Medium Format Camera Reviews

Shutterbug, a member of the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), once again joined forces with 30 other member magazines from around the world to choose the winners of the annual TIPA Awards for the best photo/imaging products in 40 different categories. The award process began in early 2017 with an initial selection of a wide range of products conducted by TIPA’s Technical Committee, on which Shutterbug’s Editor-at-Large George Schaub serves. 

Norwegian Daniel Tengs sets himself apart from other extreme sports photographers in at least one key respect: he goes the extra mile, capturing snowboarders on medium format, namely the Fujifilm GFX 50S. Not exclusively, mind you, but with a certain flair so we can say his photo shoots with this format create a near mind-bending experience for the viewer. 

The new Hasselblad X1D is a very compact medium format system, thanks in part to its use of an electronic viewfinder system rather than the usual mirror box design. Based on the same sensor as the Hasselblad H5/6D-50c, the camera has a 43.8x32.9mm CMOS sensor with 50MP resolution (8272x6200 pixels).

Fujifilm created quite a buzz in Cologne, Germany at the recent Photokina exposition with the introduction of the distinctive GFX 50S medium format camera, boasting a compact mirrorless design, 51.4MP resolution and attractive retro styling. In the videos below, four top pros discuss what all the fanfare is about.

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines recently convened for their General Assembly to vote for the best photo and imaging products launched by the industry in the last 12 months. The voting took place during the General Assembly that was held in spring 2016 in San Francisco, California.

The Phase One XF 100MP is a medium format camera with extremely high sensor resolution. It is a modular concept comprised of the Phase One XF camera body, which was introduced in the summer of 2015, and the brand-new IQ3 100MP digital back. The body has a 90-degree prism viewfinder and includes a Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm LS f/2.8 lens. As expected, this does not come cheap: the total price for this kit is $48,990 USD, as of this writing, and is the most expensive camera system we’ve ever tested.

Since this is my first foray into camera reviews, I’ll start with a little background info. I am an automotive photographer on staff at two of Shutterbug’s sister publications, Motor Trend and Automobile. Prior to Motor Trend I managed Silvio’s Photoworks in SoCal, and before that I was a manager at the equipment and studio checkout at Brooks Institute of Photography, where I got my BFA. I have used everything from 4x5s to my iPhone, old or new, film or digital. And ever since my dad first handed me his Pentax K1000 in fifth grade, my lens has been aimed at cars.