Sigma Bf (Beautiful Foolishness) Unibody Full Frame Camera

[MrSMW]

43 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said:

But it has far more sex appeal than the Panasonic S9 doesn't it?

Yes and as a stills camera, I would 100% choose the Sigma (subject to it receiving a grip) over the Lumix no question.

But for me, not for video, simply because I’m a burn my LUT into my footage kind of guy and that is what I can do across all 3 Lumix cameras.

But again 🦾 Sigma.

Despite the stupid name 🙈

[BTM_Pix]

38 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said:

No word on Cinema DNG?

The RAW stills are DNG and, with it having an internal NVME, you'd think there was ample capability to have RAW video but looks like the video modes are all compressed.

Can't see anything on official specs about whether its 10 bit either.

[hoodlum]

1 hour ago, Andrew Reid said:

At first I thought they'd gone and done an APS-C camera.

Nice that it has an updated sensor and the full pixel readout 6K. Sigma Fp 4K output was a bit scratchy looking.

No word on Cinema DNG?

An APS-C sensor would have made more sense. New prime lenses could be more compact and the faster sensor readout would have helped reduce the instances of rolling shutter.  And maybe they could have implemented IBIS as well.  A m43 sensor could have implemented IBIS in this body. 

[MrSMW]

They could easily use the same body and offer 3 models; FF, APSC and M4/3 though obviously the latter would require a different mount.

Nothing stopping use of existing L-APSC lenses on this though!

[KnightsFan]

I don't hate the design philosophy. I like minimalist controls. When I'm taking photos for fun, I really only touch a couple controls: ISO, focus magnification, and shutter. I use a manual lens, shoot raw, and almost always use auto-shutter speed. I'd love an ergonomic camera with just those controls. As much as I love having 100 many options for serious projects, navigating camera menus with 27 overlay options and 15 AF settings really just makes my mind go blank when I'm taking my camera on a hike.

As with the fp and S9, I personally cannot live without an EVF--I'd rather they ditch the screen and only have an EVF instead! And the angular design, while pretty, looks rather terrible to hold.

[ND64]

30 minutes ago, KnightsFan said:

And the angular design, while pretty, looks rather terrible to hold.

It looks perfect on a table, without a lens

 

[OleB]

13 hours ago, j_one said:

Sigma being weird again. Gotta love em.

I wonder how L-log will perform and be supported by third party..would be nice if they brought it to the FP

Leica L-Log is already available within Resolve. Input color space is rec2020.

[j_one]

1 hour ago, OleB said:

Leica L-Log is already available within Resolve. Input color space is rec2020.

Silly me…I completely forgot that existed and assumed it was a new profile they developed. That makes the cdng omission more puzzling, but I guess they’re hitting a certain target audience that won’t care about that (I don’t buy that though).

[cosarth]

Lumix releases a camera without EVF, hot shoe and mech shutter for 1.5K = "crippled".

Sigma releases a camera with the above shortages plus the lack of IBIS, SD, etc for 2K = "innovative".

A real example of it's not what you sell, it's how you sell it.

 

[KnightsFan]

53 minutes ago, cosarth said:

Lumix releases a camera without EVF, hot shoe and mech shutter for 1.5K = "crippled".

Sigma releases a camera with the above shortages plus the lack of IBIS, SD, etc for 2K = "innovative".

A real example of it's not what you sell, it's how you sell it.

 

Haha in fairness, I liked the S9 as well, my main complaint also being lack of EVF.

[newfoundmass]

1 hour ago, cosarth said:

Lumix releases a camera without EVF, hot shoe and mech shutter for 1.5K = "crippled".

Sigma releases a camera with the above shortages plus the lack of IBIS, SD, etc for 2K = "innovative".

A real example of it's not what you sell, it's how you sell it.

 

I don't think the features are what people consider innovative as much as the overall design. I don't think they'll end up selling too many of these. I would certainly never buy one, though I very much appreciate the overall aesthetic. But I don't like only having internal storage or the missing features.

[Django]

I think the name says it all. Specs aside this is the most « think different » camera from an engineering and UI perspective I’ve seen in a while. Very ZX1 reminiscent with the monolith design and aluminium unibody is right out of the Apple Johnny Ive MBP / iPhone 5 playbook. 
 

You gotta give it to Sigma for always bringing something different to the table. The Fp was already impressive with its compact solid construction and minimalist approach and this takes it to the next level. Personally I still prefer the modularity of the Fp-L with optional EVF etc but this Bf is stunning in an ultra minimalist way.
 

Spec-wise it’s more a mixed bag but this is more form over function. It’s nice they gave us 6K and L-log but a real shame they took away video DNG Raw, especially considering it’s got internal storage. But I think this is more a premium lifestyle and photography oriented camera. Curious to know if it shoots 10-bit. Probably not because of heat management like the previous compact Fp’s..
 

 

 

[MrSMW]

I was thinking about this last night (bored until my season starts so a lot of time for thinking...) and decided I prefer the FP body.

If only they had used that and offered a silver version.

And added IBIS plus a tilt screen and optional grip, I'd have been all over it.

I don't mind the internal storage though I get the arguments against.

My biggest concern with this new BF is I think it's too minimalist.

Sigma for me make some of my favourite lenses but their cameras continue to frustrate.

I applaud the innovation, but just wish they'd add at least some of the features that would allow a huge number of us to actually buy the things!

Just taking the S9 as an example. Is it lacking in any areas?

Yes, a few, but when comparing these two, it's a better platform for most with its two big advantages being a flip out tilt screen and IBIS.

And then there is the loss of DNG raw. I never had the chance to use it, but that was one of the big appeals of the FP line, - at least the ability to use it. Yes, 6k open gate probably has more practical real world use for influencers and TikTokkers, but...

But ultimately for me, where it fails, is it's too small and minimalist.

I still like it though!

[Django]

Sigma cameras have always been quirky in a good way I think. Niche cameras from a niche company. As Andrew stated they aren’t  competing with Canikon or Sony. More of a Japanese Leica without the price tag. Also differentiating themselves from other sister company Panny so yeah very different from S9 despite similarities. More high brow artsy, very early Apple/Braun philosophy. Design first, form over function. 
 

There is no open-gate AFAIK. I don’t think the target audience is social media users like S9. Video is really a side show here. This is more for the Leica audience. Stills oriented for mature enthusiasts that doesn’t want to delve into technical aspects yet want a sleek compact rugged camera with minimal controls that’ll output beautiful SOOC stills. It’s not so unlike their Merill/Foveon cameras.. 

I won’t lie I want one just because I’m a sucker for this type of design philosophy but it makes very little sense spec wise in todays market. Beautiful Foolishness, name really checks out! 
 

 

[ND64]

There was enough room for EVF

[Snowfun]

23 hours ago, ND64 said:

There was enough room for EVF

Yes. But that is running against the fundamental design principle of this camera - minimalism.

After all, anyone who wants/needs EVF, internal ND, IBIS etc etc isn't short of choice. That need is already met. This camera is very clearly intended as a niche product for a design-aware type of audience.

It is (far too)  expensive for the feature set. It is unique at the price.

Choose one.

(Personally, I'm totally fed up with myriads of too-small-to-use buttons and seemingly infinite layers of menus... so definitely the second option for me).

[Marcio Kabke Pinheiro]

Christopher Frost spent some days with one and shows a somewhat detailed navigation through the interface.
 

 

[Andrew Reid]

Very cool, thanks.

It's a thing of beauty.

Control scheme is groundbreaking. No more main menu diving.

[Emanuel]

Minimalist to couple such a small factor approach + unique pocket design is a much welcome pair, specially to those like me who hate the typical Japanese camera interface based on a jolly senseless and not user-friendly but endless and useless menus designed by geeks and addressed to them rather than for enjoying the exposure triangle. Never enough or at least as they look when distraction comes up and raises/takes its wrong place. More than to be an ergonomics thing.

 

On the other hand, those two motion picture recording modes? That couple?

C'mon, just kid people because it's time for Carnival? : X 

Eccentric unmatchable 2:1 & 16:9 thingy as single two peas in a pod. Contributed for a smile this Saturday night : )

Hope for a decent firmware update.

No exclusive niche product serves as excuse when we want it but cannot have it 'til then...

 

Price is also prone to not be what this company means to those who like (and own) their glass like me (for more than 3 decades these days and still for more less than the classical bargain but invariably usual no-brainers of this same brand to come soon). 

I wonder what business strategy they have as target... Let alone the criticism read on S1R II now or is Panasonic becoming the Sigma of cameras instead?

BTW, speaking of pocket stuff when we talk about cameras, any fanboyism (mine included even that one to pair the most sincere brand agnosticism, why not?) should be my pocket than only size/form factor because means my business & craft.

 

- EAG

[ArashM]

On 2/25/2025 at 3:40 AM, Django said:

I won’t lie I want one just because I’m a sucker for this type of design philosophy but it makes very little sense spec wise in todays market. Beautiful Foolishness, name really checks out! 

Basically where I am with this!