Sigma SD15 User Manual
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Sigma SD15 User Manual

Digital single lens camera with foveon full color sensor
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C24EN1031
E ENGLISH
USER'S MANUAL
This manual explains how to use SIGMA SD15 digital SLR camera.
Please refer to the SIGMA Photo Pro User Guide, which is available in the
PDF format of the supplied CD-ROM, to get information about installation of
SIGMA Photo Pro software to your computer, connection between camera
and computer and for detailed explanation of SIGMA Photo Pro software.
123

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Summary of Contents for Sigma SD15

  • Page 1 USER’S MANUAL This manual explains how to use SIGMA SD15 digital SLR camera. Please refer to the SIGMA Photo Pro User Guide, which is available in the PDF format of the supplied CD-ROM, to get information about installation of SIGMA Photo Pro software to your computer, connection between camera...

  • Page 2: Notes On Copyright

    Thank you for purchasing the Sigma Digital Autofocus Camera The Sigma SD15 Digital SLR camera is a technical breakthrough! It is powered by the Foveon® X3™ image sensor, the world’s first image sensor to capture red, green and blue light at each and every pixel. A high-resolution digital single-lens reflex camera, the SD15 delivers superior-quality digital images by combining Sigma’s extensive interchangeable lens line-up with the revolutionary Foveon X3...

  • Page 3: Package Contents / Accessories

    Li-ion Battery BP-21（Battery Cover is included） Battery Charger BC-21 Battery Charger Cable USB Cable Video Cable SIGMA Photo Pro Disc Instruction Manual Warranty Card SIGMA Limited Warranty & Service Network • No memory card is included with this camera. Please purchase this separately.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS PACKAGE CONTENTS / ACCESSORIES ... 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ... 6 HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ... 9 DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTS ... 11 TOP LCD PANEL ... 13 VIEWFINDER ... 13 CONTROL DIALS ... 14 BASIC OPERATION AND QUICK REFERENCE ... 15 PREPARATION ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP ...
  • Page 5 BULB SETTING ... 46 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH ... 47 EXPOSURE MODE AND BUILT-IN FLASH ... 48 FUNCTION SETTING OF FLASH ... 49 FOCUSING HOW TO USE AUTOFOCUS ... 51 SELECTING THE AUTOFOCUS MODE ... 52 AF POINT SELECTION ...
  • Page 6 REVIEWING, DELETING AND MODIFYING IMAGES QUICK PREVIEW CHANGING THE QUICK PREVIEW DURATION ... 82 REVIEWING IMAGES VIEWING ONE IMAGE AT A TIME ... 85 MAGNIFYING IMAGES (ZOOMED-IN VIEW) ... 86 VIEWING NINE IMAGES AT A TIME (CONTACT SHEET VIEW) ... 87 VIEWING IMAGES A PAGE AT A TIME (JUMP MODE) ...

  • Page 7: Safety Precautions

    Take the camera to the retailer where you bought it, or to an authorized Sigma service station. Please follow all guidelines, rules and regulations of your community regarding the disposal of batteries.
  • Page 8 Do not touch internal parts of the camera that become exposed as a result of damage, it could cause fire or electric shock. Remove the batteries and contact an authorized Sigma service station. After attaching a lens, do not look directly at the sun, through the viewfinder.
  • Page 9 Do not fire the flash close to eyes. Otherwise, the bright light would damage the eye. Keep at least 1m/3feet distance between face and the camera, when taking a picture with flash. Do not cover the flash with your finger or hand, it can cause skin burn. CAUTION (BATTERY CHARGER AND AC ADAPTER) Do not pull the Battery Charger or the AC power cord, when disconnecting...

  • Page 10: Handling Precautions

    Carry spare batteries when you use the camera in a cold environment, on a field trip, or when taking many pictures at one time. Do not use this camera with any external flash unit other than Sigma Flash EF-530(500) DG SUPER SA-STTL or EF-530(500) DG ST SA-STTL, which have special contact pins on the hot shoe.
  • Page 11 SD MEMORY CARD AND MULTIMDEIA CARD The SD15 camera uses a SD memory card, SDHC memory card and multimedia card. • In this instruction manual, SD memory card, SDHC memory card and Multimedia card are referred to as the ‘Card’.
  • Page 13 1. AF AUXILIARY LIGHT 2. DUST PROTECTOR 3. LENS MOUNT 4. LENS LOCK BUTTON 5. BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER 27. SD CARD COVER BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER LATCH 7. TRIPOD SOCKET FLASH EXPOSURE COMPERTMENT BUTTON 9. REMOTE CONTROL SENSOR 10. PC SYNCHRO TERMINAL 11.

  • Page 14: Top Lcd Panel

    TOP LCD PANEL SHUTTER SPEED APERTURE VALUE REMOTE CONTROL METERING MODE BATTERY INDICATOR VIEWFINDER CENTER AREA METERING FLASH INDICATOR FOCUS INDICATOR SHUTTER SPEED ISO SETTING FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION EXPOSURE METER AUTO BRACKETING COUNTER AUTO FOCUS FRAME EXPOSURE METER AUTO BRACKETING APERTURE VALUE AE LOCK INDICATOR...

  • Page 15: Control Dials

    D-DIAL MODE DIAL PROGRAM AE APERTURE PRIORITY AE SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY AE MANUAL EXPOSURE SETTING AUTO BRACKETING MIRROR LOCK-UP SELF-TIMER (2s) SELF-TIMER (10s) CONTINUOUS SHOOTING SINGLE FRAME SHOOTING POWER OFF DRIVE AREA...

  • Page 16: Basic Operation And Quick Reference

    BASIC OPERATION AND QUICK REFERENCE The SD15 camera has many advanced features. This section, describes basic camera operation. You can find more details in later sections. Charging the battery (P.19) Charge the supplied lithium ion battery with the provided battery charger.
  • Page 17 Set the language (P.26) Set the date and time (P.27) Loading the Card (P.28) Turn the “D”-dial to the □ (single frame shooting) position. (P.56) Set the AF/MF switch on the lens to the AF position. (P.51)
  • Page 18 Select the exposure mode (P.41) Set the “Mode”-Selector to P “Program AE” position Focus (P.51) Determine the composition through the finder, and then press the shutter button “Half-way” to activate exposure metering and autofocus. Take a picture Press the shutter button “All-the way-down” to take a picture Review the image.

  • Page 19: Preparation

    PREPARATION This section describes necessary preparations before using the camera. ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP HOW TO USE THE FINDER CAP Undo the strap end. Thread the Finder Cap onto the strap. Attach the carry strap as shown. When using the self-timer or remote control, cover the viewfinder eyepiece with the Finder Cap, to prevent stray light from entering the camera.

  • Page 20: Loading The Battery

    LOADING THE BATTERY A lithium ion battery BP-21 is provided with the SD15 camera. Charge the battery, before using the camera first time. Please charge the battery by the supplied battery charger BC-21, when no charge remains. TO CHARGE THE BATTERY We recommend charging the battery before using the camera again.
  • Page 21 LOADING THE BATTERY WARNING!! Confirm that the D dial is in the and open the cover by sliding the battery compartment cover latch in the direction of the arrow, as shown in the instruction. Insert the battery in accordance with diagram inside the cover.
  • Page 22 TO REMOVE THE BATTERY WARNING!! • While the Busy Lamp is on, please do not remove the battery. Doing so can result in data loss. Moreover, the camera and card may be damaged. Turn the “D”- dial to the open the battery compartment cover by sliding battery compartment cover latch in the direction as shown by the arrow.

  • Page 23: Checking The Battery Status

    When “D”-dial is set to drive area (P.14), the battery icon, which shows the capacity of the battery, is shown on the top LCD panel. Explanations of the symbols are given as follows. TOP LCD COLOR LCD PANEL MONITOR White White White Blinking...

  • Page 24: Using A Home Power Supply (Sold Separately)

    When you have finished using the camera, please disconnect the plug from the wall socket. When using the SD15 with an AC power supply, the battery icon shows the full symbol, regardless of the power level of the battery. If you start to operate the camera on battery power, the display will change and show the remaining power level of the battery.

  • Page 25: Mounting And Removing The Lens

    • The SD15 camera contains a dust protector, located inside the lens mount. The dust protector is a very delicate device. Take care not to cause scratch its surface. Touching or pushing it with your fingers can easily damage it. If there is dirt or dust on it, please refer to the Maintenance section of your manual (P.110).
  • Page 26 CAUTION !! • On the mount surface of the lens, there are a number of electrical contacts. Keep them clean to ensure proper connection. To avoid damaging them, be sure to place the lens on its front end when it is off the camera. To remove the lens, press the lens lock button and turn the lens counter–clockwise until it stops.

  • Page 27: Setting The Language

    SETTING THE LANGUAGE You should receive the SD15 camera pre-set to English, however, if necessary, you can change the camera language yourself. Make sure the camera is turned on. Press the button on the back of the camera to display the Camera Set-up Menu.

  • Page 28: Setting The Time And Date

    The SD15 camera records the date and time when each image is captured and stores this information with the image. To ensure that the correct information is recorded with each image, set the camera’s internal clock to the correct date and time before using the camera for the first time or after extended periods of disuse.

  • Page 29: Camera Set-Up Menu

    CAMERA SET-UP MENU This section describes the various settings in the Camera Set-up Menu. The Set-up Menu contains two types of menu items; items followed by an ellipsis (…) open dialog windows, all other items open sub-menus listing the setting options. TO DISPLAY THE SET-UP MENU Press the button on the back of the...

  • Page 30: List Of Menu Functions

    LIST OF MENU FUNCTIONS * Designates the default option. Some defaults may vary depending on the country of purchase. Menu Item Custom WB Picture Settings Auto Bracket Setting AEL Button Settings Half-pressed AEL AF Auxiliary Light AF Beep Extended Mode Quick Preview Options Description...
  • Page 31 Menu Item C-dial : M UP Setting File Numbering Exposure Warning OK Shortcut Applied Rotate Auto Rotate Format Card Date/Time Release Without Card Options Description Shutter speed* Sets the allocated function of Aperture C-Dial in M mode. Shutter button* Sets the exposure timing of after 2 sec Mirror Lock-up photography.
  • Page 32 Menu Item Key Sound LCD Off Auto Power Off Video Mode Language/言語 Firmware Camera Reset Options Description Sets or cancels Key Sound. On * 10 sec. Sets the delay before the 30 sec. backlight of the color LCD 1 min. * monitor turns off 3 min.

  • Page 33: Function Display

    FUNCTION DISPLAY In Function Display, it is possible to set and confirm functions (Flash Mode, AF Mode etc) which are set by the confirm the information (Aperture value, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode, frame number etc). 1 Battery Level Indicator 2 Exposure Mode 3 AE Lock 4 Metering Mode 5 ISO Sensitivity...

  • Page 34: Camera Info Page

    CAMERA INFO PAGE The Camera Info Page can be used to get at-a-glance information about image-capture settings (for example: Image Size, Image Quality and Picture Settings) and card status. 1 Battery Level Indicator 2 Image Size 3 Image Quality 4 Color Mode 5 White Balance 6 Contrast By pressing the...

  • Page 35: Inserting And Removing The Card

    INSERTING AND REMOVING THE CARD The SD15 camera uses a SD memory card, SDHC memory card and Multimedia card to store data. TO INSERT THE CARD • It may be necessary to format the card before use. (See P.36) Turn off the camera and open the SD Card Cover, as shown in the illustration.
  • Page 36 TO REMOVE THE CARD CAUTION !! • Never do any of the following while the Busy Lamp is on. (The Busy Lamp indicates when the camera is writing, reading, or erasing images from the card. Doing any of the following may cause the image data to be lost or corrupt.) Do not remove the card.

  • Page 37: Formatting The Card

    • Cards formatted in other cameras or devices may not operate correctly in the SD15 camera or may have reduced capacity. To store the maximum number of SD15 files, format the card in the SD15 camera before use. Press...

  • Page 38: File Numbering System

    4-digit file number and extension. For example: image number 0023 will be stored in the file SDIM0023.X3F. All SD15 image files will be stored to ###SIGMA folder of the DCIM folder in the card. ● When [Adobe RGB] is selected from the Camera Set-up Menu (P.28) →...

  • Page 39: Frame Number Counter

    FRAME NUMBER COUNTER This display shows the number of images that can be recorded on the card. The number of images that can be recorded on the card depends on the settings you choose. For example, in the illustration on the left, 32 pictures can be stored on the card.

  • Page 40: Diopter Adjustment

    DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT • The camera’s adjustable diopter range is –3 to +1.5dpt. • If you still cannot see the viewfinder clearly, we suggest that you purchase a viewfinder diopter adjustment eyepiece and use it together with the built-in diopter adjuster. TOP LCD ILLUMINATION •...

  • Page 41: Holding The Camera

    ● Keep your elbow close to your body and take a half step forward for a more stable stance. SHUTTER BUTTON The shutter button of the SD15 cameras has two positions. When you press the shutter button “halfway down”, the camera’s...

  • Page 42: Basic Operation

    BASIC OPERATION SELECTING THE EXPOSURE MODE The features and the operation methods of the four different exposure modes of the camera are explained below. P PROGRAM AE To make picture taking easier, the camera will automatically select an appropriate combination of shutter speed and aperture value, according to the brightness of the subject.
  • Page 43 PROGRAM SHIFT You can change the combination of shutter speed and aperture value, which were automatically selected by the camera. While turning the “C”-Dial, the combination of shutter speed and aperture value will change within the range of combinations that give the equivalent exposure. ■...

  • Page 44: A Aperture Priority Ae

    A APERTURE PRIORITY AE After you set the aperture, the camera will determine the appropriate shutter speed. If you select smaller apertures, depth of field will be greater. Larger apertures tend to blur the background, as depth of field will be shallower. Set the “D”-Dial to “Drive–Area”...

  • Page 45: S Shutter Speed Priority Ae

    When you set the desired shutter speed, the camera will select the appropriate aperture value for correct exposure. You can achieve stop action effects by selecting a fast shutter speed, or give the feeling of motion to a moving subject by selecting a slow shutter speed. Set the “D”-Dial to the “Drive –Area”...

  • Page 46: M Manual Exposure

    M MANUAL EXPOSURE Set both the shutter speed and aperture value according to the indication of the exposure meter. You can change the exposure, as you desire. To determine the exposure value using the camera’s exposure meter Rotate the “mode”-Dial to the M position. When you press the shutter button “Half-way”, the shutter speed and aperture value are displayed in the viewfinder, and the display indicates the difference between the manually selected exposure and the metered exposure.

  • Page 47: Bulb Setting

    It can be set from [C-Dial : M] of Camera Set-up menu (P.28). Shutter Speed Shutter speed is set by rotating the C-Dial. While pressing the (Default) Aperture value is set by rotating the C-Dial. While pressing the Aperture BULB SETTING When long time exposures are required (for shooting night scenes or very dark subjects) the use of the “Bulb”...

  • Page 48: Using The Built-In Flash

    (The same phenomenon is possible with a lens, which has a large front lens and long length) Either remove the lens hood, or use an external Sigma dedicated flash. • To prevent overheating and protect the built-in flash unit after using continous shooting with flash, please do not use your flash for a while,.

  • Page 49: Exposure Mode And Built-In Flash

    EXPOSURE MODE AND BUILT-IN FLASH P mode Depending on the brightness of the subject and focal length of lens, the most appropriate shutter speed (between 1/30 - 1/180 sec) and aperture will be selected. In bright situations, the flash will be “daylight synchronization flash”, and the camera will calculate the appropriate flash amount for the correct exposure, of both the subject and background.

  • Page 50: Function Setting Of Flash

    WIRELESS TTL FLASH MODE It is possible to take pictures with Wireless TTL Flash Mode, if you use the optional external flash SIGMA EF SUPER series (only this Flash Type C1～C3 is compatible with wireless flash photography). Please refer to the Instruction Manual of the DG SUPER SA-STTL for more details.
  • Page 51 SLOW SYNC Default setting is applied. Please use this mode for ordinary photography. (Default) ■ Slow synchro mode is applied. REAR CURTAIN SYNCHRONIZATION (Flash Sync. Mode) close and the subject will be exposed by ambient light from the time the shutter opens until the flash fires.

  • Page 52: Focusing

    FOCUSING Adjustment of autofocus and manual focus operation are explained below. HOW TO USE AUTOFOCUS It is possible to use Autofocus function only with AF Lenses. Your camera is equipped with highly precise AF System and incorporates two different autofocus modes.(In the case of Mirror lenses and some specialized lenses, the camera can be use only in Manual Focus mode).

  • Page 53: Selecting The Autofocus Mode

    SELECTING THE AUTOFOCUS MODE SINGLE AF MODE Depress and hold the shutter button “Half-way” to activate the autofocus function. In order to avoid out of focus exposures, the shutter cannot be released until the subject is in focus. This is called “focus priority”.

  • Page 54: Af Point Selection

    AF POINT SELECTION When you rotate the “C”-dial clockwise, the selection will occur in the looping ■ sequence that follows. The SD15 is equipped with 5 focusing points. Selecting the AF point can be done automatically manually photographer. Press button and select the desired AF point by rotating the “C”-dial displayed in the...

  • Page 55: Af Auxiliary Light

    AF AUXILIARY LIGHT The built-in AF Auxiliary Light of the SD15 enables focusing in low light conditions. The AF Auxiliary Light can be used with ■ center focus AF point selection only. The AF Auxiliary Light is effective with the center focus of the automatic AF ■...

  • Page 56: Focus Lock

    FOCUS LOCK This photography method is useful if a photographic subject is not positioned within the central AF frame. Choose the AF point according to the "AF POINT SELECTION” instructions on page 53. Position the photographic subject into the selected AF frame, and focus by pressing the shutter button half-way.

  • Page 57: Operation Of The Drive Mode

    OPERATION OF THE DRIVE MODE Operation of the self-timer, and other functions of the camera are explained by the following: DRIVE-AREA Some of the important operations and settings of the camera can be activated by the drive area of the “D”-dial. Such as single frame shooting, continuous shooting, self-timer, and mirror lock-up.

  • Page 58: Continuous Shooting

    In this mode, when you keep the shutter button fully depressed, the camera will take pictures continuously. At the time of continuous shooting the number of frames per sec. is given below. The maximum number of frames and speed of continuous shooting are as follows: Image Quality JPEG...

  • Page 59: Self Timer

    SELF TIMER When you want to include yourself in the picture or avoid camera shake, please use the self-timer. When you set the self-timer to 10s, then the shutter will be released 10seconds after you fully press the shutter button. When you set the self-timer to 2s, then the shutter will be released 2seconds after you fully press the shutter button.
  • Page 60 It is possible to change the exposure timing of mirror lock-up photography. It is possible to set this [UP Setting] in the Camera Set-up menu (P.28). Shutter button After the mirror is raised, exposure will be measured by (Default) pressing the shutter button again. Exposure will be measured 2 seconds after the mirror is after 2 sec raised.

  • Page 61: Advanced Operation

    Approx. Select this setting when taking pictures with 7000 K the Sigma EF-530 DG flash. Select this setting when using a custom white balance. Use the [Custom WB] menu  option to create a custom white balance setting.
  • Page 62 If Custom White Balance ( ■ be used for shooting. Make sure the camera is turned on. Press the Button to open the quick set menu. The desired mode can be chosen by pressing the ( ) button of the 4-way controller.
  • Page 63 SETTING A CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE For more precise control of the white balance setting or when photographing under unusual lighting conditions, the [Custom WB] option can be used to capture a sample of neutral object in a scene to be used for color correction.

  • Page 64: Setting The Sensitivity（Iso Equivalency

    SETTING THE SENSITIVITY（ISO EQUIVALENCY） The photosensitivity of digital cameras is described in terms of “ISO equivalent” like silver-halide film cameras. (ISO sensitivity P.115) It is possible to select the ISO sensitivity from following. (Auto), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 • If [ISO Auto] is selected, the ISO value will automatically change to ISO 100 or 200 depending on the light condition.

  • Page 65: Image File Setting

    IMAGE FILE SETTING The file size changes depending on resolution mode and recording quality selected. (RAW) FINE (JPEG) Image Quality NORM (JPEG) BASIC (JPEG) * The file sizes change depending on subjects. Image Quality It is possible to record images in the widely used JPEG or RAW formats. The RAW images are recorded without digital processing in the camera body and require post-processing with the supplied software, which can convert RAW images to JPEG or TIFF format.

  • Page 66: Color Mode

    WARNING !! • When Image Quality is set to RAW, the Image Size is automatically set to • When the Image Quality is set to RAW, the Image Size cannot be changed until the Image Quality is changed. COLOR MODE IMAGE QUALITY SETTING Press the Button to open the quick set...
  • Page 67 Press the shutter button halfway or can take the picture. Standard color mode for various situations. Standard* Saturation and contrast are enhanced for making pictures Vivid appear vivid. Subdued saturation and contrast makes images natural. Neutral This color mode makes skin tone soft. It is ideal for portraits. Portrait This mode makes blue and green more vivid and emphasizes pictures.

  • Page 68: Image Parameter And Color Space

    • JPEG is compressed after parameter adjustment. In the case of RAW format, parameter information is recorded without adjustment. It is possible to re-adjust RAW images using the supplied Sigma Photo Pro software. Press the button on the back of the camera to access the setup menu.

  • Page 69: Selecting The Metering Mode

    • Please set color space to sRGB for regular usage. If you select Adobe RGB, please be sure to use the supplied Sigma Photo Pro software or another image processing software supporting DCF 2.0. SELECTING THE METERING MODE EVALUATIVE METERING...

  • Page 70: Ae Lock

    AE LOCK The camera will fix and memorize the exposure value whilst the “AE” Lock button is depressed. When you wish to lock the exposure of a subject off-center, AE lock is very useful. Use of this function with Spot Metering Mode is recommended.
  • Page 71 ■ It is possible to continue AE Lock even if the finger is released from the button. It can be set from [AEL Button Settings] of Camera Set-up menu (P.28). AE Lock will continue until the Lock or the camera is turned off. Hold AEL will be dismissed upon releasing the finger from the (Default)

  • Page 72: Exposure Compensation

    Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3EV increments from +3.0 to –3.0 ■ stops. For example, if you set +1.0 then the shutter speed will be one stop slower in ■ Aperture Priority mode. In Shutter Speed Priority mode, the aperture will be one-stop larger (smaller F-number).

  • Page 73: Flash Exposure Compensation

    The LCD panel will show ■ indicates over exposure Exposure compensation can then be set in 1/3 increments from +3.0 to –3.0 ■ stops. mark will be displayed in the top LCD panel after setting the compensation ■ amount. Compensation amount will not be displayed. Exposure amount can be confirmed by pressing the flash exposure amount.

  • Page 74: Auto Bracketing

    AUTO BRACKETING This function of the camera lets you take a sequence of pictures of the same subject at three different exposure levels; Appropriate Exposure, Under Exposure and Over Exposure. If it is difficult to determine the proper exposure, please use this function. The camera will take three pictures in the following sequence;...
  • Page 75 (* Measured value is the difference between the correct exposure value of the camera and your setting value). The exposure bracketing can be used with 4 different modes. ■ P Mode ; Both shutter speed and aperture value will be changed. A Mode ;...

  • Page 76: Remote Controller Rs-31

    Auto Bracketing mode can be used in combination with Exposure Compensation. You can take pictures with Auto Bracketing mode based on a compensated exposure, which you set. To do so, please set both the Auto Bracketing mode and Exposure Compensation mode as desired. The combined value (Exposure Compensation and Auto Bracketing) will be indicated on the viewfinder display.
  • Page 77 SETTING OF THE CAMERA Press the button to show the Function Display. Use the buttons to select the Remote Control Mode and press the buttons. Use the button to select the same channel as the remote controller (In the case of the RS-11, please select C1) and then press the buttons.
  • Page 78 USING THE MIRROR LOCK-UP WITH REMOTE CONTROL When using mirror-up mode with the remote controller, we recommend that after adjusting the focus, fully depress the shutter button of the camera once, to lock-up the mirror, and then release the shutter by remote control. This procedure saves your time.

  • Page 79: Depth-Of-Field Preview Button

    DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON Normally, the lens’ aperture is always fully opened, except at the time the picture is actually taken, for looking through the viewfinder under maximum brightness conditions. DEPTH OF FIELD When you set the focus for a particular subject, there is an area in front of and behind your subject, which will also be in focus.

  • Page 80: Flash Photography

    Optional Sigma Electronic Flashes EF-530 DG SUPER SA-STTL and EF-530 DG ST SA-STTL with the STTL system allow you to use features such as Auto Flash with the SD15. The EF-530 DG SUPER SA-STTL lets you do even more, such as use Multi Flash and other advanced features.

  • Page 81: Extended Mode Setting

    The SD15 is equipped with a PC Synchro Terminal, which accepts a cable connection fro external/studio flash units. CAUTION!! • S-TTL auto flash does not work, if PC Synchro Terminal is used. • Set the camera’s exposure mode to M and set to flash synchronized speed Sync (1/180) or a shutter speed of 1/160 or lower.

  • Page 82: Auto Rotate

    ● When vertically orientated images are reviewed, they will automatically rotate and be displayed vertically. ● When vertically orientated images are reviewed in Sigma Photo Pro, they will automatically rotate and be displayed vertically. ● When vertically orientated images are rotated by pressing Modification Menu →...

  • Page 83: Reviewing, Deleting And Modifying Images

    • The SD15 may not be able to display images captured by other cameras, or “SD15” images that have been renamed or moved from the DCIM folder on the card. For more information on SD15 file names, see File Numbering System (See P.37).
  • Page 84 Make sure the camera is turned on. Press the button on the back of the camera to display the Camera Set-up Menu. (See P.28) Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select [Quick Preview]. Press the arrow or Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select duration.

  • Page 85: Reviewing Images

    If there are no images on the card an error message will be displayed. • Since the SD15 camera does not have a separate "playback mode" for looking at captured images, it is always ready to take pictures, even while displaying captured images.

  • Page 86: Viewing One Image At A Time

    VIEWING ONE IMAGE AT A TIME Press button on the back of the camera to see recorded images in Single-Image View. While in Single-Image View: • Press arrow on the 4-way controller to see next image. • Press arrow on the 4-way controller to see previous image. •...

  • Page 87: Magnifying Images (Zoomed-In View)

    • The first and last recorded images on the card are linked. Pressing the arrow on the 4-way controller while the first image is displayed brings up the last recorded image on the card. Pressing the controller while the last image is displayed brings up the first recorded image on the card.

  • Page 88: Viewing Nine Images At A Time (Contact Sheet View)

    VIEWING NINE IMAGES AT A TIME Images can be viewed in a "contact sheet" of nine thumbnail images. WHILE IN CONTACT SHEET VIEW: Press the buttons to change the image selection. Press the button to return to Single-Image View. Press the button to go to Jump Mode.

  • Page 89: Viewing Images A Page At A Time (Jump Mode)

    VIEWING IMAGES A PAGE AT A TIME Use Jump Mode to browse large sets of images more quickly, or to skip right to the first or last page of images on the card. WHILE IN JUMP MODE: • Press the arrow on the 4-way controller to jump to the next page of images.

  • Page 90: Viewing Image Information

    VIEWING IMAGE INFORMATION 1 Battery Level Indicator 2 Image Size 3 Image Quality 4 Folder numbering 5 File numbering 6 Lock * 1 7 Mark * 1 8 Histogram 9 ISO Sensitivity 10 White Balance 11 Drive Mode 12 Exposure Mode 13 Shutter Speed 14 F Number 15 Focal Length...

  • Page 91: Magnified Images In Image Info Screen

    While in Image Info Screen: Press again or view. arrows on the 4-way controller to change the image selection the same way as in Single-Image View. (See next section for the exception.) CAUTION !! • While in Zoomed-in View or Jump Mode, it is not possible to display the Image Info Screen.

  • Page 92: Histogram

    The histogram is a graph depicting the distribution of brightness values in the image for each of the three color channels (Red, Green, and Blue) (The histogram displayed in the Quick Preview is the distribution of tones in the image). The horizontal axis shows the brightness level, with darker pixels towards the left side and brighter pixels toward the right.

  • Page 93: Over-Exposure Warning

    OVER-EXPOSURE WARNING It is possible to indicate the over-exposed areas by highlighting them in red. TO TURN ON OVER-EXPOSURE WARNING Make sure the camera is turned on. Press the button on the back of the camera to display the Camera Set-up Menu.

  • Page 94: Viewing Images On A Tv

    WARNING !! • Please do not use any video cable other than provided with your Sigma SD15 camera, when connecting a video input terminal. Using other brands may cause damage. •...

  • Page 95: Deleting Images

    DELETING IMAGES This section describes how to delete the image(s) recorded on a card. Images recorded on the card can be deleted one at a time or several at once using the Delete Menu. ● The Delete Menu can be opened from all views (Single-Image, Contact Sheet, and Zoomed-In), as well as from Jump Mode and the Image Info Screen.

  • Page 96: Deleting A Single Image

    DELETING A SINGLE IMAGE Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select the image to be deleted in Contact Sheet or Single-Image View. Press to display the Delete Menu. • [Current File] will be the default selection. Press to delete the image. WARNING !! •...

  • Page 97: Deleting Multiple Images

    • To erase all files from the card, including locked images as well as all non-SD15 files, use the “FORMATTING THE CARD” menu item in the camera Set-up Menu (see P.36). to return to reviewing images...

  • Page 98: Other Reviewing Features

    OTHER REVIEWING FEATURES Image modifications, such as locking, marking, and rotating, as well as automatic image playback, can be performed from the Modification Menu. • Press again or changes. • The Modification Menu can be opened from all views (Single-Image, Contact Sheet, and Zoomed-In), as well as from Jump Mode and Image Info Screen.

  • Page 99: Locking Images

    LOCKING IMAGES LOCK MENU Lock/Unlock Lock Marked Unlock Marked Lock All Unlock All CAUTION !! • Locking does not prevent images from being erased when the card is formatted. Review card contents carefully before formatting. • Locked images have a “read-only” status when viewed on a computer. Locking protects images from being accidentally deleted.
  • Page 100 TO LOCK A SINGLE IMAGE Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select the image to be locked in Contact Sheet or Single-Image View. Press to display the Modification Menu. Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select the Lock Menu ( Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select [Lock].
  • Page 101 TO LOCK MULTIPLE IMAGES Press to display the Modification Menu. Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select the Lock Menu ( Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select [Lock Marked] or [Lock All]. Press to display the confirmation dialog. Press to lock the images or press locking.

  • Page 102: Marking Images

    Mark All Unmark All • Images marked on the camera will retain their marked status when viewed in SIGMA Photo Pro. TO MARK A SINGLE IMAGE Use the arrows on the 4-way controller to select the image to be marked in Contact Sheet or Single-Image View.
  • Page 103 Press to mark the image. • To unmark a marked image, select the marked image and follow the same steps as above. • If the Mark Menu was opened from Jump Mode, the [Mark] menu item will not be available. •...

  • Page 104: Rotating Images

    • Select [Unmark All] from the Mark Menu to unmark all marked images on the card. WARNING !! • When [Mark All] or [Unmark All] is done, it may take much time to finish them depending on the number of files in the card. ROTATING IMAGES ROTATE MENU Rotate the currently selected image 90 degrees to the left...
  • Page 105 If the Rotate Menu was opened from Jump Mode, both “Rotate” menu items will be unavailable. • Images rotated on the camera will be displayed in their rotated orientation in SIGMA Photo Pro. WARNING !! • When [Applied Rotate] of the Camera Set-up Menu (P.28) is set to [OFF], it is not possibel to select the Rotate Menu.

  • Page 106: Using The Ok Button Shortcut

    USING THE OK BUTTON SHORTCUT The OK Button Shortcut can be set from [OK Shortcut] in the Camera Set-up Menu (P.28). Available functions to allocate to the Lock/Unlock Mark/Unmark Rotate Rotate Exp. Warning To dismiss the allocated function, set to [None]. WARNING !! •...

  • Page 107: Showing A Slideshow

    Modification Menu and begin the slideshow. To terminate the slideshow, press the All images on the card, or only selected images, can be shown in an automatic playback mode using the SD15 camera’s Slideshow feature. Start an automated slideshow of all images on the card.
  • Page 108 WARNING !! • When [Show locked] is selected, it may take time to start the Slideshow depending on the number of files to be displayed. NOTE • When the slideshow is stopped, the last image will continue to be displayed. CHAGING SLIDESHOW SETTINGS SLIDESHOW SETTING MENU 2 sec.

  • Page 109: Dpof (Digital Print Order Format)

    DPOF (DIGITAL PRINT ORDER FORMAT) When printing images at a photo lab, it is possible to specify which photos and quantity to print in advance, using the DPOF menu. This is also available when making prints using a DPOF compatible printer. WARNING !! •...

  • Page 110: Reference

    （For detailed information please refer page 75 - 77） POWER GRIP PG-21 This battery pack extends power capacity of the SD15 two times and can also be used as a vertical position grip. Two BP-21 Lithium-ion batteries can be used in Power Pack SD.

  • Page 111: Maintenance

    EYEPIECE DIOPTRIC CORRECTION LENSES The SD15 has a built-in type “Diopter Adjuster” and its range is –3 ~ +1.5dpt, if you still cannot see the viewfinder clearly, then please purchase a viewfinder diopter adjustment eyepiece. These are series of seven optional accessory lenses, which adjust the camera’s viewfinder to accommodate the vision requirements...
  • Page 112 WARNING!! • After cleaning the image sensor, please ensure the dust protector is correctly attached. If the dust protector is not properly attached, it may move and damage the image sensor of the camera or the lens. • Please do not use the blower with the brush for cleaning the image sensor. If the bruch is attached, it may scratch the image sensor of the camera.
  • Page 113 If the dust or dirt cannot be removed with the above-mentioned procedure, consult with Sigma- authorized service personnel. If you see fingerprints on the glass portion of the dust protector, first use a blower to remove any dust, then gently wipe it with a...

  • Page 114: Lcd Off And Auto Power Off

    LCD OFF AND AUTO POWER OFF The SD15 has [LCD Off] and [Auto Power Off] functions in order to conserve battery power. If not used for a predetermined amount of time, the color LCD monitor or power will be turned off automatically.

  • Page 115: Explanation Of Terms

    Large aperture (low f-number) gives bright results and, small aperture (high f-number) gives darker results. Auto Power-Off For saving the battery power, the SD15 camera can automatically turn itself off, if you do not operate it. CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) can perform signal amplication on a per-pixel basis.
  • Page 116 Exposure. The amount of light reaching the image sensor’s surface. The exposure is controlled by the combination of aperture and shutter speed. Exposure Value (EV) is a numerical value that expresses the amount of light for a given exposure, and depends on brightness of the photographic subject and sensitivity of the film.

  • Page 117: Warning Displays

    For example, a white object will appear white whether it is viewed under sunlight, tungsten or fluorescent illumination. However, color film or digital camera must be adjusted, so that colors will be represented accurately, under different types of illumination. This adjustment is called white balance.
  • Page 118 Frame counter does not show a number other than Even if it is possible to record more than 9999 images on the Card, the maximum number of frames that can be seen on the counter is 9999. ► The frame counter changes, if frame counter is 9998 or less. (P.38) Shutter speed indicates “...
  • Page 119 Delete unwanted photos, choose a lower resolution setting, or use a different card. (P.34-35) (P.94-96) “No images on Memory card” ► To review images, insert a card with valid SD15 images, capture new images onto the card, or press “Cannot preview this image” ►...

  • Page 120: Troubleshooting

    If you have a problem with your camera or cannot take good pictures, consult the list below as you check the camera before requesting repairs. No indication on the top LCD panel Battery is exhausted. ► Replace the battery. (P.19-22) Battery is improperly installed.
  • Page 121 The color LCD monitor is worn out. ► Please consult the retailer from which you purchased the camera or contact the nearest Sigma Service Center. Pictures are coming out blurred The AF/M switch on the lens body is set to M.

  • Page 122: Specifications

    Interchangeable Lens SLR Type Digital Camera SD Card / Compatible with SDHC, Multi Media Card 13.8 x 20.7mm Sigma SA Mount Lenses Equivalent to 1.7x the focal length of a lens when used on a 35mm SLR camera. SA mount ®...

  • Page 123: Connecting Your Camera To A Computer

    Power Source Dimensions Weight CONNECTING YOUR CAMERA TO A COMPUTER The SD15 camera can be connected directly to a computer using the provided USB cable. Make sure that the camera is off before connecting it to the computer. Data transfer rates will vary depending on the computer and operating system used.
  • Page 124 Service: 01805-90 90 85-85 Fax : 044 - 989 – 7451 SD15 Tested To Comply With FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA 15 Fleetwood Court, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, U.S.A. TEL: 631 585 1144 Fax (Service): 01805-90 90 85-35...

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