Sigma has announced yet another impressively designed camera – the SIGMA BF. This new compact full-frame reimagines the way a camera can interact with us. The BF offers an innovative, modern, barebones operational experience aimed at simplifying workflow down to the core of camera work. The new camera offers a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor encased in a body carved from a single block of aluminum. With 230GB of internal storage, no memory card slot is included, and in/out interface is reduced to a single USB-C port. 6K video capture is onboard as well, but this camera is not about the spec-list. Let’s dive in.
In a world of conservative camera design, where most cameras still follow the same design philosophy dictated by 35mm film cameras, SIGMA’s innovation is much appreciated. The company has a respectable tradition of innovation regarding design and user experience. While it won’t necessarily sway the masses, this approach challenges the rest of the market, rattling the boat and making us all rethink what could have been.
What exactly is the SIGMA BF?
One can try to put the SIGMA BF in the compact full-frame camera’s box. It will fit the premium product box nicely as well, with its all-metal, sleek aluminum body. The lack of a mechanical shutter may be too much for hardcore photographers, but it’s becoming somewhat of a common feature among hybrid cameras. However, the BF will hardy fit that box with no mic or headphone jack to be found. As with its most direct predecessor, the SIGMA fp, this camera occupies a segment of its own.
The bare specifications
The SIGMA BF spec list may not be leading-class, but it’s still quite impressive, especially considering the compact body housing it. The camera will be able to shoot 6K videos at up to 30P and FHD at up to 120P. The camera will have HEVC support and SIGMA’s L-Log on board. No other settings have been disclosed yet, and I wouldn’t get into gambling with such a unique camera. A 24-megapixel BSI CMOS is at the heart of the SIGMA BF. This one comes with PDAF sensors, so it should provide decent autofocus for both stills and video capture (as always – we’ll have to test it and see). The sensor has no mechanical stabilization, but the camera does have electronic stabilization for video.
Innovative user experience
The SIGMA BF features somewhat of a “closed-loop” design, with next to no ports, doors, or slots. The camera uses an internal 230GB memory, taking a page from Hasselblad, Leica, and Zeiss’ book, but unlike them, SIGMA completely omitted the card slot, so no direct backup can be made on the go. The battery bottom plate doubles as the battery door to minimize moving parts. The rear control buttons are touch-sensitive, haptic panels with a metal dial on top. Controls have been simplified to the essentials, with a deeper menu available if you wish to dive into it. The SIGMA BF is all about intuitive, streamlined operation guided by decisive design choices.
The glass ceiling
Be it the SIGMA BF or any other full-frame compact, the physics are straightforward: The larger the sensor, the larger the image projection circle, and the larger the lens. Whenever one calculates the weight and bulk of a new compact, the lens must be added. SIGMA has adorned the BF announcement with a series of silver “i” lenses to match its style. They do a great job, in my opinion. Not only will the lens look great, but the aperture ring may enhance the desired intuitive operation. However, no lens will maintain the same flush design or remain pocketable when attached to the camera.
Who is it for?
As mentioned above, the SIGMA BF can’t be easily assigned to any common segment. If I had to, I’d say SIGMA has launched a new subsegment of premium compact cameras. The Japanese manufacturer’s take implemented highly modern practices, creating a user experience more akin to smartphones than to legacy cameras. Some manufacturers have tried to walk this path before. The Zeiss ZX1 was probably the closest. Hasselblad’s X1D and its predecessors also incorporated some innovative features, and there are others. All have created impressive cameras, and some have even been quite successful, but SIGMA seems to go all the way with the BF, making it a unique camera that may cater to the needs (and desires) of a new generation of smartphone upgraders, design enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a visually striking camera.
Alternatives
Several cameras out there may challenge the SIGMA BF, at least on some fronts. Its closest competitor for the uniquely designed compact can only be its SIGMA stablemate – the fp (or the 60-megapixel fp-l). This duo offers an interesting design with some functional advantages. However, they can’t quite match the exquisite monoblock aluminum shell of the BF.
The Panasonic LUMIX S9 is also a contender with a comparable feature set and a more colorful design. It’s not built to the same standards, which probably helps it on the affordability front. Other alternatives may be found in the fixed-lens arena, with the likes of the Leica Q series or recent FUJIFILM X100 offerings.
Price and availability
The SIGMA BF is available to preorder for $1,999 in either black or silver. No shipping date has been disclosed as of the time of this article’s writing.
Are you intrigued by this radically simple, unibody design? How would you put such a unique camera to use? Let us know in the comments.
