Sigma fp

Announced July 1, 2019

Compare Sigma fp
78

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
  • Burst 18 fps electronic 3 fps mechanical

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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • PCMag

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

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Read full review

  • 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.

    Watch video review

  • 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 Rangefinder-style mirrorless

Sensor & Processing

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

Still Capture

Burst speed (mechanical) 3fps
Burst speed (electronic) 18fps
RAW formats 14-bit
Other still formats JPEG, RAW
Color spaces sRGB, Adobe RGB
Still bit depth 14-bit

Autofocus

AF architecture Contrast detect
AF points Contrast Detection: 49
Autofocus modes Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
AF low-light sensitivity -5EV

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Electronic Rolling Shutter
Shutter speed range 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb
Flash sync speed 1/30 sec
Maximum electronic shutter speed 1/8000s
Exposure compensation -5 to +5 EV
Metering modes Center-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Spot

Display & Viewfinder

Rear LCD size 3.2-inch
Rear LCD resolution 2.1M dots
Rear LCD articulation Fixed

Video

Internal Recording
  • CinemaDNG 8/10/12-Bit
  • 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
  • 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/48.00/59.94/100/120 fps

H.264 ALL-Intra/H.264 Long GOP/MOV

  • 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
  • 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/59.94/100/120 fps
External Recording
  • 4:2:2 12-Bit via HDMI
  • 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
  • 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps

Raw 12-Bit via HDMI

  • 4096 x 2160 at 24.00 fps
  • 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
  • 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps
Max video resolution 4K
Max frame rate at max resolution 29.97p
Max frame rate at UHD 29.97p
Codecs H.264 ALL-Intra/H.264 Long GOP/MOV
Bit depth and chroma 12-bit 4:2:2
Slow-motion maximum 1080p at 120fps
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 1x USB-C Input/Output
HDMI output Micro Type-D
3.5mm mic input Yes
3.5mm headphone output Yes
Hot shoe 1x Hot Shoe

Power

Battery BP-51
CIPA battery life (LCD) 280 shots
CIPA video recording time 70 min
USB charging Yes

Body

Weight (body only) 370g (13.1 oz)
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 (14.9 oz)
Weather sealing Partial sealing
Chassis material Aluminum
Tripod thread 1/4"-20