Sigma has just unveiled its latest creation, and it’s turning heads for all the right—and maybe a few unexpected—reasons. The new Sigma BF is a 24.6-megapixel full-frame camera that’s as sleek as it is unconventional. With a design so minimalist it only features four button controls and a dial, this camera is a bold departure from the button-heavy layouts we’ve come to expect. Oh, and did I mention? It doesn’t have a memory card slot. Instead, it’s packing a built-in 230GB SSD. Yeah, you read that right.

Available in black or silver for $1,999, the Sigma BF is expected to hit shelves in April 2025. That price doesn’t include a lens, but the camera is compatible with the L-Mount lens standard, which is used by Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. To sweeten the deal, Sigma is even updating its I Series prime lenses with a new silver finish to match the BF’s aesthetic. But is this stripped-down, SSD-powered camera a breath of fresh air for photographers, or a potential headache? Let’s dive in.

A design that’s all about less

At first glance, the Sigma BF looks like it belongs in a modern art museum. Its body is milled from a single block of aluminum, giving it a premium, almost sculptural feel. The minimalist ethos is most obvious on the back, where you’ll find just three touch controls and a dial next to a 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Above them, there’s a small status monitor that shows your settings, keeping the main screen clutter-free. These touch controls aren’t just for show—they come with haptic feedback, so they feel like real buttons when you press them. It’s a clever way to keep things simple without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. On top, you’ve got the shutter button and a couple of tiny microphone holes, rounding out the camera’s clean, no-frills vibe.

But here’s the thing: minimalism in design often means a steeper learning curve, especially for photographers who used to have a button for every function. Will the BF’s stripped-down interface make shooting more intuitive, or will it leave users fumbling through menus? Only time—and hands-on experience—will tell. One potential downside is the lack of articulation on the touchscreen. Unlike many modern cameras that let you flip or tilt the screen for creative angles, the BF’s display is fixed. For some, that might feel limiting.

A user interface built for focus

Sigma isn’t just rethinking the hardware; they’ve also overhauled the software. According to the company, the BF’s user interface features a “completely new information structure compared to conventional digital cameras.” In practice, this means the live preview is surrounded by key shooting settings like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation. Secondary settings are tucked away in an optional menu, while camera management functions are buried even deeper in a system menu.

The idea here seems to be to keep the most important controls front and center, reducing distractions so you can focus on the shot. It’s a philosophy that aligns with the camera’s overall minimalist theme, but it could also be a double-edged sword. Photographers who prefer quick access to a wide range of settings might find themselves diving into menus more often than they’d like. On the flip side, for those who value simplicity, this streamlined approach could be a game-changer.

No memory card slot? no problem… maybe.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the lack of a memory card slot. Instead of letting you pop in an SD card, the Sigma BF comes with a built-in 230GB SSD. That’s enough space for 14,000 JPEGs or 4,300 uncompressed RAW files, which is generous by any standard. For video shooters, it can store up to 2.5 hours of 6K footage at 29.97 frames per second—pretty impressive for a camera that’s primarily aimed at stills.

On the surface, this seems convenient. No more worrying about forgetting your memory card or dealing with card failures mid-shoot. Plus, SSDs are generally faster and more reliable than SD cards. SSDs have lower failure rates and faster read/write speeds compared to traditional memory cards, which could make the BF’s internal storage a smart choice for some users. But it also means you’re tied to that 230GB. Once it fills up, you’ll need to transfer files via the USB-C port to free up space. For photographers who shoot a lot—like wedding or event pros—this could be a hassle. Imagine having to pause in the middle of a gig to offload files to a laptop. Not ideal.

That said, for many users, 230GB will be more than enough for a day’s work. And let’s be honest, how often do you really fill up multiple memory cards in a single session? Still, the lack of flexibility might be a dealbreaker for some, especially those who value the ability to swap cards on the fly. It’s also worth noting that, unlike memory cards, SSDs are integrated into the camera, so if something goes wrong, you can’t just pop in a new one—you’ll need to send the whole camera for repairs. That’s a potential risk to consider.

L-mount lenses and a silver lining

The Sigma BF uses the L-Mount lens standard, which was originally developed by Leica but is now also used by Panasonic and Sigma. This is great news if you’re already invested in the L-Mount ecosystem, as you’ll have access to a growing range of high-quality lenses. The L-Mount Alliance has expanded significantly since its inception in 2018, with over 60 lenses now available from the three partner companies. That gives BF users plenty of options, from Sigma’s compact I Series primes to Leica’s high-end glass.

To sweeten the deal, Sigma is updating its I Series collection of prime lenses with a new silver finish to match the BF’s sleek look. It’s a small touch, but it shows that Sigma is thinking about the camera as part of a cohesive system. For photographers who care about aesthetics—and let’s face it, many do—this attention to detail could be a selling point.

Creative control without the fuss

One of the BF’s standout features is its 13 color modes, which let you achieve specific looks right in-camera. Whether you’re going for a standard, rich color profile or something more creative like “forest green,” “sunset red,” or “warm gold,” you can nail the vibe without needing to spend hours in post-processing. There’s even a “cinema” mode for video shooters and a monochrome option for black-and-white purists.

This is a big plus for photographers who want to streamline their workflow or share images straight from the camera. It’s also a nod to the growing trend of in-camera creative tools, which can save time and make the shooting process more enjoyable. Reportedly, 68% of photographers said they value in-camera color profiles for quick edits, especially for social media sharing. The BF’s color modes could tap into that demand, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and content creators alike.

Performance: solid, but not groundbreaking

Under the hood, the Sigma BF is no slouch. It can shoot up to eight frames per second at full resolution, which is respectable for a camera in this class. Its hybrid autofocus system combines phase and contrast detection, and it uses what Sigma calls “state-of-the-art algorithms” to quickly lock onto subjects like people, dogs, and cats. While this is pretty standard fare for modern cameras, it’s good to know the BF isn’t skimping on the essentials.

Video capabilities are also worth noting. The camera can capture 6K video at up to 29.97 fps, which is impressive for a stills-focused camera. The built-in SSD should handle these large files with ease, though again, the fixed storage might limit how much footage you can capture in one go. The 6K video is becoming more common in high-end mirrorless cameras, but the BF’s lack of expandable storage could be a drawback for serious videographers.

The price of minimalism

The Sigma BF will set you back $1,999, and it’s expected to hit shelves in April 2025. That’s not pocket change, especially since it doesn’t include a lens. For context, you can pick up other full-frame cameras with more traditional designs and features for around the same price—or even less. For example, the Canon EOS R8, which launched in 2023, retails for $1,499 and offers a more conventional control layout, dual card slots, and an articulating screen. So, is the BF worth it?

That depends on what you value. If you’re drawn to its minimalist design, unique user interface, and the convenience of built-in storage, it might be a perfect fit. But if you’re someone who needs the flexibility of memory cards or a more familiar control layout, you might want to look elsewhere. The price point also puts it out of reach for beginners, but for enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its unique approach, it could be a worthy investment.

Sigma’s bigger picture

To understand the BF, it helps to look at Sigma’s recent track record. The company has been pushing boundaries with its FP series, which are also compact, minimalist cameras designed to appeal to photographers who want to focus on the art, not the tech. The BF feels like a natural evolution of that philosophy, taking things a step further with its built-in SSD and ultra-simplified controls.

In a way, the BF is a statement piece. It’s Sigma saying, “Hey, cameras don’t have to be complicated to be powerful.” And in a market saturated with feature-packed bodies, that’s a refreshing take. The trend towards minimalist cameras has been gaining traction in recent years, with brands like Fujifilm and Leica also embracing simpler designs. The BF could ride that wave, appealing to photographers who want to slow down and enjoy the process of shooting.

Who’s it for?

So, who’s the ideal user for the Sigma BF? It’s likely aimed at enthusiast photographers who appreciate design and simplicity, as well as professionals looking for a secondary camera that’s easy to use and delivers top-notch image quality. The price point puts it out of reach for beginners, but for those serious about their craft, it could be a worthy investment.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re the type who likes to tinker with every setting or needs the flexibility of multiple memory cards, the BF might feel too restrictive. But if you’re after a camera that encourages you to focus on composition and enjoy the process of shooting, it could be just what you’re looking for. It might also appeal to content creators who value in-camera color modes and streamlined workflows, especially for quick sharing on social media.

Final thoughts

The Sigma BF is a bold experiment in camera design. Its minimalist approach, built-in storage, and unique user interface set it apart from the crowd, but they also come with trade-offs. The lack of a memory card slot simplifies the camera but limits flexibility, while the redesigned interface could be a blessing or a curse depending on your shooting style. At $1,999, it’s a significant investment, but for the right user, it could be worth every penny.

So, would you trade your memory cards for a sleek, SSD-powered camera? The choice is yours.