Pros and Cons of Switching to Medium Format Photography
- Pros & Cons of Shooting With a Medium Format Camera
- Specs and Features of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
- Imaging Capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
- Video Capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
- Final Thoughts on Medium Format Photography and the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
- Mind-blowing image quality
- High pixel counts and resolution
- Large pixels for enlarging photos
- Excellent low-light performance
- Industry-leading dynamic ranges
- No flash/sync speed limitations
- Durable, well-constructed bodies
- Vivid, accurate colors straight from the camera
- Shallow depths of field and beautiful bokeh effects
- Expensive
- More limited lens selection
- Larger and heavier than most digital cameras
- Camera Type: Medium Format Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Sensor: 50MP 43.8 x 32.9 mm CMOS sensor
- ISO: 100 - 25,600
- Lens Mount: Hasselblad X
- Speed: 2.7 fps
- Autofocus: 117 contrast-detection points
- Video: 2.7K/30p & 1080p/30p
- Size/Weight: 148 x 97 x 70 mm / 766 grams
- Battery Life: 400 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Hasselblad XQD 45mm f/4 P
- Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5
- Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2
- Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8
- Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5
- Hasselblad XCD 120mm Macro f/3.5
If you are considering switching to a Medium Format camera but are still on the fence, you’ve come to the right place! This ultimate guide to Medium Format photography shares everything you need to know about these stellar cameras. Additionally, we break down one of the most popular Medium Format cameras currently on the market, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C.
One excellent resource with tons of used Medium Format cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless pieces of camera equipment throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform that sells used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Furthermore, all of their cameras are meticulously hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists and backed by warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another fantastic feature of MPB is its online platform, where you can trade in and sell your old gear to help offset the cost of new-to-you photography and videography gear.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover all the pros and cons of switching to Medium Format photography!
Check out the video above by Hasselblad to learn more about the advantages of using a Medium Format camera.
Table of Contents
Pros & Cons of Shooting With a Medium Format Camera
Medium Format cameras often get lost in the shuffle, but that is no fault of their own. They are high-end cameras with huge image sensors significantly larger than APS-C and full-frame cameras. The large sensors capture more light and produce stunning images closer to what is seen by the human eye.
While their high prices used to limit them strictly to professionals, thanks to MPB, Medium Format cameras have never been more affordable. That means switching to one now could be the perfect solution to help take your photography career to the next level!
Because of their many advantages, Medium Format cameras are ideal for both studio and outdoor settings. Landscape, portrait, fashion, and event photography are all areas where they excel.
Here’s a full list of the pros and cons of Medium Format photography:
Pros:
Cons:
Learn More:
Specs and Features of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
Without a doubt, one of the best Medium Format cameras available today is the Hasselblad X1D II 50C. Hasselblad is one of the top players in the Medium Format photography market, producing multiple award-winning cameras throughout the years, and they did it again with this one!
The Hasselblad X1D II 50C debuted in 2019, replacing the original Hasselblad X1D 50C, and it has been flying off the shelves ever since. The first thing you will notice about this camera is its flawless design.
Whereas most Medium Format cameras are big and bulky, the X1D II 50C is smaller and lighter than the average full-frame camera. Its sleek, portable body makes it a terrific choice for outdoor and adventure photographers. Moreover, its ergonomics are off-the-chart, courtesy of its well-placed, customizable buttons and dials.
Other notable features worth highlighting include a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), a giant 3.6-inch rear touchscreen display, solid battery life, and a weather-sealed body.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the amazing Hasselblad X1D II 50C:
Check out the video above by Hasselblad to learn more about the Hasselblad X1D II 50C.
Imaging Capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
The Hasselblad X1D II 50C was built specifically with photographers in mind, and it’s at its best when capturing still images. The ultra-high-resolution 50-megapixel sensor is 1.7x larger than full-frame sensors, and its performance is impressive.
Image quality is superb, noise is minimal (even when shooting at high ISO levels), and colors are bold and bright. Also, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C offers 14 stops of dynamic range, and its pixels are almost twice the size of pixels on full-frame cameras. This gives you tons of creative freedom when editing your images.
Speaking of editing, Hasselblad has its very own image-processing software called Phocus. Phocus is free to download and a wonderful alternative to Adobe Lightroom. On-the-go editing is also possible thanks to the new Phocus Mobile 2 app available for both iPad and iPhone.
Video Capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
When it first launched, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C did not have any video capabilities. However, that quickly changed with the release of a powerful new firmware update in 2020. The update added a new “Video Mode” to the camera, allowing it to shoot 2.7K/30p and 1080p/30p Full HD footage.
Not having 4K might be a deal-breaker for some, but the 2.7K video quality is excellent in its own right. Also, the large rear screen is a useful tool for shooting video. You can easily compose your scenes without needing an external monitor and play back your takes directly on the camera.
The dual memory card slots, responsive autofocus, and microphone/headphone ports are a few more fabulous video features.
Final Thoughts on Medium Format Photography and the Hasselblad X1D II 50C
Photo by kodachrome25 via iStock
As you can see, there are heaps of advantages to switching to Medium Format photography. And due to the technological advancements of today and MPB's killer prices, there has never been a better time to make the change!
Thanks for taking the time to read this Medium Format photography guide. I hope you have found it educational and helpful in your camera search. And if you end up buying a Hasselblad X1D II 50C, here are my personal favorite Hasselblad X Mount lenses for photo and video:
