Sigma just released the FP2, and it drops the “lightest” moniker it held for seven years to focus on being the “world’s smallest” full-frame mirrorless camera again. The trade-off? A six-gram weight increase that buys you a significantly faster sensor, an articulating screen, and much better endurance.
For those who missed the original fp’s launch in 2019, this body was a cultural phenomenon. It was compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket and light enough that people forgot they were holding a full-frame shooter. But the original had glaring weaknesses: rolling shutter, poor battery life, and a fixed screen that made high-angle vlogging nearly impossible. The FP2, announced on October 23, 2026, and set to release on November 11, aims to fix those pain points without sacrificing the form factor that made the line famous.
The sensor is the real story here
Let’s talk numbers. The original fp used a 24.6-megapixel sensor. The FP2 steps down slightly to 24.5 megapixels, a negligible change in resolution that matters less than the architecture underneath. Sigma has moved to a partially stacked, back-side illuminated CMOS sensor. This isn’t just marketing fluff; it fundamentally changes how the camera reads data.
Because the sensor reads data faster, the rolling shutter effect in stills is drastically reduced. This is critical for shooting moving subjects, which the original fp struggled with. The company confirmed that the new architecture supports up to 20fps continuous shooting and enables autofocus with bird recognition, a feature that was missing from the previous model’s AI suite, which only handled people and animals.
Video capabilities see a jump as well. The FP2 can now capture 6K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps. The latter requires cropping the sensor, but for slow-motion work, that’s a standard trade-off. What’s more interesting is the connectivity behind these files. Sigma added a full-size HDMI port, replacing the fragile micro-HDMI slot on the first gen. More importantly, there are now two USB-C ports. One is USB 2.0 for power and accessories like the new EVF-21 viewfinder. The other is a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. This allows for high-speed data offload or, more excitingly, direct recording to an external SSD in Apple’s ProRes RAW format. That feature alone justifies the upgrade for professional post-production workflows.
Ergonomics and the 40-gram tax
You can’t get more features without adding weight. With the battery inserted, the FP2 is approximately 40 grams heavier than the original fp. That’s the cost of the new battery, which has 30% more capacity. According to Sigma’s official specifications, this translates to around 370 photos or 130 minutes of video recording. For a camera that previously died after a few hours of shooting, that’s a massive quality-of-life improvement.
The screen is now a 3.2-inch, 2.1-million dot LCD that tilts and extends away from the body. This isn’t just for framing shots; it’s a thermal management feature. By angling the screen out, you improve airflow to the camera’s internal components, allowing for longer video recordings without overheating. It’s a clever hardware solution to a common problem in compact cameras.
One detail that stood out during the review embargo period: the built-in storage. The FP2 includes 70GB of internal memory. If your SD card fills up unexpectedly, the camera will automatically switch to the internal storage to keep recording or shooting. It’s a safety net that many larger bodies don’t offer, and for a camera this small, it’s a brilliant insurance policy against data loss.
What’s missing
It’s not perfect. There is still only a single SD card slot. For professionals who need redundant backup storage, this remains a dealbreaker. You can’t mirror files to two cards simultaneously. Also, the camera remains limited to an electronic shutter. If you need a mechanical shutter for specific lighting conditions or to avoid banding, you’re out of luck.
The body itself remains compact, which is good and bad. With a short lens, it’s pocketable and effortless. Attach a medium telephoto, and the balance shifts heavily to the front, making it awkward to hold with one hand. Sigma acknowledges this and offers an optional extended grip that mounts to one of the multiple tripod points on the body. It’s a necessary accessory for many users, but it adds to the cost and bulk.
Pricing and availability
The FP2 body will cost $2,199 when it hits shelves on November 11. Sigma is also offering two bundles at $2,749. One includes the EVF-21 electronic viewfinder, which features a 5.76-million dot OLED panel and an eye sensor that automatically switches between the viewfinder and the rear LCD. The other bundle includes an I-series 50mm F2 DG lens. Given the price of Sigma’s I-series glass, that second bundle is likely the better value for those who don’t already own a fast prime.
For photographers who find the original fp too limiting but want to keep the size, the FP2 is a significant step forward. It fixes the battery life, improves the video specs, and adds the articulating screen that everyone asked for. Six grams is a small price to pay for a camera that actually works for extended shoots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sigma FP2 have a mechanical shutter?
No. The FP2, like the original fp, relies exclusively on an electronic shutter. There is no mechanical shutter option available on this body.
Can I record ProRes RAW directly to the camera?
Not directly to an SD card. However, the FP2 supports recording in Apple’s ProRes RAW format to an external SSD via the USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. You cannot record this format to the internal SD card slot.
Source: The Verge
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: The Verge.
