Hey photography family! Leo Liang here, your friendly local photographer, diving headfirst into the thick of camera and lens action. I’m writing today to answer a question that’s been floating around the photography world: Sigma BF vs Sigma fp. Both from Sigma, both compact, but they each have different uses and styles of shooting. Loving gear and getting the most out of it, I’m excited to break down these two intriguing cameras for you.
Sigma’s Compact Camera Series: What Makes BF and fp Different?
Sigma has developed a unique niche in the camera world, known for its creative spirit and commitment to image quality. The Sigma fp has been a revolution since its release, touted as the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera. It’s incredibly versatile, with photographers and videographers who value portability being its greatest admirers. Its open platform and modular nature have made it a favorite among specialized applications and creative setups.
Now, say hello to the Sigma BF. With news still breaking (as of late February 2025), early reports suggest Sigma is continuing to push the boundaries with full-frame compactness. Even the “BF” itself is intriguing, with a nod towards a “Beyond Full-frame” concept, or perhaps even “Bayer Filter” innovation – although Sigma has yet to make any official announcements. All we understand is that Sigma is building hype over a camera which maintains the fp’s little DNA but potentially offers additional features and capabilities.
For shooters like us who are always on the go and always trying to freeze moments of life as they occur, the appeal of a truly tiny, performance-oriented camera cannot be ignored. But whose is more your style? Let’s get down to business and pit these two unique Sigma cameras against each other.
Size and Design Philosophy: Are They That Different?
One of the standout characteristics of both the Sigma fp and the upcoming BF is their commitment to compactness. The original Sigma fp is actually very compact, measuring just 112.6 × 69.9 × 45.3 mm and weighing a mere 370g without battery and card. This incredible portability makes it perfect for street photography, travel, and gimbal setups where size and weight are critical.
Going by the initial glances and information shared, the Sigma BF appears to be following this ultra-slim design principle. While official weight and size have yet to be announced, initial indications are that it is in the same size bracket as the fp, perhaps with some minor adjustments to accommodate new features or internal components.
The design philosophy of both cameras is also refreshingly minimalist and modular. Both cameras eschew function in favor of more traditional DSLR ergonomics. Both cameras do not have a deep handgrip and instead use external accessories to aid handling. This modular design enables the user to adapt the camera to their particular needs, adding grips, viewfinders, and cages as necessary. This is unconventional camera design, and it reflects Sigma’s emphasis on versatility and flexibility.
For the professionals who need portability and discretion, both the Sigma fp and BF are extremely desirable. They are cameras you can discreetly shove into a small bag or even a large pocket, ready to capture the moment without drawing attention or occupying too much space. The aesthetic is industrial, minimalist, and decidedly Sigma.
Image Sensor and Quality: What Level of Performance Can We Expect?
The Sigma fp has a 24.6MP Bayer full-frame sensor that takes excellent image quality with high dynamic range and low-light performance. It is capable of taking detailed stills and high-resolution video, and it is an excellent all-around camera.
The Sigma BF, on the other hand, is shrouded in mystery when it comes to its sensor. The “BF” name could denote a Bayer Filter sensor, a departure from Sigma’s standard Foveon sensor technology used in their other bodies like the Sigma sd Quattro series. A Bayer sensor within the BF could possibly offer improved high ISO performance and more universal appeal with more mainstream technology. All speculation, however.
Another possibility is that “BF” stands for “Beyond Full-frame,” which would mean an even larger sensor size. While less likely because of the small size, Sigma has a history of being a rule-breaker, so we can’t completely rule out surprises. Regardless of sensor type, we can be certain that Sigma will prioritize image quality in the BF, with the aim of delivering results at least as good as, if not superior to, the excellent performance of the fp.
For photographers, the sensor is the heart of the camera. The Sigma fp’s long-established 24.6MP full-frame sensor is already quite good. The Sigma BF could potentially usher in either a new take on Bayer sensor tech in Sigma cameras or even an increased format size, both significant upgrades. We’ll be waiting for leaked specs to fully understand the sensor abilities of the BF.
Video Capabilities: Is the BF Moving the Film-Making Process Forward?
The Sigma fp was groundbreaking in its video capabilities for its small body. It offers internal UHD 4K video recording at up to 30p and Full HD at up to 120p, as well as 12-bit CinemaDNG external RAW capture. This made it a hit among independent filmmakers and those who need a very small and versatile video camera.
With the Sigma BF, there are strong signs that Sigma is further enhancing its video capability. There are suggestions of internal recording codec upgrades, possibly including internal RAW video or more advanced compressed formats. There are also speculations of higher frame rates and resolutions, maybe to 6K or even 8K video.
Given the fp’s strong video heritage, it is highly likely that the Sigma BF will be positioned as an even more capable filmmaking tool. The miniaturized form factor combined with more powerful video capabilities would make it highly sought after by professional videographers, vloggers, and content creators who need a sneaky yet powerful camera. If Sigma delivers on the rumor of in-camera RAW or higher resolution recording, the BF could be a serious contender in the compact cinema camera market.
Autofocus and Performance: What are We Going to Get Better?
Autofocus was one area where the original Sigma fp received some criticism. Working as it did, its contrast-detect autofocus wasn’t quite as fast or as reliable as the phase-detect systems that predominate most rival cameras, especially for video.
It’s usually hoped that Sigma BF will correct this with a far superior autofocus system. The most likely upgrade would be on-sensor phase-detect autofocus (PDAF). PDAF is known for its speed and precision, particularly in subject tracking as it moves and in video autofocus. This would be a big step forward for the BF, putting it much closer to other cameras in terms of overall performance and user-friendliness, especially for capturing dynamic subjects and video.
In addition to autofocus, we can also expect overall performance improvements in the Sigma BF. This could include a faster processor, which would translate into faster image processing, improved burst rates, and possibly improved responsiveness in the camera’s user interface. While the fp wasn’t slow, any performance improvement in the BF would be welcome, especially by photographers who shoot in challenging environments or need to capture quickly occurring moments.
Lenses and System Compatibility: Staying Faithful to L-Mount?
Sigma fp is a member of the L-Mount Alliance, and this is an enormous advantage.
It guarantees compatibility with a gargantuan set of lenses by Sigma, Leica, and Panasonic, and it implies that users are treated to a rich variety and continuously expanding set of lenses to play with. The lens compatibility is one of the major selling points of the fp, and it guarantees flexibility and diversity.
It’s also probable that the Sigma BF will remain within the L-Mount Alliance. It would be preferable for Sigma to keep to the L-Mount so users could leverage their existing L-Mount lenses and be compatible across their line of cameras. The consistency will matter for those that are fully invested in the L-Mount system and ensures the BF will fit seamlessly into existing workflows.
The L-Mount system is exceptionally robust in the realm of prime lenses and excellent zooms, and this sits very well with Sigma’s strengths in lenses. For the photographer looking to invest in either the fp or BF, the strength of L-Mount lens options is a strong selling point, providing enormous creative potential.
Price and Availability: When Can You Get Your Hands On Them?
The Sigma fp is already released and has become cheaper since its release. It’s a fairly affordable way to get into the world of full-frame mirrorless, given its unique capabilities and its compactness. You can purchase the Sigma fp at various retailers, and it goes on sale quite often, so it’s even more appealing.
The Sigma BF, being a newly announced camera, has no official price or release date as of February 2025. However, based on Sigma’s positioning and expected feature set, we can make some informed estimates about its probable pricing. It will likely be more expensive than the original fp, in line with its anticipated upgrades and enhanced capabilities. The price will be one of the determining factors of its market worth, especially in relation to other small full-frame and APS-C cameras.
Availability is also a questionable element for the Sigma BF. Camera releases sometimes get delayed, so it’s best to have an ear to the ground for official Sigma releases for the most up-to-date information on shipping dates and prices. For those impatient to get a small Sigma camera right away, the fp is already available, while the BF requires patience and monitoring for announcements.
Which Sigma Compact Camera To Buy? – Leo’s Verdict
Between the Sigma fp and forthcoming Sigma BF, your decision relies heavily on what you need and want as a shooter or videographer.
Use the Sigma fp if:
You desire extreme compactness and lightness more than anything else. You need the smallest and lightest full-frame body available.
You prefer versatility and configurability. The fp’s open platform and accessory ecosystem are appealing for customized setups.
You are on a tighter budget. The fp is now cheaper and more convenient.
You take a lot of stills or require high-performing 4K video. The picture and video quality of the fp are already more than sufficient for most applications.
Choose the Sigma BF if:
You want the latest tech and potential performance increases. The BF will likely have autofocus, video performance, and perhaps sensor technology advances.
Improved autofocus takes precedence. Shooting moving subjects or relying on video autofocus, the BF’s indicated PDAF system will be a significant advantage.
You’ll desire more advanced video features. If internal RAW or higher-resolution video recording hearsay is legitimate, the BF will be a more powerful tool for filmmaking.
You are happy to wait and are prepared to pay more. BF is not available yet and will probably cost more than the fp.
Ultimately, the Sigma fp and BF are testaments to Sigma’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of compact camera design. The fp remains an unparalleled and very capable camera, especially for photographers who prioritize portability and flexibility. The BF is likely to further improve Sigma’s compact full-frame concept, perhaps with significant performance and feature enhancements.
As a photographer who appreciates portability without compromise on performance, I’m very much looking forward to the full spec and release of the Sigma BF. It’s an exciting time for fans of compact cameras, and Sigma is certainly at the forefront.
Want more photography and camera gear advice? Check out LensClear for in-depth articles, reviews, and tutorials to take your photography to the next level!
Happy snapping!
Leo Liang
