Sigma BF Mirrorless Camera Officially Announced: A Minimalist Masterpiece

Sigma has officially unveiled the BF, a minimalist 24.6MP full-frame mirrorless camera that redefines the high-end digital camera experience. Designed with the L-mount system and featuring hybrid autofocus, the Sigma BF aims to simplify photography while delivering exceptional image quality and intuitive operation.

Sigma BF Mirrorless Camera at B&H, Adorama.

The BF’s design philosophy is all about minimalism and ease of use. Its compact and lightweight body, weighing only 388 grams (13.7 ounces) without the battery, is milled from a single block of aluminum—a first for Sigma, though similar claims have been made by other manufacturers like Leica and Hasselblad. The camera’s form is a small, rectangular shape with a textured front surface for enhanced grip. The interface is strikingly simple, featuring just a single rear-plate dial and three pressure-sensitive haptic feedback buttons, along with dedicated shutter and power buttons. This radical approach is intended to create a seamless connection between the photographer and the camera, stripping away distractions and focusing solely on the act of image-making.

Under the hood, the Sigma BF is equipped with a 24MP backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor and a dual autofocus system. The phase-detection autofocus is combined with a subject recognition system that can detect humans, dogs, and cats—marking a first for Sigma. The camera offers a shooting speed of up to 8 frames per second (fps) and has a rolling shutter readout of 24.8ms (approximately 1/40th of a second). While this readout speed suggests it might use a familiar 24MP BSI sensor in 12-bit mode, it also indicates that rolling shutter effects may only become noticeable with very fast-moving subjects.

A standout feature of the Sigma BF is its 230GB of internal memory, eliminating the need for traditional removable media cards. This internal storage can hold approximately 14,000 JPEGs, 4,300 uncompressed DNG RAW files, or 2.5 hours of video at the highest settings. Data transfer is managed through a single exposed USB-C port, emphasizing the camera’s clean and simple design. However, the absence of other ports might limit expandability for professional use.

In terms of video performance, the BF supports 6K recording at up to 30p, as well as 4K footage derived from 6K capture. It offers H.264 and H.265 encoding options and includes Leica’s L-Log response curve, allowing videographers to maintain flexibility in post-production for tone and color grading. However, the lack of a mechanical shutter and image stabilization might present challenges when shooting fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions. The camera’s reliance on an electronic shutter also means it cannot be used with flash, potentially limiting its appeal for studio photography.

The camera features a fixed live view display, complemented by a small settings display that shows ISO, shutter speed, or aperture values, keeping the main screen clear for composition. The BF is available in black or silver, priced around $2,000. To match the silver variant, Sigma’s i-series primes will also be offered in L-mount.

Overall, the Sigma BF presents an ambitious and innovative take on digital photography, blending minimalism with advanced technology. While its pared-down design may not suit all professional needs, it offers a fresh perspective for photographers looking to focus on the art of capturing everyday beauty with simplicity and style.

Press release:

Announcing the “Radically Simple” Sigma BF camera

Ronkonkoma, New York – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the Sigma BF, a 24-megapixel full-frame L-Mount camera. The Sigma BF presents an uncompromising new vision for the digital camera. Stripped to the essence but packed with power, innovative yet rooted in the origins of photography, it is designed to accompany you throughout your day and to capture the spontaneous beauty of everyday life. The BF balances performance with simplicity and returns the focus to what matters most: your photographs. The Sigma BF will retail for $1,999 and be available in April 2025.

A radically simple camera that evokes the essence of photography
A full-frame mirrorless camera offering an unprecedented intuitive shooting experience

Staying close to the photographer, the Sigma BF captures the beauty that lies hidden in everyday life, and becomes the catalyst to be aware of that beauty.
The BF focuses on the joy of photography that only a camera as a tool can provide. By simplifying and stripping away all excess elements, this full-frame mirrorless camera redefines the process of taking a photograph as a natural act.
The unique user interface, which provides a new sense of connection between the photographer and the camera in a true seamless unibody, is more intuitive than ever with its pressure-sensitive haptic buttons and dial. The high-definition expression of the approximately 24-megapixel full-frame sensor and the reliable dual autofocus system bring your vision to life.

Key features

Simple, clear, and completely new user interface

The user interface has a completely new information structure compared to conventional digital cameras, with the main shooting-related settings stored on the live view screen, secondary settings in the optional menu, and management functions and detailed settings in the system menu. Users can easily operate the shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, EV compensation and color mode, along with other important shooting-related elements at the touch of a finger. Combined with the auto setting, the functions of the general shooting mode dial are also covered.

Clear live view and status monitor

The default live view screen displays only the minimum necessary information and can be changed to display no information at all. Since the currently active setting is displayed on the status monitor, the users can concentrate solely on composition and the subject on the live view screen.

Minimal controls and haptics

All controls are integrated into just three buttons, one dial, the shutter release, and the power button. The BF is the first mirrorless camera* to incorporate haptics into its Dial, Center button, Option button, and Playback button, resulting in minimal physical wear. The buttons are always accurate and comfortable to press.
 * As of February 2025, by Sigma.

Unibody structure

The BF is the first camera in history* to feature a true unibody, which boasts unprecedented rigidity. Each camera is carved from a single, solid block of aluminum over the course of seven hours. The reliable, comfortable weight of its seamless all-metal body harmonizes perfectly with any attached lens.
* As of February 2025, by Sigma.

Internal storage

The BF features 230 GB of internal memory, capable of storing more than 14,000 JPEG files, 4,300 uncompressed RAW images or 2.5 hours of video at the highest-quality setting, with the USB-C port offering fast charging and data-transfer speeds.

Various color modes

Thirteen different color modes are available to open up new avenues of creativity. The modes range from unique options like Teal and Orange, Powder Blue, and Warm Gold to creative yet versatile options such as Rich, and Calm.

Evolved autofocus

A hybrid autofocus system combining image phase detection and contrast detection utilizes state-of-the-art algorithms to capture subjects accurately and reliably. In addition to people, dogs and cats can be detected in the subject detection mode.

Video shooting (6K, L-Log)

The BF supports high-resolution 6K and L-Log recording, enabling video production that takes advantage of the wide dynamic range of a full-frame sensor.

Equipped with L-Mount

The L-Mount lens mount allows the camera to be used with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras from Sigma as well as other L-Mount Alliance partners.