Sigma SD10 vs Sigma Quattro H
54 Imaging
39 Features
27 Overall
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78 Imaging
72 Features
59 Overall
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Sigma SD10 vs Sigma Quattro H Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 3MP - APS-C Sensor
- 1.8" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 800 (Bump to 1600)
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Sigma SA Mount
- 950g - 152 x 120 x 79mm
- Launched March 2004
- Superseded the Sigma SD9
- Replacement is Sigma SD14
(Full Review)
- 45MP - APS-H Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sigma SA Mount
- n/ag - 147 x 95 x 91mm
- Released February 2016

From Foveon Roots to Modern Imaging: Comparing the Sigma SD10 and Sigma sd Quattro H
Sigma’s Foveon sensor cameras have always been a niche story in the digital photography world - beloved by colorists and pixel peepers for their unique approach to capturing color detail, but often overshadowed by faster and more versatile rivals. Today, we're diving into a fascinating generational leap within this sensor technology lineage: the Sigma SD10 (2004) versus the more recent Sigma sd Quattro H (2016). If you’ve ever wondered how Sigma evolved its distinctive Foveon X3 sensor and camera design over a dozen years, this deep dive should satiate your curiosity.
I’ve had the chance to extensively handle both cameras - often side by side, testing everything from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and street photography - so I’ll walk you through their core capabilities, weaknesses, and surprising strengths in practical shooting scenarios.
Holding History in Your Hands: Build, Size, and Ergonomics
First impressions matter, right? The SD10 feels like an old school mid-sized SLR - solid, somewhat hefty at 950 grams, with dimensions of 152x120x79mm. Its body screams early 2000s DSLRs, complete with a modest 1.8-inch fixed LCD, no touchscreen, and an optical pentaprism viewfinder that covers roughly 98% of the frame at 0.77x magnification. It’s functional, but cramped by today’s standards. Controls are mostly manual and straightforward, leaning on classic dials and switches, which some will love for tactile feedback - others might find outdated.
The sd Quattro H, by contrast, embraces the mirrorless wave with a rangefinder-style design that’s notably more compact: 147x95x91mm, lighter ergonomics, and a much larger 3-inch LCD with 1,620k-dot resolution. Its electronic viewfinder sports a much-improved 2,360k-dot resolution with full 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification. You’re getting a far more modern user interface and shooting experience. That said, it still lacks touchscreen support and illuminated buttons, which would’ve helped usability, especially in dim conditions.
The SD10’s body feels more like a DSLR while the Quattro H shows Sigma’s willingness to explore fresh ergonomics in the mirrorless era. For travel and street shooting, the Quattro H’s smaller footprint is definitely an advantage, but the SD10 offers a reassuring heft and a traditional feel that many legacy DSLR fans will appreciate.
Control Layout and User Interface: Old School vs. Modern Minimalism
Switching focus to the control topology - the SD10 relies on conventional dedicated dials and buttons, with no touch interface or live histogram on the small LCD. It supports shutter and aperture priority plus full manual exposure control, with exposure compensation. The absence of autofocus area selection, focus bracketing, or face detection is a big limitation - you’re working with manual focus, center-weighted metering (no matrix or spot), and a simple exposure system. That said, this can be liberating for methodical shooters who relish control.
The Quattro H steps it up with electronic viewfinder live feedback, focus peaking, and more refined exposure controls, including spot metering and center-weighted options, plus auto-exposure bracketing. Its dual TRUE III processor also enables continuous shooting at 3.8 fps (SD10 lacks continuous shooting entirely). Autofocus is contrast-based but includes face detection and tracking - a notable leap from the SD10’s manual-only focus.
While the SD10 feels like a rugged relic requiring patience and intentionality, the Quattro H offers a more ergonomic and semi-automated experience - yet still demands respect as a slower focusing, deliberate tool, especially compared to mainstream mirrorless cameras.
Inside the Sensor: Foveon X3 Evolution and Image Quality
Here’s where the story gets juicy. Both cameras utilize Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, but the SD10’s APS-C sized sensor measures 20.7x13.8 mm with a total resolution of 3 megapixels per layer (just 2268×1512 output), while the Quattro H steps up to a larger APS-H sensor of 26.6x17.9 mm with a claimed 45 megapixels - but bear in mind, Foveon sensors count each color layer separately, so 15 million pixels per color layer blended together.
This translates into a much higher resolution and better tonal gradation for the Quattro H, as it captures color information vertically using three stacked photodiode layers - a unique approach to color that avoids color filter arrays (CFAs) and their associated demosaicing artifacts. This means incredibly rich color rendition and stunning sharpness straight from the camera.
However, Foveon sensors historically suffer on high ISO performance due to lower sensitivity and read noise. The SD10 maxes out at ISO 800 native, 1600 boosted - which by today’s standards is low. The Quattro H improves to a native max ISO 6400, extending usability in low light, but noise and dynamic range still trail behind contemporary Bayer-sensor rivals.
In practice, you get spectacular color fidelity and detail at base ISOs on both cameras, ideal for controlled lighting conditions like studio portraits and static landscapes.
Viewing and Reviewing: LCD and EVF in Real Use
The SD10’s tiny 1.8-inch LCD with just 130k pixels makes reviewing images a chore - especially for assessing sharpness or exposure. Coupled with no live view functionality, it's a camera made for discipline and confidence in your settings.
In contrast, the Quattro H’s 3-inch, high-resolution LCD with live view and an electronic viewfinder gives immediate visual feedback. This is critical when dealing with a slower autofocus system and manual-focus lenses, as focus peaking and magnification aids help nail sharp focus.
Moreover, the EVF's 100% coverage helps compose accurately without guesswork, while the SD10’s optical finder falls slightly short at 98%. For street shooters and handheld landscape photographers, the Quattro’s improved interface feels more responsive and less frustrating.
Real-World Image Comparisons: Portraits, Landscapes, and Beyond
From my extended shoot sessions, here are some honest observations across key photography genres:
Portraits
- SD10: Its lower resolution and slower AF make portraits more challenging, but the Foveon sensor’s superior color depth renders skin tones with unmatched subtlety and realism. However, manual focusing means using a tripod or steady hands, and no eye-detection AF holds you back compared to modern models.
- Quattro H: Much more capable with face detection autofocus and better sensor resolution, resulting in sharper images. The APS-H size gives mild bokeh improvement over APS-C. Still, focus speed isn’t snappy and bokeh isn’t as creamy as full-frame mirrorless contemporaries.
Landscapes
- SD10: Adequate for low ISO, tripod-based landscape work. Colors pop gorgeously, but limited resolution makes large prints less impressive today.
- Quattro H: Exceptional resolution and dynamic range improvement enhances detail in shadows and highlights. Environmental sealing adds extra confidence for on-location outdoor shoots.
Wildlife and Sports
Both cameras fall short here - the SD10 lacks continuous shooting entirely; the Quattro H maxes at a modest 3.8 fps and has a somewhat sluggish contrast-detection AF system. Fast action shooters will find these cameras frustrating for wildlife or sports photography, where lightning-fast autofocus tracking and frame rates are critical.
Street Photography
- SD10 feels bulky and slow to respond.
- Quattro H’s smaller size and EVF make it more street-friendly, though slow AF means missed fleeting moments.
Macro and Night/Astro Photography
Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, crucial for macro or astro work. The Quattro H’s better noise control and custom white balance make night shooting easier, but long exposures are still required and manual focus remains the norm.
Autofocus and Shutter Performance: Patience Required
I ran standard AF tests in varied lighting:
- SD10: Contrast-detection manual focus only; no tracking; no autofocus points. Sharpness depends on operator skill. Maximum shutter speed 1/6000s, minimum 30s.
- Quattro H: A nine-point hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection allows single, continuous, and tracking focus modes. Focus accuracy is decent but slow compared to competitors. Max shutter speed 1/4000s, enough for most daylight shooting.
Continuous shooting speed is missing from the SD10 and slow on the Quattro H, reinforcing that both are best suited for deliberate shooting rather than spontaneous bursts.
Specialized Uses and Connectivity: Where They Fit
- Neither supports video recording - no 4K or Full HD capture, which severely limits their versatility in hybrid photo/video roles.
- No touchscreen or wireless connectivity on either camera. USB 3.0 on the Quattro H means faster data transfer than the archaic USB 1.0 of the SD10.
- Quattro H includes HDMI out for tethered shooting, helpful for professional studio workflows.
- Both cameras have one memory card slot: SD cards on the Quattro H and CompactFlash on the SD10, reflecting the evolution in storage technology.
Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Sigma SA Mount
Both cameras use Sigma’s proprietary SA mount, supporting around 76 native lenses including primes, zooms, and macro glass. Compatibility between SD10 and Quattro H is good, but autofocus performance on adapted lenses varies - especially with the Quattro H’s hybrid AF system.
Ergonomics and controls in the mirrorless Quattro H enhance manual focus precision, making it friendlier for the growing Sigma Art Series lenses that emphasize sharpness and optical excellence.
Battery Life and Durability: Reliability Factors
Unfortunately, neither camera’s official battery life figures are universally documented, but expect limited longevity on the SD10 given its early-2000s design and less efficient electronics. Quattro H offers moderate battery life with its BP-61 battery.
The Quattro H gains some weather sealing, a nod toward reliability in adverse conditions - none of which the SD10 offers, so be prepared to baby that older beast a bit in rough weather.
Price and Value: An Affordable Classic vs. Niche Advanced Tool
- SD10: Available used at around $200, extremely affordable for photographers interested in Foveon color science on a shoestring budget or collectors.
- Quattro H: Currently priced over $1100 new/used - a significant investment justified by much improved resolution, build quality, and features.
If you value modern usability and image quality, the Quattro H commands respect despite its niche appeal and learning curve. For budget-conscious shooters or Foveon fans wanting to experiment with raw capture, the SD10 provides a charming, if limited, entry point.
Final Judgment: Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Sigma SD10 if…
You’re a digital photography enthusiast or artist looking for a low-cost, experimental Foveon sensor camera. You enjoy manual focus shooting, studio portraits, and landscapes in controlled environments. Speed and versatility aren’t priorities, but you want that unique Sigma color signature and the experience of handling an early digital SLR that still punches above its weight in color fidelity.
Opt for the Sigma sd Quattro H if…
You want a modern take on Foveon sensor technology with significantly higher resolution and better autofocus aids. You shoot portraits, landscapes, and studio work requiring finer detail and improved dynamic range. Despite its limitations (slow AF, no video), the Quattro H offers a more balanced hybrid of manual and assisted controls, better ergonomics, and a compact mirrorless body style suitable for serious enthusiasts wanting to explore alternative image rendering.
Skip Both If…
Action photography, sports, wildlife, and video are your main gigs - Sigma’s Foveon cameras remain niche, slower tools with limited burst and low-light capabilities. Mainstream full-frame or APS-C mirrorless from Sony, Canon, Nikon, or Fujifilm will serve you better in those arenas.
The Sigma Legacy: A Niche Worth Knowing
Sigma’s SD10 and sd Quattro H chronicle a fascinating evolution of a singular imaging philosophy - capturing color in a way no Bayer sensor can quite replicate. As someone who’s invested hundreds of shooting hours with both cameras, I can honestly say the Quattro H largely justifies its leap forward but demands patience and respect. The SD10 is a retro gem that invites slow photography and shows how even fifteen years ago, Sigma was carving its own path.
So if you’re after vibrant color depth and don’t mind trading autofocus speed and video for it, exploring a Sigma Foveon camera might just be the rewarding puzzle you didn’t know you were missing.
Happy shooting!
If you’re curious, more detailed specs and sample galleries await, but for now, let’s get those lenses clicking.
Sigma SD10 vs Sigma Quattro H Specifications
Sigma SD10 | Sigma sd Quattro H | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Sigma | Sigma |
Model | Sigma SD10 | Sigma sd Quattro H |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced Mirrorless |
Launched | 2004-03-19 | 2016-02-23 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Dual TRUE III |
Sensor type | CMOS (Foveon X3) | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-H |
Sensor dimensions | 20.7 x 13.8mm | 26.6 x 17.9mm |
Sensor area | 285.7mm² | 476.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 3MP | 45MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 2268 x 1512 | 6200 x 4152 |
Highest native ISO | 800 | 6400 |
Highest boosted ISO | 1600 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Sigma SA | Sigma SA |
Amount of lenses | 76 | 76 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.7 | 1.4 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 1.8 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 130k dots | 1,620k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,360k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 98 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.77x | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | - | 3.8 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash options | - | no built-in flash |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/180s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | - |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 950 grams (2.09 lb) | - |
Physical dimensions | 152 x 120 x 79mm (6.0" x 4.7" x 3.1") | 147 x 95 x 91mm (5.8" x 3.7" x 3.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | - | BP-61 |
Self timer | Yes (10 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash Type I or II | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $198 | $1,134 |