When a new camera lands on my desk, I typically approach it with measured expectations. Yet sometimes, a piece of gear comes along that defies convention so boldly it demands an entirely fresh perspective. The Sigma BF is precisely that kind of device. Having spent a very short time with this striking mirrorless marvel, I can say this is one of the most thoughtfully designed and satisfying cameras I’ve ever held. That impression aligns with Sigma’s broader direction in 2025.

Designer: SIGMA

Announced in Tokyo, Sigma’s revitalized visual identity brings its design philosophy into sharp focus. The updated branding isn’t a surface-level refresh—it mirrors the same commitment to clarity, reduction, and form that defines the BF. Alongside new products and lenses, it signals a deeper investment in creativity, one grounded in simplicity and purpose-built engineering.

A Refined Look: The Evolution of Sigma’s Identity

Sigma’s updated visual identity reflects its core philosophy. The brand’s new wordmark and symbol retain the Greek letter Σ, honoring Sigma’s heritage while introducing a refined design. This update will gradually appear on packaging, digital platforms, and marketing materials. The change highlights the company’s focus on craftsmanship and the extensive expertise behind each product, reinforcing Sigma’s longstanding commitment to its roots in Aizu, Japan.

This shift arrives alongside the debut of Sigma’s Art Projects Initiative. Collaborations with artists like Sølve Sundsbø and Julia Hetta mark a renewed focus on supporting the creative process, not only through tools but through inspiration.

The Sigma BF doesn’t follow trends. It ignores them entirely. This full-frame mirrorless camera strips away excess and focuses on essentials. In hand, it’s not like any other photographic tool. With a 24.6MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 230GB of internal storage, hybrid autofocus, and a solid aluminum chassis milled from a single block, the BF is engineered with precision and intent.

Design and Ergonomics

The BF’s shape is striking—sharp lines, geometric intent, and zero unnecessary ornamentation. It’s a trapezoidal block, sculpted and balanced with care. The unibody aluminum build delivers a monolithic feel. There are no visible seams, no break in continuity—only surface transitions executed with near-microscopic precision.

This isn’t a camera that disappears in your hand. It transforms in your grip. The textured metal pattern on the grip section creates friction without discomfort. It doesn’t attract lint or degrade with sweat. Despite the stark visual language, the camera rests securely and naturally. Palm and thumb rests are integrated into the form itself, not bolted on as afterthoughts.

Both the black and silver finishes are handled with restraint. The matte black absorbs light softly, ideal for low-profile shooting, while the silver variant—the one Sigma shipped per our request—creates a sculptural feel paired with I Series lenses. The aluminum body warms to the touch quickly, encouraging a connection rather than distancing the user from the tool.

At around 650g with battery, the BF lands in that sweet spot of heft and carryability. Whether walking the streets or working on longer handheld shoots, it holds its position without needing constant adjustment.

Simplified Interface with a Focused Layout

The BF features just five physical buttons. No mode dial. No clutter. Power, shutter release, playback, menu, and a center button on the haptic directional pad. Each one is pressure-sensitive and offers responsive feedback without clicky overstatement. The shutter release delivers a perfect half-press tension and a quiet, yet reassuring, release.

The layout supports your muscle memory—power under your thumb, playback just above the natural rest line, and control functions centered. After just a few minutes of shooting, it becomes second nature.

A slim status monitor located near the rear screen displays current adjustments in real-time, without disrupting your composition. When framing, the rear screen stays intentionally clean. Only the essentials show—no histogram clutter, no redundant overlays. The idea is simple: keep your eyes on the shot, not the settings.

Instead of switching through PASM modes, the BF grants direct control over shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and color mode. Each is available instantly. You’re not drilling through layers—you’re adjusting the fundamentals of photography. This approach clearly speaks to photographers who want a machine that supports their decisions, not menus.

Real-World Handling and Lens Pairing

With Sigma’s compact I Series primes, like the 50mm F2 DG—our review unit—the BF feels cohesive. The silver-on-silver pairing makes a design statement without being overly loud. The body’s balance remains stable, and the tripod mount aligns with the lens’s optical axis, which is key for accurate panorama stitching and long-lens setups.

While I’ve only had the unit for minutes, I anticipate that even after hours of shooting, hand fatigue won’t be an issue. The grip’s tactile pattern doesn’t irritate, and the chamfered edges prevent pressure points during extended sessions. The BF isn’t trying to vanish. It stays present but never gets in your way.

There’s no EVF, and Sigma makes no apologies for it. The BF asks you to look at the world differently—literally through a screen. It’s a decision that won’t work for everyone, but for street shooters and those composing at waist level or at low angles, it feels natural and refreshingly direct.

Thermals, Power, Storage—and What’s Next

The aluminum body is said to dissipate heat efficiently—something I’ll need to test out over the next week. So far, during brief use, it has remained stable to the touch. The internal 230GB storage eliminates the need for SD cards and supports over 14,000 JPEG images or approximately two hours of 6K video. USB-C handles fast transfers and charging. It’s an ecosystem with less friction, which is the real story behind the BF—less friction, more shooting.

I have a very short two-week period to put this camera to the test, and I plan to make the most of every minute to do so. The Sigma BF doesn’t compete on feature checklists. It doesn’t chase trends. It sets its own agenda—tactile, minimal, intentional. You don’t pick it up for specs. You use it because it makes you feel connected to the process again.

It’s not for everyone. And that’s the point. Sigma created a camera for those who care about how a camera feels, looks, and interacts with the creative process. Once you experience it, returning to plastic shells and bloated menus feels like trading down. The BF offers a different kind of freedom—the kind that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place.

Stay tuned for my full review.