At the heart of Sigma's digital imaging system there has always been a Foveon sensor. This 29MP APS-C format Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS sensor represents the latest in this technology, offering outstanding resolution and rich color with smooth gradations and a wide dynamic range by using a layered pixel array. This system stacks the red, green, and blue pixels vertically with a 1:1:4 pixel ratio, allowing full color information to be collected at every photosite and a resolution equivalent to that of a 39MP Bayer array. Additionally, the top layer of blue pixels has a 19.6MP array, resulting in natural raw image data of 5424 x 3616 pixels. 

Ensuring the vast amount of image data is handled efficiently and quickly, the sd Quattro utilizes a Dual TRUE III image processing engine. This allows for continuous shooting rates of up to 3.6 fps in High quality for 14 frames as well as working sensitivities up to ISO 6400. It also enables features like the Super-Fine Detail mode, which takes seven unique exposures and blends them into one clean and detailed raw image with a wide dynamic range.

Featuring Sigma's SA interchangeable lens mount, nearly every single one of their respected Global Vision series of lenses will be available for use with the sd Quattro. This model features an APS-C size sensor which has a crop factor of approximately 1.5x, meaning that a 50mm lens will have the equivalent field of view of a 75mm lens on a full-frame sensor. Additionally, the lens mount has complete electronic communication, ensuring all functions and features, including autofocus, optical stabilization, and more work correctly. 

Current owners of Sigma Global Vision lenses can take advantage of the company's Mount Conversion Service to have lenses converted for use on different mounts. This ensures that a large library of glass will never become obsolete in the event a user invests in a new camera system.

For composing images and reviewing settings, a bright 3.0" 1.62m-dot LCD is available on the back of the camera. Unique to the sd Quattro series is a sub monitor adjacent to the main LCD which provides constant access to your most critical settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and more. These screens are covered by the same sheet of protective glass for a seamless appearance. For users looking for a more natural eye-level shooting stance, the sd Quattro is also equipped with a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder with a 1.09x magnification. A dedicated switch is available for quickly changing between the monitor, viewfinder, or an automatic switching setting.

Equipped with both phase-detect and contrast-detect points, the sd Quattro can capture moving subjects with ease and lock on in no time at all. The system has up to 9 selectable points as well as free move and face detection. Additionally, it has been optimized to function in a range of shooting conditions with an operating range of -1 to 18 EV.

Maximizing the performance of the stellar Foveon sensor technology is the Super-Fine Detail exposure mode. This creates seven different exposures of the scene which are then blended into one raw file in X3I format. Combined with processing form the Sigma Photo Pro software, a photographer can work with image data that is super clean and with a wide dynamic range. This can greatly benefit studio and tripod-based work.

Known for distinctive camera designs, Sigma's sd Quattro series sports a very unique design with a comfortable grip and physical controls designed for intuitive control. This includes a Quick Set button near the shutter that instantly brings up the Quick Set Menu for access to your most commonly used settings while continuing to look through the viewfinder. On the top of the body, in addition to two command dials, is a Lock switch that prevents accidental changing of settings. This can be further customized to lock only select buttons for ideal functionality. On the rear of the camera are several additional buttons all easily reachable by the right thumb, including the menu button, focus frame button, and AEL/AF button with lever.

• Low size continuous shooting can boost performance to 5.1 fps for up to 28 images.

• With a 39MP equivalent resolution, the dp Quattro has a setting which can produce Super-High size JPEG images of 7680 x 5120 pixels.

• Focus peaking function puts a colored outline of white, black, red, or yellow around the in-focus subject matter for confirmation during manual focus.

• Selectable aspect ratios of 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 7:6, 1:1.

• Supports the optional PG-41 Power Grip.

• Auto exposure bracketing of 3 or 5 shots in 1/3 EV steps up to ±3 EV.

• Remote terminal for using dedicated shutter releases.

• Micro-USB 3.0 terminal for fast data transfer.

• PC sync terminal for connecting to external flash or strobe units.

• Accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards and is compatible with Eye-Fi technology.