Frequently
Asked Questions - Camera----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACK
| SD10 |
- What are the main differences
between SD9 and SD10 Digital SLR Cameras?
- What is "Extended Mode"
- What is the new "Fill Light"
feature of SIGMA Photo Pro 2.0?
|
| X3 Sensor |
- How many mega pixels are SD9
and SD10 cameras?
- What is a Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensor?
- What is the physical size of
Foveon X3® Direct Image Sensor used in SD9
and SD10 cameras?
|
|
| SD9 & SD10 Cameras |
- What does the 1.7x focal length
multiplier mean? / What does it mean that the angle of view
is equivalent to 1.7x the focal length?
|
| Batteries |
- What kinds of batteries can
I use in SD9 and SD10 cameras?
- Why do I have to use two different
kinds of batteries in SD9 camera?
- Is it possible to use rechargeable
batteries?
- How long will the cameras last
on one set of batteries? / How many pictures can I take on
one set of batteries?
|
| Lenses |
- What lenses can I use with this
camera? / Are there recommended lenses for this camera?
- What do I do if the sensor gets
dust on it? / Can I clean the image sensor myself?
- Will my pictures be better/sharper
if I shoot without the dust protector? / Does the dust protector
degrade the pictures in any way? / I will I get better light
sensitivity if I shoot without the dust protector?
- Is it still possible to get
dust on the sensor even with the dust protector?
|
| Language |
- Which languages are be available
in Sigma Photo Pro and SD9 & SD10 cameras?
|
| CF Cards |
- How many pictures can I fit
on a CF card?
- What does formatting a CF card
do?
- Do I always have to format a
CF card before I use it with this camera? / What if I have
other pictures already on my CF card?
- Why doesn't the number of images
remaining shown in the frame counter match the actual number
of images I'm able to take?
- Why does the image counter sometimes
not decrease by one after I shoot an image? / Why does the
image counter sometimes decrease by two after I shoot an image?
- Can I use CF Cards or Microdrives
in excess of 2GB with my SD9 / SD10 camera?
|
| Image Size/ Resolution/ Format |
- How big are the image files
(in pixels)?
- How big are the image files
(in MB)? / Why aren't all the same resolution files the same
size?
- Why doesn't the camera output
TIFF or JPEG files?
- What kind of file format are
the images in? / What is an X3F file?
- Do the images get compressed
on the camera?
- How does the file size of an
X3 file compare to a non-X3 file? / Is an X3 file three times
as big as a non-X3 file from an equivalent size sensor?
- What kind of image processing
is performed on the camera?
|
| White Balance |
- What is white balance? / How
does white balance work?
- What are the different white
balance settings and how do they affect the picture?
- What is custom white balance
and how does it work?
- What if I shot my pictures with
the wrong white balance setting?
|
| Shooting |
- Does this camera use a mechanical
or electronic shutter?
- What is the maximum number of
images that can be shot in a burst?
- Why is the maximum shooting
speed 1.9 frames per second?
|
| Flash Photography |
- Why is there no built-in flash?
- What flashes can I use with
SD9 and SD10 cameras?
- Why can't I use other Sigma
flashes or other manufacturers flashes with this camera?
- Can I use the digital (DG) Sigma
flashes with my Sigma film camera?
- Does the flash automatically
adjust its zoom position for the 1.7x focal length multiplier?
|
| Reviewing Images |
- What is the purpose of the Quick
Preview?
- Can I disable the Quick Preview?
- Why is there a delay before
the Quick Preview image is displayed?
- Why can't I zoom in to the Quick
Preview image?
- How does the quality of the
preview image on the camera compare to the final image?
- Can I still take a picture even
if I'm in the middle of reviewing my images?
- Can I view my images on an <NTSC/PAL>
television?
|
| Zooming |
- Can I zoom into the image? /
How far into the image can I zoom in?
- What does 400% magnification
mean?
|
| Image Information |
- What is a histogram? / How do
you use a histogram?
- What does the exposure warning
indicate? / What do the red areas on the image mean?
|
| Deleting Images |
- Can I delete a locked image?
- What if I accidentally delete
an image? / What does "Recover last delete" do?
|
| Modifying Images |
- What is the purpose/benefit
of the OK shortcut?
- What is the purpose/benefit
of the automated slideshow?
|
| Locking Images |
- What is the purpose/benefit
of locking images?
- Can I still mark or rotate locked
images? / What can I do with an image once it's locked?
- What happens if I format a card
with locked images?
- Are the images still locked
when I get then onto a computer? / How does locking the images
effect them once they are on the computer?
|
| Marking Images |
- What is the purpose/benefit
of marking images?
- What is the difference between
marking and locking images? / Why do you need both locking
and marking on the camera?
|
| Rotating Images |
- What effect does rotating have
on the image? / Does rotating the image make it smaller?
|
| Set-up menu |
- What do the "Auto reset" and
"Continuous" options under File Numbering do?
- What happens if I put in a CF
card with X3F images already on it?
- What is the difference between
the file number and frame number?
- What is the difference between
LCD Sleep and Auto Power Off?
- What if the camera automatically
shuts down and I want to take a picture?
- What does the Info Strip item
in the Set-up Menu do?
- What options get reset by the
Camera Reset menu item? / Will my exposure compensation, metering
mode, etc. settings get reset by the Camera Reset menu item?
|
| SD10
|
|
|
What are the main differences
between SD9 and SD10 Digital SLR Cameras? |
|
The SD10's new Foveon X3®
direct image sensor utilizes Microlenses for improved
sensitivity and has a thinner grip that serves as a convenient
means of carrying the camera. SD10 camera also has enhanced
AF performance.
* Comparision Chart of SD9 and SD10 Digital SLR Cameras
|
SD9 |
SD10 |
| ISO |
100-400 |
100-1600(Extended
Mode)
100`800(Default Setting) |
| Shutter
Speed |
1/6000`15sec:
ISO100 |
1/6000`15sec:ISO100,200(Default
Setting) |
| 1/6000`1sec.:ISO200,400 |
1/6000`4sec.FISO400,800(Default
Setting) |
| |
1/6000`30sec.:Extended
Mode(ISO100`1600) |
| Batteries |
2sets of batteries
(CR123A~2+CR-V3~2) |
1set of battery
(CR-V3~2) |
| Exposure Compensation |
1/2 EV steps |
1/3 EV steps |
| Wireless Flash |
Not Available |
Available with EF-500
DG SUPER SA-N |
|
|
What is "Extended Mode" |
|
SD10 camera has two ISO
modes "Default Setting" and "Extended Mode". ISO can be
set from ISO 100 to 800 in "Default Setting" and take
long exposures of up to 15 seconds at ISO 100. If Extended
mode is selected it is possible to use ISO 100 to 1600
and take long exposures of up to 30 seconds at any sensitivity.
|
|
What is the new "Fill Light"
feature of SIGMA Photo Pro 2.0? |
|
The Fill Light affects tone
correction by adding extra light energy into the shadow
regions without overexposing highlight regions. Decreasing
this setting can be used to inrease shadows in darkness.
|
|
| X3
Sensor |
|
|
How many mega pixels are
SD9 and SD10 cameras? |
|
The Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensors in the Sigma SD9 and SD10 cameras
has 10.2 Million Pixels Sensors (2268 x 1512 x 3layers)
|
|
What is a Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensor? |
|
An X3 Full Color Pixel is
composed of three layers of Pixel Sensors-one for absorbing
red light, one for green light and one for blue light-embedded
at different depths within the silicon. This allows SD9/SD10
to capture full-measured color images, without the need
for a mosaic color filter array. Other sensors have only
one pixel sensors per pixel location, permitting them
to capture just one of the three colors at each pixel
location. Such sensors require color-interpolating software
to reconstruct the two missing colors for each pixel.
|
|
What is the physical size
of Foveon X3® Direct Image Sensor used
in SD9 and SD10 cameras? |
|
The Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensors in SD9 & SD10 has an effective
area of 20.7x13.8mm.
|
|
| SD9
& SD10 Cameras |
|
|
What does the 1.7x focal
length multiplier mean? / What does it mean that the angle
of view is equivalent to 1.7x the focal length? |
|
The size of the area exposed
by a 35mm lens, like those used on SD9 and SD10, is 24
by 36mm. However, the size of the image sensor in SD9
and SD10 is approximately 21 by 14mm. As a result, the
image sensor only sees the center part of the scene being
relayed by the lens, hence making the final image appear
more magnified. This is expressed as a 1.7x focal length
multiplier, which means that lenses appear 1.7 times longer
than the lens focal length. For example, a 28mm lens on
SD9 and SD10 will have approximately the same angle of
view as a 50mm lens on a 35mm-format camera.
|
|
| Batteries |
|
|
What kinds of batteries
can I use in SD9 and SD10 cameras? |
|
For mechanical operation
of SD9 camera, you can use two CR123A or two DL123A batteries.
For operating the color LCD monitor and other digital
components, you can use two lithium CR-V3 or four AA-type
batteries (Ni-Mh). You can use two lithium CR-V3 or four
AA-type batteries (Ni-Mh) with SD10 camera.
|
|
Why do I have to use two
different kinds of batteries in SD9 camera? |
|
SD9 and uses two kinds of
batteries: those for powering the mechanical components
of the camera and those required for the color LCD monitor
and digital operation of the camera. Both sets of batteries
are necessary for the camera to function. For added convenience,
rechargeable batteries can be used to power the color
LCD monitor.
|
|
Is it possible to use rechargeable
batteries? |
|
It is possible to use rechargeable
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries with SD9 and SD10
cameras. When using these cameras with Ni-MH batteries,
please take following points into consideration.
In spite of using newly
charged batteries, the camera may not function and "CF"
mark may appear on the top LCD screen, after releasing
the shutter or battery icon will blink or frame counter
will show lesser number of frame than camera can actually
take
These kinds of problems are actually caused by Ni-MH
type batteries. For avoiding such problems, we recommend
you the followings.
- New batteries or batteries
stored for a long period of time may not show a good
performance. In such a case, we recommend you to refresh
(discharge) the battery 1 - 2 more times and then
recharge.
- Please wipe the battery
electrode terminals and contact of battery case of
camera with the dry cloth and then insert batteries
into battery compartment.
- If recharge is repeated
without fully exhausting the battery, the memory effect,
which discharge of the battery falls temporarily may
occur.
In such a case, we recommend you to refresh (discharge)
the battery 1 - 2 more times and then recharge.
- If your battery charger
is not equipped with refresh (discharge) function
then please operate the camera from battery not from
AC Adapter, insert a CF Card that has some X3F images
already recorded to camera and start slideshow (please
refer to 92 page of instruction manual of camera about
slideshow), and, wait until it performs slideshow.
This will drain your battery and power will be shut
off automatically. After discharging the battery with
this method, please recharge the batteries and use
them with your camera.
- We recommend you to
use chargers, which are equipped with refresh (electric
discharge) function.
- We also recommend you
to always prepare one more set of spare batteries
when using camera for an extended period of time.
|
|
How long will the cameras
last on one set of batteries? / How many pictures can
I take on one set of batteries? |
|
The CRV-3 batteries will
need to be replaced after approximately 560 shots, 200
shots for rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries,
and between 30 to 50 shots for other AA-type batteries.
Battery life will vary greatly depending on the extent
of color LCD monitor usage.
|
|
| Lenses |
|
|
What lenses can I use with
this camera? / Are there recommended lenses for this camera? |
|
You can select any Sigma
SA-mount lens, ranging from 8mm to 800mm. The main criteria
for selecting a lens is the photographer's objective,
and Sigma offers a wide variety of lenses that can accommodate
any photographic situation. When SD9&SD10's 1.7x focal
length multiplier is taken into consideration, the 18-50mm
F3.5-5.6 DC or the 20-40mm F2.8 EX DG Aspherical lens
will be equivalent to a standard zoom lens if attached
to SD9 and SD10 cameras. The fixed focal length 50mm F2.8
EX Macro and 105mm F2.8 EX Macro provides superior sharpness.
Other recommended lenses are the 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG
Aspherical, 15-30mm F3.5-4.5 EX DG Aspherical, 17-35mm
F2.8-4 EX Aspherical, 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF,
24-70mm F3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF, 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC, APO
70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM, APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM and APO
120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM.
|
|
What do I do if the sensor
gets dust on it? / Can I clean the image sensor myself? |
|
Although it is possible
to remove the dust protector and clean the image sensor
yourself (see the camera manual for instructions), we
do not advise that you attempt this procedure yourself.
Due to the extremely delicate nature of the image sensor,
we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Sigma
Service Station to have the sensor cleaned.
|
|
Will my pictures be better/sharper
if I shoot without the dust protector? / Does the dust
protector degrade the pictures in any way? / I will I
get better light sensitivity if I shoot without the dust
protector? |
|
The dust protector does
not degrade the image quality in any way, nor does reduce
the cameras sensitivity. The camera will not function
properly if the dust protector is removed. |
|
Is it still possible to
get dust on the sensor even with the dust protector? |
|
Occasionally small particles
from the shutter mechanism will flake off and adhere to
the image sensor. If these particles are big enough to
be visible in your images, it will be necessary to have
the image sensor cleaned.
|
|
| Language |
|
|
Which languages are be available
in Sigma Photo Pro and SD9 & SD10 cameras? |
|
SD9 & SD10 cameras and
Sigma Photo Pro software are available in English, Japanese,
German, and French. At this time, there is no plan to
provide the camera or software in any other language.
|
|
| CF
Cards |
|
|
How many pictures can I
fit on a CF card? |
|
You can fit approximately
32 high-resolution, 54 medium-resolution, or 102 low-resolution
images on a typical 256MB card. The actual number of images
that can fit on any particular card, however, will vary
greatly depending on the photograph subject, shooting
conditions and shooting mode (due to the variable compression
applied to each image), as well as on the brand and model
of CF card.
|
|
What does formatting a CF
card do? |
|
Formatting a CF card erases
all of the data on a CF card, including files, images
and directory structures. Formatting a CF card may also
repair a non-functioning card with corrupted data. Physical
damage, faults or bad sectors cannot be fixed by formatting.
|
|
Do I always have to format
a CF card before I use it with this camera? / What if
I have other pictures already on my CF card? |
|
It is not always necessary
to format a CF card before using it in SD9 and SD10 cameras.
It is entirely possible to share a CF card between different
types of cameras or applications. SD9 and SD10 cameras
will only pay attention to files in the IMAGES folder
on the CF card and ignore everything else. However, storing
other files on the CF card will greatly reduce the number
of SD9 and SD10 images that can be taken. It will, however,
be necessary to format the CF card if it is a brand new
card or if the file system on the card has become corrupted.
In such cases, the camera will inform you with an error
message that the CF card needs to be formatted.
|
|
Why doesn't the number of
images remaining shown in the frame counter match the
actual number of images I'm able to take? |
|
The number of remaining
images shown in the frame counter is only an estimate
based on a fixed file size. However, all images are compressed
on the camera using a lossless compression algorithm (meaning
that the compression does not, in any way, degrade image
quality). Therefore, the actual size (in megabytes) of
each image will vary depending on the subject, shooting
conditions and shooting mode, which can all affect how
well an image compresses.
|
|
Why does the image counter
sometimes not decrease by one after I shoot an image?
/ Why does the image counter sometimes decrease by two
after I shoot an image? |
|
The CF card capacity displayed
in the image/frame counter is only an estimate. If you
photograph a scene that compresses poorly, the capacity
estimate will drop more than expected. If you photograph
a scene that compresses well, it will drop less than expected.
|
|
Can I use CF Cards or Microdrives
in excess of 2GB with my SD9 / SD10 camera? |
|
Current firmware of SD9
and SD10 cameras support only FAT 16, and 2GB is the upper
limit for FAT-16, therefore, you would not be able to
use CF Cards or Microdrives higher than 2GB.
|
|
| Image Size/Resolution/Format |
|
|
How big are the image files? |
|
High-resolution images are
2268 columns by 1512 rows by 3 layers. Medium-resolution
images are 1512 columns by 1008 rows by 3 layers. Low-resolution
images are 1134 columns by 756 rows by 3 layers.
|
|
How big are the image files
(in MB)? / Why aren't all the same resolution files the
same size? |
|
High resolutions images
are, on average, 8MB in size, medium resolution images
are, on average, 4MB, and low-resolution images are, on
average, 2 MB. The actual size of each image file will
vary depending on the subject, shooting conditions and
shooting mode due to the lossless, variable compression
algorithm used on the images.
|
|
Why doesn't the camera output
TIFF or JPEG files? |
|
The design focus of SD9
and SD10 digital cameras was to provide users with the
maximum image quality. By keeping files in their native
X3F format, images arrive on the user's computer in full
12-bit color, with no data corruption due to lossy compression.
The benefit to user's is greater flexibility in modifying,
enhancing, enlarging or compressing their images; the
Sigma Photo Pro image processing application is able provide
a wider range of image adjustments than would be possible
if the images were stored as finished JPEG or TIFF files.
|
|
What kind of file format
are the images in? / What is an X3F file? |
|
SD9 and SD10 images are
stored on the camera using a proprietary RAW data format
called X3F. The images are stored in 12-bit format and
are compressed using a lossless compression algorithm
that does not degrade the image quality; images arrive
on the users computer unaltered, with the best image quality
possible.
|
|
Do the images get compressed
on the camera? |
|
In order to fit the maximum
number of images on a storage device, the images are compressed
on the camera using a proprietary compression algorithm.
The size of the final image file will vary depending on
the subject, shooting conditions and shooting mode. The
compression is lossless, meaning that the image quality
is not degraded in any way.
|
|
How does the file size of
an X3 file compare to a non-X3 file? / Is an X3 file three
times as big as a non-X3 file from an equivalent size
sensor? |
|
The Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensors in SD9 and SD10 collects three times
as much data as non-X3 sensors with the equivalent number
of pixels; however, non-Foveon X3® Direct
Image Sensors use interpolation software on the camera
to fill in the missing color data, resulting in final
file sizes comparable to SD9 and SD10.
|
|
What kind of image processing
is performed on the camera? |
|
The camera performs a limited
amount of processing, in order to display and store a
small preview of each image. When the user magnifies an
image to examine it in more detail, the camera further
processes the target area to give a higher resolution
view. With a goal of saving time and power, these previews
and magnified views do not use the full high quality processing
that is available in Sigma Photo Pro.
|
|
| White
Balance |
|
|
What is white balance? /
How does white balance work? |
|
The color of light reflected
by an object can vary depending on the color of the light
source illuminating it. For example, a neutral-colored
object reflects reddish light under incandescent lighting
and greenish light under fluorescent lighting. The human
brain compensates for differences in the color of a light
source, allowing us to see white objects as white, independent
of the lighting condition. Film cameras rely on special
color-correcting filters and film types to adjust for
these differences in lighting. Digital cameras, however,
are able to use software to mimic the adjustments made
by the brain, so that colors that appear white to the
human eye also appear white in your photographs.
|
|
What are the different white
balance settings and how do they affect the picture? |
|
SD9 and SD10 cameras have
eight white balance settings: Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast,
Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, and Custom white balance.
The pre-programmed white balance settings, such as Sunlight
or Incandescent, are designed to remove the color effects
of specific light sources. For example, fluorescent lighting
casts a green hue on objects. The human brain compensates
for this effect so we still see white objects as white.
Photographs taken under fluorescent lighting, however,
would appear greenish if no white balancing was performed
in the camera. Sometimes that is the desired effect; therefore
the user should set the white balance according to the
look they are trying to achieve.
|
|
What is custom white balance
and how does it work? |
|
If you are photographing
under very unusual light conditions such as mixed light
sources, or very specific studio lighting, such as strobes,
for best results, it is recommended that you use the Custom
white balance setting. This feature allows you to capture
a sample of a known neutral color object (such as a gray
card or a white wall) and use that information to adjust
the white balance of the following photographs.
|
|
What if I shot my pictures
with the wrong white balance setting? |
|
The white balance setting
does not in any way effect how the image is actually captured,
but rather just appends certain information to the image
file telling the computer how to process the image. If
the image was captured with the wrong white balance setting,
it is easy to change this once the image is on the computer
using SIGMA Photo Pro.
|
|
| Shooting |
|
|
Does this camera use a mechanical
or electronic shutter? |
|
SD9 and SD10 use a vertical-travel
metal focal plane shutter, electronically controlled through
entire speed range.
|
|
What is the maximum number
of images that can be shot in a burst? |
|
Up to 6 images can be captured
in a burst. Images taken in rapid succession, such as
during Continuous shooting, are initially stored in the
camera's internal memory buffer. This allows you to continue
shooting without having to wait for images to be recorded
to the CF card. The internal memory buffer can store a
maximum of 6 images (at high resolution). Once the memory
buffer is full, the shutter will be disabled until some
images have been transferred to the CF card.
|
|
Why is the maximum shooting
speed 1.9 frames per second? |
|
Since the Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensors outputs 12 bits of color data from
each pixel sensor, the total amount of data generated
by the Foveon X3® Direct Image Sensors's
10.29 million pixel sensors is 15.4 megabytes. (12 bits
equals 1.5 bytes, 1.5 x 10.29 = 15.4) Because the Foveon
X3® Direct Image Sensors captures all of
the incoming light, it collects three times as much data
as other sensors, leading to longer readout times for
the sensor. Due to the extra time needed to readout the
Foveon X3® Direct Image Sensors, shooting
speeds are limited to 1.9 frames per second. Other sensors
only collect 1/3 as much data and, therefore, can be read
out more quickly, leading to faster shooting speeds, but
at a cost to the image quality.
|
|
| Flash
Photography |
|
|
Why is there no built-in
flash? |
|
To produce optimum image
quality, it was determined that the best results would
be achieved using the Sigma EF-500 DG SUPER SA or EF-500
DG ST external flash. Adding an internal flash would have
increased the base price of SD9 & SD10 and, due to
its small guide number (low light output), it would have
been of limited use. Sigma chose to optimize all features
of SD9 & SD10 cameras, including the flash, for superior
image quality, while keeping the price point of the camera
as low as possible.
|
|
What flashes can I use with
SD9 and SD10 cameras? |
|
The Sigma EF-500 DG SUPER
and the EF-500 DG ST are designed for use with the Sigma
digital cameras.
Wireless Flash function can be used with EF-500 DG Super
SA-N and SD10 combination.
EF-500 DG ST SA-N flash can also be used in 1/3 steps
exposure setting with SD10 camera.
|
|
Why can't I use other Sigma
flashes or other manufacturers flashes with this camera? |
|
The EF-500 DG SUPER and
the EF-500 DG ST Sigma flashes are designed with special
contact pins on the hot shoe to allow them to communicate
with SD9 and SD10 cameras. Other brands of external flash
units may damage the camera or not function properly.
|
|
Can I use the digital (DG)
Sigma flashes with my Sigma film camera? |
|
Yes, the EF-500 DG SUPER
and the EF-500 DG ST can both be used with the Sigma SA300n,
SA-5, SA-7, and SA-9 film cameras.
|
|
Does the flash automatically
adjust its zoom position for the 1.7x focal length multiplier? |
|
No, Sigma flashes are designed
to provide an angle of coverage that accommodates the
picture area of a standard 35mm film camera. The area
covered by the flash will, therefore, be larger than the
recorded image due to the 1.7X focal length multiplier
of SD9 and SD10.
|
|
| Reviewing
Images |
|
|
What is the purpose of the
Quick Preview? |
|
The Quick Preview feature
automatically displays the captured image on the color
LCD monitor after the shutter is pressed. This feature
allows you to immediately check your composition, exposure,
or focus, without having to press any additional buttons.
The LCD monitor will automatically turn off after 2 or
more seconds (depending on your selection in the Set-up
Menu).
|
|
Can I disable the Quick
Preview? |
|
The Quick Preview can be
completely disabled. Images can still be reviewed on the
camera by pressing the VIEW button, but will not display
automatically after they are captured. This setting is
recommended if there is no need to immediately review
each image after it is taken since it significantly improves
battery life.
|
|
Why is there a delay before
the Quick Preview image is displayed? |
|
Since the Foveon X3®
Direct Image Sensors outputs 12 bits of color data from
each pixel sensor, the total amount of data generated
by the Foveon X3® Direct Image Sensors's
10.29 million pixel sensors is 15.4 megabytes. (12 bits
equals 1.5 bytes, 1.5 x 10.29 = 15.4) Because the Foveon
X3® Direct Image Sensors captures all of
the incoming light, it collects three times as much data
as other sensors, leading to longer readout times for
the sensor. This translates to a longer time between when
the image is captured and when it can be displayed on
the LCD monitor. Other sensors only collect 1/3 as much
data and, therefore, can be read out more quickly.
|
|
Why can't I zoom in to the
Quick Preview image? |
|
Since the Quick Preview
is only designed to be a quick, at-a-glance examination
of the image, most review functions, such as zooming,
are disabled. However, all review functions can be quickly
and easily enabled simply by pressing the VIEW button
while the Quick Preview image is up. This puts the camera
into regular image review mode, enabling all regular features
and preventing the LCD monitor from shutting off after
2 seconds.
|
|
How does the quality of
the preview image on the camera compare to the final image? |
|
The image that is shown
on the color LCD monitor is only a preview of the final
image; it does not contain all of the processing steps
that are used to create the final image in the Sigma Photo
Pro image processing application. By skipping some of
the processing steps on the camera, the preview image
can be displayed more quickly on the color LCD monitor,
without using up a lot of camera power. The final image
will be much cleaner and sharper than it appears on the
LCD. Photos that were taken at higher ISO settings, are
underexposed or were taken under low light situations
may have visible noise when viewed on the LCD monitor.
After processing in Sigma Photo Pro, the noise is typically
eliminated or greatly reduced.
|
|
Can I still take a picture
even if I'm in the middle of reviewing my images? |
|
SD9 and SD10 do not have
distinct image capture and review modes. Additional pictures
can be taken at any time, regardless of what is happening
on the color LCD monitor. In fact, unless the image buffer
is full, SD9 and SD10 cameras are always ready to take
another picture no matter what else it is doing.
|
|
Can I view my images on
an <NTSC/PAL> television? |
|
Yes, SD9 and SD10 cameras
can be connected to an NTSC or PAL video device (television
of video cassette recorder (VCR)) using the included video
cable.
|
|
| Zooming |
|
|
Can I zoom into the image?
/ How far into the image can I zoom in? |
|
You can magnify the preview
image by up to five levels (depending on the resolution
and orientation of the image). Maximum magnification is
400%.
|
|
What does 400% magnification
mean? |
|
The percentage magnification
tells you how many rows on the LCD monitor are used to
represent each row of pixels in the image (the LCD monitor
has discrete rows, but a more complicated column structure).
At 100%, each row of the LCD monitor shows one row of
the image; at 400% the image is enlarged by another factor
of 4. The magnified image is rendered to the LCD with
smoothing, so you don't see square blocks for the pixels,
like you would on your computer using Photo Pro or Adobe
Photoshop. The color blobs that you often see in this
magnified preview image will not be present in a fully
processed image.
|
|
| Image
Information |
|
|
What is a histogram? / How
do you use a histogram? |
|
A histogram is a graph depicting
the distribution of brightness values in the image. The
horizontal axis shows the brightness level (from 0 to
255), with darker pixels towards the left side and brighter
pixels toward the right. The vertical axis shows the proportion
of pixels at each level of brightness. By examining the
histogram you can gauge the over-all exposure of an image.
When the histogram is higher on the left side, the image
is mostly composed of dark pixels, causing it to appear
dark-either because the image is underexposed or because
it is a dark scene such as night shot or sunset. When
the histogram runs off the right side, the image will
have many white pixels-either because the image is overexposed
or because it is a bright scene such as the beach or snow.
A histogram with a fairly even distribution of pixel values
usually indicates that the image is well exposed, with
good contrast. However, the histogram distribution of
a well-exposed image will vary greatly depending on the
subject.
|
|
What does the exposure warning
indicate? / What do the red areas on the image mean? |
|
Highlight areas of an image
where detail may be lost due to overexposure will be indicated
by a solid red overlay. Overexposed areas are defined
as any area where the pixel values have reached 255 in
at least one of the three-color channels. For example,
pixels with any of the following values would qualify
for the exposure warning: (0, 15, 255), (56, 255, 34),
or (255, 255, 255). The overexposure warning does not
necessarily mean that the image needs to be retaken, however;
in many cases, blown out areas of an image can be recovered
in the Sigma Photo Pro image processing application.
|
|
| Deleting
Images |
|
|
Can I delete a locked image? |
|
Locked images can only be
deleted if they are unlocked first. If you try to delete
a group of images, some of which are locked, the locked
images will not get deleted. If you try to delete a single
locked image, you will first be asked to confirm that
you want the image deleted. If you agree, the image will
be unlocked and deleted.
|
|
What if I accidentally delete
an image? / What does "Recover last delete" do? |
|
When quickly sorting images,
it is not inconceivable to accidentally delete the wrong
image, or select "Delete All" by mistake. On any other
camera, this would be an occasion to panic. On SD9 and
SD10 cameras, however, it is easy to recover the deleted
images, using the "Recover last delete" option in the
Delete Menu, providing that the blunder is immediately
noticed.
|
|
| Modifying
Images |
|
|
What is the purpose/benefit
of the OK shortcut? |
|
The Ok Shortcut allows you
to program the OK button on the camera to mark, lock,
or rotate the image you are viewing, or temporarily toggle
the exposure warning on or off. This feature makes it
very quick and easy to apply changes to large sets of
images.
|
|
What is the purpose/benefit
of the automated slideshow? |
|
The automated slideshow
provides an easy and convenient method for showing pictures,
either on the color LCD monitor on the camera or on an
attached television. You can choose to show all of your
images, just the locked ones, or just the marked one,
and set the duration for how long each image will remain
on the screen. The selected images will then advance automatically,
without the need to press any buttons on the camera.
|
|
| Locking
Images |
|
|
What is the purpose/benefit
of locking images? |
|
Locking images prevents
them from being deleted using the Delete Menu function.
This feature is useful for protecting favorite images
from accidental erasure.
|
|
Can I still mark or rotate
locked images? / What can I do with an image once it's
locked? |
|
Locking an image only prevents
it from being deleted. You can still mark and rotate a
locked image, both on the camera and in Photo Pro. Locking
does not prevent images from being transferred to a computer
or being processed and saved as JPEGs or TIFFs.
|
|
What happens if I format
a card with locked images? |
|
Locking does not prevent
images from being erased when the CF card is formatted.
Make sure that all desired images have been transferred
to a computer before formatting the CF card.
|
|
Are the images still locked
when I get then onto a computer? / How does locking the
images effect them once they are on the computer? |
|
Locking an image, either
on the camera or in Photo Pro, tags the file as "read-only".
This means that you will not be able to delete or over-write
the file once it is on the computer.
|
|
| Marking
Images |
|
|
What is the purpose/benefit
of marking images? |
|
Images can be marked for
any one of a variety of reasons, depending on user preference-
identify a set of favorite images, select a group of image
to run as a slideshow, tag images taken by a particular
user (if the camera is shared), choose a set of images
to delete, etc.
|
|
| Rotating
Images |
|
|
What is the difference between
marking and locking images? / Why do you need both locking
and marking on the camera? |
|
Although locking can be
used to identify favorite images, its primary purpose
is to protect images from being deleted. Having the ability
to both lock and mark images independently gives a lot
more flexibility in the different types of image groups
that can be created.
|
|
| Set-up
menu |
|
|
What effect does rotating
have on the image? / Does rotating the image make it smaller? |
|
Although rotating an image
does make it appear smaller on the LCD monitor, the actual
file stays exactly the same size. Rotating an image does
not degrade the image quality in any way.
|
|
What do the "Auto reset"
and "Continuous" options under File Numbering do? |
|
The File Numbering menu
item effects how the camera numbers images when an empty
CF card is inserted. If File Numbering is set to "Auto
Reset", the first image on an empty card will always be
00001 (this number becomes part of the filename of the
image). If File Numbering is set to "Continuous", the
first image on an empty card will be assigned the next
available image from the camera image counter (one greater
than the last number assigned by the camera). This setting
is recommended because it gives images unique filenames
and prevents files from being accidentally overwritten
when they are transferred to a computer.
|
|
What happens if I put in
a CF card with X3F images already on it? |
|
Regardless of the File Numbering
setting, the next image captured will be assigned the
larger of 1) the next available number from the camera
image counter or 2) one number greater than the highest
numbered image already on the card. This system prevents
images from showing up on the card chronologically out
of sequence.
|
|
What is the difference between
the file number and frame number? |
|
The frame number is simply
a counter that indicates how many X3F files are present
on a CF card. If a card only has one image on it, the
frame number of that image will be 1. The frame number
is never associated with a specific image. The file number
is a numerical identifier that is associated with a specific
image and becomes part of that images filename. The file
number assigned to an image may be different from its
frame number. For example, the file number of an image
with frame number 1 may be anything from 00001 to 99999,
if File Numbering is set to "Continuous".
|
|
What is the difference between
LCD Sleep and Auto Power Off? |
|
The LCD Sleep setting only
affects the color LCD monitor. If the LCD monitor is on,
but the buttons on the back of the camera are not being
pressed, the LCD will automatically turn off after the
duration specified in the LCD Sleep setting. This feature
is automatically disabled if an automated slideshow is
in progress. The Auto Power Off setting puts the whole
camera into a low-power mode if it is not used for the
specified amount of time. The VIEW and MENU buttons are
not active when the camera is in low-power mode. This
feature prevents the color LCD from being accidentally
turned on and draining the batteries while the camera
is not being used. To reactivate the camera, press the
shutter button halfway.
|
|
What if the camera automatically
shuts down and I want to take a picture? |
|
If the camera is on, but
is not being used for a certain amount of time, some camera
systems will shut down to conserve battery power. However,
pressing the shutter button halfway immediately reactivates
the camera, with no noticeable delay.
|
|
What does the Info Strip
item in the Set-up Menu do? |
|
The Info Strip item in the
Set-up Menu allows you to customize the kind of information
that will be shown in the black strip above each image
as you review it. This feature gives you at-a-glance access
to the kind of information that you use most. You can
choose between displaying exposure information-which includes
aperture, shutter speed, ISO and resolution that the image
was captured at-or the date and time of image capture.
|
|
What options get reset by
the Camera Reset menu item? / Will my exposure compensation,
metering mode, etc. settings get reset by the Camera Reset
menu item? |
|
The Camera Reset option
only effects settings in the Set-up Menu on the color
LCD monitor, restoring them to the factory default positions
(see camera manual for defaults). Other camera settings,
such as ISO, resolution, metering mode, etc., will not
be changed.
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