The Sigma FP vs. Fujifilm x100VI, Don’t be a Sheeple
Is the x100VI for Sheeple?
Sheeple: people compared to sheep. These people are easily led and always follow the crowd.
Look, we all know the Fujifilm x100VI is going to be a great camera. It gives consumers exactly what they’ve been asking for, and the pre-orders are the proof. But don’t you want to be different? You don’t want to be exactly like everyone else, do you? If the answer is “no” let me suggest an alternative route, the Sigma FP and FP L.
*Just so you know, I purchased my Sigma FP with my own money. At the time of writing this article, I have no professional relationship with Sigma. They have never loaned me gear or paid me for work.
You can read my initial review of the Sigma FP here.
The Sigma FP, an Underappreciated Stills Camera.
A few years back, Sigma launched the Sigma FP to great fanfare in the cinematography world. Film makers were in love with the fact that such a small camera body could shoot RAW video and house such a dynamic suite of tools for filmmakers. No doubt, the FP is a great video camera, but I want to suggest it is also a great stills camera. *This opinion coming from a person who has taken thousands of stills with an FP.
I’m not the only person who thinks the Sigma is a capable stills camera. A few years after the FP launch, Sigma released a photography-oriented version of the camera, called the Sigma FP L, sporting a full-frame 61mp sensor.
These cameras never saw the sales numbers of the Fujifilm x100V or x100VI, but that is partially because they never received the social media attention of the Fujifilm, not because they are bad cameras.
Another contributing factor to them flying under the radar is the somewhat toxic culture of photography reviewers. In a world where reviewers are trying to pump out content as quickly as possible, they often fail to give unique cameras the time they deserve and the time necessary to see their strengths. Most camera reviewers used the Sigma FP L for less than two weeks before declaring it an odd camera and promoted more “traditional” cameras as alternatives. They never gave the camera a chance, because they weren’t willing to spend the time required to appreciate it.
What makes the Sigma FP an x100VI competitor?
Let me give you some reasons the Sigma FP is a valid competitor to the Fujifilm x100VI:
Price:
The Sigma FP body is cheaper than the x100VI by $100, but when you factor in the price of a lens, you’ll be close to break even. The real cost savings is on the used market. Used prices for Fujifilm x100VI will likely not sink much below MSRP for the foreseeable future, and if Fujifilm can’t keep up with demand, the used market will inflate (just ask x100v owners from 2023). The Sigma FP can be bought on the used market for around $1000 USD. You’ll save yourself $700, which is enough to buy a nice lens or another camera.
Size:
The Sigma FP and FP L bodies are smaller than the Fujifilm. I carried an FP around in my jacket pocket on a 3-day trip to Paris last year, no camera bag or strap required. If compactness is high on your priority list, the FP deserves a look.
Versatility and Customization:
Sometimes you need a small camera and sometimes you need a fully featured, ergonomic, get-the-job-done rig. The Sigma FP offers both. It is small when you want it to be, but modular accessories exist to take it from a barebones camera brick to just about anything you want it to be. The FP and FP L can evolve in ways the Fujifilm can’t, it’s a camera you can grow with.
Some of my favorite accessories:
Sigma 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary LensSigma EVF-11NiceyRig Handle Grip Sigma HG-11 HandgripInterchangeable Lenses:
I know there are a million videos on YouTube about simplifying your photography and praising cameras that “limit you,” but let’s get real, sometimes you need variety. The Fujifilm is stuck with a 35mm equivalent lens, the Sigma FP gives you the option to shoot with vintage lenses and modern glass. My favorite way to shoot my FP is with adapted m-mount glass. The FP allows me to regularly switch focal lengths to keep things fresh.
Sigma puts the photographer in charge of their experience. The camera becomes what the photographer wants it to be.
Full-frame vs APSC:
As a current full-frame, APSC, and m4/3 photographer, I’m not going to tell you full-frame is inherently superior to APSC, but it does have its advantages. You will get shallower depth of field, and if you shoot vintage lenses, you’ll be able to use them at their advertised focal lengths. Full-frame cameras generally offer better low-light performance, and I can confidently say the Sigma FP is very good in low-light.
EVF:
If you didn’t know, Sigma built an optional EVF (EVF-11) for the FP and FP L which is detachable from the main body. Some people dislike the modular nature of the EVF, but it can be seen as an advantage. The EVF can be attached when it’s convenient, but it can also be removed when size is your highest priority. The EVF is very nice and attaching it makes the FP only slightly larger than the Fujifilm.
Legendary Japanese Build Quality:
One of Fujifilm’s most controversial moves with the x100VI was the switch to Chinese manufacturing. This was undoubtedly done to keep up with demand, but they lost the pride and reputation of the “made in Japan” label. Sigma cameras still proudly display “MADE IN JAPAN” on the battery door, and you can feel that heritage as soon as you pick up the camera.
Sigma Color Modes:
Let me say something controversial… Sigma is better at color than Fujifilm. Fujifilm does a great job with their film simulations, but they are not as good as Sigma’s color modes. If you shoot JPEG a lot, Sigma has you covered. Many people aren’t aware of Sigma’s background in color science and how they became champions of the Foveon sensor, which is renown for its color rendition. For the RAW shooters, I would argue Sigma’s color science is better than Fujifilm’s straight-out-of-camera.
I’ve done a series of reviews of Sigma’s color modes which I’ll link below:
Warm GoldPowder BlueFoveon Classic YellowMonoChromeOrange and TealSunset RedResolution Options:
If you’re someone who craves high megapixel, ultra sharp, large files, Sigma has you covered with the FP L body and its 61mp. If you’re someone who thinks 24 megapixels is enough, the FP will suit. Once again, Sigma offers options, allowing the photographer to be the decision maker.
The satisfaction of being different:
Not everyone will understand this one, but for me, there is something satisfying about using a different tool than everyone else. I enjoy unique cameras from smaller companies, products that stand out in the market, aimed at people who think outside the box. Sigma is an out-of-the-box company, which is something I’ve always appreciated about them, and something that makes me want to support them.
Conclusion:
The Fujifilm x100VI is going to be a great camera for the masses. It is feature-rich and has wide appeal. Tik-tok, YouTube, and Instagram will continue to sing its praises for years to come and the sales will likely be enormous. If you buy the Fujifilm x100VI, you’ll probably be very happy owning a camera millions of others own.
Is that what you want? Do you want to jump on the x100VI bandwagon and own the same camera as the rest of the flock? Don’t you want to try something new? Something ACTUALLY innovative? If you’re ready for something truly unique, I heartily recommend the Sigma FP and FP L. These cameras aren’t mainstream, they weren’t designed to be, they were designed for people like you and me, people who are different.
