Sigma may be well-known for its lenses, but the company, over the years, has tried to build its presence in the camera world too. In 1976, we saw the first SLR, the Mark I, and in 2002, the company launched its first digital camera, the Sigma SD9. Since then, the Aizu-based company has been working around the clock to bring more innovations. However, it now appears that the company is shifting its direction, with its two popular cameras, the fp and fp L are now being discontinued.
The first to report was L-rumors, which said a source close to them gave them the tip. Since we were unsure, we reached out to our Sigma reps to confirm the report. Per the email we received, this news is true, and Sigma has decided to no longer manufacture the devices.
Please know that the fp and fp L are in fact being discontinued. However, currently there is still substantial stock available for purchase at dealer locations. Once this supply runs out, though, the cameras will have reached the end of their sales life — no further stock will be produced.
Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of Sigma Corporation of America
The decision may seem abrupt, since the fp and the fp L were launched in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Both cameras are box-sized devices with minimal design, with the FP considered the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera at that time. However, the biggest difference between the two was the sensor and autofocus capabilities. The fp was launched with 24MP sensor, while the fp L was pushed to 61MP. The autofocus was new in the latter model, and also more color profiles for users.
However, despite the innovations, the cameras did face a lot of backlash. The devices were designed too simplistically, which means people had to spend more to get basic things such as a grip and a hot shoe. It also lacked in-body optical stabilization, a mechanical shutter, and it could take only one storage card. The list is pretty long. The price, which was close to $2500 with an EVF, also did not make sense. Overall, anyone interested in a full frame would rather choose Sony over Sigma.
If anyone did purchase the Sigma, the number of such buyers would be far lower. So, that, and the new launch of the Sigma BF, could have finally led the company to end the production of the other two models. Since the BF was launched in 2025, this means Sigma has worked around some, if not all, shortcomings from the previous devices. Naturally, anyone looking for a minimalist camera will go for this model over the other two.
It remains to be seen what Sigma plans for the future. At the moment, the BF is their most advanced camera, with the company focusing on extending its range of RF-S lenses. Perhaps, we just may see a new camera launch in a few more years.