Sigma fp v2.0 update: ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW, Color Mode Off, dual base ISO and more
[13:00 Thu,25.June 2020 by blip]
The firmware update 2.0 for the small, mirrorless Sigma fp is now available and even has a few surprises compared to the announcement in spring. On the one hand, the "Color Mode Off" mode adds a kind of linear image profile without gamma curve and a dual base ISO function has been enabled (with base ISO values 100 + 3200.). Secondly, the full-format camera is now also able to output a DCI 4Kp24 or UHD 4Kp30 signal in 12bit RAW to external recorders via HDMI; in FullHD, slow motion at 120fps can be recorded.
Soon two more RAW variants can be recorded, since the Atomos Ninja V is supported, which can record in Apple ProRes RAW format, as well as the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G, which again makes a Blackmagic RAW file out of it. However, both recorders require firmware updates, which will follow in summer.
With the Sigma fp it was already possible before to write 4K 12 bit RAW in CinemaDNG to an external hard disk, but in max 4K/UHD with 24p. However, as you know, the camera has a 6K sensor built into it, and unfortunately the raw 6K sensor data is apparently not passed on to Atomos and Blackmagic in the HDMI output -- this would have been a great gain indeed. We had already dealt with the 4K-RAW of a 6K sensor problem in a test lab report.
In the video for the new firmware, Sigma also announces that there will unfortunately be no LOG recording for the Sigma fp. This could not be realized on the fp platform, Mr. Takuma explains, but hopefully it will be implemented on the next "camera platform", which indirectly sounds like a confirmation that more Sigma cameras are to be expected.
The firmware update 2.0 also offers a lot of other new features for the small Sigma -- there are new CinemaDNG frame rate options and CDNG files can be played in the camera. Among other things, the autofocus is supposed to be improved, the flicker problem in black image areas is supposed to be fixed, and it is now possible to film in Director's Viewfinder mode. Cinemagraphs are supported, time code is supported, SDK is supported, so that the camera can be controlled via USB, for example soon from ZHIYUN Gimbals (as soon as the corresponding update from Zhiyun is released).
New Features:
Supports cinemagraphs creation and playback. CinemaDNG footages playback Supports still capture during live view and movie shooting in Cine mode Supports still image capture from movie files (CinemaDNG, MOV) shot with the SIGMA fp Supports HDR in movie shooting Supports still and movie shooting in Director´s Viewfinder mode Supports DCI 4K 12bit / HDMI Raw output Supports compressed raw recording with ATOMOS and Blackmagic Design external recorders※1 Camera movement control is compatible with ZHIYUN gimbals.* Instruction message appears when attempting to use greyed-out items in SHOOT menu Supports camera control in USB mode*
Optimierungen:
Supports Dual Base ISO (ISO100 and 3200) Improved AF performance Improved recording stability with recording media Improved image quality Supports CinemaDNG 25 and 29.97 fps (UHD 12bit) shooting Supports CinemaDNG 100 fps (FHD 12bit) shooting Supports CinemaDNG 100 and 119.88 fps (FHD 8bit and 10bit) shooting “OFF” option available in Color mode Exposure adjustment available in QS (Quick Set) Tone control setting “Auto (Mild / Strong)” available during movie shooting Supports USB Video Class (UVC) setting adjustments while the fp is connected to USB Supports time code generation Compatible with BWF format Supports file size changes at aspect ratio 7:6 Supports changes of shutter sound effect
Bug Fixes:
The phenomenon of flickering in dark areas in video footages has been corrected Bugs in USB Video Class (UVC) setting when connected to USB or during movie shooting have been corrected Improved accuracy with evaluative exposure metering Other minor bugs have been corrected
