Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Semi-Pro DSLR category, introduced by Sigma. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are SD15 and SD10. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS (Foveon X3). However, they have different resolution. Thus, Sigma SD15 comes with a 5.0 MP CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor, while the Sigma SD10 features a 3.0 MP CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10.
Sigma SD15 Key Features:
Sigma SD10 Key Features:
Being a newer model, Sigma SD15 substituted
Sigma SD14.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Sigma SD15 vs. SD14
Sigma SD14 vs. Sigma SD10
Sensor Resolution | 5.0 MP vs 3.0 MP | 40% more pixels |
Continuous Shooting | 3 fps vs No fps | 3 fps faster |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Screen Size | 3″ vs 1.8″ | 1.2" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots vs 130k dots | 71.7% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 750 g vs 950 g | 200 g lighter |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/6000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.77 vs 0.6 | 0.17 better magnification |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots | 130k dots | Small screen resolution |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Sensor Resolution | 5.0 MP | 3.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
AutoFocus Face Detection | No | No | No Face Detection |
Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
Bracketing | No | No | No AE bracketing |
Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | fps | Low continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sigma SD15 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 200g less than the Sigma SD10. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sigma SD15 features a 5.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor and boasts of a True II processor . Sigma SD10, in its turn, comes with a 3.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 by the size of their sensors.
Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Sigma SD15 | Sigma SD10 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Sigma SD15 or Sigma SD10, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Sigma SD15 and Sigma SD10 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sigma SD15 deserves a higher Total Score than the Sigma SD10. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Sigma SD15 | Sigma SD10 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Sigma | Sigma |
Model | SD15 | SD10 |
Announced | Feb 20, 2010 | Mar 19, 2004 |
Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS (Foveon X3) | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 20.7 x 13.8 mm | 20.7 x 13.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 285.66 mm2 | 285.66 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 5.0 MP | 3.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 2640 x 1760 | 2268 x 1512 |
Max Native ISO | 1,600 | 800 |
Max Boosted ISO | 3,200 | 1,600 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Sigma SA Bayonet | Sigma SA Bayonet |
Number of Lenses | 72 | 72 |
Focal Length Multiplier | x | x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 1.8″ |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots | 130k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 96% | 98% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.6 | 0.77 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/6000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | |
Flash Modes | n/a | n/a |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | n/a | n/a |
Max Video Resolution | ||
Video Formats | n/a | n/a |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 1.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 750 g | 950 g |
Physical Dimensions | 144 x 107 x 81 mm | 152 x 120 x 79 mm |
Battery Life | n/a | n/a |
Battery Type | n/a | n/a |
Battery Model | n/a | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC card | Compact Flash Type I or II |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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