Medium Format Camera Magic: The Astonishing Effects of Upsizing Your Photography

Last Updated on April 8, 2024

When it comes to photography and medium format cameras, size does matter.

Imagine you’re drawing a picture, but you have to fit it onto a tiny piece of paper. Now, imagine if you had a much bigger piece of paper to draw the same picture. With the bigger paper, you could add a lot more details and make your picture look much clearer and more colorful, right?

Well, that’s sort of the magic behind how a medium format camera works. It’s like a regular camera, but it has a much bigger ‘piece of paper’ inside it. This ‘piece of paper’ is actually called a sensor, and it’s what captures the photo when you click the shutter button. Because this sensor is bigger, it can capture more details and provide a dramatically higher resolution, making the picture look much clearer. That’s why many professional photographers, including myself, love using medium format cameras!

What is a Medium Format Camera?

A medium format camera is a type of camera that uses a larger sensor or film size than the standard 35mm full-frame format used in most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but smaller than large format. The term “medium format” actually covers a broad range of film and sensor sizes, but they’re all larger than 24mm x 36mm (the size of a full-frame sensor or 35mm film).

Medium format represents a special niche in the photography world, known for their superior image quality and ability to be reproduced on larger scales, attributable to their larger sensor or film sizes. Originating from the world of analog film photography, medium format cameras were designated as those utilizing 120 or 220-size film. These cameras would produce negatives that were considerably larger than 35mm film – typically in the range of 44 x 33mm, 56 x 41.5mm, or even 56 x 56mm.

In digital photography, medium format refers to cameras with sensors larger than full-frame. While there’s a range, many digital medium format cameras have sensors around 44 x 33mm, which is significantly larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor.

The larger sensor size can capture more information and pixels per inch, offer greater dynamic range (the ability to capture detail in very bright and very dark areas of a photo), and can provide a shallower depth of field (making it easier to get those blurry-background photos).

In the digital era, the term carries over to cameras sporting digital sensors larger than the typical 35mm full-frame format, making them stand out in the realm of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They are widely used by professional photographers, particularly in fields like fashion, landscape, and fine art photography, where higher resolution and increased dynamic range can make a significant difference.

What are the Benefits of Medium Format Cameras?

Shooting with medium format cameras provides several advantages, especially regarding image quality and depth. These advantages are a result of the larger film or sensor size, which can collect more light and greater detail. Here are some specific advantages:

1. Increased Resolution: These cameras typically have a much higher resolution than full-frame cameras. This means you can capture an incredible amount of detail, which is especially useful for large prints or heavily cropped images.
2. Improved Dynamic Range: Medium format sensors often have better dynamic ranges than smaller digital cameras, meaning they are sensitive in capturing detail in the shadows and highlights of an image. This can lead to richer, more balanced images with less risk of areas being overexposed or underexposed.
3. Better Color Depth: Thanks to the larger sensor size and often higher bit depth, medium format images can capture more color information, resulting in images with more accurate and nuanced colors.
4. Distinctive Depth of Field: Medium format cameras can provide a shallower depth of field compared to smaller format cameras at the equivalent field of view. This can give images a distinctive look and feel, and it’s one of the reasons medium format is often chosen for portrait photography.
5. Less Noise: Because of the larger sensor size, the pixels (photosites) on medium format cameras can also be larger, which can lead to less noise and better performance in low light.
6. Professional Features: Medium format cameras are often designed for professional use, meaning they have high-end, professional features. This can include more robust build quality, better weather-sealing, detachable film backs, more customizability, and advanced tethering options.
7. Aspect Ratio: Medium format cameras often have different aspect ratios compared to full-frame (3:2) cameras. For example, many medium format cameras have a 1:1 or 4:3 aspect ratio, which is closer to the aspect ratio of traditional print sizes.

What are the Drawbacks of Shooting with a Medium Format Camera?

While medium format photography offers numerous advantages in image quality, it also comes with certain disadvantages that might make them less suitable for some photographers. These are primarily due to their larger sensor size and professional-grade features. Here are some common disadvantages:

1. Cost: The cameras are significantly more expensive than their full-frame and APS-C counterparts. This is due to the cost of manufacturing larger sensors and the professional-grade build quality of these cameras. The lenses designed for medium format cameras are also typically more expensive.
2. Size and Weight: Camera bodies, along with their lenses, are generally bulkier and heavier than other types of SLR and DSLR cameras. Also, larger and heavier mirrors can make for louder shutter noise and potential camera shake. This can make them less suitable for travel or any type of photography where portability is important.
3. Speed: In general, medium format cameras have slower continuous shooting rates than other camera types, making them less ideal for genres like sports or wildlife photography where fast burst rates are necessary.
4. Limited Lens Selection: There are fewer lenses available for medium format systems compared to more popular formats like full-frame or APS-C. Although the lenses that are available are typically high quality, you may not find the same variety of focal lengths and types as in other systems.
5. Lower ISO range: Although medium format cameras perform well in good lighting conditions, they often have a more limited ISO range compared to full-frame cameras. This can result in increased noise at higher ISO levels, making them less suitable for low-light shooting conditions.
6. Battery Life: Medium format cameras often have shorter battery life compared to smaller format cameras, primarily due to the power demands of larger sensors and higher-resolution screens.
7. File Sizes: The high-resolution images produced by medium format sensor capacity lead to larger file sizes, which require more storage space and more processing power for editing.

Each of these factors doesn’t necessarily rule out a medium format camera for any given photographer, but they are important considerations when deciding if medium format is the right choice for your needs and style of photography.

Hi-End, Lower-End, and Analog Cameras

As mentioned above, the high price tag is one of the biggest inhibitors for photographers starting out in the world of medium format, although, to be honest, the range has relatively come down in recent years. For these beautiful high-end machines, you can expect a price tag starting from $5000 to $10,000 for the camera body itself. When you factor in a set of lenses and batteries, the price tag becomes closer to that of a small family car.

If you can afford it, high-end medium format cameras will offer you unmatched quality, however, if you are on a budget, you will have to calculate very carefully if investing in a high-end camera will pay off in the end. If you have a project that calls for such high-end image production, leasing can also be an alternative to dishing out the big bucks.

High-End cameras offer incredible image quality, performance, and professional features. That being said, they also cost as much as many luxury cars. In terms of top shelf, here are a few of the best digital medium format cameras:

• Hasselblad X2D-100c: Hasselblad is known for its top-of-the-line cameras, and the X2D-100c is no exception. It boasts a whopping 100MP sensor (see sensor image comparison above), extraordinary dynamic range, and excellent build quality with little to no editing required.
• Fujifilm GFX 100S: This fujifilm gfx 100 medium format mirrorless camera balances high-end features with relative affordability in the medium format realm. It offers a 102MP sensor, in-body image stabilization, and 4K video recording.

• Phase One XF IQ4: Another high-end option, the Phase One XF IQ4 offers up to an incredible 150MP resolution and superb image quality, as well as a robust, professional-grade build. To see this baby up close and in action, check out the video below.

While medium format cameras are typically quite expensive, there are some more affordable options for photographers looking to venture into this format. These cost-effective alternatives are not to be underrated, although they will only set you back $3000 – $5000 for the camera body.

• Sony Alpha 7R V: Though I haven’t shot with a Sony system, this camera is on my wish list. It has a full frame giving you the widest framing for your lens, 61MP for large medium format swagger, and it’s mirrorless, making it lightweight and quiet for on the go!
• Pentax 645Z: This is one of the more affordable digital medium format cameras on the market. It has a 51.4MP sensor and offers features like weather sealing and a wide ISO range, which are often found in high-end DSLRs.
• Leica Q2: With 47.3 MP, it may be debatable whether or not this Leica is a true medium format. But with its full-frame and its crisp, impeccable lenses, the results are comparable to most medium format film quality look and feel. Plus, it’s a Leica, so you are almost guaranteed to fall in love with it.
• Hasselblad X1D II 50c: This is a more budget-friendly Hasselblad option, though still on the expensive end of the spectrum. That being said, this hasselblad medium format camera is a thing of beauty. It has a 50MP sensor, a sleek, compact design, and it offers the high-quality image performance Hasselblad is known for.

Of course, the most affordable option would be to venture into the incredibly satisfying world of analog photography! Most often, you can find a good second-hand camera, and with the money you save on the body, you can re-invest in a useful range of lenses. Here you can find some timeless gems that are worth their weight in gold. Here are my favorites:

• Pentax 67: Overall, the Pentax 67 is highly praised for its excellent image quality, the versatility offered by its range of high-quality lenses, and its robust, reliable build. The camera has a bit of a learning curve, largely due to its size and weight. However, photographers who are used to it appreciate its familiar handling, similar to a beefed-up 35mm SLR. The resulting images’ quality and depth, combined with the camera’s relatively accessible price point in the used market, make it a desirable choice for those looking to dive into medium-format film photography.
• Mamiya RB67: The Mamiya RB67 is a workhorse of a camera known for its outstanding lens quality and versatility. It offers a rotating back feature that allows for easy switching between portrait and landscape orientations without moving the camera. This camera shoots in a 6×7 format, providing a larger negative than many other medium format cameras.
• Rolleiflex 2.8F: The Rolleiflex 2.8F is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera that’s praised for its compact design, superb lenses, and quiet operation. Its waist-level viewfinder is a defining characteristic, providing a different shooting experience from other camera types. It also shoots in a 6×6 format.

Remember that “affordable” is a relative term when it comes to medium-format equiptment. Even budget options in this category can be quite expensive compared to high-end full-frame cameras. It’s essential to carefully consider whether the advantages of medium format outweigh the costs based on your particular needs as a photographer.

Medium Format Photography Tips

When diving into the world of medium format photography, several practices can help you make the most of these powerful cameras. Firstly, remember that with the larger sensor size, your depth of field will be shallower compared to smaller formats at the same aperture, so precise focusing becomes paramount.

Additionally, the higher resolution of medium format cameras will highlight any camera shake, so consider using a sturdy tripod whenever possible and take advantage of mirror lock-up features if your camera has them. Also, be mindful of the aspect ratio; the composition that works in 35mm might not have the same impact in medium format’s typical square or near-square format.

Lastly, medium format cameras, particularly analog ones, can be slower to operate than their smaller counterparts. Embrace this. Let it slow you down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the process of creating each image. This deliberate approach can lead to more thoughtful composition and ultimately, more compelling images.

Examples of Famous Medium Format Photographers

Numerous photographers, both historic and contemporary, are known for shooting with medium format cameras. For some inspiration, here are a few examples of famous photographers who helped put medium format photography on the map:

• Annie Leibovitz: Renowned for her stunning portraiture, Leibovitz has often used medium formats, particularly Hasselblads, throughout her career.
• Irving Penn: Known for his fashion photography and portraiture, Penn often used vintage Rolleiflex cameras.

• Mario Testino: A highly influential fashion and celebrity portrait photographer, Testino has been known to use medium format equipment for his superior image quality.
• Peter Lindbergh: Famous for his fashion photography and cinematic, black-and-white imagery, Lindbergh used medium format cameras, including a Pentax 67, to achieve his signature style.
• Yousuf Karsh: Known for his iconic portraits of historical figures, Karsh often used both medium and large format cameras.

Remember, the camera is a tool and the artist is the one who brings their vision to life. While medium format cameras offer certain advantages, they’re not necessary for creating great art. These photographers have excelled because of their talent, vision, and creativity, not solely because of their choice of camera.

Are Medium Format Cameras Worth it?

In the realm of fine art photography, medium format cameras can greatly influence artistic choices. Their heightened detail capture allows for a rich, nuanced depiction of subjects, stimulating the creation of images with exceptional depth and realism. The superior dynamic range facilitates experiments with lighting and contrast, paving the way for dramatically balanced compositions.

But for me, the biggest advantage that medium format photography has is exactly in its size. Having a larger sensor or larger film exposure is like having a larger canvas to paint on. While your image frames remain largely the same, the versatility and larger print sizes can greatly expand your creative options in the presentation and final product. In essence, medium format cameras provide a distinct set of tools that can profoundly enrich a photographer’s artistic repertoire.

I hope this exploration into the world of medium format has been enlightening and intriguing. Now, I’d like to turn the spotlight over to you: I’d love to hear about your personal experiences with medium-format photography. Have they transformed your photographic journey or were they more of a stumbling block? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

If you found this article interesting or useful, please consider sharing it with fellow photography enthusiasts. You never know who might benefit from understanding the potential of medium format photography. Thanks for reading and happy shooting!

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