The Sigma fp L is a new, ultra-compact 61 megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera.
As well as the increased 61MP resolution, the fp L also improves on the original fp model by featuring hybrid autofocus (AF) that combines contrast- and phase- detection, two new Color Modes, and digital crop functionality.
The new fp L camera will run alongside the current 24 megapixel Sigma fp model. These two cameras are the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless models on the market, each weighing less than 430g with a battery and card fitted.
Also being announced is a new optional 3.68m-dot external EVF for both models in the fp range, called the EVF-11, which uses an OLED panel, has a magnification of 0.83x, tilts up 90 degrees and has USB-C and headphone ports.
Both products will be available from 16th April 2021. The Sigma fp L will cost $2499 / £1999 and the EVF-11 Viewfinder is priced at $699 / £599,or you can buy both together for $2999 / £2449.
The successor to the original Sigma fp model has been revealed at the Sigma Stage presentation that took place virtually today.
The new fp L camera will sit above the current fp model in the range, but it’s still unclear what the mysterious “L” addition to the product name might actually stand for.
The front and rear of the new camera look identical to the original model, just with the “L” newly inscribed below the “fp” on the front panel.
The new sensor both greatly increases the resolution, making the fp L the highest-resolution full-frame camera currently on the market, and perhaps even more importantly adds phase-detect AF, directly addressing one of our key criticisms of the original fp.
The EVF-11 viewfinder is equally as interesting as the new camera, especially for current fp owners.
It’s very cleverly designed to directly attach to the side of the fp body via its HDMI port, USB-C port and one of its 1/4″ screw threads, turning the former viewfinder-less camera design into a kind of mini-rangefinder.
It will be supplied in its own smartly designed carry case complete with interchangeable eye-cup.
It also has an articulating design that will allow it to be used at waist level.
The EV-11 is compatible with both the original fp and the new fp L, addressing one of the key complaints about the original fp’s overall design.
Sigma UK Press Release
SIGMA announces the 61MP fp L, a new addition to world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera range*
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.
*As of March 2021, by SIGMA
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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*
*Some features will be added in a future firmware update
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.
2. 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.
3. 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?
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
The long-awaited external electronic viewfinder for the SIGMA fp series is here.
The SIGMA ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF-11 is an external EVF designed exclusively for use with the SIGMA fp series. With its 0.5-inch, 3.68 million- dot organic electro-luminescent panel, this high-resolution, high-luminance viewfinder will help users feel more deeply immersed in their photography and make creating photos a more enjoyable experience.
SIGMA’s attention to detail is evident in the EVF-11’s tilting mechanism so that it can be used as a top- down viewfinder, expandability with external accessories, and highly functional user interface, which is designed to ensure convenience and comfort during use. Together with the SIGMA LCD VIEWFINDER LVF-11 that is already available, the launch of the SIGMA ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF-11 offers SIGMA fp series users two external viewfinder options as dedicated accessories. As the SIGMA fp series remains true to its concept of being the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera*, its users can now choose a viewfinder to suit their particular shooting needs.
Large viewfinder for clarity and comfort
The EVF-11 has a 0.5-inch organic electro-luminescent diode (OLED) panel with approximately 3.68 million dots of resolution. With a magnification of 0.83x, this high-luminance, high-definition EVF provides
excellent visibility and is especially useful in bright conditions where it is difficult to see the screen clearly. Photographers can use it to frame a shot, review an image and change menu settings smoothly.
90-degree upward tilting mechanism
The tilting mechanism of the EVF-11, which angles upwards to 90 degrees, enables users to shoot from a low angle more comfortably.
User interface designed for superb visibility and convenience
The EVF-11 has an eyepoint set at 21mm to ensure a full field-of-view without a dark vignette around the viewfinder. This helps photographers see the entire scene with complete clarity, even when wearing glasses. It has a wide diopter adjustment of-4.0 to +3.0 dpt, and comes with two different-sized eyecups.
Audio monitoring during video capture
A 3.5mm stereo mini jack on the EVF-11 allows users to monitor audio using headphones while shooting video. It is designed so as not to block the camera’s microphone input, meaning users can connect an external mic and monitor audio at the same time.
External recording to portable SSD
Users can record to an external SSD drive via the dedicated USB plug (Type-C) on the side of the EVF-11.
Specifications
• Panel I 0.5in I organic EL panel I approx. 3.68 million dots (Viewfinder Coverage: approx. 100%)
• Magnification I approx. 0.83x (50mm lens at infinity, -1 dpt)
• Eyepoint I approx. 21 mm (from the back of the eyepiece lens)
• Diopter adjustment I -4.0 to +3.0 dpt
• Angle adjustment I O to 90°
• LCD/LVF switch
• Camera connecting plug (detects USB, HDMI and EVF)
• External output terminals: USB (Type-C) and headphone (3.5mm jack)
The EVF-11 does not supply power or charge the camera via USB. The EVF-11 receives power from the camera.
The EVF-11 and the HU-11 cannot be used together.
• 3.5mm stereo mini jack: headphone output
• Weight: 114g (including Eyecup EC-31)
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 44.6×91.7×56.1mm (including Eyecup EC-31)
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