I tried the Sigma BF camera everyone is talking about – it's truly stunning, but has one fundamental flaw

Sigma BF silver camera in the hand at The Photography Show, UK

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

I had a brief play with the Sigma BF camera at The Photography Show in London this week, and I can tell you that it's worth the hype.

'If Apple made a camera, it'd be the Sigma BF' says the Waveform podcast, as Marcus Brownlee discusses Sigma's full-frame camera that's unlike any other.

Clean lines, a chassis made from a single piece of aluminum, tactile controls – the BF's design hits you. Yes, this is the most memorable camera that I've held for quite some time.

It's not me, it's you

I wrote about the Sigma BF when it was first announced ahead of CP+ in Japan in late February, labelling it a 'boldly minimalist full-frame camera that looks as beautiful as it does impractical'. After a quick hands-on, those words stand true.

The BF really is a stunning camera. If you appreciate design, the BF is a winner, as are its simple stripped-back menus. If you value functionality, however, look away.

My first reaction was that this everyday camera needs a viewfinder and/ or tilt touchscreen. Sadly, it has neither. After an actual hands-on with the BF, however, I think there's a core design aspect beyond displays that's... well... flawed.

Fundamentally, I think the Sigma BF's design philosophy is screaming out for a built-in fixed lens. A premium compact if you will, much like the Fujifilm X100VI. The BF is, instead, a mirrorless camera with L-mount, meaning you can swap lenses.

Trouble is, I can't see myself changing lenses all that often, if ever. No, I'd stick on the smallest prime lens Sigma sells on the BF, which in the I-series of 'Contemporary' lenses is currently the 45mm f/2.8 (picture above), and that would be that.

Rather than giving users the ability to swap lenses, Sigma should have engineered a fast aperture prime lens, fixed and fine tuned to the BF, like Sony did with a 35mm f/2 lens for its RX1 series of premium compacts, and to make that lens as small as possible.

To be fair to Sigma, it has lovely Contemporary L-mount lenses that are a design match, including new I-series silver versions for the silver BF. Size-wise, however, anything other than a slim prime throws balance.

My opinions could change following more time with the camera. I'm due to get a BF review sample from Sigma really soon, and honestly I can't wait. Stay tuned for my full verdict.

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.