GEAR SIGMA FP TEST
CinemaDNG has never been a hugely popular Raw format as it gives very big files. That’s the price you pay for ultimate quality – however, more efficient Raw files like Canon Raw Light, Blackmagic Raw or ProRes Raw offer most of the advantages of full Raw files in smaller andmore manageable sizes. When shooting Raw to the SD card, you can’t review the footage on the camera as it can’t read CinemaDNG, although Sigma says a forthcoming firmware update will make it possible. There is also no headphone socket, so you can’t hear the sound you are recording. If you don’t use Raw, but go for the highest quality MOV All-I, it can record in up to 440Mbps, but once you have seen the incredible quality and flexibility you get fromRaw files, it’s difficult to accept anything less. The dynamic range is reduced inMOV, too. But the rolling shutter is well controlled, and certainly comparable to any full-frame rivals. The colours are still bright, but neutral. There is lots of detail – especially in 4K, of course – and noise is incredibly well controlled. If you want to record internally, or even externally to a USB-C drive, then the lowest spec 8-bit Raw gives you all the benefits of Raw files, but withmore manageable sizes. However, MOV gives you image stabilisation while Raw doesn’t. The amazingly low noise at high ISO is partly due to the large sensor, but also to Sigma’s processing of the signal. Like the Panasonic S1, it can pretty much see in the dark, making it an incredible night-time camera. The Sigma fp has different colour options, chosen via the button on the rear. This includes the fashionable teal and orange colour grade, as well as vivid and natural. But there is no Log, although the Flat profile gives an increase in dynamic range. However, one of the bugbears is battery life. The camera has a 1200mAh battery, but doesn’t come with a charger, so you have to charge the camera via USB-C. The relatively small battery is down to the compact size of the camera, but it runs down soon and you’d need a bagful for a full day’s shooting. We never
features like these, the camera would have been bigger andmight have used up computing power that is used for Raw video. But as a super-compact, full- framemirrorless camera that shoots Raw video internally, it’s clearly out there on its own and offers great value for money. In fact, there are already a range of accessories, like the £290/$292 LVF-11 LCD viewfinder, different handgrips for more comfortable shooting and a base grip. Sigma’s fp may be new, but it definitely seems like the start of a whole new super- compact system that will only grow and get better with time. managedmore than an hour on a charge. And, to charge the batteries, you need to put them in the camera, so it’s not ideal. A separate £99/$99 charger is available and a worthwhile buy, as are spare batteries. Of course, the flexibility of USB-C means you can use a portable power bank to charge up the camera. These are now affordable and relatively easy to come by, although you can’t charge the camera up while using it. For that, it has to be switched off. That means when the camera is on, the USB-C socket can be used for an SSD hard drive to record to. Sigma does offers AC adapters for use when you have mains power and want to shoot for extended times. Features: 8 Shoots Raw to an SDmemory card, but lacks some useful features Performance: 8 The Rawfiles are just flawless but theMOV files are decent, too Handling: 8 The screen doesn’t tilt and there’s no headphone socket Value formoney: 9 The specs are just incredible –Raw video froma small camera OVERALL RATING: 8/10 It’s compact, shoots Raw, but the screen and AF are not ideal Pros: 12-bit Raw shooting, compact and rugged body Cons: Poor battery life, no audio monitoring, fixed screen HOW IT RATES More information sigma-imaging-uk.com
ABOVE The Sigma fp can take USB-C, Type D HDMI and 3.5mm stereo mic inputs
THE VERDICT
The two huge advantages with the new Sigma fp are worth coming back to again and again: it’s the smallest full-framemirrorless camera you can buy, and it shoots Raw internally to SD cards. For some people, those factors along with the relatively affordable £1999/$1899 price tag will have them reaching for the credit card immediately. If you are an L-mount user invested in the Panasonic or Leica systems, having a super-compact camera that takes your lenses, can be squeezed into small places and records Raw for the ultimate qualitymake it a no-brainer. Especially with its clean Rawfiles and low-noise performance. As a stand-alone camera, it still makes sense. The Raw recording and small size are still big deals for any filmmaker, and you can use Canon or PLmount lenses on it via one of Sigma’s adapters. And no doubt more adapters will follow. It has lots of specs specifically aimed at filmmaking, such as waveforms and easy access to picture profiles. But equally, there are some things it lacks, like a tilting or folding screen, audio monitoring via headphones and phase-detect autofocus. To add
“The Sigma fp can prettymuch see in the dark, making it an incredible night-time camera”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER WINTER 2019
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