Sigma has released firmware updates for its full-frame L-mount compact cameras, which have found a large following, especially among filmmakers. For Sigma fp released in 2019, it is firmware version 5.0, and for the newer “Sigma fp L” version, it is version 3.0. With the firmware update, the two cameras got a new, warm picture style and several different functions that are especially useful for professional filmmakers. There are new functionality through a firmware update for the “Sigma fp” (left) introduced in 2019 with its 24.6MP full-frame sensor and for the “Sigma fp L” with its 61MP sensor and Hybrid AF, which followed in 2021 .
New functions through the update:
New picture style or color modeWith this update comes the new color mode.hot gold »added. This color mode creates a soft atmosphere in the image with muted tones and warm colors. Sixteen different predefined color themes are now available for fp and fp L users to perform a faster color theme
Media representation of the exposureOf particular interest to filmmakers is the new EL Zone option, developed by cinematographer Ed Lachmann, which adds to the False Color feature.
“El Zone” is an informational exposure display with similar use of a zebra pattern or histogram, but is more informative than a pure overexposure warning or a purely statistical distribution of image brightness levels. “El Zone” shows standard exposed subject ranges on screen in gray and shows six exposure levels in the direction of highlights and shadows in different colours. (“El Zone” derives its information from an evaluation of the actually recorded signal.) This function is recommended for filmmakers who want to get an accurate overview of the recording’s dynamic range while recording.
Atomos Cloud support: This update supports Atomos Cloud, an Australian manufacturer of video field recorders such as the Atomos Ninja devices. Cloud-based video production has expanded the possibilities of film production workflows.
Sigma also wants to realize this trend with its cloud connectivity options. This requires an “Atomos Ninja 5+” recorder with the optional Atomos Connect Network Module.
Anamorphic Recordings Optin PortalAnother feature of the update is the addition of the new Open Gate setting for the ARRI Alexa LF or Alexa Mini LF in Viewfinder mode to output in fp or fp L. With Open Gate, Arri users have six anamorphic compression ratios (anamorphic compression) available: x1. 25/x1.3/x1.5/x1.65/x1.8/x2.
This update was made at the request of ARRI Rental, one of the world’s leading professional cinema equipment rental companies. Directors can use the «Sigma ft / fp L» camera with LCD View Finder LVF-11 and handle as a digital director’s viewfinder. (In analog times, directors usually use an optical lens with a lens mount to discuss with the cameraman the section of the scene to be recorded.)
Option to turn off playback during long term recordings: After the update, cameras can also turn off during long exposures in the future.
Support 4TB USB SSD: Cameras can save movies directly to a USB-connected solid-state drive. The new one will be compatible with a 4TB external SSD drive. With a 4TB SSD, you can record over 1,000,000 high-resolution raw Sigma fp L images or 150 minutes of raw movie data. (Sigma recommends a 4TB LaCie Rugged SSD.)
Prices and availability
New firmware for both cameras is now available Free Available as a software download from the support area of the Sigma Global website.
Firmware update for Sigma fp 5.0 (download on support page)
Firmware update for Sigma fp L 3.0 (download on support page)
More information
Sigma fp L (product page)
Sigma fp series cameras (overview page in English)
sigma (manufacturer website)
Sigma Germany (manufacturer page)
Sigma products are distributed in Switzerland by:
Ott+Wyss AG
CH-4800 Zuffingen
Tel. 062746 01 00
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