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Sigma fp Comparison Review

The Sigma fp is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in July 2019 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 24 megapixel.

camera

Is the Sigma fp a good camera? The fp has a Camera Elo of 2673. This rating puts the fp among the top 40 percent of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the fp ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3.5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Sigma fp
Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses
24 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 25 600 (6 - 102 400)
Viewfinder optional
3.2 LCD, 2100k dots
Fixed touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
280 shots per battery charge
113 x 70 x 45 mm, 422 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Sigma fp relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Sigma fp vs credit card front
fp versus credit card top view
fp and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sigma fp alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sigma fp 113 mm 70 mm 45 mm 422 g 280 Y Jul 2019 US$ 1 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro3 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 497 g 440 Y Oct 2019 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D780 144 mm 116 mm 76 mm 840 g 2260 Y Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic TS7 117 mm 76 mm 37 mm 319 g 300 Y May 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
9.
 
Sigma fp L 113 mm 70 mm 45 mm 427 g 240 Y Mar 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 699ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sigma fp was launched in the US market at a price of $1,899. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check fp price at
amazon.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Sigma fp features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sigma fp among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Sigma fp sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sigma fp Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.214.2282994
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.6196884
3.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
4.
 
Nikon D780 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3287795
5.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
6.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
7.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
8.
 
Panasonic TS7 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1102851
9.
 
Sigma fp L Full Frame 60.2 9520 63284K/30p25.314.4300196
10.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
11.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The fp indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the fp can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Sigma fp along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sigma fpoptional n3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro33690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
3.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D780optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
5.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic TS71170 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/1300s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sigma fp Loptional n3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
10.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

It is worthwhile pointing out that the fp has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sigma fp and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sigma fpYstereo / monoY-micro3.1---
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro3Ystereo / monoY--3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon D780Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic TS7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Sigma fp LYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y--
10.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY

It is notable that the fp has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the fp can be found in the free online Sigma fp Manual or on the Sigma support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the fp in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sigma fp4/5..4/5..4/54.5/5 Jul 2019 US$ 1 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro34/5+4/585/1004/5.. Oct 2019 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D7805/5..5/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic TS7..+......3.5/5 May 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
9.
 
Sigma fp L4/5..4/5..4/54/5 Mar 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 699ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check fp price at
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Sigma fp FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the fp.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Sigma fp?

The camera features a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sigma fp?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 6-102400.

Can the Sigma fp be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Sigma provides the EVF-11 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Sigma fp?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Sigma fp?

No, the Sigma fp has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Sigma fp?

The fp offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Sigma fp for flash photography?

The fp's flash sync speed is 1/30 sec.

Does the Sigma fp support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards (data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s).

Which battery does the Sigma fp use?

The camera gets its power from the Sigma BP-51 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Sigma fp?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Sigma.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Sigma fp
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2019
    Launch Price USD 1 899
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 858 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 000 x 4 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.98 μm
    Pixel Density 2.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25 600 ISO
    ISO Boost 6 - 102 400 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.1
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sigma BP-51 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)280 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 113 x 70 x 45 mm
    (4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 422 g (14.9 oz)

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