Sigma BF: A Minimalist Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with Unibody Design and Built-in Storage

Sigma has unveiled the BF, a 24.6MP full-frame mirrorless camera featuring a sleek unibody aluminum design for durability and lightweight handling. It introduces a minimalist interface with haptic buttons, a single dial, and built-in 230GB SSD storage, eliminating the need for memory cards. The hybrid autofocus system supports subject tracking for people, dogs, and cats, while 13 built-in color modes offer creative in-camera processing. It records 6K video at 29.97 fps and shoots 8 fps bursts, though battery life limits continuous recording to about one hour per charge. Priced at $1,999, the Sigma BF launches in April 2025, targeting photographers who value simplicity and innovation.

Sigma BF: A Minimalist Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with Unibody Design and Built-in Storage

Sigma has introduced the Sigma BF, a 24.6MP full-frame L-Mount mirrorless camera that blends high performance with a minimalist, intuitive design. Emphasizing simplicity, the BF is crafted from a single block of aluminum, making it the first true unibody mirrorless camera, a design choice that enhances durability while maintaining a lightweight build at just 388g (13.7 oz). The camera features a hybrid autofocus system with phase and contrast detection, capable of recognizing people, dogs, and cats. Its interface is streamlined, replacing traditional complex controls with pressure-sensitive haptic buttons and a single dial, allowing direct access to essential settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and color modes.

Despite its minimalist approach, the Sigma BF packs impressive imaging capabilities, including an ISO range of 100-102400 (expandable to ISO 6) and 6K video recording at up to 29.97 fps, with Full HD support at 120 fps. However, while the BF supports L-Log for extended dynamic range, it lacks electronic image stabilization (EIS) in 6K mode and has a battery life of approximately one hour of continuous recording, making it better suited for still photography rather than dedicated videography. Storage is internal-only, with 230GB of built-in SSD storage capable of holding 14,000 JPEG images, 4,300 uncompressed RAW files, or 2.5 hours of high-quality video, with data transfer facilitated via USB-C.

For photographers seeking a streamlined shooting experience, the BF offers 13 built-in color modes, including Teal & Orange, Powder Blue, Warm Gold, Classic Blue & Yellow, Sunset Red, Cinema, and Monochrome, allowing users to achieve unique visual styles without post-processing. Although it features 6K recording, the absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), articulating screen, or multiple mounting points suggests it is not primarily targeted at videographers. Instead, it caters to photography enthusiasts who value color science, aesthetic simplicity, and an intuitive interface. Priced at $1,999 USD, the Sigma BF is expected to be available by April 2025.

Sigma has introduced the BF, a full-frame mirrorless digital camera that reflects the brand’s vision of combining performance with simplicity. Designed for effortless photography, the BF streamlines the shooting experience with an innovative user interface that replaces traditional dials with direct access controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and color modes. This intuitive approach provides a balance between ease of use and creative flexibility.

Sleek and Durable Unibody Construction

Setting a new standard in design, the Sigma BF is the world’s first true unibody mirrorless camera, meticulously crafted from a single aluminum block over a seven-hour process. This construction ensures enhanced durability while maintaining a lightweight, ergonomic form. The seamless metal body integrates smoothly with L-Mount lenses from Sigma, Leica, and Panasonic, while the precision-cut texture and carefully designed layout enhance comfort and handling.

Minimalist Interface with Built-in Storage

Breaking away from conventional digital cameras, the BF eliminates memory card slots in favor of 230GB of built-in SSD storage, capable of holding approximately 14,000 JPEGs, 4,300 uncompressed RAW files, or 2.5 hours of high-quality 6K video. File transfers and charging are handled via USB-C, ensuring a streamlined workflow. Available in black and silver, the Sigma BF is priced at $1,999 and will launch in April 2025. To complement the camera, Sigma is also updating its I Series prime lenses with a matching silver finish for a cohesive look.

Revolutionary User Experience

The BF redefines camera usability with a 3.2-inch fixed touchscreen, three haptic feedback buttons, and a navigation dial with a center button. A small status display provides quick access to key settings while keeping the main screen uncluttered. The interface prioritizes essential shooting controls, while additional settings are housed within a simplified menu system, making navigation more intuitive.

Advanced Autofocus and Imaging Capabilities

Despite its minimalist aesthetic, the Sigma BF is packed with powerful imaging features. It utilizes a hybrid autofocus system with both phase and contrast detection, enabling fast and accurate subject tracking, including people, dogs, and cats. For photographers seeking creative flexibility, the camera offers 13 built-in color modes, including Teal & Orange, Warm Gold, Sunset Red, Cinema, and Monochrome, allowing users to achieve distinct visual styles without extensive post-processing.

6K Video and Burst Shooting

The BF supports 6K video recording at up to 29.97 fps and Full HD recording at 119.88 fps. However, despite allowing up to two hours of continuous recording, its battery lasts only about one hour per charge. For still photography, the BF delivers 8 fps burst shooting, ensuring photographers can capture fast-moving subjects with precision.

A Unique Entry in the Mirrorless Market

With its blend of innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and minimalist usability, the Sigma BF stands out as a unique alternative in the mirrorless camera market. While it may not be geared toward traditional videographers due to its lack of electronic viewfinder (EVF) or articulating screen, it is an ideal choice for photographers who appreciate simplicity, high performance, and elegant design in a compact form.