Digital Camera World - UK (2019-08)

102 DIGITAL CAMERA^ AUGUST 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com

In Focus

The latest photography news from around the globe

Sigma fp

“The world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera” is unveiled

S

igma has been teasing its new full-frame

mirrorless camera for a while, but the official

announcement is a bolt from the blue. The

Sigma fp will feature a 24.6-megapixel sensor and

it will use a classic Bayer colour filter array, not

Sigma’s own multi-layer Foveon technology.

Designed to be the smallest and lightest full-frame

mirrorless camera ever, it will take interchangeable

L-Mount lenses (including three just announced

by Sigma; see sidebar) and is designed to break

the pattern of current camera design. Sigma’s

idea is “how a camera can be”, not conforming

to current categories and hierarchies.

The Sigma fp’s user interface is intended to allow

easy transition from stills to cine shooting modes

for a seamless experience. It has a full electronic

shutter (there’s no mechanical shutter mechanism

at all) for noise-free operation.

There are a couple of features that might cause

raised eyebrows. The Sigma fp uses contrast AF at

a time when almost all of its rivals have switched to

faster hybrid on-sensor phase detection AF. Contrast

AF can be fast enough on cameras with smaller

sensors and lenses, but it’s going to be interesting

to see how the fp copes with moving subjects.

Having said that, AF performance is only crucial for

run-and-gun style and documentary video reporting.

Higher-end video productions rely more on manual

focus, where the fp would not be at any disadvantage.

The Sigma fp lacks the in-body stabilisation offered

by Nikon Z bodies, Sony’s A7 and A9 and Panasonic’s

Lumix S1 and S1R bodies. But it does offer digital

image stabilisation. In stills photography that

wouldn’t count for much, but in videography

digital stabilisation can be an effective tool.

£TBC/$TBC; http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Focal point

Three new

Sigma lenses

join the fp

Sigma 35mm f/1.2

DG DN | Art

This prime lens is the

world’s first autofocus-

enabled 35mm f/1.2 lens

for L-mount and Sony

E-mount cameras.

£1,460/$TBC

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8

DG DN | Art

Sigma is pitching this

lens strongly at the

astrophotography

community.

£1,500/$TBC

Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG

DN | Contemporary

This affordable prime

has been designed to

produce smooth and

attractive bokeh at

wide apertures.

£550/$TBC

BIG

SIGMA

NEWS!