The short version
- Sigma has announced the FP2, a successor to its compact full-frame mirrorless camera, featuring a new partially stacked sensor for faster data readout and improved autofocus capabilities including bird recognition.
- The device includes an articulating LCD screen that aids in cooling during video recording, a full-size HDMI port, and dual USB-C connections, while maintaining a single SD card slot supplemented by internal storage.
- Priced at $2,199 for the body alone, the camera offers optional bundles with an electronic viewfinder or a 50mm lens, marking a shift from the original model's claim of being the lightest full-frame shooter due to a slight weight increase.
Sigma has introduced the FP2, a direct successor to its original fp mirrorless camera, positioning it as the smallest full-frame shooter available on the market. Released seven years after the initial model, which held the distinction of being both the smallest and lightest in its class, this new iteration focuses on performance enhancements rather than maintaining the absolute lowest weight profile. The company has adjusted its marketing claims to reflect that while the camera remains exceptionally compact, the addition of upgraded internal components has increased the body-only weight by approximately six grams compared to the original design.
The core technological advancement in the FP2 is a new 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that utilizes a partially stacked, back-side illuminated architecture. Although this represents a marginal decrease in resolution from the previous model’s 24.6-megapixel sensor, the structural changes significantly improve data reading speeds. This enhanced throughput reduces the rolling shutter effect commonly associated with electronic shutters and enables higher continuous shooting rates of up to 20 frames per second for still images.
Video capabilities have also been expanded through these sensor improvements. The FP2 can now record footage at 6K resolution at 60 frames per second, or capture 4K video at 120 frames per second when utilizing a cropped portion of the sensor area. These high-speed recording options are supported by better thermal management, facilitated by the new articulating LCD screen on the rear of the device.
The display itself has been redesigned to tilt up and down and extend away from the camera body. This mechanical adjustment serves a dual purpose: it allows photographers to shoot from varied angles more easily and creates additional airflow space around the sensor area. This improved ventilation helps prevent overheating during extended video sessions, addressing a common limitation in compact mirrorless bodies that lack robust internal cooling systems.
Autofocus performance has seen notable upgrades, leveraging the faster data processing of the new sensor. The system now includes subject recognition for birds, joining existing capabilities for detecting people and animals. This addition aims to make the camera more versatile for wildlife and sports photography, areas where compact full-frame cameras have traditionally struggled due to slower focus acquisition speeds.
Connectivity options have been modernized to meet professional workflow demands. The FP2 replaces the original’s micro HDMI port with a more durable full-size HDMI connector. Additionally, the camera features two USB-C ports: one limited to USB 2.0 speeds for power and accessory connections such as headphones or viewfinders, and another supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps. This high-speed port enables rapid data transfers and supports direct recording to external solid-state drives in Apple’s ProRes RAW format.
Storage configuration remains a point of potential concern for some users, as the FP2 retains a single SD card slot, offering no redundant backup option. However, Sigma has addressed this vulnerability by including 70GB of internal storage. This built-in memory can serve as a buffer or emergency storage if the primary memory card fills up unexpectedly during a shoot, providing a safety net that was absent in the previous generation.
Power efficiency has been improved with a larger battery that extends operational life by approximately 30 percent compared to the original fp. According to Sigma, this translates to roughly 370 shots or about 130 minutes of continuous video recording on a single charge. While the increased battery capacity contributes to the overall weight gain—bringing the total weight increase with battery inserted to nearly 40 grams—the trade-off appears aimed at enhancing usability for longer shooting sessions.
The camera will be available starting November 11, with the body priced at $2,199. Sigma is also offering bundle options at $2,749, which include either the upgraded EVF-21 electronic viewfinder featuring a 5.76 million dot OLED panel and eye sensor, or an I-series 50mm F2 DG lens. These accessories help mitigate some of the ergonomic challenges posed by the compact body, particularly when using larger lenses that can make handling difficult without additional support.
Despite its small form factor, the FP2 maintains the modular design philosophy of its predecessor, allowing for multiple tripod mounts and optional grips to improve stability and handling. The combination of a faster sensor, improved connectivity, and better thermal management suggests Sigma is targeting professional videographers and photographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing critical performance features, even if it means relinquishing the title of the absolute lightest full-frame camera.
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- The Verge↗The Sigma FP2 brings significant upgrades to the ‘world’s smallest’ full-frame camera
