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The Sigma fp L is the higher-resolution choice for stills, with approximately 61.4MP effective pixels compared with approximately 24.6MP in the Sigma fp. That gives it more room for large prints and cropping, including a wider in-camera crop-zoom range. For video, Sigma lists the same core internal UHD 4K frame rates and formats for both cameras. The more practical distinction is that Sigma describes the fp as offering Dual Base ISO and the fp L as adding phase-detection autofocus. Sigma marks the fp L discontinued, so check availability and condition before buying.
At a glance: what differs
| Feature | Sigma fp | Sigma fp L |
|---|---|---|
| Effective still resolution | Approx. 24.6MP | Approx. 61.4MP (Sigma’s comparison catalog; its product page rounds to approx. 61MP) |
| Crop zoom | Approx. 1.5x | Approx. 1.5x to 5x |
| Autofocus | Contrast detection | Hybrid contrast and phase detection |
| Internal UHD 4K rates listed by Sigma | 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p | 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p |
| Internal FHD rates listed by Sigma | 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 48p, 50p, 59.94p, 100p, 119.88p | 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 48p, 50p, 59.94p, 100p, 119.88p |
| Sigma-listed dynamic range figure | 12.5 stops | 13 stops |
| Dimensions | 112.6 × 69.9 × 45.3 mm | 112.6 × 69.9 × 45.3 mm |
| Body-only weight | 370 g | 375 g |
| Status on Sigma’s product page | Product page available | Marked “DISCONTINUED” |
These are Sigma’s published specifications and descriptions, not independent comparative test results. The figures and formats are listed in Sigma’s fp-series specifications, fp product information, fp L product information and fp-series feature page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sigma FP L Digital Camera | $1,639.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sigma FP L Digital Camera + Electronic Viewfinder | $3,299.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sigma fp Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera | $1,740.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Sigma fp Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera with 45mm f/2.8 Contemporary DG DN Lens | $2,419.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
SONY Cinema Line FX30 Super 35 Camera, Gray | $2,098.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which camera makes more sense for still photography?
Choose the fp L for detail and cropping
At approximately 61.4MP versus approximately 24.6MP, the fp L records substantially more pixel data. That can help when you need to crop a composition, make a large print, or retain detail for output at different sizes. Sigma also lists approximately 1.5x to 5x crop zoom for the fp L, compared with approximately 1.5x for the fp, and says its higher pixel count enables that crop-zoom range.
More pixels are not automatically better for every subject or workflow. If your delivery sizes are modest and you rarely crop, the resolution advantage may not be decisive; the official specifications do not establish a universal image-quality winner.
#1 Best Overall
- New member to the FP series
- Full Frame mirrorless 61 MP image sensor
- Worlds lightest and smallest pocketable full frame camera
- Package Dimensions: 26.009 H x 17.399 L x 21.488 W (centimeters)
The fp is the lower-resolution option
The fp’s approximately 24.6MP effective resolution is the more modest specification of the two. If that is enough for your output, the fp may suit a workflow that does not need the fp L’s extra crop latitude. The listed figures alone do not show how either camera performs in every lighting condition or with every lens.
What changes for video?
Internal recording: the listed UHD 4K rates match
Sigma lists CinemaDNG (8-, 10- and 12-bit) and H.264 MOV internal recording for both models, with UHD 4K rates of 23.98p, 24p, 25p and 29.97p. The catalog therefore shows no internal UHD 4K frame-rate advantage for either camera.
Rank #2
- Package Dimensions: 10 L x5.9 H x6 W (Inches)
- Package Weight: 3 pounds
- Country of Origin : Japan
- Full Frame mirrorless 61 MP image sensor
Both also have the same listed internal FHD rates: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 48p, 50p, 59.94p, 100p and 119.88p. If your project needs higher listed frame rates, those are in FHD rather than the listed internal UHD 4K modes.
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External RAW adds a separate workflow
Sigma lists external 4:2:2 8-bit and 12-bit RAW recording with supported recorders for both cameras. The catalog lists DCI 4K/24p for RAW output. Using an external recorder means adding equipment and checking compatibility: Sigma’s filmmaking information names ATOMOS Ninja V and Blackmagic Video Assist 12G and specifies recorder firmware requirements. Confirm the current firmware and exact camera-recorder combination before building a workflow around it.
Rank #3
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Weighing just 422 grams, this full-frame mirrorless camera is the world's smallest and lightest, perfect for travel and everyday use
- Full-Frame 24.6MP Sensor: Capture stunning detail and shallow depth of field with the large 35mm full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
- UHD 4K Video Recording: Record smooth, high-quality video at 24, 25, or 30 fps with UHD 4K resolution
- Electronic Image Stabilization: Steady your shots with built-in EIS, ensuring sharp images and stable videos even when handheld
- Dust & Splash-Proof Structure: Protect your camera from harsh weather conditions with its robust, lightweight aluminum body and sealed design
Autofocus and Sigma’s image-quality claims
fp L: phase detection is the stated autofocus distinction
Sigma describes the fp L as using hybrid contrast- and phase-detection autofocus, including tracking, while the fp uses contrast detection. That feature may matter if you rely on tracking, but Sigma’s description is not an independent comparison of focus speed, accuracy or subject handling. No independent comparative autofocus test is established by the cited materials.
Dual Base ISO and dynamic range figures
Sigma’s fp-series filmmaking page lists Dual Base ISO and 12.5 stops for the fp; for the fp L it lists 13 stops and phase-difference autofocus. Treat these as manufacturer-stated figures and features, not proof that one camera will deliver better results in every scene or video setup.
Rank #4
- SUPERB IMAGE QUALITY - Capture stunning detail with the 24.6MP full-frame CMOS sensor, ensuring exceptional clarity and vibrant colors in every shot, perfect for professional photography.
- VERSATILE LENS OPTIONS - Explore creative possibilities with the L-Mount system, compatible with a wide range of high-quality lenses, allowing you to adapt to any shooting scenario with ease.
- EXCEPTIONAL LOW LIGHT - Achieve clean, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to the camera's impressive ISO range, expandable up to 102400 for remarkable performance.
- PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAPABILITIES - Record high-resolution 4K UHD video with various frame rates, offering filmmakers the flexibility to create stunning cinematic content with exceptional clarity.
- COMPACT AND DURABLE DESIGN - Experience the perfect blend of portability and robustness, with a splash-proof structure and lightweight body, ideal for on-the-go shooting in diverse environments.
Shared body, mount and system considerations
The two cameras have the same listed body dimensions, 112.6 × 69.9 × 45.3 mm. Sigma gives body-only weights of 370 g for the fp and 375 g for the fp L, a 5 g difference. Sigma’s “world’s smallest and lightest” statement was dated to March 2021, so it should not be read as a current independent ranking.
Both use the L-Mount. Sigma says compatible L-Mount Alliance lenses from Leica and Panasonic can also be used on the fp series; check lens-specific support rather than assuming every lens feature behaves identically. Sigma’s fp-series feature page describes the mount and system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 20.1 MP Exmor R APS-C (Super 35mm format) image sensor with wide dynamic range
- S-CinetoneTM for a cinematic look straight out of the camera without grading
- Flexible ISO, Cine EI Quick and Cine EI Log shooting modes for optimized image quality
- User LUTs can be applied to the LCD display and HDMI output and embedded in clips
- Dual Base ISO and a 14+ stop range for wide latitude and low-noise images
Which one should you choose?
- Pick the fp L if: still-photo resolution, substantial cropping, or the listed up-to-5x crop zoom is central to your work, or Sigma’s stated phase-detection AF feature is important to your shooting approach.
- Consider the fp if: approximately 24.6MP meets your still-image needs and you want the listed internal UHD 4K rates without paying for resolution you will not use. Sigma describes Dual Base ISO for this model.
- For video-first work: compare your required resolution and frame rates against the shared internal recording specifications, then account for the equipment and compatibility checks required for external RAW recording.
- For a used fp L: factor its discontinued status into the purchase and verify the specific body’s condition, included accessories and seller’s return terms. Sigma’s page does not establish current stock, resale price or condition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
