Sigma fp L system camera

Sigma fp-L body

The compact Sigma fp has a bigger brother! The size is the same as before, which means it's incredibly small. Now, the same aluminum body houses a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor!

Sigma doesn't reveal the sensor manufacturer, but if you want a taste of the performance, we recommend checking out the Sony A7R IV tests. So despite the high resolution, it promises good low-light performance and wide dynamic range.

The camera's Cinema - Still switch allows you to choose whether you are using a digital system with a 61-megapixel CMOS sensor or a cinema camera recording 12-bit 4K RAW video.

• 61-megapixel full-frame sensor
• Thin lowpass filter, sharp image but no moire problems!
• Hybrid AF , both for stills and video recording
• Face-tracking autofocus
• Weather-protected construction , despite the cooling urchin
• Video recording in order: Externally: 4K DCI, Blackmagic RAW, Prores Raw, Internally 12bit DNG RAW
• Recording directly to a USB-C hard drive
• USB power supply, continuous power even when shooting
• Works great as a webcam and for streaming: UVC compatible

For photographers

According to Sigma, such a high resolution gives the image more spatial and natural effect. In addition to the sensor, the anti-aliasing filter also affects the resolution. Sigma has made its filter thinner than usual to make the most of the resolution of the sensor and optics.

However, a camera with such high resolution must have a certain amount of filtering to prevent annoying moire errors from appearing in clothing or building details.

In addition, the resolution gives you flexibility in choosing a lens, the touchscreen works like a phone with pinch-zoom with your fingers and you can even crop the image 5x directly. This is digital zoom, but the quality still remains good thanks to the great resolution.

The camera's small size gives photographers flexibility, as it can be attached to a helicopter, conveniently attached to a telescope, or used for very high-level landscape photography. The camera's shutter, like the previous model, is electronic, so there are better options for very fast-paced nature photography or sports photography.

Phase detection AF

Sigma's previous fp only supported contrast-based autofocus, now it features modern on-sensor phase-detection autofocus. This is a much faster technology. It also includes smart features like face-tracking autofocus.

Sigma fp L in video shooting

The Sigma fp was especially popular with video enthusiasts and professionals. The same features can also be found in this camera. So, by selecting the switch, the camera can be taken directly to video mode, where the most important production features can be adjusted immediately. The time code, shutter angle and other important settings appear.

There are several body settings on the camera for video recording, and these also affect other features:

• Best resolution, x1.3 – 2.48
• Phase detection AF, x1.0 and x1.53<
• Widest dynamic range, x1.24<

These options are affected by the high pixel count, and certain settings always produce the best results when processed.

In addition, Sigma has completely unique features such as the Director's viewfinder , you can model the view of Cinema cameras with Sigma. How would something look on an Arri Alexa, Red Monstro or Sony Venice? The idea is, for example, to preview exactly how the material would look before renting the device or on the day of the shoot.

There are several codecs and options for recording video:

• Cinema DNG RAW 4K 12bit video directly to USB-C drive (e.g. Samsung T5)
• Blackmagic RAW, ProRes RAW

The material used is metal, and there are openings behind the screen for air circulation. The amount of data the camera records is enormous, and even in professional use, the camera should not overheat.

The quality of the video can be judged by the size of the recorded video file, for example the very popular Sony A7 III records 4K video at a bit rate of 100Mbit/s. The Sigma fp records video to the memory card at 1632Mbit/s and to an external drive at a bit rate of 2400Mbit/s. If you intend to do post-processing and the goal is the best possible image quality, the Sigma fp offers a very interesting option.

Sigma fp L - webcam on steroids

The idea of a full-frame 61-megapixel webcam may seem like an exaggeration, but the Sigma fp is a very good option for this:

The only full-sensor USB UVC camera. Works as a webcam using just a USB connection, without any software or settings. Just plug in the cable and everything works, video and audio are transmitted and the Sigma fp L is also powered via USB!

The 4K raw video recorded directly to the memory card is astonishing in its quality, the 8-bit color depth is surprisingly enough if you take care of the exposure during the shooting phase (i.e. don't underexpose by 4-5 stops).

In addition, the previously mentioned fast Hybrid AF with face detection can also track the performer during video. This is therefore suitable in terms of quality to replace a studio camera, is easy to set up and works without any technical tricks.

The camera has standard tripod threads on three sides, which can be used to attach the camera or attach accessories. The camera weighs only 422 grams.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: L-Mount
• Sensor: full-frame CMOS, 61 megapixels
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-25600 (6-102400 expanded)
• Autofocus: 49 focus areas, contrast-detection and gear-detection AF
• Shutter speeds: 60 - 1/8000s, electronic shutter
  
• Flash sync: 1/15 sec.
• Continuous shooting: 10 fps, (image buffer: 12 RAW, 14 JPG)
• Video recording: 4K, 8bit RAW internally to memory card, 12bit RAW to external disk. FullHD 120P. FullHD 12bit internally to memory card
• 8.1cm touchscreen
  
• SD (HC/XC) memory card slot with UHS-II support
• Microphone jack: 3.5 mm
  
• HDMI D (micro), USB Type-C
  
• Size: 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3mm
• Weight: 422g

The sales package includes:

• Sigma fp L Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
• Sigma BP-51 battery
• Sigma Strap for fp Camera camera strap
• 2 x Sigma Strap Holder for fp Camera
• Sigma HU-11 Hot Shoe Unit and Cable Strain Relief
• Sigma LCT II-TL body plug
• Sigma UAC-21 USB power supply
• Sigma SUC-41 USB cable