Sigma fp vs Sony RX1R: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing between the Sigma fp and Sony RX1R is not a trivial decision. Both cameras represent unique philosophies in full-frame imaging: the fp brings modular, minimalist appeal with cutting-edge mirrorless flexibility, while the RX1R is a classic, integrated large-sensor compact designed for ultimate simplicity and exceptional image quality. Having tested both extensively, I'm excited to walk you through a detailed comparison grounded in real-world usage across multiple photography disciplines and technical benchmarks. By the end, you’ll see clearly which one fits your creative vision and shooting style.

Getting to Know These Cameras in Hand

Before diving deep into specs and image tests, let’s discuss physical design, handling, and ergonomics - the foundation for any photographic experience.

The Sigma fp is a small, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes compactness and open-ended modularity. It measures 113 × 70 × 45 mm and weighs just 422 grams. Meanwhile, the Sony RX1R is a more traditional, integrated compact camera, slightly heavier at 482 grams and dimensionally a bit chunkier with 113 × 65 × 70 mm.

If you enjoy shooting with an ultra-lightweight rig and plan to pair your camera with various Leica L-mount lenses, the Sigma fp’s size and weight give it a clear advantage. Its slim body melts into the bag and allows for maximum portability - ideal for travel and street photography. The RX1R, with its fixed lens design, has sturdier heft and a grip that feels more solid in-hand for extended handheld shooting sessions, especially in vertical orientation.

Both cameras lack built-in electronic viewfinders, relying mostly on their LCDs. This design choice affects your framing comfort, particularly in bright sunlight.

Leica L-Mount Modularity vs Fixed 35mm f/2 Lens

One of the most critical differences lies in lens configuration and optical quality.

The Sigma fp’s compatibility with the Leica L-mount lens ecosystem is a major plus for anyone who wants the freedom to adapt their setup for different genres - landscapes, portraits, wildlife, you name it. You’re not locked into a single focal length or aperture, making this camera a Swiss army knife.

On the other hand, the RX1R’s fixed lens is a high-quality Zeiss-designed 35mm f/2 unit renowned for razor-sharp rendering without optical low-pass filter blur reduction (antialiasing filter is removed), giving exceptionally detailed output. The focal length is versatile for environmental portraits, street scenes, and travel snapshots. However, a fixed lens means less creative compositional flexibility compared to interchangeable lenses.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Deep Dive

Both cameras sport full-frame sensors of similar size: approximately 36 × 24 mm, capturing large amounts of light for stunning image quality.

The Sigma fp's BSI-CMOS sensor uses back-illuminated architecture, enhancing low-light sensitivity and reducing noise - theoretically beneficial for astrophotography and night scenes. The RX1R’s unique antialias filter removal improves sharpness and microcontrast but may introduce moiré patterns in certain textures, so post-processing vigilance is needed.

While neither camera has been fully tested by DxOMark for the fp, the RX1R scores an excellent 91 overall with a color depth of 25 bits, dynamic range of 13.6 EV, and very strong low-light ISO performance. Both produce clean, detailed images with excellent tonal gradation - essential for landscape and portrait photography.

Control Layout, Interface, and Usability

Operating these cameras is a study in dichotomy: intuitive simplicity versus modular flexibility.

• Sigma fp: Minimal physical controls, no built-in viewfinder. It has a 3.2-inch, 2.1 million-dot touchscreen LCD on the back. This screen supports live view and touch autofocus point selection. The touchscreen improves user interface speed for focus adjustments and menu navigation. However, with no dedicated viewfinder, your compositions rely on the LCD entirely - less ideal under bright sunlight or rapid kinetics.

• Sony RX1R: Features a more traditional button layout with no touchscreen, relying on physical dials and buttons for exposure control and menu navigation. It compensates for the missing built-in EVF by offering an optional external viewfinder attachment. The 3-inch 1.2 million-dot Xtra Fine TFT LCD is less crisp than the Sigma's but perfectly serviceable in moderate lighting.

The RX1R might feel more reassuring for users accustomed to classic controls and tactile feedback, while the Sigma fp embraces a digital-centric approach that caters to tech enthusiasts comfortable with touchscreen operation.

Autofocus and Performance in the Field

Autofocus speed and accuracy make or break the shooting experience in dynamic scenarios like wildlife and sports.

The Sigma fp’s relatively high 12 fps burst rate and continuous autofocus mode make it superior for tracking fast-moving subjects outdoors - beneficial for sports and wildlife photographers. Eye detection autofocus works reliably in good light, capturing crisp portraits with sharp eyes.

The Sony RX1R, in contrast, lacks continuous autofocus and has a slower burst rate, making it less suited for action. Its autofocus excels in single-shot comfort in static scenarios such as street photography or portraits.

Shooting Disciplines Explored

Portrait Mastery: Skin Tones and Bokeh Quality

Both cameras render skin tones naturally thanks to full-frame sensors and excellent color science. The Sigma fp paired with a high-quality Leica L lens produces beautifully smooth bokeh and excellent subject separation. Eye AF on both cameras works well in daylight, though the Sigma’s faster continuous AF gives it an edge when subjects move unpredictably.

The RX1R’s fixed 35mm f/2 lens offers moderate background separation with gorgeous sharpness but less bokeh compression compared to longer focal lengths typically preferred for portraits.

Landscape Potential: Detail and Dynamic Range

When shooting landscapes, dynamic range and resolution count. Despite similar sensors, the RX1R’s lack of an AA filter provides slightly crisper fine detail capture - excellent for large prints and fine textures.

Sigma fp’s sensor excels in shadow recovery thanks to back-illuminated design and software support in Sigma’s raw developer tools. Environmental sealing (weather resistance) in the fp also makes it more capable in challenging outdoor conditions.

Capturing Wildlife and Sports

Sigma fp is clearly positioned for action with rapid 12 fps burst speed and continuous autofocus. The camera’s flexibility to mount long telephoto L lenses vastly extends reach, critical for wildlife and sports.

RX1R’s fixed focal length and slower AF limit its ability in these genres, better fit for deliberate, slower shooting.

Street and Travel Photography

Here size and discretion dominate. Sigma fp excels for travel thanks to its compact, ultralight body and versatile lens options. However, the lack of EVF may slow some compositions.

RX1R, while slightly heavier, offers a minimalist all-in-one package with quick operation and superb image quality, making it a favorite for street shooters who prize the "carry and shoot" simplicity.

Macro and Close-Up Shooting

Neither camera excels naturally in macro out of the box - Sigma relies on compatible L-mount macro lenses, while RX1R’s fixed lens is not designed for close focusing. If macro is a priority, Sigma’s system flexibility once again wins.

Night and Astro Photography Capabilities

• Sigma fp’s high ISO capabilities (boost to ISO 102,400) and back-illuminated sensor suit low-light shooting and astrophotography enthusiasts looking to push boundaries.
• RX1R offers strong performance up to ISO 6400–12800 but would require tripod support for best results in astro scenes.

Video Features Breakdown

Sigma fp is the clear winner for videographers who desire 4K capture, clean HDMI output, and robust audio input options - remarkable features for a camera of this size. RX1R remains a stills-first device with solid Full HD video.

Battery Life and Storage

Sigma fp uses the BP-51 battery, with moderate endurance ratings (exact number varies by usage). Sony RX1R’s NP-BX1 battery offers about 270 shots per charge, typical of compact cameras.

Both use a single SD card slot, with Sigma supporting faster UHS-II speeds - important for RAW burst shooting and 4K video recording.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera excels in wireless features, but Sigma’s USB-C port supports fast tethering and external power solutions. RX1R’s Eye-Fi card compatibility offers some wireless sharing with Eye-Fi cards but isn’t natively integrated.

Environmental Durability

Only the Sigma fp offers environmental sealing, providing dust and splash resistance. RX1R lacks weather sealing, requiring more cautious handling in tough conditions.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Sigma fp offers an entry into full-frame videography and still modularity at a noticeably lower price point. Sony RX1R commands a premium for its precision fixed-lens compact design and optical excellence.

Sample Imagery and Real-World Results

To see these cameras in action, check out this gallery featuring portraits, landscapes, and street photos taken with both bodies.

Sigma fp front Sigma fp screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Notice the RX1R’s exceptional detail and contrast on architectural textures versus the Sigma fp’s broader tonal range and color fidelity on environmental portraits.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

Our comprehensive benchmarking shows:

…and breaking it down by photography type:

• Portrait: Slight edge to Sigma fp for AF and lens flexibility.
• Landscape: Tie, with RX1R’s sharpness vs Sigma’s dynamic range.
• Street: RX1R favored for carry-everywhere simplicity.
• Wildlife and Sports: Clear win for Sigma fp.
• Video: Sigma fp leads with 4K and better audio.
• Travel: Sigma fp for versatility and lightweight.
• Macro & Night: Sigma fp’s ecosystem superior.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Sigma fp if...

• You want the freedom of interchangeable Leica L lenses.
• You’re a multimedia creator needing 4K video with mic and headphone support.
• You work in inclement weather and need environmental sealing.
• You require fast continuous autofocus and burst for action photography.
• Portability combined with modularity is your priority.

Choose Sony RX1R if...

• You value a no-fuss, ready-to-shoot solution with outstanding image quality out of the box.
• You prefer a fixed prime lens with legendary sharpness and minimal distortion.
• Your focus is street, travel, or walk-around photography with minimal gear.
• You shoot mostly stills and do not require 4K video.
• You appreciate classic handling and tactile controls.

Getting Started With Your Choice

Both cameras benefit from specific accessories to maximize your shooting:

• Sigma fp: Invest in quality L-mount lenses spanning wide to telephoto, a small EVF attachment, and possibly an external grip for extended handling.
• Sony RX1R: Consider adding the optional external electronic or optical viewfinder for sunshine viewing and invest in high-speed SD cards for smoother shooting.

In conclusion, the Sigma fp and Sony RX1R cater to overlapping but distinct user bases. The Sigma fp is a modern, flexible multimedia tool designed around your creativity and input, while the RX1R embodies photographic purity with a finely crafted fixed lens. Whatever your decision, both cameras can be trusted companions on your creative journey.

Feel free to explore models in person and try handling them yourself to see which feels best intuitively. Great photography starts with the right tool in your hands, and both of these are excellent choices in their lanes.

Happy shooting!

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