Sigma sd Quattro Detailed Review

In additional sd Quattro was introduced by Sigma in February 2016. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Sigma is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sigma.

The sd Quattro has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 22 x 15 mm² (0.88″ x 0.59″).

Picture of sd Quattro’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The sd Quattro’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 29 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

The Sigma supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sigma’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The sd Quattro does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

The sd Quattro uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.69x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The sd Quattro’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The sd Quattro’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 6400 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The sd Quattro supports all general exposure modes.

The Sigma allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The sd Quattro’s auto focus processor uses 9 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sigma, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The sd Quattro doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Sigma’s hotshoe.

The sd Quattro features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.62 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

Unfortunately, the sd Quattro’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The sd Quattro does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sigma. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Sigma. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sigma sd Quattro has a BP-61 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 300 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The sd Quattro’s battery battery parameters:

The Sigma sd Quattro’s size is 147 x 95.1 x 90.8mm³. (5.8″ x 3.7″ x 3.6″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.8″ x 3.7″ x 3.6″ grams (625 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the sd Quattro:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.