Sigma fp L Review

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Article: description: The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!
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Best known for its third-party lenses, Sigma has also started producing its own Sigma mirrorless cameras in recent years. While its lens lineup can’t compete with brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony, its specialty cameras fill previously unoccupied niches in the photography industry. One of those cameras is the award-winning Sigma fp L.

In this Sigma fp L review, we’ll start with a basic camera overview before examining its design and handling, breaking down its photo and video capabilities, and sharing our favorite compatible L mount lenses. Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier.

Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and innovative photography company offering high-quality used photo and video gear at affordable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We love MPB because of its one-of-a-kind online platform for photographers. It’s a remarkable tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we firmly believe it can do the same for you. OK, enough chit-chat. Let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about the Sigma fp L!

Check out Jake Hayden's video above to learn why the Sigma fp L was way ahead of its time when it was released a couple of years ago. 

Table of Contents

Sigma fp L: Overview

The Sigma fp L was announced in the fall of 2020 and made its much-anticipated public debut a few months later in the spring of 2021. Its 61.0-megapixel sensor ties it with the Sony Alpha a7R V and a7R IV for today's highest-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras. Only a handful of medium-format cameras have higher resolutions.

The fp L is a compact interchangeable-lens hybrid mirrorless camera aimed more at photographers than videographers. That said, its video performance is still solid. Along with its high-resolution sensor, it has an advanced image processing engine that helps power its speedy and reliable on-sensor phase detection autofocus.

Now, here’s a closer look at the Sigma fp L specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor: 61MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 100 - 25,600 (expandable to 6 - 102,400)
  • Lens Mount: Leica L Mount
  • Speed: 10.0 fps
  • Autofocus: 49 focus points
  • Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
  • Size/Weight: 113 x 70 x 45 mm / 427 grams
  • Battery Life: 240 shots
  • Stabilization: Yes (Electronic Image Stabilization)
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-Sealed: Yes
  • Sigma fp L Used Price: $1,849 - $1,859

Sigma fp L: Design & Handling

When you first see the Sigma fp L, you will immediately notice that it looks quite different from most mirrorless cameras. Why? Because Sigma designed it as a modular camera, allowing every photographer to create the perfect setup for their needs. 

For example, the body does not have a built-in viewfinder, but you can add a removable electronic viewfinder (EVF). Video-oriented shooters can also add an 8K recording kit and a broadcast kit to enhance the video and audio quality. 

With no modular additions, the fp L is a super portable camera ideal for travel and street photography. Furthermore, its minimalist design features a large screen, a cine/still toggle, two dials, and various customizable buttons. These simple but effective features make the camera easy to operate, even for beginners. 

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Sigma fp L: Imaging Capabilities

The Sigma fp L’s hallmark feature is the 61MP image sensor. It’s a dream come true for still photographers, producing breathtaking images with excellent sharpness and detail retention. Additionally, you have complete control over the colors in your pictures thanks to 15 color profiles, including two new ones: Duotone and Power Blue.

The high resolution also makes the fp L a wonderful camera for professional photographers. Whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or anything in between, you can enlarge the photos for printing with little to no added noise. 

Speaking of noise, the fp L captures crystal-clear, noise-free images when working in low-light conditions because its ISO range expands to ISO 6. Other useful imaging features include ten fps burst shooting, a silent electronic shutter, and the cutting-edge Crop Zoom mode, which allows you to digitally “zoom in” by a factor of 5x.

Sigma fp L: Video Capabilities

Switching the Sigma fp L into the aforementioned “Cine” mode grants you access to 4K and 1080p Full HD video resolutions. In 4K, you can choose between 8-bit MOV or 8-bit CinemaDNG files recorded at 24 or 30 fps. There’s also a video Crop Zoom Mode that provides 2.5x digital zoom (at the cost of a 2.5x crop factor being applied to the footage).

Alternatively, it can film slow-motion Full HD movies at up to 120 fps. Alone, the FP L body is an average video camera, but if you invest in module upgrades, you can transform it into a powerful video tool. Additional video features are electronic image stabilization, a microphone port, and the “Director’s Viewfinder” mode.

If you don’t want to spend the money upgrading it, we recommend the original Sigma FP instead. 

Recommended Lenses for the Sigma fp L

Here’s a quick list of some of the best L-mount lenses for photos and video to pair with the Sigma fp L.

Final Thoughts on the Sigma fp L

The unique modular design of the Sigma fp L means it won’t be for everyone. However, if you take the time to personalize it to meet your photography and videography needs, it is an amazing camera that will change how you work in the field. Moreover, if you are a sucker for image resolution, you will LOVE this camera! 

Before purchasing one, do you want to compare the Sigma fp L with other luxury cameras? If so, check out the list below of other high-resolution mirrorless cameras in stock now at MPB.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.

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