The core concept of the fp series has been to create user-orientated and modular cameras for image-makers who need adaptable gear to suit their specific style and needs. fp cameras are equally as powerful for stills and video, and equally well suited to enthusiasts and professionals. SIGMA has built on the success of the original fp with new 61MP fp L. It brings some exciting new features to the table, but the core concept has remained the same: this camera is pocketable, scalable and offers seamless transition between stills and video.

SIGMA’s extensive experience of developing image processing technology from its work on its Foveon sensors, the fp L is able to offer superb image quality that displays exceptionally fine detail and beautifully rendered colours. Thanks to the sensor’s very high resolution – the highest ever on a SIGMA camera – the decision was taken to add a low-pass filter, which makes a further contribution to optical performance by reducing the effects of moiré.

The 61MP resolution offers stunning image quality and makes it possible for photographers to capture scenes unlike almost any other camera full-frame. This allows for large format printing and heavy crops.

Even cropped in heavily the sensor is able to resolve incredible detail, ideal for landscapes, astro and studio photography. This is especially true when used with SIGMA’s ultra-sharp optics, such as the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C.

The 61MP sensor means that users can crop in to an image and still have more than enough resolution for their needs. For this reason SIGMA has introduced a new Crop Zoom feature to the fp L that works in both the STILLS and CINE modes, allowing users to digitally zoom into their image as they shoot. This means the focal length of lenses can be effectively increased if the need arises. For video, the fp L can record in full HD quality, even at its maximum 5x zoom, without downgrading the image quality. Crop Zoom is intuitive to use too; it’s possible to simply pinch and zoom on the LCD touch screen. This feature makes the camera a much more flexible tool, especially if shooting with a limited number of prime lenses.

In addition to high-precision contrast AF the SIGMA fp L features fast image area phase-detection AF. This hybrid AF allows users to enjoy smooth autofocus that is smooth, fast and excellent at tracking a moving subject, whether shooting stills or video.

The SIGMA fp L supports USB charging while the camera is in use. This means you can connect the camera to a computer via USB if using it as a webcam, or connect it to an external power source when on location to shoot without interruption. Either way, if you’re using the camera for a long period of time, you won’t have to worry about battery life.

1. External electronic viewfinder

An external electronic viewfinder EVF-11 (optional) has been designed exclusively for use with the SIGMA fp series. With its 0.5in, 3.68 million-dot organic EL panel, this high-resolution, high-luminance viewfinder makes it easier to shoot in very bright conditions and helps users feel more immersed in their photography. The EVF tilts up 90 degrees to become a top-down viewfinder.

2. Save and share camera settings

On the fp L, you can now save a set of custom camera settings. These can be kept as QR code* image data, so you can load them very quickly. This allows for a new way for users to share their own custom settings with other users by exchanging QR codes directly or by sharing them on forums or social media.

* QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.

3. Powder Blue and Duotone Color Modes

Powder Blue is a Color Mode with a bright and clear feel, featuring a refreshing blue color, while Duotone create a striking two-color image. With the addition of these two new additions to SIGMA’s already wide choice of Color Modes originally featured on the fp series, there are now a total of 15 modes to choose from. These modes can be used in stills or video, allowing users to create a fully-processed look as they shoot.

SIGMA’s Art, Contemporary and Sports lenses are well-known for their exceptional optical performance and uncompromising build quality. fp L users have a fast-growing range of L-Mount lenses to choose from, which include primes and zooms from the Art and Contemporary line-ups. The focal lengths of these lenses ranges from 14mm up to 400mm, so there’s native glass to suit virtually all types of photography. It’s also possible to use our 30 or so Canon EF-mount lenses seamlessly using the MC-21 mount converter, and also our PL/PLi cine lenses using the MC-31 mount converter.

The fp L is a versatile photographic tool that can be used professionally for both video and stills. The combination of its powerful 61MP full-frame sensor and remarkably compact body open up a range of photographic possibilities that would be much more difficult with other camera systems.

1. Stills photography

As a stills camera, the fp L might will particularly to photographers who need to be able to work on-location without being weighed down by their kit, such as landscapers and street photographers. When combined with the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, for example, the smallest and lightest constant F2.8 standard zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras (correct as of April 2021), the whole set-up weighs less than 900g.

New to the fp L is a Save/Load Settings function, which allows photographers to save a particular camera set-up and save the settings as a QR code. This can then be shared with another user who can quickly load this set-up onto their fp L. Stills shooters will also benefit from the camera’s hybrid AF, 15 Color Modes, Crop Zoom functionality and new electronic EVF, available separately.

2. Professional cine use

The camera’s powerful video specs and professional functionality is extremely impressive, especially in such a small body. Stripped down it’s ideal for filming in tight spaces or attaching to a small electronic gimbal, but as the fp L has a modular design it can also easily be built up into a large rig for serious productions.

The camera can shoot up to 12-bit 4K UHD RAW to an SSD, or 8-bit 4K UHD RAW internally. It supports 3 RAW file formats. and frame rates commonly used in film-making. Hybrid AF means faster and more accurate autofocus.

Also worth considering is that being L-Mount, it can be used with the 24 native stills lenses in the SIGMA range, or with any Canon EF lens using the MC-21 converter. It can also be used with PL\PL-i or EF-mount cine lenses in SIGMA’s range using the MC-21 or MC-31 converters, so there is a wide range of SIGMA glass available. It’s also possible to use any Leica lens or full-frame Panasonic lens natively as they also use L-Mount.

3. Director’s Viewfinder

This essential film director’s tool makes it possible to simulate the look of cinema cameras, ideal when scouting locations prior to filming. The mode includes a wide range of cameras from Arri, Red and Sony and it supports custom frame lines as well as allowing users to capture what’s on their screen in a single image.

4. Webcam

The SIGMA fp L is unusual in that it can be used as a webcam straight out of the box without the need for a capture card. It simply needs to be attached to a computer using a USB-C cable.

The cable will also charge the camera via the cable while in use (dependent on computer’s supply capacity), for unlimited streaming duration without worrying about battery life.

Hybrid AF keeps the subject  in focus even when streaming, and it’s easy to change camera settings even when connected, including exposure compensation, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, Color Mode and white balance. The camera’s 15 Color Modes can be used while streaming for a more polished look.