Impression

A powerful but fun tool for such a compact size.

A powerful but fun tool for such a compact size: SIGMA fp L

- Alexandre Souêtre

61 MP.

An amazing resolution.

With the already stunning image quality, as well as dynamic range the SIGMA fp had to offer, I found myself getting even more with the fp L. The incredible 61 megapixels opens a whole new spectrum of possibilities. Being able to shoot photos with so much resolution isn’t just advantageous with greater image quality, but it also allows me to explore new ways of shooting; not to mention making the SIGMA fp L a high- end commercial photography tool. It can be amazing to browse through photos on a monitor (especially a large one) after exporting them, to explore the details and even previously unseen/unnoticed parts of the captured frame. This can be rewarding for all types of photos, whether landscape or, perhaps less obviously close-ups, objects and even portraits. As far as I know, there aren’t any cameras so compact, that offer so much resolution. When looking through photos in full resolution, I often forget how small the fp L is for the results it produces.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F2, 1/1000s, 65mm, Color Mode: Monochrome.

A (very) compact camera.

Carrying the fp L around is effortless.

It is compact, quiet, quick to turn on and off, and packed with options, settings and quite a lot of resolution. Perhaps the most fun was to browse and try the available accessories. Of all lenses I got to try, my favorite to shoot with the fp L was the 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. The results are stunning and, for my style of photography, it is extremely versatile. As I had mentioned before, the sleek and minimal design of the fp is very attractive to me. Given the specs, it certainly makes it a desirable object to use, and it becomes a powerful tool for such a compact size.

* Images without photograph data have been created with other cameras and lens produced by SIGMA or manufacturers.

Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11

A whole new angle.

I used to shoot with DSLR cameras a lot. Having a viewfinder was a crucial component of photography for me. As I started to explore the world of mirrorless cameras and their advantages, I became more forgiving of the usual lack of one. I understand it allows for smaller, and often more affordable cameras, with comparable results. That said, it is always a pleasure to look through something physical when shooting. I was very excited to try the Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11 with the SIGMA fp L. Though simply a detail to most, I love the design of the Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11 and how it seamlessly attaches itself to become one with the fp L. Being able to move around 90 degrees offers a lot more angles than you would think. And for viewing convenience, the finder allows you to switch between EVF and LCD with a quick button, which makes me want to constantly keep the Electronic Viewfinder EVF-11 attached (as I actually did). The seamless design makes you forget the EVF is even attached. The camera, as a whole, remains compact and easy to carry around.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F8, 1/320s, 65mm, Color Mode: Powder Blue.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F3.5, 1/800s, 65mm, Color Mode: Powder Blue.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F2, 1/200s, 65mm, Color Mode: Powder Blue.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F11, 1/800s, 65mm, Color Mode: Powder Blue.

The two new color modes

Creative choices.

Powder Blue has to be one the best color modes/presets I have used to date. Though I tend to be picky in editing my own photos, this mode called for no correction. It has surprisingly high fidelity for skin tones, especially given the look it offers. It makes an environment, especially an outdoor one, look and feel dreamy. I found Powder Blue to act very well in various light scenarios, including dawn, high noon, sunny and overcast (even foggy). I would recommend any photographer who is trying Powder Blue to play with it for a little while. The more you shoot with the mode, the better the results become. The colors show themselves and act differently in various lights, but also depending on the camera settings: a higher ISO can actually bring interesting tones, as well as a shallow depth of field, compared to a narrow one.
It is quickly fun to play with, but even better to experiment with over time.

Duotone is the second new color mode available on the fp L. But it is really more than that: a collection of color modes in one. Though a bit overwhelming at first, it became very fun to play with because of the nature of the different settings. They are not all equally contrasted. In fact, some might bring interesting texture in dark setups, while others would work best with brighter subjects. Shooting a similar subject with multiple Duotone modes to begin with allowed me to get familiar with them. I certainly now have my favorites.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 400, F5.6, 1/800s, 65mm, Color Mode: Duotone.

SIGMA fp L, SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. ISO 800, F2, 1/500s, 65mm, Color Mode: Duotone.

Alexandre Souêtre
Creative director, Photographer & Artist

Born in Paris, but currently based in Portland, USA, Alexandre Souêtre is a creative director, photographer and visual artist.

Website  |  Instagram

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