Sigma
BF
Minimalist full-frame L-mount body with large top screen and unique design.
$1,999
Released Apr 2024
Sigma
sd Quattro
Foveon APS-C body delivering exceptional per-pixel detail for stills purists.
$999
Released Feb 2016
BF is 8.2 years newer.
Wins
BF
Wins
sd Quattro
16 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- Bsd Quattro has lower Weight (520 g vs 720 g)
- Bsd Quattro has higher Resolution (29.5 MP vs 24.2 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
BF
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
sd Quattro
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
BF and sd Quattro share virtually identical body dimensions.
BF is 200 g heavier than sd Quattro.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm BF · 88mm sd Quattro
Sensor size, to scale
BF
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
sd Quattro
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
BF
AA filter
Only BF supports it
Reasons to choose
sd Quattro
Weight
520 g vs 720 g — lower is better
Resolution
29.5 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 49
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 90 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
BF
Pros
- ✓Unique design
- ✓Full-frame
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Niche ergonomics
- –Limited controls
sd Quattro
Pros
- ✓Unique Foveon color
- ✓High acutance
- ✓Distinct rendering
Cons
- –Slow
- –Poor high ISO
- –SA mount limited
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, BF or sd Quattro?
BF scores 7.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for sd Quattro — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the BF and sd Quattro?
BF is 24.2 MP and sd Quattro is 29.5 MP, so the sd Quattro captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the BF and sd Quattro have in-body image stabilization?
BF has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while sd Quattro has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the BF or the sd Quattro?
BF reaches 15 fps electronic. sd Quattro reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the BF and sd Quattro?
BF weighs 720 g and sd Quattro weighs 520 g, so the sd Quattro is 200 g lighter.
Do the BF and sd Quattro record 4K video?
BF: 4K up to 60p. sd Quattro: 4K up to 60p.
Are the BF and sd Quattro weather sealed?
BF: Yes. sd Quattro: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the BF and 640 shots for the sd Quattro, giving the sd Quattro the edge.
How much does each cost?
BF launched at $1,999 and sd Quattro at $999. The sd Quattro is $1,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.