Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850
59 Imaging
44 Features
45 Overall
44


54 Imaging
67 Features
60 Overall
64
Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 5MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Expand to 3200)
- No Video
- Sigma SA Mount
- 750g - 144 x 107 x 81mm
- Launched February 2010
- Older Model is Sigma SD14
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Increase to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Launched April 2010

Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Overview
Here, we are evaluating the Sigma SD15 versus Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Sigma and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SD15 (5MP) and A850 (25MP) and the SD15 (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

The SD15 was brought out within a month of the A850 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SD15 grades versus the A850 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma SD15 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The entire galleries are available at Sigma SD15 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Sigma SD15 over the Sony A850
SD15 | A850 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A850 over the Sigma SD15
A850 | SD15 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+462k dot) |
Common features in the Sigma SD15 and Sony A850
SD15 | A850 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2010 | ![]() | April 2010 | Similar age |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Absent Touch display |
Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Sigma SD15 enjoys external measurements of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs) while the Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).
Examine the Sigma SD15 versus Sony A850 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SD15 vs the A850.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SD15 and A850 is 59 and 54 respectively.

Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The photograph here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SD15 and A850.
As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD15 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony A850 will give extra detail having its extra 20MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.

Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Sigma SD15 vs Sony A850 Specifications
Sigma SD15 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Sigma | Sony |
Model type | Sigma SD15 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2010-02-20 | 2010-04-15 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | True II | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS (Foveon X3) | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 20.7 x 13.8mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 285.7mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 5 megapixels | 25 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 2640 x 1760 | 6048 x 4032 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Highest boosted ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW data | ||
Minimum boosted ISO | 50 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Sigma SA | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Total lenses | 76 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.7 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of display | 460k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | - | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 96 percent | 98 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.6x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180s | 1/250s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 750 grams (1.65 lbs) | 895 grams (1.97 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 144 x 107 x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") | 156 x 117 x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1415 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 880 photos |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo |
Storage slots | One | 2 |
Pricing at launch | $1,500 | $0 |