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With the recently announced demise of the Canon D60, photographers looking for an affordable digital SLR currently have the choice of the Nikon D100, Fuji S2 and the Sigma SD9. The latter camera has been receiving a lot of attention recently due to it’s innovative use of the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, which promises to deliver ‘twice the sharpness, better colour detail and greater resistance to unpredictable colour artifacts’.

The UK-based website ePhotoZine has reviewed Sigma’s first digital camera, which currently retails for £1299 at Jessops.

Website: ePhotoZine

“Despite the negative issues we found with the SD9, Sigma have done a great job with their first Digital SLR. In some ways, this is a groundbreaking camera that puts many cameras to shame. Yet at the same time it can be embarrassed by its inadequacies in other important areas.

Taking into account the competitive price of the SD9, its good handling and specification and the generally very high standard of image quality, we’d certainly recommend it. However, do bear in mind the limitations with the ISO and shutter speed ranges. Also consider the workflow the SD9 forces you into by only using RAW files and whether you are prepared to add that extra amount of work into your photographic experience.”

From a personal point of view, I’ve probably discounted the Sigma as a potential DSLR (despite it’s very competive price), mainly because all of my current Canon kit and lenses would be incompatible with the Sigma. I’d rather wait to see what Canon announce as the replacement(s) for the D60. But if you don’t currently have a large investment in a film SLR then I think the Sigma is well worth a good, long look at.

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