A lot of features.
Mirror lockup, multiple exposure, self-time, remote release, shutter up to 1/4000.

I can only use Sigma lens, though this is not a big problem, the real problem is Sigma doesn't have a complete line of good primes. Well, say for 50mm, they only have f2.8, and it is pretty expensive. for 24mm, 28mm the price is more reasonable.

Very good camera, I have learnt a great deal about photography from this one. But the biggest two problems are: 1), it seems they are not interested in selling this carema at all, I haven't seen ads about it, therefore, i am afraid if there is anything wrong with it, I will have a really hard time to find someone who is able to fix it. 2. Lens problem as mentioned above

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

n/a

Very easy to use. As simple or complicated as you like. Full auto or full manuall.

none

For the money, the best camera I have shot with. With the dedicated flash, I shot pictures comparable to a proffesional at my sisters wedding (with total cooperation with the photographer). The Cannon Eos3 has a better autofocus and shoots more frames a second. Other than that, and the price, I see no real difference, except the Sigma has a small built in flash.

Customer Service

good

Similar Products Used:

EOS3, pentaxk1000, Nikon n60, Nikon F3...

Light weight, lots of features

Can only use Sigma lenses & flashes

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.

Customer Service

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

Similar Products Used:

Pentax ME Super (which I still use)

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

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.

Customer Service

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

Similar Products Used:

Canon Elan II, REbel

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!

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!!

Customer Service

Did not have to use

Similar Products Used:

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