Ty Harper

@eatstoomuchjam I've always been a fan of the EF 24-70mm f/4 (IS) so def looking at that lens as an option. As for the pdmovie option, I'm ok with its limitations - but overall, I agree with alot of what you're saying. And the thing about the ZR is that bcuz my main cams are two R5Cs and a R50V, when I start hitting that $3K CAD territory (which is how much a used ZR + EF to L adapter w/ VND goes for in my neck of the woods) suddenly I'm like $600 CAD shy of a new Canon R6V, and I already own all the accessories that cam would need. Meanwhile the FP or S9 (with all necessary accessories) will run me under $2K. First world problems tho!

Are you referring to the original DPL base mount with the SSD bottom rack + USB side plate in this video? Also had you tried the RAW 12bit 1080p option via SD cards? I've heard it's pretty good so was thinking it could be a compromise in situations where I want to be as light as possible. I'd be shooting exclusively with the EF 35mm f2 (IS) and maybe pickup a 24mm f/2.8 (IS) + the PDmovie Live Air 3 and look into DPL's screen mod later down the line. But I figured that lens/PDmovie setup (w/o the DPL stuff) would cover the main limitations of the FP, while still being a fairly small footprint - but curious what you think from your own experience?

@mercerI started my cam journey in earnest on the 5D MKII/IIII with the ML hack - so I have a soft spot for that RAW workflow! And I still have two 5D MKIII that I will prob never sell. I currently have a R5OV as travel/casual/C cam but I am not feeling the APSC look. So when I recently rediscovered the FP I became a bit obsessed with the idea of having something that small and powerful become my casual/travel cam. Meanwhile I'd just keep the R50V as a C-cam to my R5Cs. But as you say, the FP seems so finnicky that it has required an unprecedented level of research/due diligence on my end. So I've been wavering back and forth for about a month now. As it stands, if I can get a used FP in good condition for $600 USD (just missed one with the modded back dial for that price!) then I'll go for it (knowing I'd still be buying the DPL screen mod, the DPL base cage+SSD holder+SSD bottom mount and side accessory, a Meike or Vizelex Smart adapter/VND, and the pdmovie 3). If not, there's the Lumix S9 and maaaaybe the Nikon ZR but that then I'm getting to R6V territory as far as size and price.

Got it! I think for me, the biggest things I've been trying to wrap my head around (because I've only been able to learn about this cam via bits and pieces of anecdotal info from Youtubers and owners posting in FB/Reddit groups) are: (i) The monitoring situation: So as I currently understand it - the Ninja V is the only monitor that - when used with the Ole Berek LUT - shows you a fairly close representation of what the RAW image actually looks like in the field compared to what you get on the FP's own screen (as far as exposure, etc) (ii) What is the best EF-L mount adapter with VND? I'm seeing that the issues with the Meike version might have been addressed and I'm unsure whether the Meike and Fotodiox/Vizelex Smart adapter/VNF versions will fit when using the Dark Power Laboratory Base cage and.or Ultimate cage. Any help/thoughts on this would be appreciated. All that said, I'm still interested in it but if I can't get a good deal on one here in Toronto, I will prob just end up getting an S9!

Hey all, I'm pretty close to squeezing the trigger on a Sigma FP - what are some things I should be looking for when inspecting a used Sigma FP for potential purchase? Like obvious things for me would be signs of irreparable damage to the ports, dead pixels, ensuring the SD slot is in working order, any scratches on the sensor. Anything else though? Particularly things that might be unique to the FP. Thanks in advance!

Well, well, well - for $50USD maybe I don't need to sell my Zoom F3 and upgrade to the Tascam FR-AV2 after all? 🤔 https://www.newsshooter.com/2026/04/24/zoom-tca-1-timecode-adapter/

Right now I'm mostly using the Canon's .71x speedbooster on my R50V - but before that I was using it with my R5C for years as a great way to access the cam's 2-5K RAW features (which are only available in s35 mode) while basically making it FF. It's just one of the many reasons the R5C remains one of the most versatile releases in Canon history.

I work on a daily live national pop culture program - and while we are theoretically a terrestrial radio program first and foremost, realistically speaking we are a multi-platform program that is consumed as a traditional radio show, a podcast on Apple, a video podcast on Spotify/Youtube, and there are a lot of people who ONLY know our program via the video reels we post on our IG account. The program is captured with 3 Sony PTZs, and guests joining us via Zoom are patched into the convo by our digital producer who is also our live switcher, who is also framing each person (up to four guests, including the host) for our Youtube/Spotify podcasts AND our IG reels... so yes, Open Gate would prob be a helpful option for our digital producer/switcher/editor to have in post.

Don't know much about the R8 but I did a bit of research on the R7 as I was looking for a C-cam to go with my two R5Cs. The reason I didn't go with it was that there was imo an usually high level of owners on one of the bigger R7 groups on FB reporting mechanical shutter failures. It was particularly troubling for a cam that wasn't even 3 years old at the time (this was at the top of 2025). Either way I have decided to stay away from it and am pretty close to grabbing an R50V for the time being.

@Andrew Reiddo you think there is a DIY way to strengthen the micro-HDMI ports' connection to the motherboard in these newer cameras - particularly Canon's R5C? Most people use the usual port protectors from Canon and Smallrig but I've seen reports of the ports stilll having issues, even when those steps are taken. Personally I just do not use the micro-HDMI and USB-C ports at all but wondering if there is a way to fortify those connections?

Gerald got an hour and 53 mins at 4K XF-AVC on an LP-E6P batt.

Yes, great feature and AFAIK the R5C can't do it. My question is whether there is a technical limitation that would stop Canon from adding open gate on the R5C in a FW update?

Yeah but I imagine Smallrig/Tilta could maaybe make a special cage that has the right compatibility with those screws? I shot Smallrig a quick email just to see what they say. So much of their stuff is inspired by custie requests and I love them for that! Just looking at my R5C right now, it technically might be doable. The tradeoff would be reduced access to the power switch and top facing LCD panel on either side of the hot shoe. But of course that's all provided that the hot shoe is even compatible 🤷🏾‍♂️

Apparently CVP confirms in their review video that the handle is NOT compatible with the R5C - which begs the question: what is the point of the multi-function shoe mount if something like this new multi-function top handle isn't compatible, but the Tascam one is? 🤷🏾‍♂️

An important question for me is whether the C50 top handle/audio mixer is compatible with the R5C? Looks like it's secured with two screws on either side - but maybe Smallrig or Tilta can make a modified cage that allows the top handle to be bolted down that way? 🤷🏾‍♂️ If it is compatible I wouldn't need to be pinning for that Tascam Fr-AV2 anymore. But if it isn't it would be another head scratcher bcuz between the C400's detachable monitor and now this top handle/audio mixer, I feel like Canon is missing these really big opportunities to open the door for Canon made essential accessories that are compatible across/within their cam/cinema lines which would further strengthsn their ecosystem. Either way, seems like a great piece of kit!