Sigma announced the fp L, a 61-megapixel, L-mount, full-frame camera, which the company claims is the “smallest and lightest single-lens mirrorless camera in the world”. It shares the same dimensions as the original Sigma fp, but makes remarkable resolution and performance updates that combine to make it much more attractive.
Sigma notes that the fp L has four main features: the 61 megapixel resolution, a “crop zoom” feature, hybrid autofocus and unlimited power supply via USB-C.
The Sigma fp L has a Bayer sensor with approximately 61 effective megapixels – the maximum in any Sigma camera – which is equivalent to photos with a resolution of 9,520 x 6,328 pixels. Sigma also says that, thanks to its work with Foveon sensors, it was able to pack the fp L with incredible resolving power, rich colors and differentiated color gradients “due to the unique nature of the X3 sensor”. This camera has a low-pass filter to reduce moiré to minimum levels and adding that it was an active choice that the company made, since Sigma seems to believe that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, since the camera has so many megapixels to work with.
Sigma says that thanks to this huge resolution, it was possible to include what the company calls Crop Zoom. This gives the fp L a zoom feature that works in both static and movie modes and can record in full HD quality even with a maximum zoom of 5x. Sigma says that because this is done by cutting without digital enhancement, there is no loss of image quality. To make this process more intuitive, you can press to zoom in on the rear LCD touch screen.
A major complaint with L-Mount cameras is the lack of phase detection autofocus. This changes with the fp L, as the latest from Sigma boasts what it describes as a “high precision” contrast-based autofocus combined with phase detection autofocus from the image plane. This hybrid will allow smooth, fast and accurate autofocus to track moving subjects in both photo and video capture.
Finally, the Sigma fp L supports charging via USB while the camera is on. The camera can be used continuously, as long as it is connected to power, either a traditional wall outlet or a mobile battery. Sigma also says that it can be used as a webcam, as it can receive power directly from a PC.
With these updates, Sigma is positioning the fp L as a scalable, pocket-sized hybrid capture device that is capable of taking excellent high-quality photos as well as reliable video.
The fp L also supports custom camera settings that can be saved as a QR code, allowing multiple users to share custom settings with each other or jump to any fp L (rented or not) and immediately load personal settings into it for easy familiarity .
Sigma also included two new color modes (which can work in photo or video mode) called “Powder Blue” and “Duotone”.
“Powder Blue is a color mode with a bright and clear feel, presenting a refreshing blue color, while Duotone transforms the colors of an image into an impressive two-color gradient,” writes the company. “With the addition of these two new modes to the wide choice of Sigma color modes originally featured in the fp series, there are now a total of 15 color modes to choose from.”
It should be noted that Sigma chose to keep the shutter fully electronic on the fp L, which was a concern with the original fp because of the significant rolling shutter. With a lot more megapixels to work with now, it will be interesting to see if this problem has been resolved.
The fp L can record CinemaDNG in 8 bits, 10 bits and 12 bits internally, as well as in MOV H.264 in All-I and GOP. TI can record in 4K at up to 30 frames per second and in Full HD 1080p at up to 120 frames per second (with a 1.67x automatic zoom applied at 100 fps and 120 fps). The camera can record continuously for up to two hours and record on SD cards and portable SSDs.
Sigma notes that additional frame rates commonly used in film production will be available at a later date through a firmware update, but did not specify.
Finally, Sigma is making an external electronic viewfinder, the EVF-11, an optional pairing with the fp L. The EVF-11 was designed exclusively for use with the fp L at launch (although it becomes compatible with the original fp via firmware update at a later date) and adds a 3.68m dot 0.5 inch OLED panel display that connects to the camera through the side ports. The display has 90 degree tilt functionality, approximately 100% coverage of the display, audio monitoring capability and allows external recording to a portable SSD via the dedicated USB-C port located on the side of the display. The EVF-11 is powered by the camera and cannot charge the camera via USB. If you plan to use the unlimited power supply mentioned above, you will need to remove the display to do this.
“The EVF-11 has a viewing point set at approximately 21 mm to ensure a complete field of view without a dark vignette around the viewfinder,” writes Sigma. “This helps photographers to see the whole scene in complete clarity, even when wearing glasses. It has a wide diopter adjustment range from -4.0 to +3.0 dpt and comes with two eyepieces of different sizes to suit your preferences. EVF is designed for the best visibility, ease of use and comfort for photographers, giving them a complete view of the subject in perfect detail. “
The Sigma fp L will be available for $ 2,499 and can come with the EVF-11 display at launch for $ 2,999. The viewfinder can also be purchased separately for $ 699. Both it and the camera are expected to be available in mid-April.