SD1 Merrill now that it has a realistic price tag - £1,840 / $1,900 undercuts its main rivals and the Foveon sensor is intriguing enough to justify consideration over Canon, Nikon et al. As it´s a Sigma fit and there are currently no SAF adapters, anyone on another brand will have to buy all new glass, so that may sway you to stick with your current system if you;´ve already made investment. However, looking past the negatives, we would recommend it because it´s a good camera that gives very good results. If you´re a studio photographer looking for mind bogglingly big files from a DSLR, you want a decent build, good colour performance, and you´re not tied to a brand, then take a hard look at the Sigma SD1 Merrill. The pictures are very good after all and ultimately that´s what´s important, especially now that it won´t (almost literally) break the bank.