SIGMA fp Firmware Update – Cinema DNG Fixes and More

News

by Andrew CollingsNovember 11^th, 2019

When we released our review of the SIGMA fp on October 18th, we noted some issues with the implementation of CinemaDNG. Well, the SIGMA fp firmware has officially been updated to version 1.01 to address these and other problems.

The SIGMA fp – a full-frame pocket camera (Image source: cinema5D)

What Is It?

For those unfamiliar, the SIGMA fp is a tiny, modular, full-frame mirrorless camera. It is designed to be powerful and highly-customizable for every application. The small, boxy camera can be built out with everything from viewfinders to handgrips. That’s before even talking about cages! Its backlit sensor makes it very capable in low-light situations, and it shares the L-mount found on Leica and Panasonic full-frame cameras.

What’s in the SIGMA fp Firmware Update

In our review, Johnnie found that the SIGMA fp had some bugs when shooting in Cinema DNG, an open RAW format designed by Adobe. SIGMA has quickly patched the simplest of these in firmware version 1.01. From their press release:

・The firmware will correct the phenomenon when the recording to the external SSD drive. Regardless of the recording bit and frame rate part of the first and second frames of playback will be enlarged as well as the thumbnail images when the recording format is set to Cinema DNG and the resolution is set to UHD.

・The firmware will correct the phenomenon whereby shooting in the Cinema DNG format, depending on the ISO sensitivity the level of the dark area changes for each frame.

・The firmware will correct the phenomenon whereby some parts of the recorded video become disordered.

・The firmware will correct the phenomenon whereby the camera freeze when the lens firmware is updated through files downloaded via Mac.

The SIGMA fp – a full-frame pocket camera (Image source: cinema5D)

Takeaways

While these changes seem small, the big picture is more important. The hardware of the camera is locked in at this point, but there is plenty of room in the firmware to make fixes. This SIGMA fp firmware update demonstrates that SIGMA is listening to feedback from users and reviewers, and working to solve problems as they arise. At the end of our review, Johnnie listed a number of small frustrations SIGMA could address, like 25fps recording in 12-bit cDNG. He also noted the lack of a log profile for filmmakers. This firmware update, so soon after launch, gives hope that these other features could also be in the works.

While you’re waiting for that update, check out our tour of the SIGMA factory! And let us know what you’d like to see in the next firmware update!