During an event at its headquarters in Tokyo, Sigma unveiled several new products, including the Sigma BF: a compact full-frame mirrorless camera with an L-mount that breaks the mold with its unibody aluminum body and an unprecedented ergonomic design.
Equipped with a 24 MP full-frame sensor, it records in 6K L-Log, features internal storage and relies solely on a USB-C port for connectivity. However, its most intriguing aspect is its completely redesigned user interface, promising a radically new experience.
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A unibody aluminum body
Right away, the Sigma BF stands out with its unibody aluminum chassis, precisely machined for 7 hours from a single block of metal, according to Sigma. Only the bottom section features a non-slip coating, preventing scratches when placed on surfaces.
Its sharp-edged design incorporates two beveled angles, including one at the rear for improved grip. According to the manufacturer, this design ensures a greater durability, with protection against moisture and dust, while also balancing the weight with the Sigma L-mount lenses, particularly the I-Series prime lenses.
The camera measures 13 x 7.28 x 3.68 cm and weighs 446 g without a lens. Compared to the Sigma fp, it is slightly larger but somewhat thinner.
The Sigma BF adopts a minimalist design with a One Finger approach, allowing all settings to be adjusted using only the thumb. It features a power button, a control wheel, and three haptic-feedback buttons — a first for a camera. It also includes a 3.15-inch touchscreen (2.1M dots), but no electronic viewfinder.
Sigma has reimagined its interface by drawing inspiration from mobile photography apps: primary settings are accessible from the top and bottom of the screen, while a two-tier menu precedes a more traditional menu for secondary options (firmware, clock, etc.).
A “distraction-free” mode hides menu elements, allowing adjustments via a small “backlit pill” on the rear.
Notably, the camera does not feature a PASM mode, as each setting can be adjusted manually or set to auto.
24 MP full-frame, 8 fps burst
The Sigma BF houses a 24.6 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, identical to the one in the Sigma fp, and still without in-body stabilization. It captures images at 6016 x 4012 px, in 14-bit lossless RAW DNG or JPEG, with multiple aspect ratios, including Sigma’s signature 21:9 format.
Without a mechanical shutter, it offers shutter speeds from 1/25,600 s to 30 s and a burst rate of 8 fps, making it less suited for sports photography due to rolling shutter. The ISO range extends from 100 to 102,400, with an expanded mode down to ISO 6.
The hybrid autofocus (phase and contrast detection) ensures recognition of humans and animals (dogs and cats).
In terms of color rendering, Sigma offers 13 customizable styles for a film-like or creative look, including Standard, Rich, Calm, Powder Blue, Warm Gold, Teal and Orange, FOV Classic Blue, FOV Classic Yellow, Forest Green, Sunset Red, Cinema, 709 Look and Monochrome.
Video: 6K30p and L-Log
Although the Sigma BF is primarily photography-focused — as evidenced by the absence of a microphone or HDMI port — it still offers some compelling video capabilities.
It records in 6K 30p without crop, supports L-Log for greater dynamic range and easier color grading, and also offers 4K 30p and Full HD up to 120p, using H.264 and H.265 codecs. However, bitrate specifications remain unknown.
An electronic stabilization system is available in all modes, with a slight 1.25x crop. Regarding audio, the camera features two built-in microphones on the top panel and supports external microphones via USB-C.
Internal storage and battery life
In pursuit of minimalism, the Sigma BF eliminates traditional memory card slots in favor of an internal storage of 230 GB, accessible via USB-C.
It is unclear whether this storage is SSD-based or flash memory, but according to the manufacturer, it can store more than 14,000 JPEG files, 4,300 uncompressed RAW images, or 2.5 hours of 6K video.
The camera charges via USB-C and features a new BP-81 battery, which can be ejected with a button, similar to certain Leica cameras. In terms of battery life, expect approximately 260 photos or 60 minutes of video, which may seem limited at first glance and will require real-world testing.
Price and availability of the Sigma BF
The Sigma BF will be available starting in April 2025 in two colors, silver and black. It will be priced at $1999.
Our First Impressions
“Engineering for Art”—this was one of Sigma’s slogans during the presentation of the Sigma BF. And this camera perfectly embodies that vision: a remarkable object designed in Japan, combining aesthetics and technological innovation. With this bold move, Sigma aims to redefine industry standards in its own way.
The Sigma BF is akin to a concept car in the world of photography. Sigma is shaking up conventions and rethinking ergonomics to refocus the user experience on image-making rather than technical complexity.
But unlike a concept car, this camera is very real: it will hit stores in April, accompanied by restyled I-Series prime lenses, available in black and silver. We had the chance to preview it and will soon publish our first hands-on review.
What do you think about the Sigma BF? Let us know in the comments!
