Cameras / Medium Format

Medium format cameras have larger sensors than the traditional full frame camera. They come with high megapixel counts and are capable of capturing superior image quality with superb amounts of detail. They are most often used in high end shoots where picture quality is paramount, such as fine art photography, editorial work and advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Medium format cameras use a larger sensor than full-frame 35mm cameras, offering higher resolution, better image quality, and greater dynamic range. They are preferred by professional photographers for high-end fashion, portrait, and landscape photography, where image detail is paramount.

  • Canon do not manufacture medium format cameras. Canon's product line primarily focuses on DSLR and mirrorless cameras with full-frame and APS-C sensors. Medium format cameras have larger sensors than full-frame and are typically produced by companies like Hasselblad, Fujifilm, and Phase One.

  • Nikon does not produce medium format cameras. Nikon's camera offerings are concentrated on DSLR and mirrorless models with full-frame and APS-C sized sensors. Medium format cameras, known for their larger sensors, higher resolution, and superior image quality, are manufactured by specialised brands such as Hasselblad, Fujifilm, and Phase One.

  • Loading an analogue medium format camera involves inserting a roll of medium format film (typically 120 or 220 film) into the film chamber. The process can vary slightly by model, but generally, you open the back of the camera, place the film spool into the supply side, thread the film leader onto the take-up spool, and then wind the film until the start marker aligns with a designated start position. Close the back and advance the film to the first frame as indicated by the camera's film counter.

  • Medium format cameras are used for high-end professional photography, including fashion, portrait, landscape, and fine art photography. The larger sensor size offers higher resolution, greater detail, superior dynamic range, and improved low-light performance compared to smaller sensor cameras. These qualities make medium format cameras ideal for applications where image quality is paramount.

  • Medium format cameras are expensive due to their advanced technology, larger sensors, superior image quality, and the precision manufacturing required. The cost of research and development, high-quality materials, and the niche market appeal also contribute to their higher prices. Additionally, the lenses designed for medium format systems are often more expensive to produce, reflecting in the overall system cost.