So would I buy the Sigma BF, putting aside what I expect to be a long wait time?
I’m not so sure maybe, if it had a tilt screen and stabilized 61MP sensor.
However, the fact that the Sigma BF isn’t perfect somehow makes me adore it all the more.
Isn’t she lovely?
Rated using a conventional scoring system, the Sigma BF comes up short because its limitations are many.
That said, cameras can’t be reviewed purely by ticking boxes.
you gotta spend some time getting to know the BF.
For me, its Brilliantly Flawed and I’m a Big Fan.
Whatever its technical compromises, the Sigma BF is a design masterstroke.
It’s a beautifully imperfect thing that deserves its place in your hand.
However, this is no ordinary camera.
The BF is just that.
It’s true that the Sigma BF’s minimalist design won’t be for everyone.
Personally, I’ve found the BF to be one of the most fascinating cameras in recent memory.
As such, the BF is best used with small lenses, especially Sigma’s I-series of Contemporary primes.
These I-series lenses are pretty small, none more so than the 45mm F2.8.
If you half-press the playback button, your latest image pops up on screen until you let go.
Fully press the button in and you enter playback mode.
Finding commonly used controls is no problem, though.
The BF employs a back illuminated 24.6MP full-frame sensor(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
There are three simple menus to navigate: the main one with your most-used prefs, and two sub-menus.
This simple setup feels veryHasselblad X2D 100C.
Via this, quick changes to configs like color profiles are possible.
Its textured front half provides a little grip, but is more for the looks(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Arguably Sigma’s most controversial design choice was to limit storage to an internal SSD only.
Internal memory only will be a dealbreaker for some people.
I found the upload process super straightforward, and speedy to a MacBook Pro.
Half textured, half matt finish – the striking BF from the front(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
I don’t mind all of the above.
What I did miss the most is having a viewfinder or a tilt / vari-angle screen.
Take the 24.6MP sensor it’s not stabilized.
Notches on the body cap complement the camera’s front(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The burst shooting with continuous AF drive mode maxes out at 8fps, so it’s not the quickest.
As mentioned, there’s no card slot, and images are saved to an internal 230GB SSD.
Autofocus is a hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection system, with subject tracking for humans and animals.
Even the camera’s body cap is beautiful(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Youhopefocus is spot on, but it isn’t always.
A tiny 35mm f/2.8 should be doable.
There are 13 modes to choose from for photos, and there are a few crackers amongst them.
In bright sunlight, at various angles, there can be blinding glare from the silver version of the Sigma BF.(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The Calm color profile is Sigma’s version of natural / muted, while Rich is a vibrant profile.
It’s easy to scroll through these options quickly to make your selection.
Would I prefer the BF had a 61MP sensor, like the one in Sigma’s ownfp L?
Clean lines, just a single USB-C slot(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
And a stabilized sensor too.
My hit ratio in low light was less reliable, but impressive nonetheless.
4/5
Design
It’s not for everyone, but the BF is stunning and well made.
A large 3.2-inch touchscreen dominates the camera’s rear(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
3.5/5
Image and video quality
Would we have liked a higher-resolution sensor?
Sure, but the 24.6MP photos are gorgeous.
Should I buy the Sigma BF?
There’s a loop just on one side of the BF, suitable to attach a wrist strap(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
However, other cameras at this price point will offer more control and more features.
We wouldn’t expect any issues, but it’s something to worry about.
All three cameras use the same L-mount.
Minimalism at its best – the top of the camera features a large shutter button only (and built-in stereo mics).(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Read our in-depthSigma FP review
Full-frame 24MP cameras at the BF’s price point are plentiful.
Most have a conventional design, such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Nikon Z6 III.
I’ve used the BF in bright sunlight and on cloudy days, as well as at night.
The premium matt finish feels lovely(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
There’s that shutter button, and below it a thumb grip(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Watch out when in the sun - the silver version reflects sunlight, with particularly strong glare(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
There’s a recess in the BF’s corner where the camera rests in your palm.(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Each control is beautifully dampened, while some are touch senstive.(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The 24.6MP full-frame back illuminated sensor; there’s no stabilization(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The BF’s multi-purpose USB-C port, with functions including image upload, charging and for external accessories(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The BF’s underside, including a lock for the pop-out battery(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
You’ll need to crank the screen’s brightness to its maximum when shooting in bright light(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
