Sigma FP L

The Sigma FP L is a 2021 mirrorless camera that pairs a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor with an unusually small body. Measuring 113 x 70 x 45 mm and weighing 427 g, it takes up little room in a bag.

That combination suits photographers who want files with plenty of detail for large prints or heavy cropping, without the bulk of a typical full-frame kit. The Leica L mount determines which lenses you can attach, so check that the system covers what you shoot.

Owning it involves some planning. The battery is rated at 240 shots per charge, so spares matter on longer days, and there is a single card slot with no wireless transfer.

Resolution is the defining strength. The 61-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor records a great deal of fine detail, giving room to crop tightly and still print large. That makes it a natural fit for landscape, product and architectural work.

The Leica L mount attaches the camera to that lens system. ISO runs from 100 to 25600, and the shutter reaches 1/8000, a top speed that helps freeze motion or work with wide apertures in bright light.

Burst shooting runs at up to 10 fps, a maximum rate that covers walk-along action and brief peaks of activity. The autofocus system uses 49 points.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so sharp handheld results depend on shutter speed and technique. The 3.68-million-dot electronic viewfinder gives a crisp view for composing and reviewing before you press the shutter.

Video records up to 4K, and the camera's highest frame rate is 120 fps. Those are separate maximums, so check which resolution and speed combinations your planned recording mode offers. The high frame rate also allows slow-motion footage when played back at normal speed.

Files record as MPEG-4 or MOV with H.264 compression. Two listed formats means there is a choice of recording container, and H.264 handles the compression in either case.

A built-in timelapse function automates interval shooting, useful for anything that changes slowly, from weather to a building site. Between the small size and light weight, the camera is also easy to mount in tight or awkward positions while filming.

The 3.2-inch screen is a 2.1-million-dot TFT LCD with touch control, so you can change settings directly on it. It flips too, which helps when the camera sits low to the ground or above your head.

The body is weather sealed, which gives some protection in damp or dusty conditions. Sealing is not waterproofing, so treat rain carefully. There is no built-in flash, but the camera works with an external unit when you need light.

There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS. Files come off the camera on the card, and location data has to be added another way if your workflow wants it.

One SD card slot handles all recording, taking SD, SDHC and SDXC cards with UHS-II support. A fast card makes use of that capability, though with a single slot there is no second copy of a shoot inside the camera.

The BP-51 battery is rated at 240 shots per charge. The test conditions behind that rating are not stated, so treat the figure as a guide and plan on at least one spare for a long day.

Charging over USB is supported, which makes topping up between shoots straightforward. If you plan to charge from a portable USB source, check that it works with the camera before you rely on it away from home.