{"id":34839,"date":"2020-11-02T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=34839"},"modified":"2024-01-24T11:35:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T16:35:34","slug":"5-best-medium-format-digital-cameras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/5-best-medium-format-digital-cameras\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Medium-Format Digital Cameras"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Medium-format<\/a> is mostly associated with film photography. But like everything else in this world, it has now gone digital to keep up with the changing times. Medium-format is alive and well in the digital age, thanks to the availability of medium-format DSLRs, as well as digital camera backs that can be attached to traditional medium-format film cameras to allow them to take digital images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been shooting with the usual APS-C or full-frame DSLR cameras<\/a> for most of your photography career, digital medium-format is something that may pique your interest. And if you find yourself wanting to explore other formats and expand your creative horizons, shooting medium-format might be the next logical step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But to get started, you\u2019re going to need a camera.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Medium Format Camera?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A medium format camera<\/a> is a digital or analog camera with interchangeable lenses that captures images on a digital sensor, respectively film, larger than the standard size for 35mm photography and smaller than the standard size for large format photography. Therefore, a medium format camera has a sensor or film size larger than 24\u00d736mm (0.94\u00d71.42\u2033) and lesser than 100x130mm (4×5\u2033).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, a medium format camera provides higher resolutions and a wider dynamic range<\/a> than traditional 35mm cameras. It also has better performance in low light conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, medium-format digital cameras are not cheap. You can save some money by purchasing a medium-format film camera instead, but if you\u2019re more inclined to shoot digital, this will mean the additional purchase of a compatible digital camera back, which will cost you thousands of dollars on top of the few hundred dollars you spent on the film camera. And then of course, there\u2019s the ongoing cost of buying film\u2014not to mention developing, shipping, scanning, and possibly even printing, if you need to print your shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you go film or digital, medium-format photography will definitely cost you a pretty penny. But on the bright side, the beautiful images alone should make it well worth the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo<\/a> by Jesper Yu<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Image<\/a> by Mark Dries<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Photo<\/a> by open-arms<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Photo<\/a> by Kate Dollarhyde<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What to Look for in a Medium Format Camera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best medium format camera provides exquisite image quality that creates photographs suited for enlargement and print. It allows you to explore large depths of field, capture accurate colors, and work in low light conditions without producing grainy images. If this sounds good to you, here are the features to consider when buying a medium format camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensor Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Digital medium format cameras have sensors<\/a> two to five times larger than traditional full-frame and cropped cameras. You can choose a medium format camera featuring a mirror system with a 53.7\u00d740.4mm sensor or a mirrorless medium format camera with a smaller sensor (44 x 33mm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autofocus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main focus of medium format camera manufacturers is the quality of the image. That leaves other features on a secondary plan. If you photograph moving subjects, such as sports and animals, look for a camera that provides autofocus. There are a few of them in the mirrorless range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viewfinder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The big sensor of the medium format cameras influences the design of the camera. And some manufacturers reduce the complexity of the camera by leaving out the viewfinder. If this is an important feature for you, look for a camera that has one and check its performance (especially if it is an electronic viewfinder).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lens Offer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There aren\u2019t many medium format camera brands, and the lens offer may be very limited. Look for cameras for which you can find a lens that meets your requests (e.g., wide-angle, macro, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ergonomics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medium format cameras are heavier, bulkier, and harder to handle than regular DSLRs. However, especially in the mirrorless range, you can find cameras more compact, with a better grip, and suited for an outdoor photo setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the best medium-format digital cameras?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to get into medium-format photography, your camera options are somewhat limited. Unlike APS-C and full-frame cameras, only a handful of manufacturers make digital medium-format cameras<\/a>\u2014namely Pentax, Hasselblad, Leica, Mamiya, and most recently Fujifilm, following the release of its first digital medium-format mirrorless camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because medium-format cameras are quite expensive, you need to carefully consider your options before you decide which one to buy. And to make it easier, we\u2019ve narrowed down your choices and listed some of the best medium-format cameras that are out on the market today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hasselblad 907X 100C<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Step into the world of medium format excellence with the Hasselblad 907X CFV 100C, where timeless design meets cutting-edge versatility. This camera transcends traditional boundaries by offering three distinct photographic applications, showcasing a 100-megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor that delivers unparalleled image quality with 15 stops of dynamic range and a native ISO as low as 64. Elevating the photography experience, the advanced Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) system, featuring 294 zones and a new face detection function, ensures agile and precise focusing for capturing moments with creativity and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Specifications:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n