Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of the new Sigma BF camera. This camera is fresh off the press, and I had the chance to get hands-on with it at Sigma’s headquarters in Japan. Let’s explore what makes this camera special and why it might be the perfect choice for everyday photography.
The Sigma BF
The Sigma BF is a simple system camera that uses the L mount for lenses. It has a powerful 24-megapixel full-frame sensor and is priced around $2,000. The design is minimalist and is made from a single block of aluminum, giving it a premium feel similar to high-end Apple products. It comes in both black and silver, so you can choose the one that fits your style best!
Design and Build Quality
When you hold the Sigma BF, it feels solid and well-built. However, be careful with the black version as it can show fingerprints easily. To complement the sleek design, Sigma has also launched silver versions of its I series lenses, which match perfectly with the silver body of the camera.
Key Features
- Lens Mount: The Sigma BF uses the L mount for lenses.
- Sensor: It has a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor.
- Price: The camera costs around $2,000.
- Storage: Instead of a traditional card slot, it uses internal storage of 230 GB, which can hold about 14,000 JPEGs or around 4,300 DNG RAW files.
- Display: The camera is equipped with a clean live view display that encourages users to shoot without distractions.
Controls and Layout
The controls on the Sigma BF are intentionally simple. On the top, there is just a shutter release button. On the right side, you will find a strap lug, and on the left, a USB-C port. Underneath, there is a tripod thread that aligns with the optical axis, and a pop-out battery for easy access. One notable feature is that there is no card slot; instead, the camera uses internal storage. It has 230 GB of storage, which can hold about 14,000 JPEGs or around 4,300 DNG raw files.
Screen and User Interface
To compose your shots, the Sigma BF relies solely on its screen. Unfortunately, it does not come with a viewfinder, which some photographers might miss. However, the display remains clean, allowing you to shoot without any distracting overlays. There is a small display on the upper right side of the main screen that shows the latest settings.
The user interface has been completely redesigned for simplicity. There are two main screen views: the first overlays a strip of settings at the top and bottom, showing options for exposure, drive, quality, and color. The second view allows you to dig deeper into more traditional menu options, but overall, Sigma has focused on keeping everything clean and user-friendly.
Camera Performance
At the heart of the Sigma BF is the 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, which features phase-detect autofocus and supports up to 6K video recording. While Sigma has not confirmed the specifics, it looks like this might be the same sensor found in the Lumix S5 II or S9. However, it seems that the Sigma BF may not have a mechanical shutter, relying instead on an electronic one. This is still speculation, and I will confirm as soon as I have more information.
Even without a viewfinder and mechanical shutter, the Sigma BF stands out with its unique design and functionality. It’s refreshing to see Sigma push the boundaries and create something different in the camera market.
Additional Sigma Announcements
Alongside the Sigma BF, Sigma also introduced two new zoom lenses. The first is a 16-300mm f3.5-6.7 super zoom designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, priced at $700. The second lens is a 300-600mm F4 sport zoom for full-frame L and E-mount systems, priced around $6,000. This lens acts similarly to a 600mm F4 prime but allows for zooming out to 300mm, which adds versatility. It includes features like an internal zoom twisting control ring, a clickable tripod collar, and an Arca Swiss dovetail for easy mounting.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think of the new Sigma BF? It’s a unique camera that offers a stylish design and a focus on simplicity. While I personally would have liked a viewfinder and mechanical shutter, the Sigma BF still impresses with its innovative approach and solid build quality. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
What is the price of the Sigma BF?
The Sigma BF is priced around $2,000.
What type of lenses does the Sigma BF use?
The Sigma BF uses the L mount for lenses.
How much internal storage does the Sigma BF have?
It has 230 GB of internal storage.
What features does the Sigma BF offer for video recording?
The Sigma BF supports up to 6K video recording.
Are there any additional lenses announced with the Sigma BF?
Yes, Sigma announced a 16-300mm f3.5-6.7 super zoom and a 300-600mm F4 sport zoom.
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this information helpful. Please feel free to share your opinions and experiences with the Sigma BF in the comments!