Cinematography

The Small Giant: The Affordable Sigma fp Camera

The Sigma fp is a mid-range powerhouse disguised in a small, unassuming body. If cameras were cars, the Sigma fp would be a Ferrari pretending to be a bicycle—light, minimalistic, and deceptively simple, yet capable of incredible performance.

Olaf de Fleur

Apr 22, 2025 — 5 min read

Sigma fp: Ferrari posing as a bicycle

Sigma fp Review: A Ferrari Pretending to Be a Bicycle

This massive quality beast of a camera is only: $1,899 when this is written. Click here to see the camera on bhphotovideo for accurate prize

Introduction

The Sigma fp is a mid-range powerhouse disguised in a small, unassuming body. If cameras were cars, the Sigma fp would be a Ferrari pretending to be a bicycle—light, minimalistic, and deceptively simple, yet capable of incredible performance.

In this post, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the Sigma fp, covering its strengths and weaknesses, and explain why it’s a hidden gem for filmmakers who want high-quality video without breaking the bank.

Why I Chose the Sigma fp

Like many filmmakers, I've spent much time in researching cameras, watching YouTube comparisons, and debating between Sony, Fuji, Canon, Blackmagic, and Sigma. Every camera had its strengths, but the Sigma fp kept pulling me in—not just for its features, but for its price.

While other mid-range cameras like the Sony A7 IV, Blackmagic 4K, and Lumix S5 II all offered great specs, the Sigma fp was almost half the price when factoring in accessories. That alone made it worth considering.

But the biggest surprise? It doesn’t feel like an old camera.

The Sigma fp was released in 2018, but its 12-bit Cinema DNG RAW recording, compact size, and modular design make it timeless. Even with the newer Sigma fp L on the market, the original model still holds its ground because the Sigma fp L is only an upgrade for photographers with the same video capabilities.

Key Features & Performance

1. Stunning Video & Photo Quality

The Sigma fp shoots in 12-bit Cinema DNG RAW, meaning every frame in your video is essentially a RAW photo. This gives you incredible flexibility in color grading and post-production.

In practical use, the image quality is stunning. It handles highlights beautifully, preserves details in shadows, and provides a cinematic, organic look straight out of the camera.

• Pros:

✅ Great video quality (RAW + full-frame sensor)

✅ Excellent photo quality

✅ Compact, modular design

2. No Overheating + USB-C Storage

Unlike many other small cameras, the Sigma fp has an inbuilt cooling system, meaning it never overheats—even during long recording sessions.

One of my favorite things about this camera is its USB-C storage support. Instead of using expensive SD cards, you can record directly onto an external SSD, giving you unlimited storage and faster workflow. But due to the immense storage required when recording in CinemaDNG RAW, you’ll need at least a 1TB or 2TBportable hard drive. Simply connect the drive to DaVinci Resolve, open the files, and export them to QuickTime for easier editing.

🚀 Pro tip: If you’re shooting in Cinema DNG RAW, don’t bother with SD cards—use a fast SSD for the best performance.

3. Great Battery Life

Battery life is surprisingly great for a camera of this size. Even when shooting RAW, it holds up well, making it a solid choice for long shoots.

Drawbacks & Limitations

Despite its strengths, the Sigma fp has some quirks and limitations that filmmakers should be aware of.

1. Rolling Shutter & Flickering Issues

Because the camera lacks a mechanical shutter, it sometimes struggles with rolling shutter issues—especially in handheld shots. Quick movements left and right - can cause distortions, so I highly recommend using a tripod, gimbal, or adding weight to the camera for stability. Just no sudden moves and you're good to go. This is a very minimal issue.

2. Weak Autofocus

If you rely on autofocus for video, this is not the camera for you. Compared to modern Sony cameras, the Sigma fp’s autofocus is slow and unreliable. Use manual focus or a third-party follow focus system instead. It's also just so much more cool to have manual focus and hold your ground and distance to the subject.

3. No Internal Stabilization

The Sigma fp has no IBIS (in-body stabilization), which means that handheld shooting can get shaky. Again, a gimbal or tripod is the best solution. If you’re shooting handheld, adding weight to the rig can help stabilize shots.

4. Video Compression Options

The camera shines when shooting in Cinema DNG RAW, but if you don’t want to shoot in RAW, your options are limited. The compressed format is so aggressive that playback can be difficult, requiring transcoding into ProRes before editing.

🎥 Tip: If you shoot RAW, use DaVinci Resolve (free version available) to transcode the footage into ProRes for smoother editing.

Accessories That Improve the Sigma fp

To unlock the full potential of the Sigma fp, a few key accessories can make a huge difference:

1. Cage – Essential for mounting accessories and making the camera easier to handle.

2. External Viewfinder (EVF) – Expensive but dramatically improves usability outdoors.

3. SSD + USB-C Cable – For reliable storage without breaking the bank.

Why I Love Mid-Range Cameras

Buying a camera is a lot like picking a restaurant when traveling. You want the best experience for the best price, without falling for the tourist traps.

I prefer mid-range cameras because they offer the best balance between cost and quality. Cameras like the Sony A7 IV, Blackmagic 4K, Lumix S5 II, and Sigma fp prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get professional-looking footage.

For me, a great film isn’t about the camera—it’s about what’s in front of it. That’s why I invest more in lighting, production design, and actors rather than chasing the latest camera model.

Final Thoughts: Is the Sigma fp Worth It?

The Sigma fp is a filmmaker’s camera. It’s not for vloggers or casual shooters, but if you:

✔️ Want RAW video in a compact body

✔️ Can work around lack of IBIS stabilization & autofocus

✔️ Need high-end video quality on a budget

…then the Sigma fp is absolutely worth considering.

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality full-frame camera, this underrated beast deserves your attention.

Would I recommend it?

Yes—but only if you’re okay with its quirks.

Recommended Videos on the Sigma fp

📺 Want to see real-world footage? Check out these great reviews and test shots:

1. 🎥 Sigma fp Review