Sigma announces new cameras and lenses

Front views of the new sd Quattro and sd Quattro H cameras without lenses. (Source: Sigma.)

Sigma has released details of its first mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, with two models, the 29-megapixel sd Quattro, which has a 23.5 x 15.5   mm Foveon X3 sensor with a 1.5x crop factor and the sd Quattro H with a 26.6 x 17.9 mm Foveon X3 with 44.8 megapixels and a 1.3x crop factor. Both cameras use the existing Sigma XA lens mount, making them compatible with existing DSLR lenses. Both cameras use the same overall designs and control layouts and both come with built-in EVFs with 2,360,000-dot resolution, 1.09x magnification, 21 mm eyepoint and -4 to +2 dioptre adjustment.

The top view of the sd Quattro cameras, showing the relatively few control located there. (Source: Sigma.)

Back view of the sd Quattro cameras, showing the control layout. Note the location of the EVF just above the right hand corner of the monitor. (Source: Sigma.)

Both cameras are equipped with hybrid AF systems that include 9-point phase detect plus contrast detection. Both cameras provide exposure compensation of +/-5EV, eight white balance settings and ISO 100-6400 sensitivity. Neither camera supports movie recording and neither has a built-in flash, although hot-shoes are provided for external flash use. Both cameras are compatible with all ‘flavours’ of regular SD cards (including Eye-Fi) and both include built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. The 3-inch, fixed LCD monitor have a resolution of 1,600,000 dots.

No information has been provided so far about release dates or pricing but we’ll update this announcement when information is available.

Sigma’s new 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens. (Source: Sigma.)

On the lens front, Sigma has announced a new 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C-sized sensors. This lens covers a 35mm equivalent range of 80-160mm on Canon cameras or 75-150mm with Nikon DX DSLRs. Features include a redesigned Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that is 30% slimmer  and has a polycarbonate diaphragm made with fluorine and blades that feature carbon feather film for smooth and consistent operation.   The optical design includes three F Low Dispersion (FLD) and one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) element, along with one high-refractive index and high-dispersion glass element to minimise aberrations.  Internal focusing and zoom operation combine nicely with the fast and constant f/1.8 maximum aperture for shallow depth-of-field effects.

The new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens for mirrorless cameras. (Source: Sigma.)
Sigma has also unveiled a new 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens for Micro Four Thirds and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. It covers 35mm equivalent focal lengths of 60mm with M4/3 cameras or 45mm with the Sony E-mount. With an optical design containing one aspherical element and one double-sided aspherical element,  this lens has a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for smooth bokeh  at wide aperture settings. A stepping motor drive ensures smooth and quiet autofocusing for shooting stills or video.

Sigma has also announced the development of its MC-11 Mount Adapter, which allows Canon EF or Sigma SA lenses to be used on the Sony E-mount camera bodies. The MC-11 has been optimised to use Sigma’s communication system to support the AF speed, aperture control and image stabilisation operations of the lenses and features an LED display to show users whether the attached lens is fully compatible or if the adapter needs updating. An internal control system helps to correct for distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting and the adapter offers complete transmission of EXIF data. Internal flocking suppresses internal reflections.

No information is available on local release dates or pricing but we’ll add it once it has been supplied.