Sigma SA-5

I bought this camera for a friend of mine and got to use it over the weekend and I must say that this camera did surprise me. People give Sigma so much bad reputation that you kind of get the idea that Sigma can’t make a good lens or camera. This camera has so many features that it would keep anybody happy (except maybe the pro who uses the Canon 1v). The camera has all the features you would ever need in a camera. The only thing that I find lacking in this camera would be the Auto focus system. Not that it is bad it is just a little bit slower than, say Canon 85mm Ultrasonic lens. The Auto focus speed was just about the same as on the EOS 300 with the 28-90 lens and not noisy at all. The only thing it sometimes took the lens a little bit longer to lock on in low light. And one thing that this Auto focus system has is the build in Infrared focus aid, that is something that not even Canon 1v has. The Sigma SA 5 can focus in total darkens. The motor drive is plenty fast and this camera is definitely a camera that can grow with you. Auto focus on the Sa 5 camera is better then the new Sigma SA 7 (don’t know about the SA 9, haven’t tried it) which is probably due to the infrared light. I would definitely say that this camera with the Sigma 28-70 F2,8 lens would be a LOT better buy than the Canon EOS 300 with 28-105 f 3,5-5,6 lens. The Sigma 28-80 f3,5-5,6 lens I tried it with was no worse then the Canon 28-90 f4-5,6 lens I got first with my EOS 7. (The Sigma lens was a lot better built). Maybe some would say that the Canon 7 point Auto focus is a reason to buy it rather then I disagree. I mostly use the center focusing point on my EOS 7. The Sigma lenses are good lenses if you spent a little extra money on the more expensive lenses from Sigma you won’t be disappointed.

Price features fast motor drive

Sigma SA 7, Canon EOS 7, Minolta x700, Mamiya 645, Canon EOS 300,

Haven' needed them so far

Although this camera performed well in terms of exposure (my first time of using and with no SLR experience it handled a contra-jour shot with ease) , I must agree with others who say no experienced photographer would go with this model. Being limited to Sigma lenses (mostly "consumer zooms" when I had it) was too much to bear. After a while the quirky AF got on my nerves so out it went in favour of Nikon!
In Sigma's defence I would say this camera might suit the amateur who just wants an SLR to record friends and family, as it does come packed with features at a reasonable price-especially if you buy a traded -in body!!

This was the first SLR I had.A very good deal with 28-200mm lens and bag thown in. Metering system is accurate,camera is reasonably light.

Very slow autofocus. In less than excellent light it tended to hesitate or hunt.Can only use Sigma lenses, though this wouldn't be a problem to a "happy snapper" user. As has been pointed out by others there is NO resale value-I got only around 10% of what I paid.Plasticky!

Nikon F5, F100, FE2, F2A, F
Contax RX
Leica M6

Did not have to use

Very good camera. It has features you may expect only from much more expensive Nikons and Canons. Fully automatic mode is great. For manual shooting - some buttons, like preview button or stop adjustment are placed little bit strange, but it is not a big problem. Assembling quality and finish are excellent. This camera currently is discontinued and replaced by Sigma SA-9. Since it is overlooked and almost unknown, it has no resale value. Sigma makes very good lens and dedicated flashes for the SA cameras, but all this stuff is proprietary.

lots of features, lightweight, easy to use, accurate metering system

should use only Sigma SA mount lens; some buttons placed not very ergonomic, slow autofocus, no resale value

Canon Elan II, REbel

Used once - focus system failed (something wrong with the mirror) - was fixed in two weeks. No problem with the service people - they are OK, but if something goes wrong, you have to send the camera to NYC

Good Camera but I will go to another brand as I progress because there is a bigger selection of new & used lenses etc.
My wife took good photos without much effort.

Light weight, lots of features

Can only use Sigma lenses & flashes

Pentax ME Super (which I still use)

Good from Jessops. The importer did not know anything about the new Sigma cameras and that the SA5 was discontinued

OK for cheap hobbyist. Resale value probably nil. No serious photographer would even consider this camera.

This is a feature packed camera for the money.

Slow AF. Only Sigma lenses will work, so you're stuck with one brand.

Most Nikons, Canons and a few Minolta SLRs

I have only used this camera, not purchased one, so I can't say.