SIGMA fp L: Sigma GOES for It with 61mp, Phase Detect AF, Tilt EVF - But Is It Ready? Is it Enough?

[@shlawchablaas]

I love that Sigma doesn’t feel the need to keep their cameras looking “like cameras.” The Merrills, the DPs, the SDs, and the FP have always struck me as brilliant and innovative for pushing the envelope of form factor and imaging technology in a constant effort to outdo themselves. I hope this camera does well for Sigma. I am probably too deep into Nikon Z at this point to be won over, but it really looks like a superb option in L mount.

[@deanisplemoni]

I love this... you chuck out the headlines straight away , then keep us entertained for a further 20mins.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

I feel Mattias, Hugh & Philip are rare gems.

[@sigmaphoto]

Thank you for your insight, Hugh. We bet this one will grow on you, too!

[@DaTrip2warez]

Just put an X3 sensor in an Fp body already. Love your stuff Sigma, but I don’t need a shrunken Sony.

[@motojc]

The deal breaker for me is the lack of a hot shoe. It would have been a perfect studio camera. The concept is great, exactly how I wanted a camera to be. but an attachment for a hot shoe breaks the simplicity

[@BilBrown]

Hugh, as an owner operator of the original FP since 2019, as well as the Lumix S1 (awaiting new firmware), Leica SL2-S, like you a M10-R and range of cinema cameras including a RED Dragon X and non-pro BMPCC 6K - as well as, not surprisingly a Ricoh GR III on my belt at all times! I can tell you where exactly the FP fits in: It’s back-up for my SL2-S on the street or in slightly more rugged situations where i done want a full build-out or even flip out screen. The FP is along side the Lumix S1 when I need a tight shot the larger body can’t manage, a B-Cam for sure but in fact more capable in ways than the EVA1-like cine functions on the S1. If I’m going out and feel the need or want of AF (or option) it’s around my neck with the GR on my belt. The GR with snap is faster to the draw but it’s like the Leica CL and NOT full frame. If I want to shoot primarily with a larger resolution I will have my Leica M10-R as my street or portrait A cam and the FP barebones (with grip) as my B-Cam or video enabled cam. Then, we come to the RED and BMPCC 6k, the FP serves as a B or C cam for both or minimally a directors viewfinder for either EF or PL Mount lenses (or M, as I am one of the few to have an M Mount for my RED). Also, since it is a large format video capture beastie... in some ways it is a better camera for short shots cropped in post. The 12bit DNGR Is impressive and easily grade able in Resolve. That said, like you, the reason I DON’T pick it up as a daily shooter and often it stays in my bag is... it doesn’t have the out of box ergonomics of an M, or SL, or functionality of an S1. It doesn’t really work small and one handed like a GR (even though it isn’t much bigger without a lens). It’s a bit awkward in that you have to actually THINK about how to use it that day. It’s LED isn’t perfect in all conditions to be used in, well, al conditions. Finally... the battery life. I already deal with the difference between the battery life of my older M240 to the M10, or even the original SL to the SL2. As luck would have it we have an old Q so have a plethora of those Panny batteries that fit the FP... but it’s still draining two or more a day. To the point I had to get a dummy battery to attach a V Mount on shoots or plug it directly into a power supply (aUsb-C charging may work I can’t remember, but with a T5 SSD attached that takes up that slot.) I dunno... there is still something about it. The image quality alone is between the M240 and RED. I look forward to what the FP L has to offer. The added Sony sensor at 61 MP is phenomenal, and maybe the EVF... Thanks again foe such a great in depth review.

[@3BMEP]

And thank YOU, Bil, for taking the time to share your hard-won experience with such a wide range of gear! If they just shrink and relocate that EVF and sort the AF... hoo boy!

[@BilBrown]

@@3BMEP yeah! The attachment on the side for flash or whatever is great to hold that tiny HDMI cord (I almost destroyed my SL 1 by not having one :/) but it amazes the camera need a cage even more. I’ve worked it out with a small rig cage, but it kind of defeats the purpose as you have said, of having a small cam. Also, as luck would have it, firmware has made the FP faster - it used to have crazy shutter lag, and you could accidentally trip HDR mode which would make it even Worse! Now that seems to be fixed. The shutter button placement is OKAY but yeah.. just PLEASE Sigma, fix the EVF placement and maybe.. *Gasp* IBIS!

[@albedo0point39]

Just think what you could do with this in the studio if Sigma released a couple of leaf shutter lenses...

[@alexemm]

21:34 Truer words have never been spoken on KZbin! The all consuming obsession for the best video image quality purported by "content creators" and "influencers" who don't actually create product apart from self-obsessed drivel has gone way too far. Reality, I missed you my dear, sweet friend. Thank you, sir! I do love my fp for the ability to dress her up or down, depending on what needs case I have at hand with my video capture. Add the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G to her arsenal and she's ready for the top end of town, plonk her directly on to my tiny Zhiyun M2 gimbal and she's ready for a quick peek downtown at some decrepitude! Feel like capturing video with vintage glass? Simple! I use adapters from whatever mount my glass comes from to EOS, then apply a Fotodiox Pro EOS to L-mount Throttle Variable ND Adapter just at the body for exposure control right at the mount point of the body. It will be interesting to see where she ends up with the new younger sibling's appearance...

[@G_Wheezy]

You pretty much nailed every one of my concerns with the FP L. I've been searching for a compact, full-frame interchangeable system and I love the concept of the FP series. The FP L gets frustratingly close to what I would consider a perfect system for me, but I don't know if it gets close enough to dive in.

[@liveacousticsound]

I absolutely love watching tour reviews and listening. You are amazing!

[@3BMEP]

Happy to be of service. 😉🖖🏻

[@liveacousticsound]

@@3BMEP I recently purchased the fp, just as an intro into cinema and photography. The fpL looks promising, but I will wait a year or two to see where I am at then. You remind me of the actor Jeff Goldblum, with the added edge of just plain brilliance.

[@innstikk]

After most camera reviews, I remember back, when I was a small kid, we argued which car was the better by looking at the range of the speedometer. For me, image quality of the camera I take with me, will always be more important than suppositious features. I did get a camera, from one of the large mirror-less camera makers, with all the purported features. It made me, if anything, a worse photographer by making me lazy. I never once remembered to flip out the screen. We parted. No, I'd rather take the illusory pain of taking a photo/film, if revisiting it later gives me joy and sense of achievement. I wonder how they even managed to take photos in the old days. Cartier-Bresson? I enjoy my Sigma fp-es. As for the Sigma fp L, the rumours where perhaps more promising (as to sensor) than true. Time will tell. Thanks for the run through.

[@3BMEP]

I hear you!

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😊!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, Stephan!

[@ColorfieldMedia]

Oh, I know "Bar Veloce"! Great spot and beautiful images.

[@ewtriplett]

Another great video Hugh - thanks! I like your thoughts about putting Leica TL lenses on the Sigma fp l. I have been doing this on the Sigma fp for over a year and find the images to be very nice, although with only 9.8 Mp resolution. On the fp l, these images will be 25 Mp. Looking forward to that! Having such high resolution in a light weight body is wonderful. Now I usually use a Panasonic S1R or Fujifilm GFX 50r - both large bodies with equally large lenses. The Sigma fp also is a great webcam. I use it through a Blackmagic ATEM mini switcher with one of two cinema lenses (Rokinon 24mm or Viltrox 20mm).

[@davidalanmedia]

Sigma was so close to turning the industry upside down with this camera, I look forward to their meet iteration.

[@missy_mal]

What is that mini tripod the Sigma is on at 3:14? Anyone know?

[@3BMEP]

3 Legged Thing Nicky.

[@glenncharles6622]

As always, great video Hugh!! Ugh, so very close. I have been on the hunt for a used FP and then put the hunt on hold while awaiting the arrival of this update. I like some of what they did, but honestly, i don’t understand the sensor change.... The IQ out of the original sensor with Sigma or M glass is just really spectacular. I guess in the end it got them more modern specs, both on the IQ front and the AF side of things. Still, that EVF, something I was really excited about, is just huge. The lack of a flippy screen, especially after seeing how easy it is to convert the original to a flippy screen, is definitely annoying. So, I think I am going to stick to a used FP w/EVF and wait for whatever comes next from Sigma that is a more refined offering. Dang, so close, so very close.

[@3BMEP]

The sensor change is all about attracting photographers, Glenn. I’m waiting for an fp L2. 😜

[@glenncharles6622]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions I hear you, but I have to say, short of ‘cropping the hell out of an image”, I am still in love with the 24mp sensors paired with modern day lenses. I think they offer almost a perfect compromise, but with that said, I do intellectually understand the need for more mega pixels. I too am hoping for a more perfect rendition of this camera. It is almost like having a Q on steroids....

[@Chris-ey7zy]

You can zoom into the photo by pinching. That you need the 60mp

[@obscur_yoann]

Now that Sigma showed us the fp L (the L stand for what?), I think am more interested in a second hand fp... to use with M lenses mostly, it can be a nice street camera for my night shooting. I don't mind the AF and don't ask for an EVF for this one...

[@Chris-ey7zy]

L stand for Leica

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Just kidding. L Mount which Leica made first

[@peterkelly8357]

It doesn’t matter what camera manufacturers do in terms of tech or design there’s always going to be someone who asks “is it enough? Why is it missing x, y, z, I would buy it if….etc”

[@brainpower3997]

I like your review it’s honest and you don’t have an opinion without having tried it like 99% of the reviews out there reading specs off of a sheet without it ever touching their hand. I just wanted to say, if you can stay with me, I’m a videographer and cinematographer. I have used several high end cinema cams. I don’t think there has been a day, (the past few years) I haven’t shot to an external drive of some sort. In fact it was the only way for some time. So for me… to use the whole 61 censor to shoot Cinema DNG 12 bit on something so small, lightweight and maneuverable is great. Holding a 20lb rig connected to a 24TB G box all day… not so fun. At least I can cut weight of the thing I carry get low, high or even in tight spots with this tiny cam. Content creators look at this and see a quagmire. They love to buy overpriced “hybrid” cameras with all the bells and whistles that you too are looking for… but they rig those out anyway ha ha. Cinematographers look at this and they are excited to see how they can add this to their workflow to make things interesting. This is the only true hybrid CINE cam out there I have seen IMHO.

[@3BMEP]

Very much appreciate your take on itZ thank you for sharing!

[@jamesmcneil800]

Did you hear about the problem that Sony is having with their camera, A7III, and their lawsuit?

[@JourneymanActor]

The one thing Sigma has going for them is the imaging. They used the Foveon sensor as their guide to creating the final look. I love the images. But you are right, they lack tech and no flippy screen which KZbinrs love. It's kind of an anomaly and with the A74 and a7c2 eventually coming, you would really have to buy this camera purely for the images. Which some people might do.👍

[@markshirley01]

It needed IBIS - even the gyro stabalisation would have been great.

[@theodoreivanov6257]

Great. Do you know what that tripod on the right is at 3.16 ?

[@perfectly_boring]

Do you know if the AF issues have been improved? It's surprisingly hard to find any information about this camera, outside of the early release videos. I am also interested in how M lenses perform on this camera. Leica adds microlenses to the sensor (m11 for example), to improve the performance of the m-lenses, did you notice any loss in quality when using m lenses (like you see on sony)?

[@clemfandango9534]

A misunderstood camera indeed. I think this is perhaps my perfect hiking and landscape rig.

[@hozae6368]

Not only about the Camera talk, I'm really surprised by your language skills and grammar. Feels like taking a wonderful lessons by coolest tutor in the uni:D

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻🤛🏻

[@dbombd]

can FP L be used with Stobe light ?? I dont think so there is no mechanical shutter

[@dpfreedman]

A dozen extra "thumbs up" for including the word "punim" for probably the first time ever on KZbin. Well done, Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

😊😎🖖🏻

[@hisownfool1]

Ditto for his frequent use of “futzing.”

[@mr_cramberry]

Well rounded review i feel as it takes into context the L mount ecosystem in comparison

[@dantefekete7617]

Finally, a review worthy of my time. My query is, will the FP complement my original Pocket Cam? I found that the image coming out of the newer offerings is not to my taste. Nor am I a fan of the Sony look. I prefer a higher bit rate over resolution, as I wouldn't say I like native 4k. I find that the image is slightly off-putting. However, I do like upscaling to 4k from 1080 cdng raw. I am primarily interested in the higher frame rates this camera is capable of in CDNG.

[@warpspeed9877]

Search for the kit that makes the screen flip up. DIY. Forget the video. This is the ultimate street / backpacker's / hiker-landscape camera.

[@davidsky3536]

Regardless of the content, I love how you speak. It feels so eloquent.

[@sixfoot6films]

I've owned a A7s2, 6KPro, Z-Cam, Canon R6 and an FP......sold them all except the one I always came back to....the one that felt so right in the hand and has a beautiful image. Yes it's a bit Lego, but it's a mighty mouse!

[@p.a.dconstructionltd4139]

That analysis was brilliant .

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@artistwithcameras]

Always love your channel. Learned so much. For your next video can you get out of the city and go to Niagara or some place with less concrete. Let’s see landscape and color.

[@3BMEP]

See our GFX 100s video that just landed!

[@DaTrip2warez]

But is it as good at stills as a Foveon?

[@hethaerto1]

I feel like a time traveler. I lost my two bodies and lenses in the divorce twenty years ago and I walked away from my love of photography in distress. My younger daughter has become obsessed with photography thus her enthusiasm has reinvigorated my original enthusiasm. So I excitedly jump back into the fray and I learn that photography has evolved from film to DSLR to Mirrorless. Essentially, I am two generations behind. I love film, but film can no longer be bought at the nearest drug store. The best I've seen lately is expired film on eBay. So I bought a pristine Nikon F90X plus vert grip in pristine condition from KEH for $130 shipped/taxed. Now I'm hunting a nice lens. I'm so far out of the game I mistakenly bought a Nikon DX lens designed for the APS-C sensor. I can see the aperture ring in the viewfinder. AF works beautifully. I feel lost as a time traveler.

[@3BMEP]

You will get your mojo back!

[@stanvisualseychelles932]

Would it be possible to record 12 bit 422 4k 30fps internally using a v90 card please?

[@griffith500tvr]

I can do 14bit 4k raw video with my Canon 6d mk ii with magic lantern. I really don't see the point with the Sigma fp L even dough I want to.

[@dbombd]

its funny how you ignored canon completely in 23:28 segment..... hahaha

[@modern-tool-service]

I think Sigma needs to build a somewhat affordable camera to attract large format. B&W. That's what I am waiting. 61MP is pretty close. My DP2M's are beauties in B&W, and comparable to Mamiya 7's

[@Chris-ey7zy]

I miss my mamiya 7ii

[@iraklikordzaia]

Maestro, thank you for the interesting story. I'm going to buy a SIGMA fp L. Please, advise me on lenses that will work without problems with a 61 million sensor. For photo. Thank you!

[@3BMEP]

I love the Sigma I-series and DG DN Art series

[@iraklikordzaia]

@@3BMEP I was thinking in the same direction. Thank you.

[@toddm6999]

I think it's a game changer...and I want one ...why size and the sensor and the ability to add and subtract will on the fly filming ....I want one...great review.

[@daveyineluctable5525]

21:53, if the general public found this out, BILLIONS of dollars worth of camera sales, hard drive storage, processing power, RAM, codec transcoding, recording devices, battery power, and the ELECTRICITY/plastic/precious-metals/plastic/silicon/oil and pollution it consumes could be saved! Oh yes and thus consumers time, headaches, worry, and $$$!!!! Worth the 2-year follow alone! Thanks for confirming!

[@joshruark785]

Any situational issues with only having an electronic shutter? Otherwise this is an intriguing high res option to compliment my XF system... I just worry about that shutter for landscapes...

[@3BMEP]

I normally don’t care about rolling shutter, but this may be an issue for some street work. TBD.

[@joshruark785]

@@3BMEP thanks for the response! Interesting new camera, for sure. May have to rent and play with one to see if it works for you me.. great video as always.

[@Eliehbk]

Awesome insights as per usual. Would you say that the original fp would be on par with this for use with manual M lenses? The 24 megapixel sensor would be better for my use due to high iso performance. Thanks for any feedback. Elie

[@3BMEP]

At normal print sizes and viewing distances - yes. 😊🖖🏻

[@Eliehbk]

@@3BMEP thanks a lot for your prompt reply. I’m about to buy one today. I actually rarely print so not concerned with megapixel. My biggest worry is the electronic shutter. I had the Hasselblad X1Dii and the distortion and banding in artificial light were pretty bad. Did you encounter a lot of this in testing the fp L or fp while shooting stills? Thanks again! Elie

[@anthonybarton8438]

Always insightful always brilliant. ♡

[@davidwoods80]

Anyone watch the Sigma video? Agony. Talk about burying the lede, they didn't get to the primary features until nearly 20 minutes into the broadcast. Hugh? Covered it all in the first 36 seconds.

[@seokinchung]

All I wanted to see was just simple foveon full frame camera, but sigma some how is keep swinging and missing target in very different directions

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Sigma is going after videographers more than photographers.

[@allanfawkes3701]

I am thinking of buying this camera and from your viewpoint, I probably will. The FP L seems to be at my price level as I cannot pay thousands of pounds. The colour space is most important as is the 64mp sensor. Before I leave can I say how much I enjoyed this video. Your voice is amazing. Are you a trained actor? My best wishes and I look forward to seeing more. AF

[@3BMEP]

Thank you, Allan. I don’t think, however, that the occasional summer camp play counts… 😉🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@jon4715]

How about as a low-cost, small, eng-style alternative with built-in cropping?

[@CiaranWhelan]

I would love to see a FP-M ii A monochrome version with tilt EVF like the Panasonic Lumix GX8. This would sell the hell out of itself.

[@sailonstellarwinds]

If anything is streets ahead it's you, buddy.

[@robertwayne6390]

You mentioned an anticipated firmware update for the Leica SL2. What is rumored? Hope you guys are well.

[@3BMEP]

Hey, Bob! AF performance - more than that, I've got... bupkis.

[@bedenegative]

I'm considering the L but I wish they would release a battery attachment.

[@danielshepherd7306]

For using my L-mount glass with good phase detection autofocus and 61mp I *might* sacrifice IBIS or a mechanical shutter. But to loose both seems a bridge too far! Sorry S1H, you still have no sibblings :(

[@suresh0t478]

I wish I had the play money to mess with this just for the form factor: a 61MP full frame the size of a Fuji x70 (without lens). Potentially smaller than a Sony RX1R with an adapted pancake lens. But the prospect of investing in this as a primary camera for stills or video is absolutely terrifying. The AF, DOF preview, the rolling shutter, the pixel binning, the I/O shenanigans. Such a nightmare for anything but calm hobby photography.

[@3BMEP]

I understand. Sigma does have work to do - but I am hopeful.

[@razifraship]

If I close 1 eye, your body gone, human factor cinematography effect 😆

[@photosbydavebrownyo3750]

Agreed. Sigma Intentions. Are totally noble and it’s great too see them. Create a new style of. Multifaceted camera .. However the . Implementation it’s tArgeting. Is not quite there. Only time will tell. Maybe the 3rd iteration of the fp will finally. Tick all the right boxes. 🙏

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I always enjoy your nuanced, feature-packed essays on photography, but I do wish sometimes you could slow the hell down. I can’t hear that fast. 👍😁

[@3BMEP]

😜

[@liquaard2824]

imagine if Sigma upgraded the Fp to a level where it has the best ergonomics - tiltable screen - evf - buttons , ibis , Autofocus like sony , and more charging options -- and place it into a price range of sony A7Siii , this thing would beat anything on the market now

[@3BMEP]

Yes, I can imagine it.

[@zodiacmanan]

It should've had IBIS and the EVF should have been a top mount option - it could even have been the 9.44million dot unit, which would make sense......dunno who can make this camera work for them./...

[@andgainingspeed]

The "plot thickens" with Sigma, but does the pulse quicken? Not so much, but I am curious about a claim that even with the high MP, low light performance is better than another camera with the same sensor. 🤔 ISO 25600 usable?

[@albedo0point39]

Does the higher resolution degrade the video in any way compared to the original? I assume the processor hasn’t been upgraded... does this mean they have to line skip to get down from 61mpix to 4k or do they have the ability to pixel bin?

[@3BMEP]

Great questions! I hope Sigma answers. 😊

[@innstikk]

Check out Cined, there is a documentary shot on the fp L

[@albedo0point39]

Gerald Undone has all the answers.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

French Bulldog Owner. :P Love Mattias' videos, rather documentaries, I'd say. He can make anyone fall in love with a camera.

[@85chuckanut]

Nice theatrical review. It is a bit of an "almost there" camera. I really like that is as small and light as a point and shoot. It has tremendous potential, but needs some work to be competitive.

[@alexcorll90]

I'm a little surprised they went for a Sony sensor again, I wonder why they didn't use the 47mp Panasonic/TowerJazz sensor in the S1R. Maybe the readout speed is actually slower?

[@marckyokay]

Great point about the APS-C cop mode! Interesting... Should make for a good little video machine in APS mode, but is it a choice the user can make? Or only accessible when having APS-C lenses on the mount (like Leicas TL lenses) ? Edit: Again, thank you so much for making these videos for us. I'm not a patron, but will be when I'm able to pay my bills again easily after this pandemic ...

[@RickMentore]

"Hold this thought," your demo images are compelling reasons to view your reviews!

[@3BMEP]

😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@alexgpanda2012]

Watch this video and Gerald Undone's video and your realize you don't know whether this camera is good or not

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

It makes no sense. I love it. I’m still not buying it. Maybe an FP3...

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@rafai1281]

I'm a Leica fan for years, I tried to "make it happen" with SL, but in real life, it is so much easier to create a set of custom ICC profiles for Sony than live with contrast AF (still I use small TL2- so easy to love a fun camera with manual glass). I'm deep into the Sony system, and with time, there are more and more reasons to stay. Glass, body etc. For the Sigma, it is sooo good that they decide to go forward from contrast AF, but there is still so much more to do. No stabilization, no mechanical shutter or fast readout sensor, the battery is not acceptable. It is no go, and I struggle to see it will catch up anytime soon. :/

[@MARZILLI]

Beautiful images but that not enough today. All today’s cams create beautiful images. It’s small to a fault. Not going to work except for cash flushed travelers already using the the mount. Great vid as usual.

[@Radvapordeath]

Y’all need to stop sleepin on the sigma fp lol

[@TopSecretVid]

it’s not ready at all..still has focusing issues..and for that much money there are better / cheaper options!!

[@enigmabletchley6936]

A camera solution in search of a problem.