CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison

Sigma SD15 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
    • Sigma SD15

    Main Features

    • 5MP - APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 1600( expands to 50-3200)
    • 3″ Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 3 fps continuous shooting
    • No Video Mode
    • 750g. 144 x 107 x 81 mm
    • Replaced Sigma SD14

    CHECK TODAY's PRICE

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Sigma SD15 Overview

    First introduced in February 2010 , Sigma SD15 is a 5.0MP Semi-Pro DSLR camera with a APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm ) sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor. Sigma replaced the older SD14 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these model:
    Compare Sigma SD15 vs Sigma SD14

    Sigma SD15 has an Overall Score of 45/100 and ranked #166 out of 201 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #619 out of 1178 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Sigma SD15 Type Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

    Sigma SD15 Compared to other DSLR Cameras

    Now let's get in to more details of our Sigma SD15 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port

    Buy Sigma SD15 from or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 5.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Low Screen Resolution ( 460kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Heavy Body: 750g
    No Environmental Sealing
    Sigma SD15 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Sigma SD15 has a Sigma SA Bayonet lens mount and currently there are 76 native lenses available for this mount. SA has access to Sigma's full selection of lenses but the downside is no other manufacturer offers a lens for this mount.

    Sigma SD15 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 23 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 15 lenses with weather sealing for SD15 but bear in mind that SD15 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Sigma SD15 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Sigma SD15 Lenses
    Model Focal Length on SD15 Max Aperture Weight Focusing
    Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art
    		 0-0mm F1.8 1490gr AF
    Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM A
    		 0mm F1.4 665gr AF
    Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
    		 0-0mm F2.8 565gr AF
    Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C
    		 0-0mm F5.0 - F6.3 1930gr AF
    Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF
    		 0mm F1.8 520gr AF

    Check our Sigma SD15 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

    Sigma SD15 Sensor and Photography Features

    Sigma SD15 has a 5.0MP APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm ) sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor and features True II processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 2640 x 1760 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. SD15 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to 50-3200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Sigma SD15 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Sigma Quattro with its 29.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Sigma SD15 vs Sigma Quattro or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Sigma SD15's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Sigma SD15 Sensor Size Comparison

    Sigma SD15 Physical Specs
    Sigma SD15 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz) and has external dimensions of 144 x 107 x 81 mm (5.67 x 4.21 x 3.19″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 769g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 81mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Sigma SD15
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Sigma SD15
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Sigma SD15 with the dimensions:

    Sigma SD15 Body Size Dimensions

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Sigma SD15, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Sigma SD15 Real Life Body Size Comparison


    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Sigma SD15 with its main competitors:

    Sigma SD15 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Sensor Weight vs SD15 Thickness vs SD15
    Sigma SD14 5.0MP - APS-C 750g equal weight 81mm equal thickness
    Sigma SD1 Merrill 15.0MP - APS-C 790g 40g heavier 80mm 1mm thinner
    Canon 5D 13.0MP - Full frame 895g 145g heavier 75mm 6mm thinner
    Nikon D7100 24.0MP - APS-C 765g 15g heavier 76mm 5mm thinner
    Sigma SD10 3.0MP - APS-C 950g 200g heavier 79mm 2mm thinner
    Canon 70D 20.0MP - APS-C 755g 5g heavier 79mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon D610 24.0MP - Full frame 850g 100g heavier 82mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax K-3 24.0MP - APS-C 800g 50g heavier 77mm 4mm thinner

    Sigma SD15 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Sigma SD15 Other Features
    LCD and Viewfinder

    Sigma SD15 has a Fixed Type 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Sigma SD15 back view and LCD

    SD15 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. The viewfinder has a coverage of 96% and a magnification ratio of 0.6x. 96% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Max Shutter speed
    Sigma SD15 can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash
    SD15 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing
    Sigma SD15 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations.

    Video Features
    Unfortunately Sigma SD15 doesn't have Video recording ability.

    Connectivity and Storage

    You can connect SD15 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Sigma SD15 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sigma SD14
    >>Compare to SD15     		None shots No No No
    Sigma SD1 Merrill
    >>Compare to SD15     		None shots No No No
    Canon 5D
    >>Compare to SD15     		None 400shots No No No
    Nikon D7100
    >>Compare to SD15     		1920 x 1080 950shots No No No
    Sigma SD10
    >>Compare to SD15     		None shots No No No
    Canon 70D
    >>Compare to SD15     		1920 x 1080 920shots Yes No No
    Nikon D610
    >>Compare to SD15     		1920 x 1080 900shots No No No
    Pentax K-3
    >>Compare to SD15     		1920 x 1080 560shots No No No
    What type of Photography is Sigma SD15 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Sigma SD15 in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the SD15 compares with the average DSLR camera.
    Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

    Sigma SD15 for Portrait Photography

    Sigma SD15 has a score of 49 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 5.0MP
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Sigma SD15 for Portrait Photography

    Sigma SD15 for Street Photography

    Sigma SD15 has a score of 42 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
    No Live-view
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Sigma SD15 for Street Photography

    Sigma SD15 for Sports Photography

    Sigma SD15 has a score of 73 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Sigma SD15 for Sports Photography

    Sigma SD15 for Daily Photography

    Sigma SD15 has a score of 47 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    750g
    Body Thickness 81mm

    Read the details of how we scored Sigma SD15 for Daily Photography

    Sigma SD15 for Landscape Photography

    Sigma SD15 has a score of 37 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD15.
    Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
    No Live-view
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 5.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Sigma SD15 for Landscape Photography

    Sigma SD15 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Sigma SD15 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of SD15 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Sigma SD15 alternatives.
    Popular Comparisons of Sigma SD15
    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sigma SD15 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sigma SD14
    Sigma SD14
    Compare
    Sigma SD1 Merrill
    Sigma SD1 Merrill
    Compare
    Canon 5D
    Canon 5D
    Compare
    Nikon D7100
    Nikon D7100
    Compare
    Sigma SD10
    Sigma SD10
    Compare
    Canon 70D
    Canon 70D
    Compare
    Nikon D610
    Nikon D610
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Sigma SD15 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras
    It would also be interesting to compare Sigma SD15 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Sigma SD15's price range.

    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Samsung NX1
    Samsung NX1
    Compare
    Olympus E-M1 II
    Olympus E-M1 II
    Compare
    Sony A7S II
    Sony A7S II
    Compare
    Sony A7 II
    Sony A7 II
    Compare
    Canon RP
    Canon RP
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Sigma SD15
    Does the Sigma SD15 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Sigma SD15 have RAW support?
    Does the Sigma SD15 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Sigma SD15 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Sigma SD15?
    What is the Sensor Size of Sigma SD15?
    is the Sigma SD15 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Sigma SD15 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Sigma SD15 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Sigma SD15?
    Sigma SD15 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Sigma
    Model Sigma SD15
    Announced 2010-02-20
    Body Type Mid-size SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Sigma SA Bayonet
    Number of Lenses 76
    Focal Length Multiplier n/a
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3″
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.6
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Unknown
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS (Foveon X3)
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 20.7 x 13.8 mm
    Sensor Area 285.66mm2
    Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 2640 x 1760
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Max Boosted ISO 3200
    Min Native ISO 100
    Min Boosted ISO 50
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 750g
    Physical Dimensions 144 x 107 x 81mm
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card
    Storage Slots 1
    LATEST HOLIDAY DEALS!

    Sony A7 II with 28-70mm for $998
    Olympus Holiday Savings up to $900
    Nikon D750 with Grip & Accessories for $1396
    Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens for $299

  • See all Active Deals here


    • Most Popular Semi-Pro DSLR Cameras
    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    46 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    24 MP | Full frame CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 80D
    Canon 80D
    24 MP | APS-C CMOS | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D7500
    Nikon D7500
    21 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 6D MII
    Canon 6D MII
    26 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D7200
    Nikon D7200
    24 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Sony A99 II
    Sony A99 II
    42 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    30 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D90
    Nikon D90
    12 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    21 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    36 MP | Full frame CMOS | Pentax KAF2 Mount
    Nikon D7100
    Nikon D7100
    24 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 70D
    Canon 70D
    20 MP | APS-C CMOS | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Canon 6D
    Canon 6D
    20 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D7000
    Nikon D7000
    16 MP | APS-C CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 7D
    Canon 7D
    18 MP | APS-C CMOS | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Pentax K-1 II
    Pentax K-1 II
    36 MP | Full frame CMOS | Pentax KAF4 Mount
    Nikon D610
    Nikon D610
    24 MP | Full frame CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 60D
    Canon 60D
    18 MP | APS-C CMOS | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D810
    Nikon D810
    36 MP | Full frame CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Copyright © 2019 by CameraDecision
    About Feedback Privacy Cameras

    Report a Correction