{"id":48033,"date":"2021-05-25T17:48:42","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T21:48:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=48033"},"modified":"2024-05-08T17:01:15","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T21:01:15","slug":"faq-what-is-a-medium-format-camera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/faq-what-is-a-medium-format-camera\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ: What is a Medium Format Camera?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Medium format<\/strong> has become a somewhat obscure term in the modern photography community following the rise of digital cameras. Back when film reigned supreme, there were a wide variety of film formats<\/a> that were compatible with different analog cameras, including medium format and the popular 135 film frame (36x24mm)\u2014commonly referred to as the \u201cfull-frame\u201d format in digital SLRs and mirrorless cameras. But these days, the camera format range is largely binary, with APS-C or crop sensor and full-frame as the most common\u2014if not the only\u2014formats used in digital cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the widespread popularity of the two previously mentioned formats, medium format never really went away. In fact, it\u2019s still the preferred camera format in commercial photography due to its ability to deliver unbeatable image quality, and in recent years we\u2019ve seen a growing interest in medium format photography thanks to the renewed popularity of film, as well as the fact that well-known brands like Fujifilm, Leica, and Hasselblad have recently come out with medium format digital<\/em> cameras<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Medium format is any camera format that makes use of the 120 film size or utilizes a digital imaging sensor that mimics<\/em> that size. This format captures images that are slightly smaller than the large format film size (102x127mm). However, they are much bigger than those taken using full-frame sensors or 135 film. There is no standard size for medium format and it normally varies between manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium-format cameras are known for producing extremely high-quality images and delivering near-perfect accuracy when it comes to color reproduction. This is why this type of camera is typically used in fashion and advertising photography. Advertising, which normally requires large and highly detailed images, greatly benefits from the exceptional image quality that medium format cameras offer. That\u2019s why most magazine cover photoshoots use this type of camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other examples of medium format images can be seen among the works of renowned fashion photographers like Terry O\u2019Neill and David Bailey. These were popular figures in fashion photography in the \u201860s and \u201870s. Both reportedly used a Hasselblad medium format camera in shooting their fashion photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium Format vs. Full-Frame Camera: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The medium format vs. full-frame comparison starts with the sensor size. While a full-frame camera uses a 35mm film or mimics it with a 36x24mm sensor, a medium format camera has a sensor larger than 36mm and smaller than 100x130mm (the large format sensor size). The difference in sensor size<\/a> dictates differences in image quality, weight, and price. A medium format camera provides better image quality, color accuracy, and level of detail, but it is heavier, bulkier, and more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should know that the medium format is not designed for video or burst shooting. But it has an internal shutter and doesn\u2019t have to synchronize with the flash. So you can use a medium format camera to take photographs at fast speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Characteristics of a Medium Format Camera System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the main characteristics that can help differentiate a traditional medium format camera from other types of cameras:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger Image Sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As previously discussed, the enlarged image sensors<\/a> in medium format cameras are much bigger than the 35mm full-frame sensor found in most high-end DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras. In digital cameras, medium format sensor sizes typically range from around 43.8\u00d732.9mm to 53.7\u00d740.2mm. Larger image sensors generally result in images of a much higher resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy and Bulky Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medium format cameras are traditionally bigger and heavier than most cameras due to their large sensors. Fortunately, more and more camera brands are coming out with lighter and more compact camera bodies (in mirrorless camera form) with the same medium format shooting capabilities\u2014like the Fujifilm GFX 50R<\/a>, a popular camera that is also compatible with Capture One<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wide Range of Sizes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to the varying medium format film sizes and the ability to switch out film backs, shooters who own a medium format film camera are able to use different frame sizes and aspect ratios for more versatility in their images. The same can be said of medium format digital cameras, although you can\u2019t simply switch out the sensor\u2014you simply have the freedom of choosing between the various models available and choosing the camera with the sensor size that fits your specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modular and Customizable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Traditional medium format film cameras have interchangeable parts. That means you can detach a few components that came with your camera and attach a new viewfinder, film or digital camera back, focus system, and so on without the need for adapters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages of Using a Medium Format Camera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Higher Quality Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already think DSLRs and mirrorless produce \u201chigh-quality\u201d images. But the larger sensors on medium format cameras offer even more or bigger megapixels. The larger image area on medium format cameras can produce around 70% bigger and higher resolution photos compared to those taken with full-frame cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shallower depth of field<\/a>: there\u2019s a reason portrait and wedding photographers from the \u201870s to \u201890s were all about medium format. There\u2019s just something magical about the falloff and depth you can get, making them a natural choice for portraits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cropping: some of the formats, especially 6\u00d77, lend themselves to magazine layout much better than 35mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wider Field of View<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medium format cameras have the unique capability to combine the features of a wide angle lens<\/a> and a long lens all in one device. While it allows you to get a wider field of view, you also get the background compression and shallow depth of field that you would get with a long focal length lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distinct Look and Feel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even when viewing medium format images on the web, its signature \u201clook\u201d is apparent. There\u2019s nothing quite as beautiful and realistic as medium format images due to their amazing colors, shallow depth of field, and lack of perception distortion that we usually see from today\u2019s cameras. The resulting image always offers a more natural view, similar to the qualities and dynamic range of what we see in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extremely Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you have the freedom to use interchangeable camera components, you can customize the camera according to your specific photographic needs. This also gives you the opportunity to change from film to digital (and vice versa). You can patiently practice the art of film photography and also take quick, soft copies of your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Cons of Medium Format Cameras?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At first glance, switching to a medium-format camera system may seem like a no-brainer. But there are a few disadvantages to consider before you trade in your DSLR camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium format cameras are often physically larger, bulkier, and heavier than their DSLR or mirrorless counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a significant learning curve for using a brand-new camera system, too. If you\u2019re accustomed to your current camera system, adjusting to a medium-format camera may take some time. Learning to use a rangefinder-style camera can even feel clumsy at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium format cameras are also often more expensive than their DSLR camera system counterparts. The cost of a medium-format camera body is only one of the financial considerations when it comes to making the switch. You can expect to invest in all new lenses and camera backs as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early vs. Modern Medium Format Cameras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As its name implies, medium format film cameras use film as its medium\u2014commonly 120 film and 220 film sizes. They were originally marketed for consumer use from 1901 until around 1950, with the former being the most used between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Different Film Sizes for Analog Medium Format Cameras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The film for analog medium format cameras varies in size:<\/p>\n\n\n\n