Is medium format noticeably better than full frame DSLR?

When you are pushing and struggling with the limits of full frame (I push it in print size), then medium format makes a big difference. If you aren’t close to the limits, then the difference is less so to minimal.
you can fairly easily see it at screen level resolution under the right circumstances.
Correct. It's instantly visible there. Though seeing it at the screen level doesn't mean much in real world applications.
Obviously, a lot of medium format were only enlarged 2x-3x, so the notion that one somehow have to enlarge massively to take advantage of larger formats is somewhat novel.
You are right. I was just giving one example of full frame at its limits. Other limits that are hit earlier in will frame could be noise, colour, dynamic range, and more.
 
I don't know of a medium format photographer who doesn't also use a smaller format. It would seem that is an answer to your question.
You do now, Jim. I don’t use a smaller format currently. Just GFX.
Not even a cell phone shot once in a while?

Sterling
--
Lens Grit
 
I don't know of a medium format photographer who doesn't also use a smaller format. It would seem that is an answer to your question.
You do now, Jim. I don’t use a smaller format currently. Just GFX.
Not even a cell phone shot once in a while?

Sterling
--
Lens Grit
Ok, I sneak a cell phone shot in as often as I can! I wasn't going to admit it, but yes.

And in no way am I saying that I won't get a smaller format camera in the future, either. It's always: the right tool for the job. Which tool it is doesn't matter, as long as it's the the one you need.
 
Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
I'm coming from this question from the opposite direction. I have a small but solid collection of lenses for my Pentax 645n, but I also have a large Nikon "full frame" system. So I'm wondering -- how much if anything would I gain by adding an older Pentax 645z?
 
Hi,

This depends a lot on what aspect ratio you want in the end. If it is 3:2, and your Nikon is one of the 45 MP models, stick with that. If you want 4:3, then you'll be better off with the P645z. I prefer 5:4, so I would have to crop with either and would have a significantly greater number of pixels left from the 645z.

Stan
 
I think this is something that only those who live in the medium format world would know but is the imagery from digital medium format noticeably better than from, say, a full frame DSLR with roughly the same pixel count? I realize it all depends on the situation but as a general rule would that be true?

For example, I'm viewing the sample images from a Hasselblad X1D compared to a Sony a7R IV and it seems like with the Hasselblad colors are cleaner, in portraits skin tone is better, and overall clarity is better.

Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
It is not just the megapixels, but the entire sytem. To really shine, the sensor needs the lenses and the lenses need this sensor. The lenses are incredibly sharp. The sensor makes the magic happen.

Once you have used it for a while, you will start to see the differences.
 
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If you screw up (exposure) or you blow up (print huge or zoom at screen and look very close) you will notice difference.

Kristian
 
You have one of each…what do you think?
I think this is something that only those who live in the medium format world would know but is the imagery from digital medium format noticeably better than from, say, a full frame DSLR with roughly the same pixel count? I realize it all depends on the situation but as a general rule would that be true?

For example, I'm viewing the sample images from a Hasselblad X1D compared to a Sony a7R IV and it seems like with the Hasselblad colors are cleaner, in portraits skin tone is better, and overall clarity is better.

Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
 
I think this is something that only those who live in the medium format world would know but is the imagery from digital medium format noticeably better than from, say, a full frame DSLR with roughly the same pixel count? I realize it all depends on the situation but as a general rule would that be true?

For example, I'm viewing the sample images from a Hasselblad X1D compared to a Sony a7R IV and it seems like with the Hasselblad colors are cleaner, in portraits skin tone is better, and overall clarity is better.

Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
What is your use case? Cameras are just tools, so use the right one for the job.
 
You have one of each…what do you think?
tough crowd.
I think this is something that only those who live in the medium format world would know but is the imagery from digital medium format noticeably better than from, say, a full frame DSLR with roughly the same pixel count? I realize it all depends on the situation but as a general rule would that be true?

For example, I'm viewing the sample images from a Hasselblad X1D compared to a Sony a7R IV and it seems like with the Hasselblad colors are cleaner, in portraits skin tone is better, and overall clarity is better.

Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
 
Would it be true to say that once you experience medium format digital photography you can't go back to a lesser format? Or at least, once you experience medium format you will always notice a difference when you shoot with full-frame or smaller format?
I'd disagree with that. As others have pointed out, different equipment for different purposes/circumstances.

I've had/have and used all different formats: m43, APSC, full frame, and the Fuji medium format. These days, it seems to be that I'm using primarily either m43 or Fuji GFX cameras + the Fuji X100F. I've not used a full frame camera for a few years now.

I like the fact that Fuji GFX and my Panasonic are both 4:3 aspect ratio. The exception is Fuji X100F, which is just a great camera to carry around. (I do VERY much regret selling my Panasonic GM1.)

When I'm shooting for kids playing sports, I'm always grabbing my Panny G9. Fuji GFX for portraits, landscapes, and some travel. Fuji X100F for just when I'm going out and about as well as travel.

Hope this helps.

--
http://genespentax.blogspot.com/
 
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. (I do VERY much regret selling my Panasonic GM1.)
why not repurchase a GM1 ?
That's certainly an option I'm considering. Difficult to swallow when the current used price is higher than what I sold it for. In case you aren't tracking the market, the current used prices are basically what it cost me when I bought it new. Been hoping Panasonic will release GM1 mk2.
 
This depends a lot on what aspect ratio you want in the end. If it is 3:2, and your Nikon is one of the 45 MP models, stick with that. If you want 4:3, then you'll be better off with the P645z.
I use aspect ratios ranging from 1:1 to 3:1, but I can’t see that difference being worth 2 grand and the extra bulk. I guess my medium format use will remain with film.
 
. (I do VERY much regret selling my Panasonic GM1.)
why not repurchase a GM1 ?
That's certainly an option I'm considering. Difficult to swallow when the current used price is higher than what I sold it for. In case you aren't tracking the market, the current used prices are basically what it cost me when I bought it new. Been hoping Panasonic will release GM1 mk2.
I thought they did release a Mk2 called the GM5 :)

Edmund
 
. (I do VERY much regret selling my Panasonic GM1.)
why not repurchase a GM1 ?
That's certainly an option I'm considering. Difficult to swallow when the current used price is higher than what I sold it for. In case you aren't tracking the market, the current used prices are basically what it cost me when I bought it new. Been hoping Panasonic will release GM1 mk2.
I thought they did release a Mk2 called the GM5 :)
for this size camera, today, having a flash is way more

useful than evf.
 
This is a great thread!

I'm always looking for that little "extra" which moves an image from noteworthy to epic which can obviously be artistic in nature such as composition, or technical strengths and weaknesses which lend their flavor to this or that eco-system.

I've never owned MF but have always been impressed by it's results. I've enjoyed following Ken Duncan's work (Phase One user) and have friends that shoot both Fuji GFX and Phase One. It has impressed me over the years while just looking through weekly image forums on Flickr or px500 how often I'm drawn to images on a particular system or lens. Leica's, Nikon D800 series or Z8/9, Fuji GFX, Sony A7RIV, etc are usually the camera/sensors I enjoy the most.

While rethinking my eco-system last year I looked seriously into the Fuji GFX, but in the end chose the A7RV for it's flexibility and overall lens ecosystem. It affords me nearly MF mp level at 61mp as well as an APSC in "Crop Mode" still producing 26mp.

I had not really thought about the aspect ratio though... that is an interesting dimension (pun intended). I used to carry an OM1 daily when I worked in the prairies and badlands of North Dakota (think "Dances With Wolves"), I'll have to go back and see if I cropped less with it. Perhaps I can change the aspect ratio in my A7RV to a 4:3 and see if I tend to prefer it (not sure if you can do that with Sony).

I recently read an article about the official photographer from the recent Dune & Dune 2 movies who used a Fuji GFX, and loved the images she created... and hey, James Popsys now uses it! :D.

Truly enjoyed reading and gleaning from everyone's thoughts and experiences here, thanks!

--
"The present is the only point where time touches eternity" C.S. Lewis
https://www.flickr.com/photos/202888603@N06/
 
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All of the megs and pixels are not really maximized until we print. A Digital file, from even an APS-C camera has the ability to print better than 35mm film. A 24meg digital has the potential to print better than medium format film.

The entire work flow is better now, from lenses, to sensors, software, and printing.

So oftentimes the real question is does our skill keep up with the available tech and how large are we printing?
 
The 16, 20, and 25mp m43 files also exceed 35 mm film (which I still love and sometimes shoot) in a print. When "35mm film-plus" will do, the small, light APSC and m43 setups available to saunter around or travel with are delightfully beguiling and fun. Conversely the "medium format plus" print quality from today's larger sensor, high-mp, IBIS equipped cameras is amazing. Today's is a photo landscape of rich options and magical superpowers indeed.
 

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