Sigma has officially announced the launch of its new full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sigma BF, set to hit the market in April 2025. With the suggested retail price at approximately 385,000 yen, the Sigma BF is positioned as not only technologically advanced but also remarkably simple to operate.
Designed for both casual and creative photographers, the Sigma BF features 24.6 million effective pixels on its full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Unlike certain Sigma models, the BF utilizes a Bayer sensor rather than the Foveon type, with enhanced autofocus capabilities through phase detection and hybrid autofocus systems.
Highlighting the design philosophy behind the Sigma BF, company president Kazuto Yamaki stated, “The BF is small and simple, ideal for everyday use. Amid the prevalence of smartphones as the mainstream photography device, we aimed to redefine the camera’s significance.” Sigma's commitment to minimizing complexity culminates in the camera featuring only three buttons and one dial, with tactile elements allowing operators to adjust settings with ease.
To improve the user experience dramatically, the Sigma BF incorporates pressure-sensitive haptics technology, which provides feedback similar to traditional buttons without the wear and tear associated with physical controls. This innovation enables smoother operation and enhances the tactile experience of photography.
The camera's body presents significant advances as well, constructed as true unibody architecture, machined from aluminum ingots—a process taking seven hours to complete. This provides enhanced rigidity and durability, contributing to the overall ergonomics and weight balanced between the lens and body.
Notably, the Sigma BF eliminates the need for external memory cards, featuring 230 GB of internal storage capable of holding over 14,000 JPEG images or 4,300 RAW files. Users can also record video footage at 6K resolution, utilizing the USB-C port for both fast charging and data transfer.
The camera’s interface is refreshingly straightforward, prioritizing minimal distractions. The default live view display showcases no extraneous parameters, helping photographers focus solely on their composition. Secondary settings are accessible through the intuitive option menu, streamlining the user experience.
Further enhancing creative options, the Sigma BF offers 13 unique color modes, including Rich and Calm modes. These settings validate Sigma's focus on providing photographers with diverse avenues for artistic expression.
During promotional events, Yamaki underscored the significance of the BF’s development by referring to the box-like camera obscura as the inspiration for its simplistic design. “Currently, cameras reflect shellac from the film era, becoming overly complex due to added features,” he shared.
Despite sacrificing certain functions available on predecessors like the Sigma fp series—such as cinema DNG recording—the Sigma BF remains impressive with quickly adjustable manual parameters, allowing photographers to toggle between manual and automatic settings depending on their preferences.
Representatives noted their dedication to advancing autofocus technology, with new algorithms leading to improved subject recognition capabilities for detecting people, animals, and more—ensuring high fidelity for various subjects.
Utilizing the L-mount allows Sigma BF users compatibility across several lenses offered by both Sigma and other manufacturers within the L-mount alliance.
Visual media occupying various publicity campaigns projects the camera's compactness and elegance, supporting its aspiration to not only capture digital images but to transform each snap of the shutter back to the authentic joy of photography.
With its clever design, technologically advanced features, and overarching simplicity, the Sigma BF sets to revive the intrinsic excitement of photography. Whether you are capturing fleeting moments of beauty or constructing elaborate artistic scenes, Sigma’s latest model seeks to bridge the gap between photographer and art form.