Why I have decided not to buy the Sigma SD15 (My own opinion)

I've just read a Sigma SD14 discussion on Flickr, where in that discussions I have seen two sides: the one that are opted for Sigma Foveon X3 sensor and the one that prefer a more up-to-date and technology high-packed DSLR cameras. In my opinion, we photographers have become very spoiled. Given an option to shoot 6400 ISO images (and up) with the latest Nikon and Canon gear. Look at the cameras that where made 20 years ago, it doesn't mean that low light pictures weren't taken, at that time photographers used flash in order to get a the right picture at difficult lighting conditions.

No one argues with the incredible high-details image that comes from the Foveon X3 sensor on the SD9, SD10, SD14 and now the SD15 camera. The Foveon X3 sensor is already 5 years old, and no change was made to that sensor since then. I can understand sports photographers who need a fast cameras and lenses to shoot sports action, and by having high burst continuous shooting options, they can really take pictures that otherwise weren't possible.

Some users have been bashing Sigma users for being to conservative and not smart for investing their money on Sigma mount lenses and Sigma DSLR cameras. Why spend that much money when you can buy a Nikon D300s or a Canon EOS 7D cameras for the same price (more or less). Furthermore, if Canon or Nikon will adopt a new sensor technology (three layer) in the future, you will have the option to enjoy it with all your current lenses. When you buy a sigma SD15 DSLR camera, you need to invest in Sigma mount lenses. Some photographers but special adapters/converters to shoot with other 3rd party lenses with the Sigma SD14 and SD15. But for most of us it is not the best and most affordable option, isn't it.


So the question is quite simple, "Should I buy the Sigma SD15 because of its amazing images?". This is very hard to answer that question, and as I can see on many Sigma forums and photo sharing sites, many amateur photographers prefer to buy Nikon or Canon gear instead of the Sigma SD15 DSLR. Come on guys, you can get amazing high quality and sharp images not just with the Sigma SD15, but also with the Nikon and Canon cameras too. Maybe we got spoiled not only because of the ISO advantage that Nikon and Canon has over Sigma's DSLR cameras with the Foveon sensor, maybe we are too pixel pipping. Have you tried shooting a Nikon D90 with a prime lens? - If so you have probably see that the pictures sharpness is overwhelming. I mean, why do you even think that you need more.

Some photographers are just gadget-lovers, who love to talk about the small differences by comparing digital cameras up to their smallest electric circuit. Have you seen all the pictures through the web, magazines, newspaper, shopping malls, etc., most of them were shot with Nikon and Canon cameras, and no body complains about sharpness, 3D look, color accuracy and dynamic range. You has a photographer have the advantage to see details that other non-photographers can't see. It's really doesn't matter if you think of that for a second. I personally prefer holding a well designed, latest technology DSLR camera in my hand, and know that I can upgrade it a year or two years from now, and no wait 5 years or more for the next camera body to show up. Man, it can really be very frustrating to see new Canon and Nikon DSLRs and lenses emerging every years or so and not having the change to buy them because you are stuck with a Sigma old-fashioned camera, and all that because of the Foveon X3 sensor -- COME ON!

But at the end everything comes to the prices that you'll have to pay for a given camera + lenses. If the Sigma SD15 prices was more affordable, I am sure that many amateur photographers would buy it without thinking twice. Studio photographers will probably buy for studio portrait projects, and because for them it is not really a issue but a necessity, they can get the Sigma SD15 for studio shots and as a second backup camera. I remember when the Sigma SD14 first come out, and the price was half of the initial prices a year later. The problem is that people don't want to wait a year for Sigma to lower its prices, and for god sake, even if they've waited that time, Nikon and Canon would have come up with amazing new cameras that they have probably couldn't resist buying.

Some say that this will probably be the last Sigma SD camera, and they will end up like Konica Minolta, but in a different way, that no body will buy them (or maybe not). Another thing that I really got interested in the last month was HD videos. I have wrote several reviews on Canon DSLRs HD Videos, DSLR Rigs, Sony NEX-VG10 Handycam, and as you can see, I've got really enthusiastic about video photography. But here is the thing, you can't shoot videos with the Sigma SD15, but with the Canon 7D or 5D Mark II and even on the cheaper entry level Canon 550D YOU CAN!

Many stills photographers will take advantage of the HD video features for sure. For many amateur photographers, sharing their pictures and videos on the web is everything. I there, resolutions, sharpness and all that stuff, doesn't really matters (at least not that much), and you just want to be creative with both stills and videos and post them on YouTube, Flickr and maybe on your own blog or websites that you have designed. The camera should be a tool, and for many of us it is a working tool. If you think logically and reasonably, buying the Sigma SD15 to show your friends that your pictures are sharper than the Canon's or Nikon's DSLRs will not do anything. Most of the people on earth won't see any difference, and if you see that differences, why the hell care so much about that. you shoot images to show others your work and creativity, shares you ideas, thoughts and imagination. whether you do that via HD videos or stills pictures, you need a tool that will give you that freedom, and without the technology restrictions, just because one company cannot keep up with the race.

We are not getting younger each day, and waiting 5 years for another camera to show up with better specs? - Are you kiddin' me. 5 years waiting, who knows where I'll be in 5 years from now. Sigma thanks but no thanks. I wanted that camera so much, but taking into consideration the price and the alternatives, I have decided to think more logically, not getting lost in their really beautiful web design (that's all marketing stuff). At the end, they want to sell as many cameras as they can, but you the customer should be aware of the disadvantages and your alternatives. Sigma SD15 shoot great images, but when it comes to MY REALITY, I have decided to pass the SD15 and find myself a new Canon 7D baby that can also shoot great videos, buy a nice L lens (maybe) and share my creation with many surfers through out the web.

BTW: This is my opinion only, so don't be harsh on me, OK? -- I still think that the image coming from the Sigma SD15 are overwhelming.