Sigma fp Mirrorless Camera First Impressions:
As some of you know, I am a big L mount fan seeing as I’ve been a user of the Leica SL system for several years already. So, a camera that I’ve been looking forward to trying, and reviewing has been the Sigma fp. Well, I’ve been using the new fp for a bit now, and I have to say, so far, I’m enjoying it quite a lot. Here are my first impressions of it.
In terms of build quality, the Sigma fp is made extremely well. Thanks to a diecast aluminum body, the camera weighs just 422 g but feels so sturdy and solid. It’s light but at the same time, it has a nice heft to it, which I really like. The bottom line is the fp really has such a nice feel to it overall. As for the shape, the fp is definitely rather unique in terms of ergonomics shall we say haha but hey, it’s Sigma, and they tend to make quirky things, which in my opinion, they pull off quite nicely most of the time. I love the overall body of the fp, and it’s actually surprisingly pretty comfortable to hold. This is currently the world’s smallest full frame digital camera, and it does come with an excellent 3.15″ 2.1m-Dot touchscreen LCD display, which is nice because there is no viewfinder.
↑ The Sigma fp with the 45mm f2.8. You can purchase this as a kit, which is great because the lens is awesome, and you save a bunch of money. Plus, the lens balances nicely with the fp.
Another different approach to design is how the fp is fitted with 1/4″-20 threads for both the strap holder on both sides of the body and for the tripod. This adds more convenience by allowing you to mount this camera on a tripod say in portrait orientation or attach a strap for use in the portrait orientation.
↑ Here’s the back of the fp.
In addition to it’s solid diecast aluminum body, there are other features that make the Sigma fp quite durable. For one, there’s a large heat sink mounted between the LCD and camera body to prevent overheating at higher temperatures or when you’re using it for long hours. Furthermore, the fp is dust and splash proof. In fact, there are a total of 42 points of sealing. So, feel free to go out in let’s just say not so ideal weather to take pics.
↑ Here’s the top view of the fp.
As for autofocus, it uses contrast detection, and it is pretty quick, and responsive. It’s not the fastest out there, and it might not be great for full on sports but for things like portrait, landscape, and street, it has been very good to me so far. The primary lens that I’ve been using the fp with is the 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens. I love this lens, and I did review it a while back. As for price, the fp costs $1,899, and the 45mm f2.8 is $549 but if you buy it as a kit, it costs only $2,199. If you’re interested in what I would do, get the Sigma fp Kit, if you purchase this camera. It’s totally worth it.
↑ This was taken really early in the morning. Settings were f8, 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken at f4, 100 ISO.
As for image quality, I’m really loving what’s been coming out of this camera. The Sigma fp uses a 24.6 MP full frame BSI Bayer CMOS sensor, and it really does produces some fantastic images. It’s also worth noting that the fp has a full time electronic shutter. This is good for several reasons. First, if there’s less moving parts, reliability is arguably improved. Second, there’s no camera shake. However, there is a chance of banding depending on your lighting situations.
↑ This was taken at f2.8, 100 ISO.
↑ This shot was taken at f5.6, 1000 ISO.
While, I’m primarily a photo guy, I should mention that there’s also a bunch of video features. For instance, there’s support for RAW video data recording, and the Director’s viewfinder, which allows the user to simulate different angles of view, and how the image looks on cinema cameras.
↑ It’s been getting quite cold in New York City recently. This was taken at f8, 125 ISO.
↑ This was taken at f2.8, 100 ISO.
Overall, the Sigma fp has been such a cool camera to use. Expect a full review of it soon. If I get the time to schedule a shoot, I may also post some pictures from the fp using M lenses. I think the fp would be great with M lenses given its size. Anyway, thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned!
For those interested in purchasing the fp, you can check out the links below:
Hi Patrick, can’t wait to read a full review, especially with M lenses if you can. I assume these are processed raw images. Could you post some OOC jpegs with that orange and teal filter? I hope they soon release a smaller VF for this one. Without that the small size advantage is a bit lost.
Hi Mahesh!
Great to hear from you! Apologies for the late reply. I’ve been a busy bee :). Yes, these are all raw images. The camera is packed up and ready to ship back but for you, I’ll take it out, and shoot a few in the orange and teal filter :). As for that big VF, I am not a fan either lol. I’ve just been using this with the screen. I will say this though: it’s quite easy to focus M lenses with the fp. I’m nailing shots with my 75mm Summilux, which is not an easy lens to focus. Plus, the results are fantastic. Anyway, if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask. Happy holidays, buddy!
Best,
Patrick