Sigma's latest camera, the BF, might be one of the most unique and divisive releases in recent photography history. With a sleek, minimalist design and unusual feature choices, this camera pushes boundaries—but those quirks might either attract or repel you, depending on your needs and style.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this insightful video offers a balanced look at what makes the Sigma BF different from typical mirrorless cameras. Frost openly acknowledges several compromises that may frustrate some users, like the lack of an electronic viewfinder, no tilting screen, and absence of image stabilization. The internal storage-only approach (230 GB built-in, no memory card slots) is an unusual choice that simplifies the camera but limits flexibility, especially if backing up your images immediately is important to you. Additionally, its absence of wireless connectivity might feel inconvenient, though direct USB-C connection to your phone somewhat addresses this issue.
On the flip side, Frost highlights the surprising usability and innovative handling that set the Sigma BF apart. Crafted from a single block of aluminum over seven hours, the body feels exceptionally durable, complemented by a thoughtfully designed rubberized base. The camera pairs exceptionally well with Sigma's I-series lenses, emphasizing both aesthetics and ergonomics. Frost particularly notes the intuitive, minimalistic controls relying heavily on a thumb-operated rear dial, haptic buttons, and touchscreen interface. While unconventional at first, the simplicity of the user interface becomes intuitive once you understand its logic. Features like quickly checking battery life or image playback with just a finger resting on the buttons showcase thoughtful design.
Key Specs
- Lens Mount: L-Mount
- Resolution: 24.6 MP (Effective)
- Sensor: Full-Frame BSI CMOS (36 x 24 mm)
- ISO Range: 100 to 102,400
- Shutter Speed: 1/25600 to 30 sec (Electronic Rolling Shutter)
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 8 fps
- Video: Internal recording up to 6000 x 3000 at 29.97 fps, Full HD up to 120 fps
- Memory: 230 GB internal storage only (no card slots)
- Battery Life: Approx. 260 shots per charge
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches (130.1 x 72.8 x 36.8 mm)
- Weight: 15.7 oz (446 g) including battery
The Sigma BF’s autofocus system also marks a significant upgrade over previous Sigma cameras, performing smoothly in continuous mode and delivering reliable subject tracking. Frost finds autofocus accuracy impressive, especially for street photography scenarios.
In practical use, Frost emphasizes that despite its minimalist design, the BF offers considerable depth in customization, including multiple aspect ratios, comprehensive white balance adjustments, and creative color modes such as teal-and-orange and monochrome settings. Even subtle touches like an aluminum body cap with weather-sealing demonstrate Sigma’s attention to detail. While video capability exists, Frost advises that continuous autofocus in video mode hunts occasionally, making single-shot or manual focus preferable for filming. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
I had a Sigma FP - which I loved except for the utterly useless auto-focus. If the BF is an FP with focussing that actually works, I could be tempted.
Cameras are generally produced with a target audience in mind, so it would seem to make sense to review cameras by specifically addressing the company’s target audience for the product. In that respect, Sigma seems to deserve a lot of praise for thinking differently than the other “more of the same” that characterizes some segments of the industry. Personally, I love the design and Sigma’s desire to think a bit differently, and can’t wait to see and hold the camera in person. The decision for the L mount seems to be just a practical one, considering the company’s focus on that mount, but with the growing availability of smaller, lighter lenses in that mount, Sigma could be successful with this camera. It definitely passes the good-looking test, and ergonomically, the differences from the “standard” design that everyone has become so accustomed to, will dissipate once the photographer gets used to it. So bravo for Sigma for even daring to be different.
The design is stunning, but there are too many trade-offs for my taste. No EVF, no tilting screen, and no card slots make it a tough sell, but I can see the appeal for L-mount users who love a minimalist setup. The all-metal body and thoughtful details are impressive, but I need more flexibility in my workflow.
Paul Tocatlian
Kisau Photography
www.kisau.com