SIGMA BF
That’s because Sigma hasn’t skimped on some important aspects such as image quality. Inside is a 24.6- megapixel BSI full-frame sensor, as well as phase detection autofocus with subject detection modes that work very well. Images are recorded to 230GB of internal memory, which can store thousands of Raw files or more than 2.5 hours of video at the highest 6K setting. Transfer them via the USB-C port, which offers fast data transfer and charging. But of course it’s not as a convenient as a big, fat CFexpress card. With so few physical controls, the user interface is vital and also has a refined, streamlined look. The main shooting settings are displayed on the live view screen, with secondary settings in the optional menu and more detailed settings in the system menu. The default live view screen shows the basic info like shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, aperture and colour mode. But all of that can be hidden to allow a clean view of the subject. It sounds good, but the buttons and menu system take some getting used to. It’s definitely style over real-world speed and usability but you’d expect this from such an anti-retro camera. With the colour mode being so prominent on the home screen, Sigma obviously thinks that users will regularly be changing between the 13
THE VERDICT
The Sigma BF doesn’t make a lot of sense when compared to what its rivals can do. But if you value creative constraint and aesthetic boldness, it may be for you. You could think of it as a modern Leica-style experience at half the cost. It excels in stills, with elegant control, rich image quality and design that inspires. But for video use or as a hybrid stills-and-video tool, it’s far from the best.
More information
sigmauk.com
HOW IT RATES
Features: 6 It omits a massive list of must- haves like an EVF, a memory card or even strap lugs Performance: 7 Lovely colours and very low noise. AF not great for tracking Handling: 5 A nightmare for video with few dedicated buttons and a fixed screen, plus no EVF Value for money: 7 At the price there are lots more capable cameras but not as cool
BUCK THE TREND With few buttons, the menu is the only way to navigate. Who cares when the camera looks so cool?
different looks, which are Standard, Rich, Calm, Powder Blue, Warm Gold, Teal and Orange, FOV Classic Blue, FOV Classic Yellow, Forest Green, Sunset Red, Cinema, 709 Look and Monochrome. These do give some decent straight-out-of-camera options. However, if you prefer shooting standard colour and doing the processing post-capture, you can. You’ll get great images – sharp and detailed with low noise, wonderful colours and lots of headroom for you to play with in the edit. The camera produces lovely-looking files both in stills and video. The BF does support 6K video in up to 30fps and goes up to 120fps in HD, with recording up to an hour on one charge. There is L-Log recording to maximise dynamic range. But there’s certainly no Raw internal recording or even external recording of any sort. There’s no choice of Long GOP or All-Intra, or bit rates. No shutter angle option, just shutter speed. And without an articulating screen, using
OVERALL RATING: 6/10 A stylish and small camera with great images but not ideal for video purposes Pros: Super-stylish, great image quality, decent-size memory, solid body Cons: Fixed touchscreen, no EVF, quirky handling, poor video options the BF for video is a right pain. It’s difficult to see in bright light and you have to get your eye down to camera level. But if that’s a low shot, you’ll find yourself on your knees. The camera has a built-in mic for scratch audio, but no 3.5mm input for an external mic or headphones for monitoring. You can use a USB-C mic or headphones, but not both at the same time of course. Video footage is stunning, but it’s too hard to make it a viable moviemaking machine. But if you understand that fact, recognise the camera’s true reason for being and stick to stills or the odd bit of video for fun, you may have found a new tool that brings you visual pleasure in all ways.
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: £1969/$2199 Sensor: 35.9x23.9mm full-frame BSI CMOS, 24.6 megapixels Stills formats: JPEG, Raw in 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 21:9, 14-bit Video formats: H.264/265, 6K at 29.97fps, FHD to 120fps Storage: Internal 230GB ISO range: 100-102,400 Shutter: Electronic, 30secs- 1/25,600sec Exposure modes: PASM Lens mount: L Screen: 3.15in fixed touchscreen, 2.1 million dots Connectivity: USB-C Battery: BP-81, 260 shots Focusing: C-AF, S-AF, manual Stabilisation: In video only Dimensions (wxhxd): 130.1x72.8x36.8mm/5.1x2.9x1.4in Weight: 446g/0.98lb body only
BASS ISO While ISO goes very high and the screen is packed with info, the lack of tilt is a pain for shooting video
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