Sigma BF: A Minimalist Full-Frame Camera with Built-In Storage

Sigma has unveiled its latest innovation in the camera world—the Sigma BF, a 24.6-megapixel full-frame camera designed with a minimalist approach. Unlike traditional cameras, the Sigma BF ditches the memory card slot in favor of a built-in 230GB SSD. With its sleek aluminum body, simplified user interface, and compatibility with L-Mount lenses, the Sigma BF aims to provide a streamlined shooting experience for photographers and videographers alike.

Key Features

• 24.6MP Full-Frame Sensor – Delivers high-quality images with excellent detail and dynamic range.

• Minimalist Aluminum Body – Crafted from a single block of aluminum for durability and a premium feel.

• Simplified Controls & Interface – Four-button control system, a dial, and a 3.2-inch touchscreen for intuitive operation.

• Built-in 230GB SSD – Stores up to 14,000 JPEGs, 4,300 RAW files, or 2.5 hours of 6K video.

• No Memory Card Slot– Eliminates the need for external storage, relying entirely on internal storage and USB-C file transfers.

• 6K Video Recording – Captures high-quality 6K footage at up to 29.97 fps.

• Hybrid Autofocus System – Combines phase and contrast detection for precise subject tracking, including people, dogs, and cats.

• 13 Color Modes – Includes creative options like forest green, sunset red, warm gold, cinema, and monochrome.

• L-Mount Compatibility – Works with a wide range of high-quality lenses from Sigma, Panasonic, and Leica.

Minimalist Design and Build

The Sigma BF stands out for its modern, minimalist aesthetic. The body is milled from a single block of aluminum, giving it a premium feel and ensuring durability. Available in both black and silver finishes, the camera embraces a clean, button-light interface. The rear features just four button controls, a single dial, and a 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Unlike many contemporary cameras, the screen does not articulate, maintaining the BF’s simple design language.

The streamlined design extends to the user interface, which has been completely restructured to offer an intuitive and distraction-free experience. Sigma has removed conventional menus in favor of a new information structure, allowing users to focus on shooting rather than navigating complex settings. The camera’s status monitor screen displays essential settings, preventing the main display from becoming cluttered.

Simplified Controls and Interface

Sigma has revolutionized the BF’s controls by integrating a user-friendly touch-based interface. Three touch-sensitive buttons with haptic feedback provide quick access to essential functions, giving users the feel of pressing real buttons. Above them, a dial assists with menu navigation, featuring a central haptic button for further selections.

The camera’s shooting interface surrounds the live preview with key settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and EV compensation. Additional settings are tucked away in a secondary menu, while system-level functions are accessed through a dedicated system menu. This approach keeps the interface clean and straightforward while ensuring that all necessary settings remain easily accessible.

No Memory Card Slot, Built-In 230GB SSD

Perhaps the most radical design decision on the Sigma BF is the omission of a traditional memory card slot. Instead, the camera is equipped with a built-in 230GB SSD, eliminating the need for external storage media. According to Sigma, this internal storage can hold approximately 14,000 JPEG images or 4,300 uncompressed RAW files, providing ample space for most photographers.

For video enthusiasts, the built-in SSD supports up to 2.5 hours of high-quality 6K video footage at 29.97 frames per second. A USB-C port allows for quick file transfers and charging, ensuring that photographers and videographers can efficiently manage their files without relying on memory cards.

Advanced Imaging Capabilities

The Sigma BF is designed to deliver high-quality images with its 24.6-megapixel full-frame sensor. It supports continuous shooting at up to eight frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. The hybrid autofocus system combines phase and contrast detection to provide fast and accurate focusing. Sigma has incorporated state-of-the-art algorithms to enhance subject detection, allowing the BF to recognize and track people, dogs, and cats with precision.

Additionally, Sigma has included 13 built-in color modes, enabling photographers to achieve a unique aesthetic without post-processing. These modes range from standard and rich to more creative options like forest green, sunset red, warm gold, cinema, and monochrome. This feature makes the BF an excellent choice for content creators who want to produce distinctive images straight out of the camera.

L-Mount Compatibility and Lens Options

The Sigma BF utilizes the L-Mount system, originally developed by Leica and now adopted by Panasonic and Sigma. This compatibility allows photographers to choose from a wide range of high-quality lenses to suit their shooting needs. To complement the BF’s sleek design, Sigma is updating its I Series collection of prime lenses with a new silver color option, providing a cohesive look when paired with the camera.

6K Video and High-Performance Features

Beyond still photography, the Sigma BF is a capable video camera. It supports 6K recording at 29.97 fps, ensuring high-resolution footage with excellent detail. The internal SSD allows for extended recording times, making it an attractive option for filmmakers who require a compact yet powerful camera.

The camera also features built-in microphones, with small microphone holes located near the shutter button for capturing high-quality audio. For professional-grade audio recording, users can connect external microphones via USB-C adapters, ensuring versatility in production setups.

Pricing and Availability

The Sigma BF is set to launch in April 2025, with a retail price of $1,999. However, this pricing applies to the camera body only, meaning lenses must be purchased separately. Given its L-Mount compatibility, users have access to a variety of high-quality lenses from Sigma, Panasonic, and Leica to enhance their shooting experience.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Step in Camera Design

The Sigma BF is a groundbreaking release that redefines camera design with its minimalist aesthetic, built-in SSD, and intuitive user interface. By eliminating the need for memory cards, simplifying controls, and providing high-end imaging capabilities, Sigma has created a camera that caters to both photographers and videographers seeking a modern, hassle-free experience. While the lack of a memory card slot may deter some users, the inclusion of a spacious internal SSD and USB-C connectivity makes file management seamless.

With its competitive pricing, stylish design, and high-performance features, the Sigma BF is poised to make a significant impact in the camera industry. Whether you're a professional photographer, a content creator, or a filmmaker, the BF offers an innovative approach to photography and videography that prioritizes simplicity without compromising on quality.