SIGMA fp Impression 01

Ani Watanabe

Photographer

My first impression was all about its compact size, and a little astonishment that they managed to stuff all those features into such a small device. There is a direct link between a camera’s size and how it will be used, and in general I can imagine how I will make use of cameras when I see them. However, despite its compact size, I did not arrive at the perhaps obvious conclusion—that it would be perfect for snapshot photography, for example. No, due to its sturdy body and the ability to switch seamlessly between photography and video mode, I thought the camera would make an ideal tool for serious photo and video work.

SIGMA fp, SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
F2.8, ISO100, 1/30s

SIGMA fp, SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
F2.8, ISO100, 1/30s

With its use of the L-mount, the range of available lenses is extremely high, allowing for a huge variety of visual expression. This time, I have mostly used the SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, and I would say that this camera-lens setup makes the most use of the camera’s compact size. The lens is very capable when it comes to image quality, and while the 24.6 megapixel Bayer sensor in the camera may seem like standard specs, the images I got from it with the lens were rendered in exceptional, delicate detail.

SIGMA fp, SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
F2.8, ISO400, 1/30s

The ease-of-use of the camera will change depending on the setup, of course, but I could feel the strong capabilities of the camera at the heart of it all. I’ve also tried shooting without the DNG file format—it’s entirely sufficient in most light conditions you’ll encounter, and the lighter data means that I can photograph casually as well. My impressions of the camera can be summed up as: this is a piece of professional gear that will inspire the creative vision of anyone using it.

SIGMA fp + SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
F2.8|ISO200|1/400s

Equipment