Disheartening Very Disheartening

Ceistinne wrote:

Scottelly wrote:

Ceistinne wrote:

Scottelly wrote:

ELSOK4ME wrote:

Scottelly wrote:

Tirpitz666 wrote:

Guess the point was that Foveon-based cameras are much less forgiving that Bayer ones in terms of under/overexposure (depending on the sensor version).

If you add a general sluggishness in terms of AF and a good degree of shutter lag, I think it’s fair to say that on average Sigma cameras require quite a bit more of effort to get a “proper” shot vs a regular modern Bayer-based camera.

I would agree with you there, except that in some ways it is actually easier, believe it or not. Apparently the Quattros actually have better auto white balance than some of the Sony cameras from the same era. The Quattros don't have IBIS, but the SD Quattro and SD Quattro H do have lens options with include OS, such as the very good Sigma 24-105mm f4 OS Art. I don't know if an SD Quattro H with that lens would be considered easy to use or not. I've had so many digital cameras that I just couldn't be objective about that. I think it would be interesting to see a novice's viewpoint if I were to hand that person the Sigma, followed by handing them my Nikon D810 with a Nikon 24-120mm f4 VR G, followed by handing the same person a new Sony A7r V with a Sony 24-105mm lens (or something similar). I'd really like to do such a test with a few novices, having them shoot a few photos with all three cameras, and then getting them to view the photos on a large computer screen, and tell me what they think of each camera and the photos they were able to shoot.

I know I prefer the photos I could get from my SD Quattro H to the photos I can get from my Nikon D810 . . . most of the time. I also don't find the Nikon to be particularly nicer to handle and use, though focus is definitely faster and more trustworthy, and the Nikon is certainly quicker in every way. Plus, I'm very happy with the battery life of my Nikon, while I have to take lots of spare batteries when I go out with my Sigma (well . . . when I did go out with my Sigma cameras . . . right now my SD Quattro H does not work, and I sold my SD1 Merrill).

aww man - NO Foveon ...

Not at the moment . . . but I'm building my Nikon system. Not too long ago I almost bought a used SD Quattro H, but the owner changed his mind about selling it. No worries though. I will eventually get one . . . unless the FFF comes out first, and I buy that instead. I still have my SA mount lenses, which I might end up using on a Sony A7r IV. I've been considering getting one of those, because I want something fast for shooting the upcoming eclipse.

Scott,

Did you ever try to get your sd Q H repaired.? From the photos of it it seems that it would be easily enough to do, just requiring a new front plate or even straightening out the damaged one. If it was mine I would do that. Better try than have it sitting there doing nothing.

S

No. I figured it would be better to put the money toward getting one that was in good shape, because I didn't want to take a gamble by spending money on it, and then it goes bad in six months or a year, because moisture gets in it or some other problem happens. Then I'd have to buy another one anyway. I know there's no guarantee a different camera will work for more than six months, and I know there's no guarantee the camera will stop working if I fix it, but I just didn't want to take the gamble. I'd rather feel more confident that the camera hasn't been damaged, and then repaired . . . like a car that's been in a bad accident. You know how it goes, right?

Scott,

OK, I suppose that's a good enough reason not have it repaired but if Sigma repaired it it would as good as new.

I dropped my SD14 years ago, the focus screen and all with it popped out, the 18-50mm f 2.8 lens split in two. The repairer at the Sigma importers here at that time repaired both the camera and lens and they are both working perfectly right up to this day. I believe that the lens was better after the repair than it was before.

S

S

Hmmm . . . thanks for that. Maybe I'm being silly. 🤔