Top 5 best medium format camera 2025
The best medium format cameras as small as full-frame cameras in size – and some are even comparable in price!
What are the capabilities of the best medium format cameras that are not available with other mirrorless cameras? To begin with, they have the largest picture sensors in terms of size, which results in flawless image quality. Additionally, for the highest levels of detail, they have a natural 100MP resolution.
The best medium format cameras offer incredible levels of dynamic range and color fidelity, but they also generate a significantly shorter depth of field than even full-frame cameras because of the physical size of their sensors.
However, there is a cost associated with this; the best medium format cameras are the priciest models available, although they provide the highest quality images. But thanks to Fujifilm’s leadership, they are now more affordable than ever before, with some entry-level versions even matching full-frame cameras in terms of cost.But thanks to Fujifilm’s leadership, they are now more affordable than ever before, with some entry-level versions even matching full-frame cameras in terms of cost. With reasonably priced bodies that produce excellent video, Fujifilm is undoubtedly the industry leader.
Since I adore the brand’s history and am convinced that its cameras have the best color science available, I personally use Hasselblad, and the Hasselblad X2D is my preferred medium format body. At the top of the leaderboard is Phase One, a specialized manufacturer of the priciest cameras with full-size sensors in the world (consider the variations in medium format sensor sizes).
Table of Contents
BEST OVERALL
1) Fujifilm GFX 100 II
BEST FOR SLOWER RUNS
2) Hasselblad X2D 100C
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
3) Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C
BEST FOR FAST SESSIONS
4) Fujifilm GFX 100S
BEST NIKE ALTERNATIVE
5) Phase One XT
1. Fujifilm GFX 100 II
The GFX 100 II, which packs a large sensor into a relatively tiny chassis, continues to deliver medium format to the masses by perfecting a formula that has worked incredibly well for Fujifilm. There isn’t anything that physically separates it from a full-frame camera from the outside. That’s not the case on the inside, where a 102MP BSI 43.8 x 32.9mm medium format sensor is in charge.
In contrast to the larger GFX 100, the electronic viewfinder is now removable, and the vertical grip is an optional add-on rather than an inherent feature. Despite being lighter and smaller than its bulky predecessor, the 1,030g camera is still somewhat heavy.This is the third-generation 100MP model from Fujifilm, and it offers a remarkable speed boost that makes it a good choice for wildlife or sports photography. The buffer can shoot bursts of up to 325 photos, and the motordrive setting is set to 8 frames per second. This model offers 8K capture with more than 13 dynamic range stops, further improving video shooting.
Although it isn’t quite sufficient for vlogging while on the road, the amazing 8 stops of in-body image stabilization is still really outstanding, and I think it outperforms many full frame cameras! Naturally, Fujifilm’s stunning film simulations also show up, providing a variety of entertaining shooting options and the chance to try out various in-camera styles.In addition to its impressive resolution, this 100MP camera offers exceptional stabilization, excellent video, and surprising speed, making it the most flexible in terms of overall performance.
2. Hasselblad X2D 100C
The Hasselblad X2D is the best still imaging device available, so if you’re searching for the best possible photographic quality, go no further. Simply said, I have never seen shots this beautiful emerge from any other camera. The X2D’s gallery-ready images are the result of its amazing 100MP image sensor and Hasselblad’s remarkable Natural Colour Solution technology.
Hasselblad’s newest mirrorless wonder uses hybrid phase detect autofocus, which gives it the quick and reliable autofocus system it deserves. It also has an amazing seven stops of in-body image stabilization, which is incredible for a medium format camera. All of these features make this a genuinely portable camera that can shoot anything, anywhere.
The camera has 1TB of internal storage, accepts CFexpress B cards, and a 5.76 million dot viewfinder that lets you see every detail in your 100MP photos. Forget about fumbling with cards!
The asterisk indicates that the X2D does not, in any manner, form, or form, record video. In all honesty, though, this should be the last thing on your mind because no one purchases a medium-format camera to vlog with. However, I wish it had an articulating screen.I want to draw attention to two things: this camera’s build and UI/UX. It combines the slickness of Leica with the intuitiveness of Apple to create the most aesthetically beautiful and user-friendly menu interface of any camera available. It is also the most comfortable camera I have ever carried, in addition to being exceptionally light at only 895g. The ergonomics are flawless!
3. Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C
Even while I believe this to be the most beautiful camera ever created, not everyone will find it appealing. The X2D 100C, which has the same sensor and image processor in a traditional mirrorless camera body (with all the benefits that come with it, such in-body image stabilization), will be a superior option for the majority of photographers.
However, the 907X & CFV 100C combination is absolutely unbeatable for a certain type of photographer. The main purpose of the 907X “body” is to allow the CFV 100C digital back to use contemporary XCD lenses.The back can be mounted to any camera that takes V plates, including field and technical cameras, making any of these systems a 100MP powerhouse. It can even be mounted to vintage Hasselblad V bodies, like the renowned 500C, to revive them.
This camera is designed to be used on a tripod rather than a handheld device because it has no in-body image stabilization, a very severe rolling shutter, and no built-in viewfinder.
Therefore, this will be your ideal arrangement if you shoot with sticks, prefer to shoot on a waist-level screen (like the old waist-level finders), and want to be able to adjust different camera systems.
4. Fujifilm GFX 100S
Even I had to double-check the differences between the GFX 100S and GFX 100 II, even though it’s obvious what makes the original GFX 100 unique due to its big body (and correspondingly oversized price tag)!
In summary, their performance is so similar that I believe the majority of people would be better off purchasing the 100S. Its less expensive body will free up funds for you to purchase lenses that will significantly improve your photos. I would do it if it were my money.Of course, there are differences to be aware of. The viewfinder has 3.69 million dots (as opposed to 9.44 million), the AF system is a touch less sophisticated, burst shooting max out at 5 ps (instead of 8 fps), stabilization is rated at 6 stops (as opposed to 8 on the 100 II), and the 100S only shoots 4K.
But really? When I really shoot with the GFX 100S, I don’t notice any of those things, with the exception of video, which I hardly ever shoot on medium format anyhow. Therefore, I would suggest getting this camera and using the extra money for some glass unless you absolutely need 8K and the more sophisticated focusing.
(Image credit:TechRadar)
5. Phase One XT
A remarkable camera is the Phase One XT. Although Phase One doesn’t want to refer to it as a technical camera or a field camera, I believe that’s the only category that fits it.
As a technical camera (sorry, Phase One), it uses the LCD display on its digital back to compose photographs and includes built-in lens motions for perspective correction. The XT’s purchasing price is only the beginning because it also uses the reassuringly costly Rodenstock lens mount and optics.
A full-size medium format sensor (53.4 × 40mm) is another feature that distinguishes the XT from the other cameras on this list, which all use cropped sensors (around 44 x 33mm).Therefore, it can provide finer fidelity because it not only has more pixels but is also physically larger. Though technically “better,” the photographs don’t look as “good” to me since it lacks the image processing magic of Fujifilm and Hasselblad, especially Hasseblad’s color science.
Although it is made for field work and portability, it is incredibly small for a full-fat modular medium format system and accepts the same 150MP IQ4 digital backs as the Phase One XF system. Photographers that shoot landscapes and architecture and want a lot of resolving power in a field-ready gear will appreciate it, but it won’t be for everyone.
There are a few factors to take into account when it comes to medium format. First, resolution. While full frame cameras like the Sony A7R V, Leica SL3, and Sigma fp L can capture images with over 60MP, medium format offers the highest resolutions available, with all of the cameras on this list surpassing 100MP. In fact, the GFX 100S and 100 II can both capture 400MP images using the magic of pixel-shift multi-shot, though there are some restrictions, like the need for a completely still scene.
Is video production required? For that purpose, I would personally suggest a variety of full frame cameras (start with the Panasonic S5 IIX). However, keep in mind that the 100MP Hasselblads do not record video, and only the GFX 100 II does.
What do you shoot? Do you mostly use a tripod, either on site or in a studio, or do you require the freedom to shoot handheld? The GFX 100 II has the best stability, the X2D has the best ergonomics, and the Hasselblad 907X is the best camera for tripod photography.
Even though I’ve selected a selection of contemporary mirrorless cameras, you can still look for older DSLR-based medium format cameras like the Pentax 645Z, Leica S3, and Hasselblad H6D-100c.
Do I need a medium format camera? Do I actually require one?
The highest quality still images can be obtained using medium format cameras. This is a result of their physically larger image sensors, which can accommodate both larger and more pixels (they now start at 100MP!). Images with greater data, detail, and dynamic range are the outcome of this.
It goes without saying that everyone benefits from this type of performance. But in reality, only experts whose clients require files of the greatest caliber can achieve this degree of authenticity and exquisite detail.
A medium format camera might be well worth the expenditure if you’re a working professional who mostly shoots still life, portrait, beauty, architecture, landscape, and product photography.
What drawbacks do medium format cameras have?
The cost of medium format is by far its biggest disadvantage. While 100MP bodies start at $5,000, the earlier series of 50MP cameras cost about $3,000. The cost of lenses is also high; although some third-party and entry-level lenses are less expensive, you should expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for Hasselblad or Fujifilm glass
Speaking of lenses, despite the fact that medium format bodies are now lighter and more compact than ever before (about the size of a sophisticated DSLR), the lenses are still massive, bulky devices since they must cover a far more sensor area than other formats.
Speaking of lenses, despite the fact that medium format bodies are now lighter and more compact than ever before (about the size of a sophisticated DSLR), the lenses are still massive, bulky devices since they must cover a far more sensor area than other formats. Therefore, switching to medium format requires the use of physically larger, heavier equipment, which makes these unsuitable for use as travel cameras (particularly given the possibility of theft).
Because of their slower autofocus, burst shooting and readout rates, and rolling shutter problems, sports and wildlife photography is arguably the only field for which they are genuinely inappropriate.
Does street photography work well with medium format?
In the past, street photography was specifically not suited for medium format. However, cameras like the Hasselblad X2D and the Fujifilm GFX 100 series are now powerful street shooters because of their extreme resolution, amazing image stabilization, and smaller form factor, which allow you to crop directly into photos to capture private candid moments with an artificial “zoom.”
In actuality, however, the most effective street photography cameras tend to be considerably more compact and covert.