1)Introduction to Sigma fp L: Key Features
High-Resolution Sensor and ISO Capabilities
The Sigma fp L is equipped with a 61MP full-frame back-illuminated sensor featuring phase detection pixels for autofocus, akin to the high-quality sensor found in the Sony A7R IV. This setup offers a standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-25,600, which can be extended up to 102,400. Additionally, the camera provides composite low ISO settings as low as ISO 6, achieved by blending multiple ISO 100 exposures into a single file. This technique results in ghosting effects for moving subjects rather than continuous blur, due to the discrete exposures rather than a long single one.
Shutter Speed and Electronic Shutter Characteristics
The Sigma fp L offers a shutter speed range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 seconds. Notably, it uses a purely electronic shutter, with a flash sync speed of 1/15 second, indicating a relatively slow scan time as the sensor pixels are read from top to bottom. This could lead to distorted shapes of moving subjects and banding under fluorescent lights. While capable of shooting up to 10 frames per second, the Sigma fp L is more suited for product or landscape photography rather than fast-paced sports or action shots.
Enhanced Autofocus System
Building on its predecessor, the Sigma fp, the fp L introduces a hybrid autofocus system that merges phase detection for speed with contrast detection for precision. The focus area can be adjusted freely across most of the frame, with a simplified 49-point selection available for quicker use via physical controls. Additionally, the camera includes face and eye detection as well as subject tracking, enhancing its usability in various shooting scenarios.
Image Format and Processing Considerations
Images captured by the Sigma fp L are recorded in Adobe’s standard DNG format, ensuring broad compatibility with most software without the need for specific camera support updates. However, the high-resolution 61MP RAW files can be demanding on your computer’s processing power and storage capacity. The camera also offers in-camera JPEG conversion after shooting, but without built-in Wi-Fi or smartphone connectivity, quick image sharing to social media isn’t an option.
Unique Crop Zoom Feature
A standout feature of the Sigma fp L is its crop zoom mode, which is accessible through a pinch gesture on the touchscreen. Unlike digital zoom modes offered by other manufacturers, this feature allows you to capture cropped DNG files at various sizes, offering a 1.5x zoom at 26MP, 2x zoom at 15MP, 2.5x zoom at 9.8MP, and 5x zoom at 2.5MP. When Auto ISO is enabled, the camera intelligently adjusts the minimum shutter speed to correspond with the equivalent focal length, ensuring optimal image quality.
2)Compact Design and Versatile Features: Exploring the Sigma fp L
Compact Design with High-Resolution Sensor
The Sigma fp L maintains the same compact body design as its predecessor, the 24MP Sigma fp, but now boasts a high-resolution 61MP sensor. Despite the significant upgrade in sensor resolution, the camera’s compact form factor remains unchanged, making it a powerful yet portable option for photographers and videographers.
Versatile Mounting Options
A distinctive feature of the Sigma fp L is its unique set of 1/4-inch threads, not only on the baseplate for tripod mounting but also on each side of the camera. These threads allow you to attach various accessories such as a viewfinder, handgrip, or even removable strap lugs, offering flexibility in how you customize and use the camera.
Effective Heat Management
To manage heat during video recording, the Sigma fp L is equipped with a large heat sink positioned behind the LCD screen. This design helps to prevent overheating during extended shooting sessions, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding conditions.
Battery and Charging Solutions
The camera is powered by Sigma’s BP-51 battery, which is identical to Panasonic’s DMW-BLC12, making it easy to find spare batteries—a practical consideration given the camera’s power needs. Charging is conveniently done via the USB-C port, though it’s important to note that the viewfinder needs to be removed to access the port.
Comprehensive Connectivity
The Sigma fp L offers a variety of connectors on its side, including USB-C, microphone, and micro-HDMI ports. Additionally, there is an interface for the optional add-on hot-shoe. The microphone socket also doubles as an input for the CR-41 cable release, adding further versatility to the camera’s connectivity options.
Durable and Weather-Sealed Construction
Built to withstand challenging shooting environments, the Sigma fp L is both dust- and splash-proof, with weather-sealing at 42 key points around the camera body. This robust construction ensures the camera can handle adverse conditions, making it suitable for outdoor photography and videography.
Storage and Recording Flexibility
For storage, the Sigma fp L includes a single UHS-II SD card slot. However, it also offers the option to record files directly to an SSD via the USB-C port, either on the camera or the EVF. This feature is particularly beneficial for videographers who require fast and reliable storage solutions during filming.
Enhanced In-Camera Image Processing
To facilitate creative image adjustments, the Sigma fp L provides dedicated Color and Tone buttons on the back of the camera. These buttons offer quick access to a wide range of effects, allowing users to apply creative adjustments directly in-camera, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
3) Build and Handling
Compact and Versatile Design
The Sigma fp L retains the compact body design of its predecessor, the 24MP Sigma fp, but now houses a high-resolution 61MP sensor. This design features a unique set of 1/4-inch threads, not just on the baseplate for tripod mounting, but also on each side of the camera. These threads enable you to attach a variety of accessories, such as a viewfinder, handgrip, or even removable strap lugs, enhancing the camera’s versatility.
Efficient Heat Management
To manage heat during video recording, the Sigma fp L is equipped with a large heat sink located behind the LCD screen. This feature helps prevent the camera from overheating, ensuring consistent performance even during extended shooting sessions.
Battery and Power Options
The camera uses Sigma’s BP-51 battery, which is identical to Panasonic’s DMW-BLC12, making it easy to find spare batteries. This is a practical feature given the camera’s power demands. Charging is conveniently done via the USB-C port, though you’ll need to remove the viewfinder to access the charging port.
Comprehensive Connectivity
The Sigma fp L offers a variety of connectors on its side, including USB-C, microphone, and micro-HDMI ports. There is also an interface for the optional add-on hot-shoe. The microphone socket doubles as an input for the CR-41 cable release, adding further flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to withstand tough conditions, the Sigma fp L is dust- and splash-proof, with weather-sealing at 42 key points around the camera body. This makes it a reliable choice for photographers working in challenging environments.
Flexible Storage Solutions
For storage, the camera includes a single UHS-II SD card slot. Additionally, it allows you to record files directly to an SSD via the USB-C port on either the camera or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). This feature is particularly beneficial for videographers who require ample storage capacity.
Advanced In-Camera Image Processing
The Sigma fp L offers dedicated Color and Tone buttons on the back, providing quick access to a wide range of effects. These options allow for creative flexibility in-camera, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
4) A Compact Powerhouse for Serious Photographers
Let’s get straight to the point: I’m a fan of the Sigma fp L. The image quality it produces is outstanding, with impressive color accuracy and dynamic range. The viewfinder is large and comfortable to use, and as the smallest and lightest full-frame camera on the market, it pairs perfectly with Sigma’s new I-series lenses for an easy-to-carry setup.
While some reviewers have criticized the Sigma fp L for being difficult to use, citing its small size and minimalist button layout, I strongly disagree. Since when did photographers need everything to be effortless? Historically, photography involved complex processes, from using glass plates to working with toxic chemicals, and even composing images while viewing them upside-down. If we were able to create art under those conditions, learning to master a new camera should be seen as a challenge worth embracing.
The Sigma fp L may require a bit of a learning curve, but that’s no reason to shy away from it. Mastering this camera is not only possible but rewarding, as it’s a tool that can help you create great photographs. The effort you put into learning its functions will pay off in the quality of your work. So dive in, and discover what the Sigma fp L can do.
5) Sigma fp L: Delivering Bright, Sharp, and Colorful Images
Exceptional Image Quality
While great photos ultimately depend on the photographer, the Sigma fp L is designed to produce exceptional image files. One of its standout features is its impressive dynamic range, which allows for detailed capture in both highlights and shadows. This capability enables you to reduce the brightness of bright areas like clouds without introducing blotchiness and brighten shadows while maintaining accurate color fidelity. Unlike many cameras that struggle with noise and color distortion in dark areas when edited, the Sigma fp L handles these adjustments with remarkable ease, resulting in clean and detailed images.
High-Resolution Advantages
The Sigma fp L’s 61-megapixel sensor is a significant advantage, particularly in avoiding issues like moiré patterns that can occur with lower-resolution sensors. For example, when using a camera like the Lumix S1, which has a 24-megapixel sensor, moiré patterns can often appear in synthetic fabrics. However, with the Sigma fp L, this issue is virtually eliminated. The sensor’s high resolution surpasses the weave patterns of fabrics, resulting in incredibly sharp images without the interference of moiré effects.
Superior Built-In Color and Contrast Profiles
The image quality from the Sigma fp L is further enhanced by its excellent built-in color and contrast profiles from Sigma. These profiles, reminiscent of those found in Sigma’s earlier Foveon-sensor cameras, deliver beautiful color rendition straight out of the camera. For photographers who edit in Lightroom, there are LUTs available in the Profile menu that mimic these built-in options, providing a seamless transition from camera to post-processing. Even the JPEGs produced by the Sigma fp L are impressive, with the black and white settings being particularly noteworthy. Shooting in RAW+JPEG is recommended to get the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy both the camera’s high-quality JPEGs and the flexibility of RAW files for further editing.
6) Amazing Lens OptionsÂ
When it comes to choosing lenses, I always prefer Sigma lenses over those from other camera manufacturers, regardless of similar specifications. Having used Sigma lenses on Nikon and Canon bodies for years, and now on my Lumix cameras, I’ve found them to be reliable workhorses that I depend on daily.
The lens options available for the L-mount, which includes Lumix, Leica, and Sigma models, are all exceptionally high quality—there aren’t any subpar or cheaply made options. Any lens you pair with the Sigma fp L will deliver excellent performance. I’m particularly impressed with Sigma’s new I series lenses; they’re compact, fast, and more affordable without sacrificing quality. The 35mm f/2 lens, for example, has become my go-to for every shoot and is perfect for everyday use.
7) Controls and UsabilityÂ
As the smallest full-frame interchangeable-lens camera on the market, the Sigma fp L naturally lacks the extensive button layout found on larger models like the Canon 1D X. However, it compensates for this with a well-designed quick menu and customizable button functions, making it user-friendly despite its compact size.
The shutter on the Sigma fp L is highly responsive, and the autofocus system quickly locks onto subjects. Unlike some cameras that require pressing the shutter button to wake from sleep, the fp L can be activated by touching any button, which is a convenient feature.
The menu system, while functional, is not my favorite. Although it is navigable, some features are buried a few layers deep, and specific buttons are needed to return to the main menu. It may not be as intuitive as Nikon or Lumix systems, but it’s manageable. After a few days of use, I found it possible to navigate and adjust settings with reasonable speed.
8) Autofocus Performance
Although I initially found the autofocus controls a bit confusing, I was impressed with its overall performance. The Sigma fp L features a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection, which provides fast and accurate focus. With 42 focus points capable of operating down to -5 EV, it performs well in low-light conditions and covers the entire frame, not just the center.
I was particularly surprised by its effectiveness with moving subjects. The autofocus on the Sigma fp L outperforms my S1 in continuous shooting and tracking. While it might not be ideal for high-speed sports photography due to the lack of dedicated external controls, the autofocus itself is robust and reliable.
9)TL;DRÂ
The Sigma fp L is a compact camera that delivers impressive image quality with excellent colors. However, its ergonomics leave much to be desired, and the absence of a mechanical shutter is a notable drawback. Additionally, it falls short in terms of stabilization and speed compared to other cameras in its price range.
10) Rolling Shutter PerformanceÂ
The Sigma fp L lacks a mechanical shutter and relies on its electronic shutter to manage rolling shutter effects. Unfortunately, it falls short in this regard. The camera exhibits significant “jello” distortion, which is more pronounced than I’ve seen with other cameras.
Even when handholding the Sigma fp L with a 35mm lens and not panning or tilting, each frame in a continuous burst shows noticeable warping due to natural hand movement. When tracking a moving subject, the distortion becomes even more severe, causing everything in the frame to slant. Additionally, if the subject is moving while the camera remains stationary, it can lead to severe detachment and strange visual artifacts.
11) Are There Alternatives to the Sigma fp L?
If you’re drawn to the Sigma fp L for its high-resolution full-frame sensor in such a compact body, you might find it unique in its category. However, if size is a key factor for you, there are a couple of alternatives to consider, though they come with fewer megapixels.
Firstly, the Sigma fp, launched in late 2019, offers a similar design and many of the same functionalities as the fp L but with a 24-megapixel sensor and only contrast-detect autofocus. It’s also more affordable, making it a viable option if the lower resolution is not a dealbreaker for you.
Another alternative is the Sony a7C, which was released after the Sigma fp. This camera also features a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor and is noted for being the smallest full-frame camera with in-body image stabilization—a feature absent in the Sigma fp L. However, it uses the Sony E-mount, which means a different selection of compatible lenses.
12) Should You Buy the Sigma fp L?
The Sigma fp L is undeniably unique, with its compact size, 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, and L-mount compatibility. If these specific features are non-negotiable for you, the Sigma fp L stands alone in its category. However, after using the camera for a couple of weeks, I find it challenging to recommend it without reservations.
Despite its distinctive qualities, the Sigma fp L has notable flaws. While it excels in certain aspects, such as image resolution and build quality, it falls short in others, like stabilization and handling. For genres like landscape photography, where its strengths can be fully utilized, it could be a reasonable choice if it were the only option available. But considering the range of other cameras on the market that offer a more balanced combination of features and performance, the Sigma fp L might not be the best investment for most users.
