Sigma Corp. presents the sleek and stylish Sigma BF camera in silver. Cameras have faced stiff competition from smartphones in recent years, but one category that has stood out is the mirrorless camera. In fact, mirrorless camera sales have surged by 150% since 2019, surpassing the traditional DSLR camera.
Last year alone, an impressive 5.6 million mirrorless cameras were sold, accounting for two-thirds of the total digital camera market. This success has sparked a debate about the future of dedicated cameras in a world dominated by smartphones with high-quality cameras.
Sigma Corp., led by CEO Kazuto Yamaki, is at the forefront of this camera revolution. The company recently introduced the BF camera, which challenges traditional digital camera design. Sigma, known for its exceptional camera lenses, has also been producing unique cameras for over two decades.
The BF camera is Sigma’s bold attempt to attract a new audience away from smartphones with its simple yet innovative design. Yamaki believes that the camera industry can continue to grow by adapting to the needs of younger customers.
The BF camera, with its unconventional design and user-friendly interface, aims to capture the essence of everyday life through photography. Made from a solid block of aluminum and available in striking black or silver, the BF camera stands out for its minimalist yet elegant design.
Unlike traditional cameras with complex menus and settings, the BF camera features a modern user interface inspired by the simplicity of a camera obscura. The innovative click wheel allows users to easily adjust essential settings without cluttering the screen.
Yamaki’s vision for the BF camera is to provide an intuitive and hassle-free photography experience. By eliminating unnecessary dials and modes, the camera offers a streamlined approach to capturing images. The click wheel, reminiscent of the original iPod, puts all functions within a single gesture, making it easy for users to navigate settings with ease.
Although the BF camera is not yet available for purchase, it promises a smart and efficient alternative to traditional cameras. With its intuitive design and user-friendly interface, the BF camera represents a new era in photography innovation. He uses the click wheel on the BF to adjust aperture settings on the go, setting everything else to automatic. Additionally, after going mountain biking with a DJI camera, he was amazed by the results. He mentioned that the camera is quick and stress-free to use, making it enjoyable for capturing moments. The BF deviates from tradition by not having a card slot but instead offering 230GB of internal flash memory storage. It also comes with fasteners for a regular camera strap, but a wrist strap accessory is available for a more casual feel. The solid aluminum construction feels robust and durable in the hand. Despite its simple design, the BF boasts impressive specifications, such as a 20-megapixel sensor that produces sharp images and 6K video recording capabilities at 120 frames per second.
One of the camera’s unique features is its in-camera editing functions, allowing users to adjust settings like background darkness and foreground exposure with ease on the large display. Sigma’s foray into camera manufacturing may seem unexpected for a successful lens manufacturer, but it has proven beneficial for improving optics and fostering a sense of pride in creating high-quality products.
Sigma’s investment in sensor technology through the acquisition of Foveon has differentiated its cameras from others in the market. The Foveon sensor captures red, blue, and green elements in every pixel, resulting in detailed and vibrant images with a three-dimensional quality. While Sigma has used Sony sensors in some models, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of new Foveon-based cameras. Developing unique sensor technology is a costly endeavor but crucial for enhancing overall image quality and lens performance.
Yamaki’s passion for Foveon is evident in Sigma’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products to customers. The integration of Foveon sensors has led to significant advancements in lens design and resolution, solidifying Sigma’s reputation as a leading brand in the photography industry. “Sejak itu, sebagai seorang ayah dari anak kecil, saya hanya mengambil foto keluarga dengan kamera sensor Foveon.”
“Saya kadang-kadang melihat kembali foto-foto itu; itu adalah foto-foto yang sangat bagus!” katanya dengan rindu. “Jadi, saya benar-benar ingin membuat kamera baru dengan sensor Foveon yang baru.”
Sementara itu, Yamaki tidak memiliki harapan bahwa BF akan secara dramatis mengubah ukuran dan skala bisnis Sigma, hanya keinginan agar diterima di pasar dan disukai oleh penggunanya.
“Skala bisnis tidak terlalu penting,” katanya. “Tentu, keuntungan sangat penting untuk bertahan di industri ini.”
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Ia mengatakan hal paling penting adalah membuat produk terbaik, kamera dan lensa terbaik.
“Hal kedua adalah membuat pelanggan kami sangat bahagia dengan perusahaan kami. Dan yang ketiga adalah melindungi pekerjaan karyawan.” Sigma adalah perusahaan milik keluarga yang tidak berencana untuk mencatat saham di pasar saham. “Saya memiliki tanggung jawab pribadi terhadap karyawan,” katanya.
Ada waktu tunggu untuk mendapatkan BF, karena Sigma hanya memproduksi delapan atau sepuluh unit per hari. Anda dapat bergabung dengan daftar tunggu untuk BF melalui formulir online. Meskipun tidak ada tanggal resmi untuk pengiriman, indikasi pada acara koktail menunjukkan bahwa unit-unit mungkin mulai tersedia pada akhir April atau awal Mei. Kamera (hanya body) harganya $1,999. Lensa dihargai secara terpisah.
Sementara itu, jika Anda berada di area New York, Anda dapat mengunjungi toko pop-up Sigma di Lower Manhattan hingga 29 Maret. Cek situs web untuk memesan entri berjadwal.
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