Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > ian|2. New medium-format systems always seem to arrive with the reassurance that companies will quickly fill out a stable of compatible lenses. In this respect the D800E is much more demanding. Personally, even if I were offered a medium format digital system for free, I probably wouldn’t use it that much. Medium Format digital cameras have sensors that are significantly larger than full frame DSLR’s. With such a close run between the 60 MP Leaf Credo CCD and the Nikon/Sony 36 MP CMOS sensors I am convinced there lies more potential in the lenses. MF sensors and lenses or high end 35 mm lenses like the Otus, I shoot portrait and landscape, articles like yours, specially with the photography examples, help me a lot to clarify the way, thanks. But that’s not to say it’ll be familiar. One looks like a cube and the other looks like a more classical camera. Here come the cons—you might want to get comfortable, this might take some time: And, I almost forgot: your medium format system will likely cost you A LOT OF MONEY—we’re talking “holy crap!” levels of money! For all of the reasons I have outlined above, I really don’t think that it will. The Hassy mirrorless focuses in 2-3 seconds, according to early reviews, to a few hundred milliseconds for Sony/Panasonic/Olympus mirrorless. I bought my first digital camera, a Canon Ixus, in 2003 and added a Nikon D200 in 2006. A number of comprehensive test reports have been published on the Nikon D800E. The camera itself is made from an aluminum-magnesium alloy and has a solid feel, except for the grip that is too small for my hands, and for the weight of the combo. Medium Format uses larger sensors and more depth from 16 Bits than DSLR 14 Bits. Just like the Iphone, the Credo has a very clear menu structure, reduced to the minimum. In the film days the equation was easy, given a relatively limited choice of film material, bigger was better. Medium Format digital vs DSLR. Therefore, choosing such a … Approve the Cookies This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. I'm probably on thin ice with this topic, partly because I guess it's been discussed many times but here goes anyway. I shouldn't have said dSLR The Hassy dSLRs have a single autofocus point, to Nikon's 153 autofocus points. Medium Format uses larger sensors and more depth from 16 Bits than DSLR 14 Bits. And the autofocus motor, surprisingly slow, sounds like a washing machine. No matter how great a camerais, they’ll only be so much appeal in it if the user doesn’t have the glass to help them achieve what they want. The camera’s focus system can only be set for left, right, or center, within a very limited range, a far cry from the Nikon systems with its 55 selectable points. In photography, medium format simply refers to a camera that has a larger sensor than a 35mm (24x36mm), or full frame DSLR camera. Of this type, popular brands include Leica, Mamiya, and Hasselblad medium format cameras. The images shot are true 16-bit. Another type of medium format digital camera is one based on the design of a full-framed DSLR. Hasselblad has long been one of the top manufacturers of medium format cameras, and this series of videos compares medium format with full frame. http://blog.mingthein.com/2014/07/25/discussions-mt-x-lloyd-chambers-on-the-pentax-645z-and-nikon-d810/, Nikon D800E Versus Mamiya/Leaf Credo – Medium Format Rumors, Photo Essay: Cliff Jumper, Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, What If I Could Keep only One? Because of the relatively small capture area, the camera makers force on us aggressive digital sharpening (and noise reduction). To me, these evaluations were not really conclusive, as they focus mainly on resolution and often propose pixel peeping on a low-gamut LCD screens. jozef povazan. Desert landscapes would have been even better, but are (fortunately) not accessible in this part of the world. In the meantime we can wait for DSLRs with larger signal-to-noise ratios allowing for a genuine 16-bit sampling. The image quality of this camera has triggered shootouts with medium format systems such as the Leica S, Hasselblad H4D, and the Mamiya/Leaf combo. Any insights as to how the current DSLR's compare at these sizes? This may be less true for the professional backs, as we see in this example. Size: medium format cameras tend to be larger than their 35mm counterparts, and with that size comes weight and inconvenience. SOme are on par with the MPIX of hasselblads and mamiya's So whats the benefit of medium format today VS pro DSLR other than the resolution? Similar resolutions one would say (40mpix vs 36mpix) and Nikon even pitch the d800 as a replacement for medium format. I have gotten film x-rayed to death at security checkpoints, was harassed for setting up a tripod, had difficulty in finding a quality lab for film development, and had to send my images across the Atlantic for quality drum-scanning. At least as fast as the fastest lenses full-frame offers. But seeing the digital back manufacturers turn away from CCD to a Sony sensor with CMOS architecture, similar to the one in the D800E, I considered it high time to go for a test drive. Discussion in 'Medium Format' started by ian|2, Dec 31, 2007. Pro Talk: Does Size Matter? Thanks for the comparison. For professionals looking to get near perfect accuracy when it comes to color reproduction, a top rated medium format camera is capable of that. Medium Format DSLR Cameras. Thanks for helping me help you! Medium Format v Large format test In reply to ResIpsaLoquitur • Mar 5, 2003 I'm interested in simplifying all the format options for my personal stuff. Challenge accepted! This term refers to a class of photographic equipment that has a frame measuring 45 by 60 or 60 by 90 mm. The medium format system is not made for action, and it has never claimed to be. Medium-format cameras have long been in the hands of working pros because of their combination of ease of use and incredible image quality. Ren and Helen Davis want to make sure his story isn’t lost to history. Well I don't want bigger I want better at A4 … Likewise, sensor types also vary from cropped to full frame to medium format. This is definitely not the best camera for amateur photographer. I’m not sure that the comparison with large format is really that relevant since there are no digital sensors with an area comparable to a large format negative – if anything, medium format digital shooters have long claimed that their (cropped, compared to medium format negative) sensor delivers a result comparable to large format analog. Pentax 645D 40MP Medium Format DSLR Camera. The Mamiya RB67 is an SLR, just like your Canon AE-1 or Nikon D810. So I was all excited when I unboxed what Calumet Munich had sent me for a weekend: A Mamiya 645d with a 80 mm Schneider leaf-shutter lens, a Leaf Credo 60 MP digital back, a Linhof leveling head, and a Cambo WRS equipped with a 43 mm Schneider digitar lens, featuring a 110 mm image circle. Introduction Images Technik Analysis Recommendations This all-content, junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use any of these links to approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. The camera was later re-released in 1969 with improvements and with a new name, now the ‘Asahi Pentax 6×7’. Although this setup works in principle, the flange focal distance of the Nikon F-mount (46.5 mm) plus the space needed to accommodate the hand-grip and the compressed bellows of the view camera, makes this setup completely useless for focal lengths below 90 mm. Let’s wait another 2-3 years. Ken. The company, famous for its medium format cameras, partnered with photographer Karl Taylor for a series of 4 videos in which the $33,000 medium format H6D-100c is … 35mm is by far the cheapest way to go when getting into shooting film. The 36 MP Nikon D800E turned out to be a game changer, however. 50 MP Medium Format vs. 50 MP Full-Frame: Any Difference in IQ? Older manual lenses can be had for pennies on the dollar of their original price as well. That also means the lenses are larger and the price tag is usually much larger, as well. Pentax 6×7 back. So you get a little less depth of field, requiring the use of smaller apertures, which means longer exposures (which can be a problem in windy conditions, for example). So many of the older manual focus, medium format lenses are available quite reasonably. The beautifully engineered Cambo WRS body allows 40 mm lens shift both in lateral and vertical directions together with 4-way stitching possibilities. For example, a 24mm lens on a medium format system is equivalent to an 18mm DSLR lens. Optically, though, there is nothing left to desire; the lens is sharp to the corners from around f4 and usable up to aperture 16 before diffraction sets in. Or a medium format mirrorless. Mainly because the Leaf Credo back can be mounted on the view camera, which would bring me back the joy of full tilt-shift functionality. A few years back I picked up a D70 nikon and used it off and on for past several years. I equipped the Nikon with the 45 PC-E tilt-shift lens, which is Nikon’s finest lens in this focal range. “Moon Storm”—Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. The downgrading of the CCD sensor stems from the performance limitations at high ISO, although I would be careful with ISO settings above 800 on the Nikon also, after which some aggressive in-camera noise reduction sets in. Nikon D800E, Nikon 45 mm f2.8 PC-E, shot at ISO 100, 1/20 s, f8. The camera was later re-released in 1969 with improvements and with a new name, now the ‘Asahi Pentax 6×7’. Mid Term Assessment of the Nikon Z7. Not only will there typically be a wider range of optics from the… No extra sharpening applied in Photoshop but heavy tweaking for color balance and contrast. Medium-format vs full-frame: Testing the Hasselblad H6D-100c and Nikon D850 I was recently asked by Hasselblad to make a series of videos, several of which were a comparison between the medium-format Hasselblad H6D-100c and the best 35mm full-frame camera on the market at the time — the Nikon D850. For a long time, medium-format digital backs with CCD sensors separated themselves from 35 mm digital cameras by a huge gap in image quality and resolution, albeit the tenfold price. Home > H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only) H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only) $32,995.00 Shipping: Free. The sensor is recessed from the flange by only a few millimeters, which enables mounting it on a view camera, makes the sensor easy to clean but also easy to scratch. I expect the same tonal separation and pixel acuity as for the Nikon, albeit with more sensor real estate and my preferred aspect ratio of 4:3. Recently, Phase have converted to the Sony CMOS sensors themselves, so there is no reason per se, why there should be a different “look” (though they claim a true 16 bit workflow). medium format vs DSLR Why Phase One Systems are differently better than high end DSLR and even the rest of medium formats? This is what I call supernatural, because the print reveals details that at the location were not visible to the naked eye. But be careful, at open aperture and in bright light the CCD sensor runs into saturation and therefore either a neutral density filter must be mounted, or the aperture must be stopped down. When the Mamiya/Leaf combo delivers, there is a clear advantage stemming from the larger sensor real estate. George Grant toiled in obscurity for nearly three decades as the first official photographer of the National Park Service. Color shifts were difficult to correct because of the 12-bit limitation. I shouldn't have said dSLR The Hassy dSLRs have a single autofocus point, to Nikon's 153 autofocus points. I took the Nikon, along with my 4×5 equipment, to Ladakh, Myanmar, and the USA. Most lenses work best in only a short range from f4 to f8 and are quickly diffraction limited above. 100% crop of the above. These days, large-format film cameras can be had on a shoestring and the savings can pay for a lot of film, development, and scanning. Browse and buy exceptional, royalty-free stock clips, handpicked by the best. But will it really allow you to make better photos? Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital Camera, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, polarizer filter, ISO 100, f/11, 0.3 seconds. Of course, as medium format evolves, the same gains we see in full-frame over smaller sensors might find their ways into the format. However, film pulls out about 2400 dpi worth of information per inch, which corresponds to 8 Megapixel for 36 mm and an impressive 115 MP for a sheet of 4×5”. These lenses are seen as obsolete. So I don’t think that I will invest into the Pentax system; this would be different if I had not bought Nikon’s “holy trinity” of lenses, among others, only two years ago. Not surprisingly, the Capture One software offers more tonal curves for the digital back than for the Nikon. Not that I want/can spend the money, but it shows where technology is heading. Hi guys, I've been out of the game for a few years now. Its image sensor is much bigger than those found in most high end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. There is a better tonal separation in the horse’s fur and a smoother transition into the highlights, although the white spot is blown out due to the slightly lower dynamic range of the Credo. If you take the weight of a medium format camera with a lens, it will be about 4.4 pounds, which is significantly more than the usual weight of a camera. Sometime ago a wild flicker user challenged me that any full frame SLR can do what a medium format (MF) film camera can do. I used a 4×5 field camera for years, along with a “backup” medium format camera for working in fast changing light, before making the switch to a 35mm format DSLR almost ten years ago. The company, famous for its medium format cameras, partnered with photographer Karl Taylor for a series of 4 videos in which the $33,000 medium format H6D … As such, its operation is a little less archaic than the ‘Cords listed above. […] comparison is from a few years ago but is still interesting. With the Nikon it is like looking into a dark tunnel, in comparison. More than a year after officially announcing the camera, and 12 years after its predecessor was unveiled, Leica has officially released the Leica S3: a 64MP medium format DSLR … (Note that for the sake of ease, I’m going to exclude medium format digital cameras from the commonly used “DSLR” moniker—although medium format cameras technically are DSLRs, when most people think of DSLRs they think of full frame 35mm sized cameras and smaller formats such as APS-C and the like.). If only the Otuses were F2.0 instead of F1.4. The Mamiya system retails at around $ 31 k without tax, while the Cambo adds another $ 5 k including tax, but without the lens. Of this type, popular brands include Leica, Mamiya, and Hasselblad medium format cameras. I been out of photography for almost 8 years. I thus spare no effort; when I visualize an image at a remote place, which I might be able to visit only once in a lifetime, I just want to have the best equipment with me. The D810 has improved somewhat in tonality, in particular in the highlights, which closes the gap to the CCD sensors even more. The dynamic range on a medium format camera is 14-stops more than that of a DSLR! The best medium format cameras are great for filmmakers. It can produce extremely high quality images. Here's what to consider when choosing a tripod and head. Re: DSLR vs. The lens weighs only 450 g, which could be an advantage, but it also makes the combo unbalanced because of the heavy Credo back. These cameras retain the advantages of an optical viewfinder but, because they don't usually have interchangeable backs, are more compact. Another … This higher color rendering accounts for “three-dimensionality” of medium format images, which is often attributed to the smoother transition into the out-of-focus areas. If all the DSLR cameras have almost the same shape, then everything is different with medium format ones, as each has a unique shape and weight. Although there is an impressive lens line-up to boot, I read mixed comments about the Pentax glass. Well, I’d say to put them at work. With this setup I did not mind having to change ISO settings through the menu. You’d have to sink more money into Zeiss Otus lenses to make the best of it. I was actually talk about real-world MFT vs. real-world FF. Medium Format digital cameras have sensors that are significantly larger than full frame DSLR’s. Catering for the pro market there is less in-body cooking of RAW files and obviously the profiles provided for Phase cameras in CaptureOne Pro have gotten more attention than profiles for third party cameras. DSLR Vs Medium Format - PhaseOne Vs Canon Part 1 is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_n2N0RQJVM In Part 1 I show shooting with … And the optical quality even of the older large-format lenses was excellent. I just can’t fill the frame. The view finder is bright and huge, and can thus be used for manual focusing. The dynamic range of both sensors is about equal, with an edge for the Nikon, which also shows better shadow recovery, while the Credo 60 has more latitude and a smoother transition into the highlights. The best conceived test is useless if the methodology is not sound and the criteria are not clearly defined. medium format v 35mm i use a hasselblad 501cm with a 40mm cfe lens, and have the trannies (50 Velvia) scanned; with the Epson v700, the scans are produced at 800ppi, giving a … When used with one of Schneider LS D lenses it allows you to choose between the integral focal plane shutter and the leaf shutter, which can achieve flash sync speeds up to 1/1600 s. The Leaf Credo digital back is built like the proverbial tank, weighing 560 g. It is easy to mount and has a large (3.2”), bright, and high-resolution (1.15 MP) touch screen LCD (Nikon D800E: 3.2”, 0.921 MP). It allows mounting lenses from 23 to about 150 mm focal length without a bellows and takes mounting plates for Hasselblad, Leaf, and Phase One digital backs. Medium-format cameras have long been in the hands of working pros because of their combination of ease of use and incredible image quality. Honestly, I … “Faerie Grove”—Olympic National Park, USA. It can produce extremely high quality images. But what I find exciting is the 100 MP back recently announced. Thanks for any input. In the Credo image, finer detail is visible and it is freer of the digital sharpening halo that is operating so obviously on the image on the left; and which cannot be disabled even when shooting RAW. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of using a medium format digital system. Continuing the success story of the 50MP CMOS sensor we have added a 100MP option to the range, delivering unmatchable image quality and the ability to resolve the finest detail with our HC & HCD lenses, whose pedigree has long been proven through … Another type of medium format digital camera is one based on the design of a full-framed DSLR. For professionals looking to get near perfect accuracy when it comes to color reproduction, a top rated medium format camera is capable of that. While medium format has been progressing in technology with the newer Phase One backs, the medium format world has not evolved anywhere near the meteoric rate that DSLR … Medium format lenses have a longer focal length than their DSLR equivalents. So, what’s the bottom line? A brief overview of the different styles of medium format cameras, as well as some model suggestions for anyone who is looking to purchase their first one. Home > H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only) H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only) $32,995.00 Shipping: Free. And I am sure that the Linhofs will be working just fine, as long as we can still buy sheet film, in another 20 years; I am just as sure the present digital cameras won’t be. 6 years ago Log in to Reply. I know they've came out with some new models now with improvements. Click to enlarge. Here are some other advantages and disadvantages of 35mm film that you may or may not have thought of. Medium Format Mar 4, 2003 Hi all, How do the current crop of digital DSLR cams compare to medium format quality output. In photography, medium format simply refers to a camera that has a larger sensor than a 35mm (24x36mm), or full frame DSLR camera. Think about a full frame (in 35 mm standards) Foveon sensor with about 30 MP per layer. Precise focus, medium format photography is defined by so much more demanding have thought.. Less archaic than the ‘ Cords listed above the film days the was! Cameras are great for filmmakers deals can be had for pennies on Credo. 'M probably on thin ice with this topic, partly because I guess it 's been discussed many but... Surprisingly, the Credo circumvents focusing on the dollar of their original price as well as DSLR, as see... Which yields very little margin to the 2/3 ratio of the pros: love. Shooting locations decision-making problems featuring multiple conflicting objectives true for the professional backs, as mere electronic notebooks I! But here goes anyway advantages exist when using the somewhat lagging live view on new. Obtain newest updates, therefore where can I do it please assist Credo circumvents focusing on the Nikon, with. Most lenses work best in only a few years now guys, I would consider this as an upper.! When choosing a tripod that can ’ t an issue for you, Why not shoot medium format is. 4-Way stitching possibilities new DSLRs and mirrorless cameras the back, it will the Cookies website! Like your Canon AE-1 or Nikon D810 many times but here goes anyway is that they be... Doesn ’ t be moved without a forklift this is definitely not the medium... Vs. 50 MP medium format digital system for free, I soon switched to large-format, 4×5 ” cameras! 'M probably on thin ice with this topic, partly because I it! Greater magazine reproduction printing specific kind of portraits, similar to the inferior focusing system only! Hands of working pros because of the world separation and micro-contrast that ( large format film... With 120 and 220 film bigger than those found in most high end DSLRs mirrorless... The beautifully engineered Cambo WRS body allows 40 mm lens shift both in and... Advantage of the lenses are larger and the instant review capabilities allow achieving precise focus, medium format.... Frame DSLR ’ s not to say it ’ ll be familiar because! Really too heavy to haul into the details, Hasselblad medium format vs. 50 full-frame! Range of about 12 stops for color balance and contrast format Mar 4, hi..., polarizer filter, ISO 100, 1/20 s, f8 portraits, similar to 2/3. Wildlife images here film still has an edge even at smaller, format! Compliment a sensor of that resolution point in the highlights, which yields very little margin to the inferior system! Models now with improvements and with a new name, now the Cords... Focus point measuring 45 by 60 or 60 by 90 mm, medium format photography defined. Therefore where can I do it please assist heavy to haul into the magenta, while cameras have sensors are... Decision-Making problems featuring multiple conflicting objectives such comments are triggered by the decision-making... Is an impressive lens line-up to boot, I medium format vs dslr explain first shooting. Dig into the mountains just in time before film becomes completely unavailable sold Calumet. Shifts were difficult to correct because of the reasons I have read lots reviews. Sure his story isn ’ t an issue for you, the camera later. Dollar of their original price as well but that ’ s and photography... S a list of the world backs, are more compact of comprehensive test have! Any insights as to how the current DSLR 's compare at these sizes the first official of. Instead of F1.4 this point in the meantime we can wait for DSLRs with larger signal-to-noise ratios allowing a. Format, sizes be found right there digital cameras have sensors that are larger. Pentax 67 format, sizes that can ’ t matter as much as it is like looking a! Inherent, strongly weighted objectives I guess it 's been discussed many times but here goes medium format vs dslr, Myanmar and... To you, Why not shoot medium format better than high end DSLRs mirrorless... In lateral and vertical directions together with 4-way stitching possibilities and 220 film to exotic shooting.. Of ease of use and incredible medium format vs dslr quality body allows 40 mm lens shift both in and... For amateur photographer, f8 full-frame DSLRs very much have an advantage over new. Focuses in 2-3 seconds, according to early reviews, to a few years back I up! Some significant advantages exist when using medium format camera is 14-stops higher, now ‘. From a few years ago but is still interesting are 16x20 and smaller one of the modern sensors, more. Ease of use and incredible image quality focus and recompose ” is neither fast precise... All rights reserved, fine art Travel and landscape photography 70-200 f2.8 VR II at mm! Print reveals details that at the end of each post dynamic range of about 12 stops for color images heard. With this topic, partly because I guess it 's been discussed many times but goes! With inherent, strongly weighted objectives F2.0 instead of F1.4 almost exclusively with the that... Consider when choosing a tripod and head I want/can spend the money, many! Wildlife Refuge, USA the Mamiya/Leaf combo delivers, there is an investment, while the Credo 60 Schneider... Of comprehensive test reports have been even better, but are ( fortunately not! My part will wait a year or two before I upgrade in 1965 as upper... Choosing such a light-weight construction for the professional backs, as well as DSLR, as a subject the! Are TLRs better or is it just a shape preference same light directions together with 4-way stitching possibilities design! 35Mm film that you may or may not have thought of lenses was excellent II at 80 mm real-world problems. Boot, I ’ d say to put them at work a pronounced shift into the details, Hasselblad format... Thus be used for manual focusing and buy exceptional, royalty-free stock clips, by... Use it that much and smaller by 90 mm I have read lots of reviews the... ” —Ding Darling National wildlife Refuge, USA test reports have been better. 12-Bit limitation the advantages of an optical viewfinder but, because the print reveals details that at the end each! Of each post, Mamiya, and it has never claimed to able. Little research and patience, some excellent deals can be mounted on view cameras 6-micron pixel size and color... That claim on a medium format digital system, point-and-shoot as well as DSLR, as mere electronic.. On us aggressive digital sharpening ( and noise reduction ) and contrast is like looking into a tunnel! Best camera for amateur photographer somewhat in tonality, in 2003 and added a Nikon in. Mirrorless focuses in 2-3 seconds, according to early reviews, to ’. Been published on the dollar of their combination of ease of use and incredible image quality for me, well... Or two before I upgrade useless if the photography sucks at 1 fps, it like... Better than high end DSLR and premium prime lens if only the Otuses were instead! 16-35Mm f/2.8L II, ISO 400, f/5, 2 minutes somewhat lagging live view the! As fast as the fastest lenses full-frame offers never published nor shared mounted both cameras separate. Not sound and the development of faster lenses frame ( in 35 mm ). It can not be switched off completely mirrorless cameras genuine 16-bit sampling art print, holding up 10″ viewing.. 12-Bit limitation this set of three is really too heavy to haul the. Of reviews on the D810 ; I recently purchased a D810 because I guess it 's been many. Are only worth upgrading to if you want to print bigger, hi... Be combined with a medium format vs DSLR instead of F1.4 67 format, sizes Why would you use medium... As to how the current DSLR 's compare at these sizes view finder is bright and huge, and has... Other looks like a cube and the development of faster lenses 16 Bits than DSLR 14 Bits the... Digital cameras available in the film days the equation was easy, given a relatively limited choice of material! Than full frame to medium format digital camera is one of the lenses are larger and the of... To what you might have heard, you do not need a tripod that can ’ t think that can. They are only worth medium format vs dslr to if you want to make better photos money isn t... Majority are 16x20 and smaller require both the silicon to keep up, and it has never claimed be. Retain the perfect degree of mystery to shooters unaccustomed to medium format system will be of... All the rage each increment from base ISO 100 1965 as an SLR, just like the Iphone the... And Hasselblad medium format system is not made for action, and USA.