Award-winning lens maker Sigma has now designed an excellent autofocus SLR camera with the end user in mind. The dial-controlled SA-7 is a full-fledged SLR with a host of advanced features, including a healthy range of exposure modes and metering modes, a built-in flash, self-timer, LCD information panel, built-in motor drive for automatic film advance/rewind, and more. The Sigma SA-7 also maximizes maneuverability with its durable yet lightweight body that ensures great performance under demanding conditions. This SA-7 kit comes complete with a quality 28-80mm Sigma AF zoom lens and a handsome Sigma brand camera bag. It is important to note that the SA-7 is only compatible with Sigma's SA mount lenses.
Of course, given that Sigma is originally a lens manufacturer, one of the strongest features of the SA-7 is its autofocus system. Focusing with the SA-7 is simple--just place your subject in the center of the viewfinder and slightly depress the shutter button. The super-quiet hypersonic motor works with the AF cross sensor to do the rest, all in a split second with pinpoint accuracy. The autofocus system also features a sophisticated motion prediction mode that allows subjects moving at a constant speed to be captured in sharp focus. It calculates the time required for the shutter to open after the shutter button is pressed, then automatically adjusts the focus at the point where the subject will be located when the shutter opens. In Single AF mode, a focus-lock function is activated that locks your focus on the subject. The camera signals you when focus is achieved with a light indicator in the viewfinder and an electronic sound. With symbols and color, the viewfinder also displays other necessary information. The LCD panel atop the camera body gives you shooting information, as well.
The SA-7 features fairly intuitive dial controls, offering the ability to go from fully automatic to manual mode with just a few quick adjustments. For manual operation, there is a shutter dial so you can set your shutter speed, either to Bulb or anywhere from 1/2,000 to 4 seconds. A command dial controls various settings such as adjusting aperture when in aperture-priority auto mode. The drive dial controls fine adjustment functions, which include continuous shooting, auto bracketing, mirror lock-up, and self-timer.
There is an eight-segment metering mode that divides the image into eight sections, measuring the light separately for each section and calculating an optimum exposure value for the whole scene. Another notable feature is the ability to capture fluid action at 1.5 frames per second with one depress of the shutter button. Finally, the camera boasts a diopter adjustment, a preview button to confirm depth of field, midroll rewind, a total of three metering systems, four exposure modes, multiple exposure function for special effects, and integrated flash with red eye-reduction.
1 Had this camera for a year and love it
I researched several cameras and finally chose this one not just because they make great lenses but the lense mount. Theirs is metal while Cannon, Nikon, etc are all plastic. This is not only cheap but flimsy. It takes great pictures and no one else gives you better value than Sigma considering the two lenses and bag. The bottom line is it takes great pictures and has lots of features. I don't care that some have said it a good starter camera--its like a bike. Lance Armstrong would win on any reasonably good road bike. Period.
2 Sigma
Buying this camera was a total mistake. I had it for 3 months and it started using batteries, $36.00 worth in two days. I returned it to Sigma on December 10th and kept calling them. They told me they were too busy to look at my camera and call back at the end of January. I called again and was told the manager would call me, he never called. I then sent an email and they never responded. I went out of town for the weekend and came home and my camera had been left on the porch for 4 days in the cold and rain. I have never seen such poor customer service. Not quite sure about the camera yet because I wasn't able to use it very long.
3 An old manual user reforms...
And gets a Sigma. And is very happy with the camera.
I've used a totally manual camera for many years and got sick of the limited number and cost of new lenses for it. Could get a Sigma for the price of a new camera.
If you are an amateur, like I am, you only really use the 28mm or 50mm lenses. Sigma gives you that, on one lens with a macro included. The macro is sensational-easy to use and the results are terrific.
Highly recommend the camera.
4 Excellent Camera - Better than all others in price range
This is the first SLR I have owned and the first camera I have really used, so I am a bit of a novice. But I just shot 4 rolls of film (400 speed) on this camera and the pictures are excellent. Everyone that sees the pictures comments on how good they look. The auto focus is quick and on the money no matter how close or far. The macro in manual focus is crystal clear and the red eye works well (a litle slow). I highly recommend this camera and the case is very nice too. I researched this camera to death and nothing compares to it at this price.
5 Worst mistake I made in buying
This was a total mistake. I should have stuck with a major known camera manufacture. It hasn't worked right since day one. I finally gave up getting help from Sigma on repairs, and had to take to local photo store. They laughed, and said it would be cheaper to buy a new one then repair the Sigma which is new, and only used once. If there was anyway I could return and get my money back I would, right now its headed for the garbarge.
6 Great camera and great deal !!
This is a great camera. It has a great Sigma optics (Sigma is a very big name in that world), a nice autofocus system and all features typical for [its] price range cameras. And here it comes with a bag. So it's probably the best value/price ration in this class. And all features are either very good or at least good, so you don't have to sacrifice anything for this low price. Solid 5 stars rating!
7 don't let name or price fool you
great camera... sigma high quality lens.. alot of features for the price. prob low price because it isn't a "designer name" forget image.. get good shots and this cam especially with a 100-300 f/5.6 is a sweet set up
8 Outstanding Deal!
I bought this camera for my wife for Christmas. She's an artist, and a pretty experienced photographer, but only wants the basic features rather than the complex sets of programs, etc., that you get on more expensive cameras or some of the similarly priced cameras from other makers.
I have a Canon Eos Elan 7E, which I like a lot, but for her use this one is much better. It's light, extremely easy to use, works very well, and takes good photos. It's quiet (very), focuses fast, and looks a lot more expensive than it is. In fact, I have been so pleased with it that I'm considering getting an SA-9 for myself, since it's quite a lot lighter and more compact than the 7E. Don't be fooled by the post that says it's better to stick with a "name-brand"--Sigma IS a name brand, and you get a lot for your money with this package.
9 Just what I wanted.
The camera is great with great pics. (...) At a department store I could have gotten a rebate. How does it go with Amazon? (...)
10 Returned for a Minolta SLR
Purchased the Sigma based on price only. Mistake, I returned the Sigma SA-7 and purchased the Minolta STsi Kit, which we love and get amazing photo's from. The Minolta STsi also has a date and panorama feature which we use. I suggest staying with a name brand product.
JH
11 Excellent camera with a great choice of lenses
After shooting a few rolls of film with the SA-7 I'm impressed. The autofocus is quick and accurate and all the controls are intuitive and well-placed. Handling is excellent.
Since you'll be limited to a Sigma lens I must recommend the 28-300mm Aspherical which is an outrageously convenient thing. It's a bargain and provides a range of focal lengths which may make it the only lens an amateur would ever need.
Now the only thing I'm wondering is if I should have paid more for the SA-9 to get a faster shutter and date imprinting. You'll be happy with either of the two new Sigmas.
12 great camera for an amateur
Although, Sigma is very well-known for lenses, their cameras are not as popular, which is a shame. Anyway, this is the second Sigma Camera that I own. My previous camera was a Sigma SA-300. The camera has seven years, since I received it as a gift and it is still working very well. I wanted a new camera that have newer features, and that is why I decided to buy a new camera. Since, my experience with Sigma has been very good, and after shopping around (I looked at Minolta, Canon and Nikon) I decided to stick with the Sigma SA-7. One thing that I really liked is that the lense mount is metal vs. plastic in some of the comparable models for other brands. One set back is that it only accepts Sigma lensesand that it doesn't have ability to add a battery pack. The bag that comes with the kit is very nice and roomy. You get lots of features for the money, lightweight, affordable price, good metering system, user-friendly, picture preview, multiple exposure, self-timer.
