Digital Photographer - UK (2019-08)

Pro advice for

buying a medium

format camera

Paul Sanders’ essential upgrade tips

Firstly why do you want one? If it is because
you think you’ll be a better photographer then
stick with what you’ve got. If you want higher
resolution files with beautiful detail and tonal
rendition then start by going along to some
demo days, where you can get hands on with
the cameras and speak to photographers
or staff who use them. Find one that feels
right in your hand before you start pixel-
peeping – the feel will determine whether you
actually use it. After you decide it feels good,
then look at the menu setup – is it simple
to navigate, are there too many options, too
many buttons to press? All of these things
are relevant to any camera, but with medium
format small frustrations are magnified.
My Fujifilm GFX 50S is perfect for me.
It has the balance and poise I like. It’s not
beautiful to look at, but that is irrelevant. The
lens quality, file quality all out weigh what it
looks like.
If you want to shoot with a mindful, quality-
over-quantify workflow then medium format
will help you achieve this. The GFX feels
like shooting film – even the frame advance
sounds like film going through it – so I always
have in mind that each shot is precious and
not to be wasted. If you are going to invest
then also buy just one lens – I had my GFX
with the 32-64mm zoom and it has been a joy
to use, it covers everything I need mostly.

Above

edenbridge, Kent

The cameras are

heavier, but weigh

this against the boost

in resolution

Left

Pestera, romania

Good photos come

from within – the

equipment just helps

you realise your vision

Below

raven’s Nest

Medium format

cameras force you to

carefully consider every

shot you take

go pro

“If you want higher resolution files with

beautiful detail and tonal rendition then

start by going along to some demo days”