Choosing a medium format digital camera is not easy given the many options and similar features available in a now saturated market. However, if you are looking into purchasing a medium format digital camera, we have compiled a list of cameras that both beginners and experienced medium format photographers can consider.
Fujifilm GFX 50S
Intro
Fujifilm has been in the market for some time now, and they did not come to play when they introduced the GFX 50S medium format digital camera. This camera is a mirrorless medium format digital and boasts a 50 megapixels medium format sensor and a robust magnesium alloy construction. The camera is fitted with a tilting 3.2-inch rear touchscreen, top plate window display, and a hybrid eye-level viewfinder boasting 3.69 million dot resolution for lifelike image precision and sharpness. The camera is ideal for professional shooting and is easy to use.
Pros
- The printer is weather sealed which makes it ideal for use in any weather.
- The autofocus is great and relatively accurate.
- The interface is extremely user-friendly and makes it suitable for beginner use.
- The touchscreen can be rotated, and the viewfinder removed to suit a user’s preference.
- It is equipped with in-body image stabilization.
- Photographers can opt to purchase the body of this camera with different kit options depending on what they prefer.
Cons
- The exposure value of the Fujifilm GFX 50S can get a bit difficult on computers.
- Burst shot mode is a modest 3fps.
- We have seen cameras with better autofocus capabilities.
- At only 1/125 sec the shutter speeds on the GFX 50S are very limited
Pentax 645z Medium Format DSLR Camera
Intro
In spite of having been in the market for quite some time now, the Pentax 645 is one of the revolutionary cameras that photographers can consider purchasing. Equipped with a 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, the camera also boasts prime image III processor, a tilting 3.2-inch LCD monitor, two SD card enabled slots, 27 autofocus points and a maximum shooting speed of 3fps, for 10 Raw images or 30 high-quality JPEGs. Unlike its predecessors, the resolution has also been improved to 51 million pixels making it excellent for professional level photography. It also has an anti-alias filterless design to maximize sharpness and image details. The 3.2-inch LCD monitor facilitates live view composition and playback viewing from a different angle.
Pros
- The pixel count is much bigger in comparison to its predecessors such as the older Pentax 645D. This is because the 645z sensor is much more prominent in contrast to that of the older models.
- Photographers enjoy a live view enabled screen that has tilting capabilities.
- The camera features an anti-aliasing filter-less design
- The construction of the camera comprises of an aluminum alloy chassis, magnesium alloy shell, and 76 specific weather seals to keep out dust and humidity.
Cons
- The camera weighs over 1.5 kilograms, and this is without the lens. In our opinion, this is quite heavy and make it unnecessarily bulky.
- The camera is quite expensive when compared to other cameras in the market that offer similar or even better features.
- It does not have Wi-Fi connectivity or in-built GPS capabilities.
Hasselblad H6D-100C Medium Format DSLR Camera
Intro
Combining resolution and pixel size, the Hasselblad H6D- 100C used CMOS technology to produce stunningly beautiful images. This camera is at the top of digital photography today, and it is with good reason. It is capable of shooting UHD 4K and Full HD RAW Video at 30 fps and features a 3.0” 920k-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor, Built-In Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 Type-C port, and two C-Fast and SD Memory Card Slots. This is a camera for professionals seeking to elevate their work to the next level. It is also great for fast-paced action shooting.
Pros
- Thanks to the orange lenses, the shutter speeds of the camera can reach 1/2000 second shutter speeds.
- The high resolution of this camera produces best in class image quality.
- It makes the reproduction of large and fine art prints effortless.
- It is much faster than most medium format digital cameras.
- The camera is durable but still lightweight thanks to its stainless steel and aluminum alloy body construction. It can withstand heavy use in different conditions and still maintain its appearance over time.
Cons
- The cameras battery life could use some improvement as it doesn’t last long.
- The camera is extremely expensive, and we would recommend it only if you are a photographer with demanding work.
- In comparison to other medium format cameras, the Hasselblad H6D-100C is relatively more cumbersome and has a much bigger footprint.
- The system occasionally experiences lags and bugs which are hugely inconveniencing.
Pentax 645D 40MP Medium Format DSLR Camera
Intro
This medium format camera features a 40-megapixel CCD sensor that offers photographers with high resolutions of up to 7264×5440. It is ideal for users on a budget as it is one of the most affordable medium format digital cameras available in the market. The camera has a sturdy build and can be used in any weather as it is completely weather sealed. Its coldproof design allows for use regardless of the weather or environmental hazards likely to be experienced while the camera is in use.
Pros
- Probably the cheapest medium format digital camera you will come across.
- The battery life on the camera is not too shabby and can give you a good number of use hours before it requires charging.
- It is equipped with a viewfinder and screen combo that makes it easy to use.
- Improved focus speeds thanks to the light wavelength sensor on the camera’s autofocus system.
Cons
- The ISO range of the Pentax 645D is somewhat wanting.
- The camera lacks image stabilization capabilities
- Does not have Wi-Fi connectivity or GPS abilities.
Hasselblad H6X Medium Format Camera
Intro
Designed for use with H system lenses namely HC and HCD, the Hasselblad H6X medium format camera delivers one of the highest optical performance you can find with medium format cameras in the market today. This camera features Automatic and manual focusing abilities, superior and large viewfinder, the true focus and high power autofocus illumination all of which work together to deliver excellent quality imagery.
Pros
- Thanks to orange dot lenses the shutter speeds can reach 1/2000 seconds flash sync.
Cons
- The camera lacks modern non-portraiture tools such as focus stacking and time-lapse.
Final Thoughts
Medium format cameras are quickly taking over and becoming the pinnacle of photography for most professionals. If you are unfamiliar with medium format, it merely refers to the 120-size film format that offers superior quality than the standard 35mm format that is found in standard cameras.
The increasing popularity of medium format digital camera can be attributed to their ability to capture color accurately and ensure that the image details are sharp and of the highest resolution quality. The images captured using medium format digital cameras are often used for high-end advertising and commercial purposes and may often need to be blown up which is why the imagery has to be of superior quality.
A few years back medium format digital cameras were extremely expensive costing an arm and a leg. Today many other brands have introduced their medium format digital cameras giving brands such as Hasselblad and Phase One a run for their money.
As a photographer, it is vital that you find a camera that excels at meeting all your needs. This is because medium format cameras do not come cheap and you need to get it right the first time around. When it comes to choosing a medium format camera some of the considerations that you should make include;
The lens optics; this is because a camera’s lens affects the optical quality of your images and the same is true even for medium format digital cameras. Since the cameras typically have a large sensor, it is only right that the lenses used in conjunction with the camera are equally as significant. Some of the lenses that you can consider include Nikon’s 105mm f/1.4, Sigma’s 135mm f/1.8, and Canon’s 200mm f/2.
Depth of field is another consideration for photographers using MF digital cameras. Medium format cameras allow for varying shallow and deep depth of field. And with MF Digital cameras photographers can worry less about diffraction.
Display options. When choosing a medium format digital camera, opt for one with a display option, so you have the ability to view the high-resolution images from different viewing options.
Color and dynamic range. If nothing else this would be the most critical consideration. Traditionally most cameras were equipped with CCD sensors, but the evolution of technology has resulted in a change to CMOS sensors as they have a more significant dynamic range. With the CMOS sensor technology, things are pixel sites picked up more accurately than before.
Medium format cameras are an investment. Before making the ultimate decision on which one to purchase, take your time and think through your choice, crowdsource opinions and owner ratings and read thousands of reviews if need be. Basically, conduct proper research as it is better to be safe than sorry.
