Here’s a fun item for Sunday — A full manufacturing process of the SIGMA fp L, one of the smallest full-frame mirrorless. From chassis + sensor to full operational camera. Watch the video below. Also, is the SIGMA fp L still relevant in 2024?

Sigma fp L: From chassis to full operational camera

The SIGMA fp L was announced 2.5 years ago as the second member of the fp series of compact, modular, hybrid cameras (defined as the L model). The Sigma fp L is armed with a full-frame 61MP sensor (based on the Foveon tech) which is the highest resolution presented by SIGMA. The camera supports CinemaDNG external recording, as well as Blackmagic RAW and ProRes RAW output to external screen recorder over HDMI. Resolution: UHD 4K up to 30p, FHD 1080 up to 120p, CinemaDNG 8-bit recording. Also, DCI 4K at 24p Raw 12-bit recording externally. Furthermore, the Sigma fp L has won the TIPA World Awards 2021. In 2022, SIGMA released a major firmware update (Ver 2.00) for the fp L. The update included some feature improvements for still and video (CINE) modes. A year ago, another firmware was released (Ver.3.02) but with minor changes. Anyway, a YouTube channel called Process X which demonstrates manufacturing processes, published how the fp L is made. The video titled “The process of making a full-frame mirrorless camera. The world’s smallest and lightest camera” shows how the SIGMA fp L cameras are assembled, part after part (main board, sensor, chassis, buttons), and tested to become a final product, Watch it below:

Still relevant?

Is the SIGMA fp L still relevant in 2024? Well, why not? The SIGMA fp L offers RAW workflow on a budget, with a decent image quality over dry specs. The sensor grants cinematic imagery; indeed, some fp L images can outperform other more expensive bodies. We saw some videos done on this camera and they look gorgeous. Paired with Atomos external recorder, you can get marvelous results.

So yes— as an entry-level full-frame mirrorless that focuses on videos, junior filmmakers can be satisfied with it. Nevertheless, it has been a while since a major firmware update was released. Is it a sign that SIGMA is going to release another fp soon?

Product List

Here are 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