Sigma has just announced their new camera, the Sigma fp L, an incredibly compact 61MP full-frame mirrorless camera. The new camera is closely related to the 2019-released Sigma fp, although there are some notable updates. We break down everything you need to know in our Sigma fp L review. Watch the video above or read on to learn more about the exciting new camera.

Table of Contents

Build

The Sigma fp L
The Sigma fp L

If you’re a fan of the Sigma fp build, you’ll also love this camera. Both models are housed in the same dust and splash-proof aluminum die-cast casing, and have an identical body design.  The dimensions, port placement, and button layout are exactly the same.

Weighing just 15.1 oz (427g) when loaded with a battery and memory card, it’s the smallest and lightest 61MP full-frame, mirrorless camera currently available. For comparison, the Sony a7R IV weighs 23.5 oz (665g) with a battery and memory card. However, like the Sigma fp, the fp L doesn’t come with a built-in viewfinder or hot-shoe. It’s designed for use in conjunction with a rig or cage and multiple accessories.

A hot-shoe accessory is included with the camera, but there’s an additional cost if you want to purchase the camera with Sigma’s new EVF-11 electronic viewfinder.

The viewfinder attaches to the left side of the camera. We found it a little uncomfortable to take on and off, although Sigma plans to improve this before the camera is released. We were also disappointed that you are unable to use the hot-shoe attachment and the EVF-11 simultaneously. Overall though, the lightweight compact build makes it the perfect base for a high-powered camera setup. 

Performance

Coney Island Boardwalk
Coney Island Boardwalk | shot on the Sigma fp L by Jonny Carrillo

The camera we used was a pre-production model, however we were still able to capture some great stills and video. We took the camera to Coney Island for the day and had a blast shooting the eclectic scenery. Sigma’s color modes were particularly fun to play with, especially the new Powder Blue and Duotone options.

The Sigma fp is known for its stellar video performance, and the fp L maintains these capabilities. The camera supports 8-bit CinemaDNG format up to 4K UHD/29.97fps internally and 12-bit CinemaDNG format at 4K UHD/29.97fps externally. There’s also support for Blackmagic RAW and ProRes Raw externally. One upgrade is that the fp L can now record in true 24p externally, versus 23.98p on the fp.

The biggest changes that have been made for the fp L are the new 61 megapixel sensor and an improved, hybrid autofocus system. The high resolution, back-illuminated bayer sensor means the fp L can deliver incredibly stunning visuals. While the camera is likely to primarily appeal to video shooters, the crisp resolution means you can capture some great stills on the camera as well.

Another new feature on the Sigma fp L is the crop zoom function. It allows you to crop your frame in-camera and capture photos without losing too much detail. The camera offers crop factors of 1, 1.53, 2, 2.5, and 5 for stills, and up to 2.5 for video. 

The fp L uses the same battery as the fp, so it doesn’t have the longest charge life. However, another new feature enables you to continuously power the camera via USB-C.

Price

The Sigma fp L is available for pre-order now for $2,499, or $2,999 with the EVF-11 viewfinder. You can also pre-order the EVF-11 separately for $699

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That concludes our Sigma fp L review. Let us know in the comments below what you think of the exciting new camera.

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