Sigma SD10 vs. Sony A68: An Expert’s Deep Dive into Two Distinct DSLR Eras

Deciding between two cameras separated by more than a decade - and wildly different technological generations - can be daunting. On one hand, we have the Sigma SD10, an advanced DSLR launched in 2004, notable for its unique Foveon X3 sensor technology. On the other, the Sony SLT-A68 (or just Sony A68), a 2015 entry-level DSLR with modern autofocus and video capabilities. I’ve spent weeks with both, testing across genres from portraiture to wildlife, landscapes to video, and I’m here to help you figure out which one might fit your needs today.

Notice the SD10’s mid-sized bulk versus the more compact Sony A68, weighing 950g and 610g respectively.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Sigma SD10 and Sony A68 At a Glance

Before plunging into the details, let’s clarify the context. The Sigma SD10 stands out for its Foveon X3 sensor, which records RGB color information at every pixel depth - quite distinct from the Bayer sensors most DSLRs use. This promises incredible color fidelity, albeit at a modest resolution of 3 megapixels (native raw size 2268x1512).

The Sony A68, meanwhile, boasts a more conventional 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, solid autofocus, and useful video features, all wrapped in a compact, lightweight body. It supports a vast lens ecosystem via the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount and integrates extensive modern features like sensor-shift stabilization and a high-res electronic viewfinder.

So, we are looking at a classic film-era styled DSLR (SD10), rich in color science but aging in tech, versus a more modern digital camera (A68) aimed at enthusiasts seeking versatility.

Handling and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Hand Matters

Long shoots demand comfortable handling, so starting with size, weight, and control layout makes sense.

Look carefully at the A68’s compact and ergonomic design versus the bulkier SD10’s heftier grip.

The SD10 feels solid but hefty - nearly 950 grams with a 152x120x79 mm footprint. It lacks modern comforts like an articulated or touchscreen LCD, with a tiny, low-res 1.8-inch fixed screen (130k pixels). Its controls are somewhat sparse and traditional, designed mainly for manual operation and inviting deliberate, slower shooting.

The Sony A68, significantly lighter (~610 grams), fits snugly in my hand with well-placed controls. It sports a 2.7-inch tilting LCD at 461k pixels, a useful top status screen, plus a bright electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1440k-dot resolution - no more guessing when composing. The A68 also supports a faster maximum continuous shooting rate (8 fps) versus none reported on the SD10.

For those who appreciate an intuitive, ergonomic design and shooting flexibility on the go, the Sony is clearly the better fit.

Sensor Technology: Foveon X3 vs. Conventional CMOS

This is where things get interesting - and where the SD10 either wins hearts or confounds.

Note the difference between Sigma’s 3MP Foveon sensor and Sony’s 24MP Bayer sensor APS-C array.

The SD10’s Foveon X3 sensor captures full RGB data at every pixel - a radical departure from the Bayer pattern, which interpolates colors based on adjacent pixels. This leads to superb color depth and a unique rendition of skin tones and textures. However, the image resolution is effectively 3MP, which today feels limiting for large prints or detailed cropping.

I’ve tested the Foveon’s output extensively - skin tones appear natural and nuanced, ideal for portraiture, but with tradeoffs: noise performance at high ISOs (max 800 native, 1600 boosted) is poor and dynamic range is compressively narrow. Landscape photos can appear rich in color but lack the sharpness and detail that a 24MP CMOS sensor delivers.

The Sony A68’s 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a conventional Bayer array provides much higher resolution, excellent dynamic range, and is far more forgiving at high ISO (up to 25600). Its sensor size (23.5x15.6 mm) is larger than Sigma’s (20.7x13.8 mm), enhancing light gathering. The A68’s Color Depth and Dynamic Range, measured by DxOMark, stand at 24.1 bits and 13.5 EV respectively, vastly outperforming the older Foveon chip (metrics unavailable due to age but reliably inferior).

For landscape and general photography, where resolution, dynamic range, and ISO flexibility matter, the Sony shines. But if color rendition and unique tonality are your artistic goal, the Sigma’s sensor is one-of-a-kind.

Image Review: When Pixels Tell the Story

Sigma SD10 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Taking photos in real conditions was illuminating:

• Portraits: The SD10 impresses with accurate skin tones and creamy bokeh, despite having no sophisticated eye-detection autofocus. You have to rely on manual focus finesse, which I found rewarding but time-consuming. The Sony A68 is easier to handle with face/eye AF and faster bursts - making sharp portraits in dynamic environments a breeze.

• Landscape: Sony’s 24MP files deliver superior details, and the A68’s better dynamic range captures shadow and highlights brilliantly. The SD10’s nuanced color depth feels artistic but lacks absolute sharpness.

• Wildlife & Sports: The Sigma falls short. No continuous shooting or live autofocus tracking cripples fast subject capture. Sony’s 8 fps burst with 79 focus points and tracking AF score highly.

• Street & Travel: The SD10’s weight and slow operation slow you down taking candid shots, while the Sony’s lightweight body and silent drive modes (notably missing on the SD10) excel.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: The Legacy Gap Is Clear

The Sigma SD10 employs contrast-detection autofocus in live view and manual focus elsewhere. It offers limited focus area selectivity, no face or eye detection, and no tracking. In practice, I struggled to get sharp images with moving subjects, relegating this camera to still subjects or deliberate compositions.

The Sony A68 is on a different level, with 79 AF points (15 cross-type), phase-detection sensor AF, face detection, and tracking capabilities. Its autofocus is snappy and locks quickly in challenging light. It supports 8 fps continuous shooting, perfect for action and wildlife.

For sports or wildlife, A68 is the go-to. For slow, deliberate photography like studio portraits or still lifes, SD10 can still shine if you relish manual focusing discipline.

Video Performance: A Modern Necessity

Video wasn’t a feature in the SD10 era, so the SD10 offers no video capability whatsoever.

The Sony A68, however, supports Full HD (1920x1080) video at 60i, 30p, and 24p in AVCHD and MP4 formats. It includes built-in stereo microphone, microphone input, and sensor-shift image stabilization for smooth handheld footage. The electronic viewfinder can simulate exposure and focus during recording.

If you plan to shoot video regularly, the Sony A68 is the clear winner.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Neither Is Ruggedized

Neither camera has environmental sealing, dust or waterproofing. The Sigma SD10’s build feels robust, with metal alloy chassis typical of mid-size DSLRs of its time, suitable for studio or controlled outdoor use. The Sony A68, while plastic-bodied to reduce weight, still feels sturdy enough for typical enthusiast use.

Neither camera suits harsh weather shoots without additional protective gear.

LCD, Viewfinder, and Interface: Modern Conveniences vs. Classic Design

Two very different rear screens: the Sony’s high-res tilting LCD compared to the Sigma’s tiny fixed display.

The Sigma SD10 has a small, fixed 1.8-inch LCD with minimal resolution and no live view AF assistance. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder covers ~98% of the frame with 0.77x magnification but no electronic overlay.

The Sony A68 sports a 2.7-inch tilting LCD with sharper resolution and a bright 100% coverage electronic viewfinder. The EVF provides real-time exposure preview, enhanced focus peaking, and helpful shooting information overlays.

User interface-wise, the Sony is more adaptable, featuring customizable buttons and exposure bracketing (AE and WB). Sigma’s controls are classic and limited, better suited for photographers comfortable with manual exposure and focusing.

Lens Ecosystem: Sigma vs. Sony Mounts

The Sigma SD10 uses the proprietary Sigma SA mount, supporting around 76 native lenses ranging from primes to zooms. However, SA mount lenses are rarer, pricier, and have less autofocus sophistication due to older design. Third-party options are limited - this can constrain versatility.

The Sony A68 accepts Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses, granting access to well over 140 native lenses including affordable primes, fast zoom telephotos, and third-party glass by Tamron and Sigma with reliable AF support. This versatility is a massive advantage for shooters needing options.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery life is somewhat undocumented for the SD10, but its older battery chemistry and lack of power-saving features mean short shoot sessions before recharge.

The Sony A68 advertises about 510 shots per charge (CIPA rating), typical for an APS-C entry DSLR, sufficient for full-day shooting with backups.

Storage-wise, the SD10 uses CompactFlash Type I or II cards, common in 2004 but increasingly obsolete and expensive. The Sony uses SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards - ubiquitous and affordable today.

Connectivity: Long Way from Wireless Convenience

The SD10 offers only USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps) for tethered download - slow and clunky.

The A68 upgrades to USB 2.0, includes HDMI out, and supports Eye-Fi wireless card integration for limited wireless transfer - but no Bluetooth or NFC, even by 2015 standards.

For modern workflows, the A68 is marginally better but both cameras lack contemporary WiFi or smartphone integration.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Choose What

The Sigma SD10 sells used for under $200, making it a budget curiosity for Foveon sensor fans and manual-focus purists. It’s great for portraits and still lifes where you want excellent color fidelity and can work deliberately.

The Sony A68 is priced around $580 new or slightly less used, a strong value offering entry-level DSLR features, solid autofocus, burst rate, video, and a large lens selection. It undercuts many contemporary rivals and remains relevant for enthusiast photographers on a budget.

Scoring Across Photography Genres: Who Wins Where?

Portrait:

• Sigma SD10 excels with its remarkable skin tones and color depth but requires skillful manual focus.
• Sony A68 provides face/eye AF and faster shooting, preferred for candid, fast sessions.

Landscape:

• Sony A68’s high resolution and dynamic range deliver more detailed, flexible images.
• SD10 colors feel painterly but constrained by low megapixels and narrow dynamic range.

Wildlife & Sports:

• Sony A68’s autofocus system, burst mode, and lens lineup make it the superior choice hands down.

Street:

• Sony A68’s lighter weight, silent shooting modes, and quick AF suit street photography perfectly.
• Sigma SD10’s weight and focus delays hinder spontaneous shooting.

Macro:

• Neither camera features strong macro aids, but Sony’s stabilization and autofocus edges it out.

Night & Astro:

• Sony A68’s ISO range and sensor technology yield cleaner low-light photos; SD10 struggles above ISO 800.

Video:

• Only Sony A68 offers Full HD video with mic input, stabilization, and modern codecs.

Travel:

• Sony A68’s compact size, versatile autofocus, and battery life edge out SD10’s cumbersome design.

Pro Work:

• Despite SD10’s color benefits, workflow integration is outdated; Sony A68 supports raw and modern formats with better connectivity for professional use.

My Final Verdict: Matching Cameras to Photographers

The Sigma SD10 is a highly specialized tool for photographers who prize color fidelity above all else and appreciate the discipline of manual focus and slower shooting. If you are into studio portraiture, fine art photography, or want to experiment with Foveon sensor uniqueness, it’s a fascinating camera that punches above its weight in color but is otherwise limited. It also requires a commitment to its quirks and a willingness to accept its technological constraints.

The Sony A68, meanwhile, is the smarter all-rounder for the vast majority of photography enthusiasts. Its versatility across genres, robust autofocus, higher resolution, video abilities, and more comfortable handling make it a strong value choice today. If you shoot wildlife, sports, travel, street, or video - even casual portraits - the A68 covers your bases well.

For photographers on tight budgets who want a modern feature set, or those who want a dependable all-round DSLR, the Sony A68 makes solid, practical sense. The SD10 remains a curious but rewarding niche alternative with a unique image signature.

Summary Table

Thanks for reading my in-depth comparison. Hopefully, you now understand how these two very different cameras stack up and which might fit your photographic journey best. Whether you cherish the SD10’s signature color or rely on the A68’s all-around agility, both have their stories to tell behind the lens.

Happy shooting!