Sigma FP / FP L - Foveon Classic Yellow Color Mode Review
Introduction
This is my 3rd article reviewing the color modes on the Sigma FP and FP L cameras. Previously, I reviewed “Warm Gold” and “Powder Blue,” both of which I really liked. This article is my take on FOV Classic Yellow.
Sigma and the Foveon Sensor
As I understand it, this picture profile is based on the color reproduction of previous Sigma cameras that utilized the Foveon sensor. Foveon was a revolutionary sensor technology which captured light in a unique way. Sigma championed the technology for several years and built up a loyal fan base. Foveon sensors are well known for their pleasing color reproduction, and FOV Classic Yellow leans into that legacy. Sigma provides the following excerpt on their website.
Unlike regular sensors that capture information of just one color per pixel, the SIGMA sensors are revolutionary full-color image sensors that are capable of capturing full-color information with a three-layer structure. This removes the necessity for color interpolation, and makes images in principle free of color artifacts, which means that there is no need for a low-pass filter. Foveon sensors can capture all the light and color information, creating high-resolution three-dimensional images that look very realistic.
Sigma’s CEO confirmed in an interview that they are currently working on new Foveon technology, although no estimated launch dates were provided.
Review of Sigma FOV Classic Yellow
As I mentioned, I’ve been very pleased with my results from “Warm Gold” and “Powder Blue,” so I had reasonably high expectations when I changed the color setting to FOV Classic Yellow. As always, my goal was to utilize the color mode in a variety of conditions to give readers a good idea of how it performs in all scenarios. These photos were taken in Paris, France and Bizerte, Tunisia. All of the images in this review are straight out of my Sigma FP. The colors have not been edited.
Overall, I’m very happy with the results. This is not a simulation that is going to drastically altar the colors of your world, but it provides a tasteful manipulation, giving your photos a pleasing uniform look. The tones are warm, with the blues shifting slightly towards magenta. Yellow and orange really pop, but they don’t look oversaturated or artificial, as is the case with many film simulations I’ve tested.
We haven’t had much sun for the past few weeks, so most of these photographs were taken under cloudy conditions. Clouds and flat light are a torture test for most picture profiles, so I only expect things to look better when the sun finally shows itself. If I manage to get a sunny day, I’ll add some more sample shots at the bottom. Either way, I’m impressed this color mode can still create nice images in lousy weather.
Conclusion
Having now used 3 of Sigma’s color offerings, I’m very impressed. FOV Classic Yellow is another winner, and it reaffirms my suspicion that Sigma isn’t getting as much attention in the color space as they deserve. I’m looking forward to customizing this color mode in the future to create unique film recipes.
