The SD14 is here and now. But let's get really wild and forget for a
moment what the pundits claim about Sigma's non-future. What about if
they were to make a new camera, one not yet discussed by the noted
Evansville, Indiana, salesman and the janitor at the Sear's Tower?
What if they decided to clean up the SD14 act? What should Sigma do?
Specifically, should they do anything about:
- faster processing
- high ISO noise reduction
- in-camera anti-shake
- bigger buffer
- faster memory
- stronger battery
- sealed (water and dust) body
- auto focus
- white balance
- shutter
- metal body
- faster frame rate
- the LCD
- anything else
The first two of my suggestions can be implemented simply by their
inclusion into a future firmware update:
1) I'd like to be able to select ISO25 in extended mode, like say for
those times you want to beautifully blur the movement of waves in
water, or to just get even better image quality than is achievable at
ISO50 in good lighting conditions, or for use in a studio.
2) I would like to be able to have the shutter open for at least 60
seconds or maybe to as much as 120 seconds, rather than the current
30....This would enable the SD14 user to turn night into day whilst
staying at a low ISO, thus maintaining the best possible image
quality.
Now some suggestions that cannot be implimented with a firmware update:
1) I'd like Sigma to start selling AF macro extension rings, so all
Sigma users can convert their non-macro Sigma lenses to macro use
whilst retaining AF and AA functions...Something not possible when
using M42, PK or Nikon mount extension rings.
2) I'd like Sigma to offer a coiled S-TTL off-camera flash cable to
run between the hotshoe and an off-camera Sigma flashgun and possibly
an S-TTL extension cable for use with the S-TTL off-camera flash
cable.
3) I would like to Sigma to offer a replacement dust-protector fitted
with a filter that cuts IR and visible light but not UV, so UV light
only photography will be possible with the SD14.
4) I'd like to see a dedicated splash-proof water-resistant
leatherette (PVC) case for the SD14...To prevent splashes of water
entering the body when white-water-rafting say, or just for when you
need to take pics in the rain.
Obviously it should have a clear PVC panel in the rear of the case to
enable the LCD screen to be seen clearly with the case fitted to the
camera and likewise a small one on the top for the LCD settings
display.
Such a case would also prevent the body getting scratched when in a
hostile enviroment.
The option of being able to buy the case in several different colours
would also be a very nice touch...Girls would invariably prefer pink
cases, boys black or blue but personally I would like a woodland
camoflage colour case for when I'm out doing wildlife
photography...But I'd settle for drab olive colour case.
5) I'd like to see a dedicated underwater/diving case for the SD14,
waterproof to a depth of at least 30meters, for users who go diving,
or just snorkeling, and want to take underwater pics.
