Sigma has officially unveiled the Sigma BF, a revolutionary 24.6MP full-frame mirrorless camera that takes minimalism to a whole new level. Designed with a radical approach to simplify imagemaking, the Sigma BF reimagines the high-end digital camera interface, focusing on ease of use while maintaining powerful performance and exceptional image quality.
Sigma BF Mirrorless Camera: $1,999 at B&H, Adorama.
Key Features
- 24.6MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
- Radically Simple, Unibody Camera
- Hybrid Phase & Contrast Detection AF
- ISO 100-102400
- 6K30, Full HD 120p Video
- 230GB Internal Memory
- Haptic-Responsive Controls
- 13 Color Modes
- 3.15″ 2.1m-Dot Rear Touchscreen
- L-Mount Compatibility
Minimalist Design with Maximum Impact
The Sigma BF adopts an ultra-compact design philosophy, featuring a single rear-plate dial and three pressure-sensitive haptic buttons that provide tactile feedback. These intuitive controls allow photographers to navigate the camera seamlessly, maintaining focus on creativity rather than settings. In addition to these rear buttons, the camera includes only a shutter button and a power button—nothing more. This stark simplicity is intended to create a closer connection between the photographer and the camera, stripping away distractions to enhance the creative process.
Milled from a single block of aluminum, the Sigma BF is both lightweight and durable, weighing just 388g (13.7oz) without the battery. The camera’s small, rectangular body features a textured front surface for a secure grip, while a minimalist settings display next to the fixed live view screen shows either the ISO, shutter speed, or aperture value. This design ensures that the composition panel remains unobstructed, allowing photographers to stay immersed in their creative vision.
Powerful Performance with Innovative Features
Despite its minimalist appearance, the Sigma BF is packed with advanced features. It boasts a 24.6MP full-frame sensor capable of producing high-definition images with exceptional clarity. The hybrid autofocus system includes phase-detection and subject recognition technology, capable of detecting humans, dogs, and cats—an impressive first for Sigma. This ensures fast and accurate focusing, perfect for spontaneous photography.
The Sigma BF also offers impressive video capabilities, including 6K video recording at up to 30p and 4K footage derived from 6K capture. It supports both H.264 and H.265 formats and includes the option to use Leica’s L-Log response curve, allowing videographers greater flexibility for tone and color adjustments during post-production.
A New Take on Storage and Connectivity
In a bold departure from tradition, the Sigma BF eschews removable media cards in favor of 230GB of internal storage, sufficient for approximately 14,000 JPEGs, 4,300 uncompressed DNG Raws, or 2.5 hours of high-quality video. Data transfer is managed through a single USB-C port, which is also used for charging the camera. However, this minimalist approach also means the camera lacks other ports commonly found on modern mirrorless cameras, such as microphone or headphone jacks.
Unique Limitations and Considerations
While the Sigma BF is undeniably innovative, its minimalist design comes with certain trade-offs. Notably, the camera lacks a mechanical shutter and in-body stabilization, which may result in rolling shutter effects when photographing fast-moving subjects and limit handheld shooting capabilities. The rolling shutter figure is 24.8ms (1/40 sec), suggesting the use of a 24MP BSI sensor similar to those found in other contemporary cameras, operating in 12-bit readout mode. This configuration may slightly limit dynamic range but helps minimize rolling shutter distortions unless shooting rapidly moving subjects.
Pricing and Availability
The Sigma BF will be available in black or silver for approximately $2000. To complement the camera’s minimalist aesthetic, Sigma is also releasing silver versions of their i-series prime lenses in L-mount, designed to perfectly match the BF’s sleek body.
Conclusion: A Bold Vision for the Future of Photography
The Sigma BF represents a bold new vision for digital photography, embracing minimalism without sacrificing performance. By focusing on an intuitive user experience and cutting-edge technology, Sigma has created a camera that invites photographers to engage more deeply with the art of imagemaking. Whether you’re a professional seeking a streamlined shooting experience or an enthusiast looking to capture the spontaneous beauty of everyday life, the Sigma BF offers a compelling new way to see and create.
With its radical design philosophy, innovative features, and high-end performance, the Sigma BF is not just another mirrorless camera—it’s a statement.
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