Sigma FP weekly build 5

This week’s build is a run-and-gun setup with no need for audio recording. I’ll be working with a band, shooting some footage for their next music video. Since we’ll be filming in pedestrian streets and shopping malls, we need to be careful. Shooting video in these areas can attract unwanted attention from local security guards, known as Bao An (保安).

These older men, who often act like police officers, love to interfere. They can be especially hostile toward foreign photographers or videographers, assuming you’re foreign press. So, it’s important that I work quickly, stay low-profile, and avoid looking too professional. That means keeping the gear to a minimum.

The accessories that I will be using are:

Sigma EVF-11 Electronic Viewfinder (Amazon Link)
Sigma Hand Grip HG-11 (Amazon Link)
DPL EVF SSD rack (Aliexpress Link)
DPL fp Mate SSD rack Sigma fp L M42 case (Aliexpress Link)
Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 Lens (Amazon Link)
Peak Design anchor. (Amazon Link)

Once the grip is attached, I install the Sigma FP strap lug and the Peak Design anchor. I’ll be using a wrist strap for the entire shoot—this is both for comfort and security, as I don’t want anyone trying to snatch the camera out of my hand.

Once the grip is attached to the camera, then next step is the Sigma FP strap-lug and the Peak Design anchor. I will be using a wrist-strap the whole time so no one can try and snatch the camera out of my hand.

Next is the Sigma EVF-11 Electronic Viewfinder. This thing is a joy to use. Unlike the Sigma OVF attachment, the EVF-11 has a -3 diopter setting, which is perfect for my poor eyesight. It’s also solidly built and stays secure on the camera, though I do sometimes worry about the mini HDMI port—it seems fragile. I really wish Sigma had included a full-size HDMI port.

Now for the most important piece: the DPL accessories. These are essential for any RAW video build. Without DPL’s products, I couldn’t build a compact RAW rig that fits my needs. Sigma really should be sending these guys some love (and free gear) so they can keep creating tools for future Sigma cameras.

The DPL EVF SSD Rack fits perfectly over the EVF-11 and bolts into the Sigma FP EVF mount, adding extra sturdiness. Somehow, with this piece attached, I’m less worried about the HDMI port.

With the SSD installed, the camera is nearly ready to roll.

The final step is attaching the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 Lens—the only autofocus lens I use for video. This isn’t a lens review, but I’ll just say: it’s good. Autofocus is quick when acquiring subjects, though the Sigma FP’s continuous tracking is terrible and not worth using. For run-and-gun work, I use autofocus to grab quick focus, but I won’t rely on tracking. If I had more time, I’d prefer to manual focus—but time is not on my side for this gig.

With the Panasonic 24-105mm F4 lens mounted on the Sigma FP, the build is complete—and my first thought was: It’s huge. To be fair, it is large compared to my Leica M setup or even my Nikon Z6, but let’s not forget how massive video gear used to be.

The setup is a little front-heavy, which is why a proper grip is crucial this time.

When I compare this Sigma FP + Panasonic 24-105mm combo to my old Nikon D500 (my first 4K camera) with the Nikon 24-105mm F4 lens, the Sigma actually looks smaller. That’s a fair comparison—especially since I used the D500 to shoot 4K video and remember how painful it was without IBIS. I always had to use a monopod to get usable footage.

The Sigma FP also lacks IBIS, but the Panasonic lens includes optical stabilization that works very well. Overall, the Sigma FP is a far better video or cinema machine. It reignited my excitement for shooting video again.

Digging out the old Nikon D500 for comparison showed me that even with the biggest lens I own, the Sigma FP build isn’t that large. Sure, I could go bigger—add a cage, a V-mount battery—but that would be overkill and draw way too much attention from the security guards.

Here’s a tip for shooting RAW video on the Sigma FP: if your media is ever inspected by police, they’ll likely have no idea what RAW video is. All they’ll see are a bunch of DNG files and assume they’re just photos.

I was stopped once by a police officer who wanted to see what I had recorded. I let him plug the SSD into his iPhone. After scrolling through a few hundred DNGs, he gave it back and told me I was free to go. Ever since then, I’ve been a big fan of shooting RAW video—even if it eats up storage like crazy.

Shaun.