Sigma Takes on Leica with the BF: A Powerful and User-Friendly Full-Frame Camera

Sigma BF is a minimalist camera designed for simplicity and efficiency, featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame sensor and a lightweight, aluminum body. Launched in February 2025, it boasts easy controls, impressive autofocus, and an array of settings, including ISO up to 102,400. Videographers can record in 6K, with 230 GB of internal memory. Set for release in April 2025 at $1999, it’s ideal for those who appreciate a streamlined photography experience without excessive features.

Introducing the Sigma BF: A No-Nonsense Camera

The Sigma BF is a camera that cuts through the clutter, delivering exactly what you need to seize the perfect moment. With a straightforward approach and no unnecessary buttons, this camera is all about simplicity and efficiency.

Stunning Design and Compact Build

Unveiled on February 24, 2025, the Sigma BF features a remarkable 24.6-megapixel full-frame body that combines a sleek aesthetic with modern capabilities. The design is particularly striking, crafted from a single block of aluminum that has been meticulously sculpted for seven hours to create a robust yet elegant exterior.

This innovative design makes the Sigma BF one of the lightest cameras on the market, weighing in at just 446 grams—including the battery—and measuring a compact 13 cm in length. Its lightweight nature means it can easily slip into your pocket or a small bag, making it a formidable competitor against smartphones.

Sigma embraces minimalism in its control layout, featuring a rear dial, three haptic buttons that provide a subtle vibration when pressed (akin to smartphone responsiveness), and a straightforward shutter button on top. The main display showcases the live image in stunning clarity with 2.1 million dots, while a small monochrome screen provides essential information like shutter speed and aperture settings. It’s a design approach that prioritizes simplicity and functionality—something we can all appreciate.

Impressive Performance for Every Photographer

Underneath its sleek exterior, the Sigma BF is equipped to deliver impressive performance. With a 24.6-megapixel full-frame sensor, it utilizes a hybrid autofocus system that merges two technologies: contrast detection for precision and phase detection for speed. This allows for effective focusing on both human and animal subjects, even in low-light scenarios down to -5 EV.

For those who enjoy experimenting with settings, the Sigma BF offers a wide range of options: ISO settings from 6 to 102,400, full manual modes, and 13 artistic color filters to enhance your shots. The camera captures images in RAW format for detailed editing or JPEG, with a resolution of 6016 x 4012 pixels, and is capable of shooting up to 8 frames per second.

Videographers will also find the Sigma BF to be a remarkable tool, capable of recording in stunning 6K ultra-high definition at 30 frames per second, or 2K at 120 frames per second for smooth slow-motion footage. All recordings are stored directly on its impressive 230 GB of internal memory—no need for an SD card. Additional features such as L-Log for enhanced color grading and built-in tools like histograms and zebra patterns cater to editing enthusiasts as well.

Who Should Consider the Sigma BF?

Set to launch in April 2025, the Sigma BF will be available in black or silver for $1999 (approximately €2000). It is compatible with L-mount lenses, and Sigma is reintroducing nine lenses from its I series, ranging from 17 mm to 90 mm, designed to complement the camera’s aesthetic.

This camera is ideal for those who prefer to focus on the essentials: frame, shoot, and create. It offers a streamlined experience without unnecessary gadgets, making it perfect for minimalists. If you’re someone who enjoys a plethora of buttons for every adjustment, this may not be the camera for you. However, for fans of simplicity and elegance, the Sigma BF promises to be an exciting option.

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