Sigma launches tiny 61MP L-Mount camera with hybrid AF and an unusual side-mount accessory viewfinder

The new Sigma fp L is based on the original camera’s compact body but incorporates a high-resolution 61MP sensor that promises an unequalled size/performance ratio. It also promises outstanding autofocus with hybrid contrast- and phase-detection, a new optional external electronic viewfinder EVF-11 with 3.68M dot resolution, two new colour modes, and a digital crop facility.

When the original Sigma fp was launched, there was disappointment at the lack of an electronic viewfinder. Now, with the fp L we have an unusual viewfinder option that could prove extremely popular without adding to the height of the body. I believe the EVF also fits the original fp. The side-car solution, while increasing the length of the camera, is likely to be more acceptable and less bulky than the traditional top-mounted EVF. It also has the advantage of being tiltable to permit TLR-style composition, a feature which will appeal to many older photographers.

The L-Mount stable continues to grow and Sigma, already a major player in the lens market, has now made a strong bid to compete directly with Leica and Panasonic on the camera front. This will be a very interesting camera to review and it is likely to be much more successful than the original fp, with its emphasis on video and limited appeal to the stills photographer.

The fp L and accessories will be available from April 15. The fp L body has a recommended price of £1,999.99 (US$2,499) or £2,449.99 ($2,999) as a kit with the EVF-11 viewfinder. The viewfinder will also be available for £599.99 ($699).

PRESS RELEASE

SIGMA announces the 61MP fp L, a new addition to world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera range

SRP body only £1,999.99 | SRP with EVF £2,449.99

SIGMA is pleased to announce the launch of the SIGMA fp L, a new member of the SIGMA fp series of the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is equipped with a full-frame Bayer sensor with approximately 61 megapixels, making it one of the highest resolution full-frame bodies ever built. This outstanding resolving power in such a compact body is unmatched by any other camera, making the fp L a unique, powerful and portable tool that will unlock new creative possibilities.

As well as the 61MP resolution, the fp L comes with an array of new features and accessories, which will make shooting more user-friendly, including hybrid autofocus (AF) that combines contrast- and phase-detection, a new optional external electronic viewfinder EVF-11, two new Color Modes, and digital crop functionality. The new fp L is truly a photographer’s camera, with all of the most important stills and video features you need at your fingertips for creating professional, striking imagery.

SIGMA fp line-up development concept

The core concept of the fp series has been to create user-orientated and modular cameras for image-makers who need adaptable gear to suit their specific style and needs. As such, the camera is pocketable, which makes it convenient to use anywhere and any time; scalable, which means users can also customise the camera into a full professional movie set-up; and versatile, so that users can switch seamlessly between stills and video literally with the flick of a switch.

New to the fp family is the fp L, a back-illuminated 61MP full-frame camera with a similar form factor to the fp but with an enhanced feature-set. Key new features include:

1. 61MP back-illuminated full-frame Bayer sensor

SIGMA’s extensive experience of developing image processing technology from its work on its Foveon sensors, the fp L is able to offer superb image quality that displays exceptionally fine detail and beautifully rendered colours. Thanks to the sensor’s very high resolution – the highest ever on a SIGMA camera – the decision was taken to add a low-pass filter, which makes a further contribution to optical performance by reducing the effects of moiré.

1. Crop Zoom

The 61MP sensor means that users can crop in to an image and still have more than enough resolution for their needs. For this reason SIGMA has introduced a new Crop Zoom feature to the fp L that works in both the STILL and CINE modes, allowing users to digitally zoom into their image as they shoot. This means the focal length of lenses can be effectively increased if the need arises. For video, the fp L can record in full HD quality, even at its maximum 5x zoom, without downgrading the image quality. Crop Zoom is intuitive to use too; it’s possible to simply pinch and zoom on the LCD touch screen. This feature makes the camera a much more flexible tool, especially if shooting with a limited number of prime lenses.

1. Hybrid Autofocus

In addition to high-precision contrast AF the SIGMA fp L features fast image area phase-detection AF. This hybrid AF allows users to enjoy smooth autofocus that is smooth, fast and excellent at tracking a moving subject, whether shooting stills or video.

1. Unlimited power supply

The SIGMA fp L supports USB charging while the camera is in use. This means you can connect the camera to a computer via USB if using it as a webcam, or connect it to an external power source when on location to shoot without interruption. Either way, if you’re using the camera for a long period of time, you won’t have to worry about battery life.

New features and accessories available for fp series cameras

1. External electronic viewfinder

An external electronic viewfinder EVF-11 (optional) has been designed exclusively for use with the SIGMA fp series. With its 0.5in, 3.68 million-dot organic EL panel, this high-resolution, high-luminance viewfinder makes it easier to shoot in very bright conditions and helps users feel more immersed in their photography. The EVF tilts up 90 degrees to become a top-down viewfinder.

1. Save and share camera settings

On the fp L, you can now save a set of custom camera settings. These can be kept as QR code image data,

so you can load them very quickly. This allows for a new way for users to share their own custom settings

with other users by exchanging QR codes directly or by sharing them on forums or social media.

• QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.

1. Powder Blue and Duotone Color Modes

Powder Blue is a Color Mode with a bright and clear feel, featuring a refreshing blue color, while Duotone create a striking two-color image. With the addition of these two new additions to SIGMA’s already wide choice of Color Modes originally featured on the fp series, there are now a total of 15 modes to choose from.

These modes can be used in stills or video, allowing users to create a fully-processed look as they shoot.

SUMMARY: What makes the fp L such an impressive camera

FOR STILLS: Ultra-high resolution and all-round superb image quality

• Back-illuminated 35mm full-frame Bayer sensor with 61MP
• Hybrid AF: phase and contrast AF
• 15 Color Modes to choose from: Two additional modes newly available
• Save/Load Settings
• Crop Zoom function in stills and video
• External Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11 (optional)

Scheduled to be available on SIGMA fp via firmware update scheduled at a later date.

AS A WEBCAM: full functionality right out of the box

• Turn the SIGMA fp into a webcam with just a USB-C cable.
• Supports USB charging while the camera is in use for unlimited streaming duration (Dependent on the PC’s supply capacity).
• Hybrid AF: tracks the subject smoothly and keeps them in focus even when streaming.
• Save/Load Settings: loads a webcam setting fast using a QR code
• Change camera settings even when connected: exposure compensation, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, Color Mode, white balance
• 15 Color Modes to choose from while streaming.

Scheduled to be available on SIGMA fp via firmware update scheduled at a later date.

FOR CINE: powerful specs and professional functionality

• Supports 3 RAW file formats: see attached specifications sheet for full specs
• Supports camera control with a gimbal. See website for a list of compatible models
• Hybrid AF: supports recording using a gimbal and one-person operation
• Supports frame rates commonly used in film making
• Save/Load Settings: perfect for sharing camera settings in a multi-camera shoot

Scheduled to be available on SIGMA fp via firmware update scheduled at a later date.

AS A DIRECTOR’S VIEWFINDER: an essential film director’s tool for simulating different looks

• Director’s viewfinder: simulates shooting ranges of cinema cameras by major manufacturers
• Frame guide: Supports custom frame lines
• Selection of external viewfinders: Choice of electronic and optical viewfinders
• Screenshot: Capture what’s on your screen in a single image
• Save/Load Settings: batch save complicated settings using QR code to store or load them

Scheduled to be available on SIGMA fp via firmware update scheduled at a later date.

Full specification

Read more on Sigma

Read more on the L-Mount Alliance

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