SIGMA has published a summary covering all new gear launched in 2021 (6 new lenses, a new camera, plus a big firmware update). Let’s explore the most intriguing products SIGMA has released in 2021, and how the company sees them from its own perspective. Furthermore, what’re the future plans of SIGMA? Read on.

SIGMA 2021:  “Gear in Review”

As stated by SIGMA: “There is plenty to be said about the year 2021. In some cases, the less said, the better. We all know the challenges faced by – well, everyone – and that of course includes us in the photo equipment business. From chip shortages to global shipping issues, economic uncertainty to an ongoing public health crisis, it’s been a tough road. On the other hand, there have certainly been bright spots, and as SIGMA celebrates its 60th anniversary, we have done our very best to introduce new, innovative gear, which we hope will find a home with photographers and video makers, helping them create the art that keeps them going. All that said, a ‘Year in Review’ might be a bit much to tackle here, so how about a ‘Gear in Review’? Let’s fondly remember the new SIGMA gear that arrived in 2021”. It’s important to note, that we’re not going to write about all the gear released in 2021, but only this that is the most relevant to filmmakers and videographers.

SIGMA fp L

SIGMA says that it has always been known for lenses. However, “Now and then, we bring something fresh to the table with a camera that challenges the existing conventions” SIGMA stated. With the fp, SIGNA sees this product as a brave splash with a compact, modular design, robust construction, and RAW video capability that rivals far pricier cameras. “But for the still photographers, there was some room to improve… so we added 37 million pixels, and voilà! The fp L” SIGMA explained. The fp L camera was also introduced alongside the EVF-11 Electronic Viewfinder, an accessory that grants a more traditional view. Read our article about it: SIGMA fp L Announced: Compact Camera With Full-Frame 61MP Sensor.

SIGMA fp Firmware Ver. 3.00: Focused on cinematographers

The firmware update 3.00 also announced in 2021, gave the SIGMA fp some useful functionality that it didn’t have before. Introduced shortly after the new fp L, this firmware allows fp the ability to utilize the new EVF-11 viewfinder, save and trade settings via QR code, shoot in “true” 24p, take screenshots, and it enhances autofocus functionality. New color modes like “Powder Blue” and “Duotone” were added, and for cinematographers, the Director’s Viewfinder mode received some helpful updates. SIGMA emphasizes that part of the fp’s appeal is its physical versatility – it’s adaptable, modular construction that allows it to be used in nearly any filmmaking configuration. But its ability to be upgraded through firmware is also one of its great features, and SIGMA hopes that the improvements made since its introduction have transformed the fp a worthwhile investment for its users (Read: SIGMA Announced Ver.3.00 Firmware Update for its fp Compact Full-Frame Camera).

6 new lenses

In 2021 SIGMA has also released 6 new lenses. However, they’re not cinema lenses, thus we’re just mentioning them below without elaborating further. (The ‘BUY’ links are located near the name of the lens, in case you’re eager to explore prices and more info).

1. SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA
2. SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA
3. SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA
4. SIGMA 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA
5. SIGMA 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA
6. SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary. BUY on B&H | BUY on ADORAMA

Future plans: No word on Foveon X3

At the beginning of the year, SIGMA CEO has admitted that the anticipated Foveon X3 sensor project has been halted. A reminder: The operation of the Foveon X3 sensor is different from that of the Bayer filter image sensor, which is more commonly used in digital cameras. In the Bayer sensor, each photo-site in the array consists of a single light sensor (either CMOS or CCD) that, as a result of filtration, is exposed to only one of the three primary colors: red, green, or blue. Constructing a full-color image from a Bayer sensor requires demosaicing, an interpolative process in which the output pixel associated with each photo-site is assigned an RGB value based in part on the level of red, green, and blue reported by those photosites adjacent to it. However, the Foveon X3 sensor creates its RGB color output for each photo-site by combining the outputs of each of the stacked photodiodes at each of its photosites. The concept for this design was born as a mimication to film cameras. Anyway, the project has turned to be very complicated and challenging, so SIGMA figures out how to proceed and execute it properly.

Nevertheless, in the 2021 summary and ahead of plans, SIGMA hasn’t mentioned the Foveon X3 at all. However, SIGMA stated that: “What will the next year bring? Well, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we do know this… from SIGMA America to all our fellow subsidiaries and distributors, to our ‘home office’ in Japan where the SIGMA magic is made, know that our family is always working hard and doing our very best to bring you great gear at a great price”. But no word regarding one of the most anticipated projects of SIGMA, which is the Foveon X3. It’ll be interesting to explore the status and progress of the Foveon X3 project in 2022. 

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Sigma fp L Mirrorless Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Sigma fp L Mirrorless Camera with EVF-11 Electronic Viewfinder
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA