When Sigma released its first mirrorless 4K camera using a back-illuminated Bayer CMOS sensor, the biggest (or smallest) thing it had going for it was its size. The fp is one of the smallest full-frame cameras on the market today, but when you dive deeper into its feature set, you begin to notice an older CinemaDNG codec and internal data rates limited to 8-bit. The release seemed to fall short when comparing it to competitors.
However, because of its size, L-mount compatibility, and scalability for larger productions, the camera had potential if certain things were addressed via firmware. Today, Sigma has done that and more with a major update in firmware 2.0.
The fp is now able to record 12-bit 4K UHD at 25p and 29.97fps as well as 12-bit full-HD at 100p, 8-bit full-HD 100p, and 8-bit full-HD 120p. Additionally, the camera supports 12-bit 4K DCI over HDMI RAW. And Sigma didn't stop there.
The company added Apple ProRes RAW via Atomos and Blackmagic RAW support over HDMI, which will require updates on the recorder side, but the Sigma fp now supports ProRes RAW, BRAW, and CinemaDNG. On top of that, Sigma added a dual base ISO feature at 100 and 3200. There is also a new HDR recording feature as well as Cinemagraph creation and playback.
Sigma fp Director's Viewfinder mode
One interesting function of the Sigma fp is its ability to act as a Director's Viewfinder. In our review, it was noted that it would be great if you could record video and take stills while using it as a viewfinder. Sigma has added that functionality as well.
Sigma also improved its autofocus, added timecode to the 3.5mm microphone input, and add an "off" option in color mode. The fp still doesn't have a log recording mode, but the added off mode and addition of RAW formats should provide decent latitude options. The full list of updates is below.
Version 2.0
- Supports Cinemagraph creation and playback
- CinemaDNG footages playback
- Supports still capture during live view and movie shooting in Cine mode
- Supports still image capture from movie files (CinemaDNG, MOV) shot with the SIGMA fp
- Supports HDR in movie shooting
- Supports still and movie shooting in Director’s Viewfinder mode
- Supports DCI 4K 12bit / HDMI Raw output
- Supports RAW over HDMI recording with Atomos Ninja V monitor-recorder
- Supports recording Blackmagic RAW codec over HDMI with Blackmagic Video Assist 12G models
- Camera movement control is compatible with ZHIYUN Weebill S gimbal
- Supports camera control in USB mode
Enhanced/modified functionality
- Supports Dual Base ISO (ISO100 and 3200)
- Improved AF performance
- Improved accuracy with evaluative exposure metering
- Improved image quality
- Supports CinemaDNG 25 and 29.97 fps (UHD 12bit) shooting
- Supports CinemaDNG 100 fps (FHD 12bit) shooting
- Supports CinemaDNG 100 and 119.88 fps (FHD 8bit and 10bit) shooting
- “OFF” option available in Color mode
- Exposure adjustment available in QS (Quick Set)
- Tone control setting “Auto (Mild / Strong)” available during movie shooting
- Supports USB Video Class (UVC) setting adjustments while the fp is connected to USB
- Supports timecode generation
- Compatible with BWF format
- Supports file size changes at aspect ratio 7:6
- Supports changes of shutter sound effect
Fixes
- The phenomenon of flickering in dark areas in video footages has been corrected
- Bugs in USB Video Class (UVC) setting when connected to USB or during movie shooting have been corrected
- Improved recording stability with recording media
- Other minor bugs have been corrected
So what do you think? Did Sigma deliver? Let us know in the comments below. To download the latest firmware, visit Sigma's support page.
