Sigma fp

Sigma fp

Sigma fp - the world's most compact ”professional video camera”. Like Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, but a whopping 3x smaller, yet with twice the full-frame sensor. The camera could almost be compared in size to GoPro cameras or Sony's RX100 series. Sigma's innovation is the company's first Leica-L bayonet camera. The Leica-L bayonet is a collaboration between Leica, Sigma and Panasonic. The camera was released with 3 of Sigma's own lenses (45mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.2 and 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom) with many more to come. You can of course also use other companies' L-bayonet lenses.

Although the product is extremely small, no features have been spared. The Sigma fp's video capabilities are on a par with any device in the same category. Highlights include 12-bit DNG raw video, 4K 30fps, Electronic Image Stabilisation, 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, Face and Eye detection in autofocus and all this encased in a dust and splash resistant aluminium body.

Features in brief

• The world's smallest and lightest full-frame system camera
• Durable and weatherproof aluminium frame
• Excellent video recording capabilities
• UHD 4K 30fps, FullHD 120fps
• Supports 12-bit DNG RAW video
• Eye and face recognition in autofocus
• 49-point autofocus system
• 24.6 megapixel BSI Bayern CMOS sensor
• 18 frames per second continuous shooting
• ISO 6-102400
• 3.15″ 2.1 million pixel touchscreen

Advanced design

The Sigma fp has been designed with real thought, not only is the body weatherproof, durable and very small, but the controls are very sensibly placed and the unit works great with gimbals and cages. For example, the flash shoe is a separate attachment, and it also has an HDMI clamp, because anyone who shoots video knows how easy it is to break HDMI ports with those little connectors. There are also two pieces of 1/4″ threads directly placed on the body, these can be used to attach the camera strap or of course the camera itself vertically or sideways. And of course, the whole thing can be caged, so the number of accessories is unlimited.

Great video also needs power, and power generates heat. The Sigma fp takes care of this by putting a powerful heat sink between the screen and the camera components, effectively filtering out the heat, allowing hours of use. Battery life can be an issue, of course, and we recommend using a powerbank or V-lock batteries.

Leica Mount and Sigma MC-21

The bayonet of choice is the Leica L-Mount, which is a collaboration between Leica, Sigma and Panasonic. This mount will only be released around summer 2019 so the lens range is still quite limited, but a lot more lenses have already been promised. And the lenses from all the companies are compatible with each other's cameras, so you can be sure that in the future the lens selection will be at least good.

Sigma has also developed a dedicated Sigma MC-21 adapter for the fp, which allows you to use Canon EF lenses (Canon, Sigma, Tamron) and greatly improves your lens selection. The adapter can indicate lens compatibility, and possible firmware updates immediately with an indicator light. The Sigma MC-21 can also take advantage of all Sigma fp features such as different exposure modes, image stabilization, APS-C mode cropping and EXIF data sharing.

Sigma fp Technical Specifications:

• Kenno 24.6 megapixel BSI Bayern CMOS
• ISO sensitivity range 100 - 25600, expandable 6 - 102400
• Recording format JPEG, RAW
• Video format H.264, MPEG-4
• Video 3840 x 2160p: 30, 25, 24 fps
• 1920 x 1080p: 120, 100, 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps
• Aspect ratio 16:9, 1:1, 3:2, 4:3
• 3.2″ fixed 2.1 million pixel touchscreen
• Focus points 49 points, Contrast focus
• Focus mode Self-timer, Next focus, Single focus, Continuous focus, Touch focus, Face detection
• Shooting modes Automatic, Shutter speed pre-selection, Aperture pre-selection, Manual
• Exposure compensation +/-5 EV (1/3 EV)
• Closing time max. 1/8000 s
• Closing time min. 30 s
• Self-timer 2 s, 10 s
• Continuous shooting speed 12 frames/s
• Lens mount Leica L
• Microphone Built-in stereo microphone
• Weather protection Yes
• WiFi Yes
• Memory card SDHC - UHS II
• Connections 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm Mic, HDMImicro, USB 3.1
• Battery type - Sigma BP-51
• Dimensions 113 x 70 x 45 mm
• Weight 422 g