After months of rumours regarding Foveon sensors and speculations regarding what the “L” could possibly stand for, the new SIGMA fp L is finally here!
Is it “Lite”, “Large Resolution” or could it even be “Leica”?
Actually, the designation is a bit more “Liberal” with no determined keyword. However, Sigma advises that they consider “Leap” or “Liberty” to be suitable as it corresponds with the fp L’s ability as both a cine and stills camera.
Let’s take a look at what that means for the fp line, and new features.
THE ORIGINAL FP. IMPROVED.
Released in 2019, the original SIGMA fp was, and still is, the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in the market… an interesting design with a focus on high-quality video output and scalability. This open design meant users could define their shooting experience based upon their needs, outfitting the camera with accessories as they saw fit.
Unlike other mirrorless cameras which are stills cameras with video capability, the fp experience is centred on video first and foremost, with the ability to take still images. This peculiar focus, paired with the compact design of the camera and the Lego-esque scalability informed by film production requirements meant the omission of photographic luxuries such as a mechanical shutter, IBIS, EVF and articulating screen.
This was certainly divisive amongst reviewers, and enough has been said in other reviews since the two years after its release.
So… what’s new?
- Upgraded 61mpx sensor
- Hybrid AF (The original fp was contrast detection only)
- fp L now supports USB power supply
- New kit with the EVF-11
ROOM FOR A VIEW(FINDER)
The new Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11 is a 0.83x magnification, 3.68 million pixel OLED display that screws into the side of the fp L which allows for low angle shooting with up to 90-degree angle adjustment.
On the viewfinder itself is a 3.5mm headphone output, and USB-C port. However, the USB-C port (marked with SSD on the protective rubber flap) should only be used for data transfer to external storage recording and will need to be removed for charging the SIGMA fp L via the USB-C port on the body.
Owners of the original fp can rejoice knowing that this new EVF is backwards compatible with a pending firmware update.
CAMERAS COMPARED
The SIGMA fp L is now the cheapest, lightest, highest resolution fullframe mirrorless camera available in the market. With prices announced at $3000 AUD (JPY 153,000) for just the body, and $3699 AUD (JPY 183,000) for the kit with the EVF.
When looking for a mirrorless high-resolution alternative, only two cameras come close for the pixel output exceeding 50 megapixels. The Sony A1 (50mpx) and the Sony A7rIV (61mpx), both at a significantly higher cost for extra functionality and different feature sets.
When looking for a camera with cine based functionality, it’s hard to look past the fp L. For the price, you’re getting direct Cinema DNG recording to the memory card, cinematic shutter angles, and better image quality than its predecessor in UHD recording due to sensor downsampling.
With the form factor and lack of IBIS considered, one particular camera comes to mind, the original film Leica CL… but more on adapted Leica M-mount lenses at a later post.
IN USAGE AND SAMPLE IMAGES
61 MEGAPIXEL-PEEPING
61 whopping full frame megapixels… That’s a resolution of 9520 x 6328 for those keeping count. But why tell you when I can show you?
SHOOTING STILLS ON A CINE CAM… CINE- COLOR?
You might say… “Hang on! What’s up with the colors on that last image?”
Well that is Sigma’s “CINE” colour tone…
In recent times, the Youtube influencer over-hyped Teal and Orange LUT-pack look has been trending as “cinematic”, but here SIGMA has made an alternative cine-esque look available.
I think I may have found a new love…
SIGMA COLORS
As with most SIGMA cameras of yesteryear, there is a dedicated “Color” button whereby you can bring up the colour menu and quickly preview the effect in the LCD live view. Further adjustments to each colour can be made by pressing the AEL button.
Whilst the fp series does not have a true “log” profile, by turning the color mode to “off”, it creates an image close to a flat sensor read-out that assumes post-production will be carried out. Who needs log profiles anyways when you can record in Cinema DNG?
NOT FOVEON… BUT NOT FORGOTTON
The rumour mills have speculated that this may have been a Foveon sensor, alas, this is only a Bayer type. Sigma however has tuned the colour modes of FOV Blue and FOV Yellow to render rich colour tones with an emphasis on Blue and Yellow respectively.
On a heavily overcast day, I found the FOV Classic Yellow mode to be especially delightful, rendering a vibrant yellow tone with rich colour gradients and no saturation clipping…
On another overcast day just after the rain. This time shooting with the FOV Classic Blue colour mode, rendering incredibly rich tones with accentuated blues on an otherwise low contrast grey scene.
FINAL MUSINGS
Could SIGMA have addressed the wishlist for IBIS, and a mechanical shutter for faster flash sync? Certainly, but not without losing the compact form factor. Perhaps the only baffling omission is that of WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity, for the convenience of transferring stills to your mobile device or even using your phone as a wireless remote.
It’s the minor upgrades and value price point which makes the new SIGMA fp L a viable option for those who want to have it all… robust cine quality footage and high-resolution stills. With 61 megapixels, SIGMA is showing confidence in the resolving power of their available L-mount lenses.
There’s a lot to unpack with the new fp L, it feels both practical and utilitarian… compact but with the capability to conform to most high output requirements. Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be putting it through its paces with adapting Leica M-mount lenses, editorial style shooting, and amateur videography.
Stay tuned!
