Sigma fp

Announced July 1, 2019

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PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.

Reviewer Consensus

Good

The Sigma fp offers a unique, modular, and extremely compact full-frame experience that excels in video production and image quality. That said, it lacks several standard features like a built-in viewfinder, tilting screen, and internal image stabilization, making it a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose camera.

Weighted from 20 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Extremely compact and lightweight full-frame design
  • High-quality video recording capabilities including CinemaDNG RAW
  • Robust build quality
  • Simple, well-designed controls and interface
  • Modular system allowing for custom accessory configuration

Cons

  • Lack of a built-in viewfinder or tilting screen
  • Ineffective or sluggish contrast-detection autofocus
  • Poor battery life and lack of power management features
  • Limited ergonomics and handling without additional accessories
  • Absence of in-body image stabilization
  • Launch price $1,899 (USD)
  • Sensor 24.6MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
  • Video 4K 29.97p


What the Reviewers Say

All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • Amateur Photographer

    If you demand full-frame image quality and interchangeable lenses in the smallest possible package, this is it. As long as you can live with the fixed screen and lack of a viewfinder, it’ll do the job and deliver excellent images.

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  • SLR Lounge

    What’s the bottom line here? It’s the simple fact that the Sigma FP is one of the most promising video-oriented cameras we have ever come across.

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  • Sigma don't tend to stick to the rules when it comes to releasing cameras, and the Sigma fp is no different here. In that, it's actually a whole new full-frame mirrorless camera that doesn't look anything like your traditional camera.

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  • Photography Blog

    [T]he fp is a a rather nice camera, and a giant leap forwards for Sigma, who have previously released a range of niche, Foveon-sensor cameras that have made very little impact on the market.

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  • Digital Camera World

    In the end, it does feel as if the Sigma fp is no more than an interesting alternative in the stills market, but a much more serious and fascinating option for videographers.

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  • PCMag

    The Sigma fp is the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy, but makes functional sacrifices for its form factor.

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  • TechRadar

    [...] Sigma FP is an excellent first-generation camera that is good for novice filmmakers who are just getting into production. Having said that, photographers can wait for the sequel to the Sigma FP.

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  • Digital Trends 6/10

    I have to applaud Sigma for not being afraid to try something different. The Fp is a long way from perfect, but it’s an impressive first step.

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  • RedShark

    I’ve been testing this camera for a week and I love the form factor although I think that perhaps there have been a few too many compromises to make this work.

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  • Richard Wong

    No one else is creating such a compact and yet still very solid camera that can handle both photo and video, and that is what I like the most about Sigma cameras.

    Watch video review

  • Expert Advice -

    It’s got a few undeniable downfalls, but the fp absolutely delivers when it comes to image quality and carries a sense of individuality that will be hard to find with the other big-name camera brands.

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  • tech360tv

    [T]he image quality is beautiful and that's why in a kind of a way I do a call it a Japanese Leica because it gives you that that very unique character to your images [...] and that's why I kind of like this camera even with all the faults that it has.

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  • PPA

    The big idea behind the small body is to use it as a foundation for building up the camera for the user’s intended purpose. Image quality, when paired with Sigma, Leica, or Panasonic L-mount lenses, is exceptional.

    Read full review

Specifications

General

Announcement date July 1, 2019
Launch MSRP $1,899
Medium Digital
Lens mount L-Mount
Body type Mirrorless

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 24.6MP
Sensor format Full-Frame
Sensor technology BSI CMOS
Sensor dimensions 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Native ISO range 100-25,600
Expanded ISO range 6-102,400
Aspect ratio options 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 7:6, 16:9, 21:9

Still Capture

RAW formats 14-bit
Other still formats JPEG, RAW
Still bit depth 14-bit

Autofocus

AF architecture Contrast detect
AF points 49
AF low-light sensitivity -5EV

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Electronic
Shutter speed range 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb
Flash sync speed 1/30 sec
Exposure compensation +/- 5 EV in 1/3 steps
Metering modes Center-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Spot

Display & Viewfinder

Rear LCD size 3.1-inch
Rear LCD resolution 2.1M dots
Rear LCD articulation Fixed

Video

Max video resolution 4K
Max frame rate at max resolution 29.97p
Max frame rate at 4K 29.97p
Codecs CinemaDNG, H.264, MOV
Bit depth and chroma 12-bit 4:2:2
Recording limit 120 min
Audio recording 2-channel 16-bit 48 kHz LPCM

Storage

Card slots 1
Card types 1x SD UHS-II
Internal storage No

Connectivity

USB USB-C 3.0
HDMI output Micro Type-D
3.5mm mic input Yes
Hot shoe 1x Hot Shoe

Power

Battery BP-51

Body

Weight (body only) 370g
Dimensions 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3 mm (4.43 x 2.75 x 1.78 in)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 422g
Weather sealing None
Chassis material Aluminum
Tripod thread 1/4"-20