Sigma SD14 video recording

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to record video to a PC with the Sigma SD14? I want to get a used one for its simple IR conversion, but recording animal behaviour in the dark, not taking photos. I see that there is no video function on the camera, or with the proprietary software, so I was wondering if anybody knows a way to do it with 3rd party software?

andysin83 wrote:

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to record video to a PC with the Sigma SD14?

No.

Technically its sensor would be capable of video recording, but processor/fpga would probably not have enough power. Also there are no custom/3rd party firmware for SD14 (or any other Sigma cameras) available, at least no one has heard of such.

In 2009 or so there was one public project to re-engineer SD14 firmware, but this didn't result in custom one.

They all say that a foveon camera is not able to see well in the dark. I did see webcams and in conclusion I guess that with general analogue video camera or webcams , it is possible to just unscrew the IR filter if there is one and that it would give much better quality and resolution. I see my brother did connect a security camera, the electronic part to power and to the video input and purchased as an electronic part in the electronic shop, it does cost only a few coins and can be done yourself with basic electronic school knowledge.

adrianashoots wrote:

They all say that a foveon camera is not able to see well in the dark. I did see webcams and in conclusion I guess that with general analogue video camera or webcams , it is possible to just unscrew the IR filter if there is one and that it would give much better quality and resolution. I see my brother did connect a security camera, the electronic part to power and to the video input and purchased as an electronic part in the electronic shop, it does cost only a few coins and can be done yourself with basic electronic school knowledge.

Yeah, I have a friend who has IR capable security cameras on his RV, and those things can really see well in the dark, but that's because they have a bunch of LED lights around the lens that emit IR light (essentially making the camera into an IR floodlight). Those cameras are less than $100 each. They have very small sensors though.

You can do interval shooting with an external controller.  This would give you some frames you could make a video with, but it wouldn't be real-time.

The external controller would plug into the cable release jack and take photos one per second or so.

The classic DP2 would record video.  I tried it once but don't remember what the parameters were.  Sorry I don't have that camera anymore.