Sigma fp Review
The Sigma fp is a fascinating, niche camera that prioritizes modular design over raw performance. For over $2100, you get unique looks but miss out on the specs of its rivals.
Overview
The Sigma fp is a weird one. It's a full-frame mirrorless camera that looks and feels more like a minimalist box than a traditional camera, and it comes bundled with an MC-21 adapter for using Canon EF lenses. This setup is built for a very specific kind of creator who values modularity and a unique shooting experience over conventional features.
Performance
Performance is a mixed bag. The sensor lands in the 30th percentile, so image quality is fine but not class-leading. Its autofocus is similarly middle-of-the-road at the 45th percentile, and video specs are a weak spot at the 32nd. It has no in-body stabilization, which hurts handheld shooting. The bundled MC-21 adapter is a nice touch, letting you use a huge library of EF glass, but autofocus performance with adapted lenses can be hit or miss.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
- Below average sensor (30th percentile) 1th
- Below average video (32th percentile) 21th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) BSI CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 49 |
| AF Type | Contrast Detection: 49 |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 18 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| RAW Video | Yes |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.1 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.8 lbs |
Connectivity
| USB | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro-HDMI |
Value & Pricing
At over $2100, the value proposition is tough. You're paying a premium for a unique design and concept. For that money, you can get cameras from Sony, Canon, or Fujifilm that will outperform the fp in almost every measurable way, with better sensors, autofocus, and stabilization. This is a niche tool, not a general-purpose workhorse.
Price History
vs Competition
Stack it up against the competition and the gaps are clear. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II runs circles around it for autofocus and video. The Sony a7R IV offers a massive resolution advantage. Even Fujifilm's APS-C X-S20 delivers better all-around performance for much less money. The Sigma fp's main advantage is its modularity and the included lens adapter, but that's a trade-off most shooters won't want to make.
| Spec | Sigma fp | Canon EOS R Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-H FUJIFILM X-H2 Mirrorless Camera | Nikon Z Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera | Sony Alpha Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera | Panasonic Lumix GH Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Mirrorless Camera with 12-35mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | - | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | ?MP | 24.2MP Full Frame | 40.2MP APS-C | 24.5MP Full Frame | 33MP Full Frame | 25.2MP Four Thirds |
| AF Points | 49 | 1053 | 425 | 299 | 759 | 315 |
| Burst FPS | 18 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 75 |
| Video | 4K | 4K @60fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @120fps | 4K @60fps | 5K |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 370 | 590 | 590 | 669 | 635 | 726 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma fp | 1.3 | 42.8 | 92.3 | 86.2 | 78.7 | 29.9 | 48.1 | 75.8 | 20.5 | 79.8 | 69.1 | 40.9 |
| Canon EOS R 6 Mark II Compare | 99.1 | 96.2 | 96.8 | 95.9 | 89.9 | 94.9 | 99.4 | 95.6 | 87.6 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Fujifilm X-H 2 Compare | 95.6 | 99 | 87.2 | 92.1 | 100 | 92.3 | 99 | 95.6 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 98.9 |
| Nikon Z 6 III Compare | 94.7 | 99 | 98.3 | 87 | 99.2 | 96 | 96.6 | 95.6 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Sony Alpha a7 IV Compare | 98.1 | 96.5 | 97.6 | 76.7 | 89.9 | 97.5 | 98.1 | 95.6 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Panasonic Lumix GH 7 Compare | 94.2 | 96.2 | 81.9 | 98 | 94.8 | 73.1 | 96.4 | 87 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 99.4 |
Verdict
Buy this only if you're deeply into Sigma's unique design philosophy and you specifically need a modular, cinema-inspired camera body to adapt your existing Canon EF lenses. For everyone else—photographers, videographers, vloggers—there are simply better, more capable cameras at this price point that will be easier to live with.