Sigma FP / FP L - Powder Blue Color Mode Review
Introduction
This is the second article in a series testing the color modes of the Sigma FP and FP L cameras. My first review of “Warm Gold” can be found here. This short review/test features the “Powder Blue” color mode. This picture profile was released in a firmware update to FP owners early in 2023.
Let me take a moment to express my thanks to Sigma for providing the new profile for free to loyal customers. Ricoh also has a track record of including new picture profiles in firmware to their GR III cameras (my review here). Its great to see companies providing long-term value to those who buy their products. While I have no beef with Fujifilm, I dislike their practice of only allowing those who purchase their latest camera models to use their latest film simulations. Sigma and Ricoh are to be commended.
The Sigma FP and FP L are definitely niche cameras, and the way I use my Sigma FP is even more niche than the typical user. I use my FP for shooting stills, primarily JPEG images, using Sigma’s included color modes and custom color modes of my own creation.
Color Modes on the Sigma FP
Sigma has 15+ color modes built into the camera. These color modes are similar to Fujifilm’s film simulations. They allow the photographer to take a JPEG image with, what is essentially, a built in preset. The color modes can also be applied to videos.
I’ve long suspected the FP has a lot of untapped photography potential, and now it’s time to put it to the test. Over the next few weeks, I’m planning to make a series of galleries using all the available color modes and share them on this website.
I want to create this series for 2 reasons:
First, I want to evaluate Sigma’s color offerings. Will the color modes on the FP turn out gimmicky? Or will they prove useful and beautiful?
Second, I want to provide a resource for other people interested in the Sigma FP and FP L, and who like me, want more than just initial review videos (mostly from 3 years ago).
Camera Gear
The photos in this review were taken with the Sigma FP and the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN. I also utilized a polarizer filter for most of these photographs (I like to experiment lol).
Disclaimer (or lack thereof)
I bought my Sigma FP and the 45mm f/2.8 DG DN with my own money. As I write this article, I have no professional relationship with Sigma.
Sigma FP Warm Gold Recap
Last week I tested the first color mode for this series “Warm Gold.” I was very pleased with the results. You can view the sample images here.
Sigma FP Powder Blue Review
After researching the Sigma FP extensively and browsing through Sigma’s color library, the color mode that excited me the most was “Powder Blue.” I was a little bit worried to test this profile because I had high hopes, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. But I conquered my anxieties and took the FP out on a few photo walks around my town. I generally have a bias towards film simulations with warmer color pallets, but “Powder Blue” definitely leans into the cooler tones.
I did my best to capture a wide spectrum of colors in the sample shots. I think it is important to show how the color mode performs in a variety of environments, and what a photographer can reasonably expect when capturing the diversity of daily life. Personally, I dislike sample galleries that only share images that play to the strengths of a picture profile.
The images found in this review are all SOOC (straight-out-of-camera), and the colors have not been edited in any way.
Looking at the photographs, I can confidently say I am very impressed and pleased with the results. In fact, I’m prepared to say that “Powder Blue” is one of my favorite picture profiles ever, on any camera!
Generally, picture profiles and film simulations have their strong points and weak points. They typically excel at rendering certain colors but leave other colors looking less than ideal. What amazes me about “Powder Blue” is how I find almost every color attractive and complementary to the others. The umbrella photograph below is the perfect example. I especially like the way “Powder Blue” renders oranges and yellows.
If I had one critique, it would be the shadows. If I was to redesign “Powder Blue” (which I may do in the custom settings), I would probably lift the shadows slightly to keep details from falling into darkness.
As I said in my “Warm Gold” review, Sigma struck a fine balance in giving this color mode just enough customization to create a unique look, without overdoing it and making it look overprocessed. Sigma’s expertise in color science is definitely evident.
Conclusion
So far, I’ve tested 2 of Sigma’s color modes and I’ve been very impressed with both of them. My suspicions are being confirmed that Sigma has not received the credit it is due in the picture profile/film simulation space. I’m very excited to continue using my Sigma FP and learning about all it has to offer.
Hopefully these sample images are helpful to you in beginning to form your opinion about the Sigma’s color capabilities. At the end of the day, colors are subjective, so you’re free to agree or disagree with my conclusions.
If everything goes well, I’m intending to customize these color modes to create unique “film recipes,” which will be the beginnings of a film simulation library for the Sigma FP (similar to the work I’ve been doing with my Ricoh GR III).
