Big test
TAKE A PEEK The Sigma fp L is a monitor-only camera, but add the EVF-11 and you have a quality electronic viewfinder. However, there is no auto switchover between the two viewing methods. The eyepiece is adjustable to suit low and waist-level viewing THE 61-MEGAPIXEL, BACK-ILLUMINATED SENSOR IS AVERY CAPABLE UNIT, GIVINGTOP-NOTCH PICTURES, EVENAT HIGH ISOSETTINGS
flash sync speed of 1/15sec, or 1/10sec when shooting 14-bit Raw. This is hotshoe only, and there is no PC socket on the HU-11 – but you can still get at the USB socket to charge the camera. Syncing flash at such slow shutter speeds is not ideal. There’s the risk of recording ambient light and double imaging, unless the subject is static and the camera is on a tripod. It limits creative options and there’s no fill-in flash (unless it’s really dull or a super-slow ISO is used). Honestly, I’d not expect potential buyers of the fp L to have flash photography high up – or even present – on their priority list. Action and sports photography are not a strength of the fp L with its electronic shutter. There’s the risk of
rolling shutter effect, but it still shoots at 10fps in continuous high mode. Using a Lexar 2000x SD card, I got 17 full-size JPEGs at 10fps, and 13 14-bit Raws, with the buffer taking around 16 seconds to clear. Going to 12-bit Raw shooting, I got 14 shots at 10fps – not much of a gain. In single frame shooting, 14-bit Raws take about two seconds to record. The fp L has its handling quirks, but those are smoothed over with familiarity. I enjoyed the camera’s company once I got used to the layout, with my favourite features devoted to various buttons. I spent a lot of time setting up the camera, especially the tone, colour and mode buttons – and the QS menu to suit my preferences.
I mostly shot stills, probably 1000 exposures in total. Start-up time and battery life are nothing special, autofocusing sometimes missed, and the EVF-11 could be frustrating (fitting it, having to remove it to charge the camera, its size and no auto EVF/ monitor switchover). While there are handling quirks, the fp L has plenty of upsides: image quality and file size are significant ones. The 61-megapixel, back-illuminated sensor has an optical low-pass filter – unlike the 61-megapixel sensor in the Sony A7R IV – and is very capable, giving top-notch pictures, even at high ISO settings. If you want richly detailed images that take a great deal of enlargement without any software interpolation, the fp L is for you. WC
PERFORMANCE: STANDARD LENS
SIGMA 35MM F/2 DG DN This neat, moderate wide-angle lens sits nicely on the Sigma fp L, and the pair make a lovely combination. The focal length is handy for a wide subject range. Performance in the test bench was decent wide open, but stopping down even one stop was beneficial, giving crisper, more detailed images. That improvement continued with stopping – images shot at f/4 and f/5.6 looked good, especially with some unsharp mask added. The lens is seen at its best at f/8 and f/11, though.
Final word
SPECS › Price £549
Verdict
› Construction Ten elements in nine groups, one SLD element and three aspherical elements › Minimum focus 27cm › Filter size 58mm › Weather resistant Yes, dust and splash proof › Dimensions (dxl) 70x65.4mm › Weight 325g
The camera market is full of capable models, but what many don’t have is character and a sense of involvement. Both are qualities you can’t accuse the Sigma fp L of lacking, and – as with anything slightly quirky – there are lovable points, top of which is image quality, mixed in with a few compromises and small niggles. Size is also a major benefit, and I think the fp L – without the EV-11 – fitted with a pancake lens is a powerful combination I would like in my bag. Of course, being equipped with the L-Mount does mean all manner of exotic, fast aperture glass (and not just from Sigma) can be enjoyed, too. If you’re an action/ sports shooter or major on flash shooting, the fp L is not your best option, but if scenics are your passion and you like a high megapixel count, the fp L is very capable and excellent value. I enjoyed using it and was impressed with its output.
F/2
F/2.8
F/2
F/2.8
20 /25
FEATURES Lots of megapixels in a tiny body, but no mechanical shutter and no integral EVF HANDLING There are good points and some less good points, and all in a square, compact body form PERFORMANCE Without any doubt, the fp L’s headline act is its excellent sensor – and image quality was top-notch VALUE FOR MONEY Full-frame for £2k is a bargain, but you need to budget for the EVF-11 OVERALL Great image quality, quirky, but fun in use
F/4
F/5.6
F/8
20 /25
21 /25
F/5.6
F/8
F/4
F/11
F/16
F/22
24 /25
85 /100
F/11
F/16
F/22
PROS Sigma fp L: Image quality, ISO performance, size, USB charging, good price, L-Mount EVF-11: Image quality CONS Sigma fp L: Touch AF slow, slow start-up, no integral EVF, fixed monitor, handling (square body), no IBIS, one card slot, electronic shutter only, slow flash sync, battery life not great EVF-11: No auto EVF/monitor switchover, can be a fiddle to fit, has to be taken off to charge the camera via USB
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
32 Photography News | Issue 91
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