Sensor size is king when it comes to high-quality photos. The best medium format cameras all have sensors almost double that of a full-frame DSLR camera. So with a bigger sensor size, you can expect a bigger bill!
We picked the top medium format cameras. But we kept the price in mind when looking at them. So our top choice, for this reason, has got to be the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. It is also because of its incredible image quality and functionality packed into a compact body!
What Is the Best Medium Format Camera?
Here is a quick roundup of our top choices with some key points.
- 51.4 MP (megapixel) resolution
- Large sensor for detailed images
- High ISO range for low-light shooting
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Weather-resistant body and lens
- 50 MP CMOS Sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range
- A multi-shot capture mode
- 3.2" LCD touchscreen
- Wi-Fi and USB connectivity
- 102 MP medium format sensor
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- 4K / 30p video recording
- 50 MP medium format CMOS sensor
- Up to 14 stops of dynamic range
- Dual SD card slots for increased storage
- 3.6" touchscreen for intuitive control
- Built-in GPS for geotagging photos
- 51.4 MP medium format sensor
- Focus lever for quick focusing
- High resolution 3.69M-dot OLED EVF
- Weather-resistant body
- Compact and lightweight design
- 50 MP medium format CMOS sensor
- Full-frame 4:3 aspect ratio
- Compatible with HC / HCD lenses and XCD lenses
- Built-in Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity
- Compact and lightweight design
- Professional-grade image quality
- High-resolution sensor
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Large 64 GB memory buffer
- Robust, weather-sealed body
- 51.4 MP CMOS sensor
- 3.2" LCD monitor
- Dual SD card slots
- Weather-resistant construction
- 1080 / 30p HD video capture
- 102MP medium format sensor
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- In-body image stabilization
- Dual memory card slots
- Up to 4K / 30p video capabilities
- 100 MP resolution for sharp, detailed images
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- Compatible with a variety of Hasselblad lenses
- Dual card slots for added memory and security
- Captures 4K video for stunning visuals
10 Best Medium Format Cameras
The best medium format cameras have large image sensors. These provide high resolution and dynamic range. They also offer advanced features such as fast AF, custom controls, and pro-grade build quality.
Note that these carry higher price tags than other camera types. But we tried to include some “affordable” options.
1. Fujifilm GFX 50S II
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm G
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
51 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Compact, weather-resistant camera body and lens
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a medium format camera without a huge price tag
|
The Fujifilm GFX50S II is at the top of our list. We can’t believe how compact Fujifilm has made a medium format camera!
We first saw Fujifilm step into the digital medium format market in 2021. Since then, they have continued refining this line of cameras. And they released six iterations in a short amount of time.
This medium-format camera hit the market in late 2021 as the third iteration in the GFX50 series. The most noticeable feature is its size. It may even fool you into thinking it is a modern mirrorless camera.
The second cosmetic feature you notice is that there are few buttons on the camera body. Fujifilm has done a great job at making this camera approachable. The big LED information screen adds to its simplicity.
The main feature that the GFX50S II possesses is a large 51MP sensor. It has in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a two-axis tilt rear screen. The IBIS is a welcome feature for medium-format cameras. It is especially handy as they are becoming increasingly portable.
But the real reason this camera has come at the top is its price. The GFX50S II is the cheapest new medium format camera you will find.
The one important point where it needs to improve is autofocus (AF). This is not to say it isn’t accurate. It can just be slow compared to modern AF speeds. And the camera could produce better video. But you shouldn’t look for a medium format camera if you want good video abilities.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S II uses GF lenses. You can see our full list of the best Fujifilm GF lenses in this article.
2. Hasselblad X2D 100c
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Hasselblad X
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
100 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
294 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3.3 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
 |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
15-stop dynamic range, handheld shooting
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want the best medium format camera
|
The Hasselblad X2D 100C is a heavyweight from one of the top camera brands in the world. When you’ve been in the photography world for a while, you find out Hasselblad is the equivalent of a Rolls Royce car.
Every photographer dreams of owning a Hasselblad. And this is the newest medium format camera at the top of our wish lists.
It gives you a huge 100 MP sensor and seven stops of image stabilization. It also has a super compact body that makes it as portable as most cameras on the market today! These incredible specs would have seemed impossible only 15 years ago.
Along with these points, you will also find it can capture 15 stops of dynamic range. And it has 1TB of internal storage.
The autofocus abilities aren’t up to normal digital camera standards but are improving! You get a sharp image most of the time, but you must take some steps to ensure you get the perfect picture.
One feature you won’t find in this camera is any video settings. But again, you shouldn’t buy a medium-format camera for video. (Check out our article on the best video cameras if this is what you’re looking for.)
The X2D 100C is the best medium format camera with 100 MP images. It beats the others on this list to give you the best results for the money you put in.
3. Fujifilm GFX100S
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm G
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
102 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Portable, weather-sealed, 4K / 30p video body
|
| Best For |
Best For
Street and commercial photographers
|
The Fujifilm GFX100S is Fuji’s attempt at producing a handheld camera with over 100 megapixels. And they have done a superb job. It is an improvement on their GFX100.
The first feature you will notice is the camera size reduction. Fujifilm has removed the extra bit disguised as an extended battery grip. And now it looks identical to most cameras on the market. Weighing 900 grams, you can now carry a camera suitable for shooting photos for big billboards!
I am a big fan of a digital medium format camera’s simple build. And this one is no different.
You get a single dial and what appears to be a reduction of buttons compared to most cameras. This may be due to their extra abilities, as they are less developed than normal DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
The AF system is the one obvious feature that performs better than most cameras on this list. The GFX100S has accurate phase detection pixels that cover the entire frame. It also has face and eye detection AF, which performs better than the others.
Autofocus is important if you want to take advantage of important moments in street photography or other genres… Overall I love the look of the GFX100S and would recommend it if you have the budget!
4. Hasselblad X1D II 50c
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
50 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
117 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
2.7 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
14-stop dynamic range, compact body
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a modern Hasselblad for a lower price
|
The Hasselblad X1D II 50C is another beautifully compact medium-format camera. It is like the Hasselblad X2D 100C, as the camera bodies are almost incomparable. The obvious difference is that this model gives you 50 MP.
This camera did have a previous model, which Hasselblad has brought to the modern day. One of the main points they focused on improving was speed. Hasselblad claims this camera is up to 46% faster than the previous model.
The continuous shooting rate has been increased to 2.7 fps (frames per second). It’s a fair step up from their previous 2 fps.
But it still can’t function in fast-paced environments like wildlife photography. This means you still must accept a slow shooting style when using this camera.
Hasselblad has added modern abilities to make it one of their best medium-format cameras. The camera now has a built-in GPS. And it has a USB-C connection that allows fast charging from a laptop or external power source!
The X1D II 50C also supports UHS-II SD cards. This dramatically improves the processing speed of the huge files you will be dealing with.
5. Fujifilm GFX 50R
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm G
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
51 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Lever for quick focus, weather-resistant body
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking to get into medium format photography
|
The Fujifilm GFX 50R is one of the best medium format cameras on this list if you are on a budget. This camera is worth looking at if you need to shoot digital images that must be blown up into large prints.
Studio and commercial photographers will rejoice at its great price. But with the newer and similarly priced Fujifilm GFX50S II, I suggest our top option if you are on a budget.
Although this is a high-performing camera, it lacks some modern features. But it isn’t a deal-breaker, as you can get way more advanced DSLR or mirrorless cameras for the same price. So the function of this camera comes down to its quality.
Video performance is another topic that keeps coming up for the best medium format cameras. And the Fujifilm GFX 50R provides pretty poor video output. The autofocus is also slow. So you can’t rely on it for action photography.
But you will find Wi-Fi abilities in this camera. And the GFX range has an excellent JPEG engine. So pair these two features together, and you can have great images in a flash!
The Fujifilm GFX 50R is a beautiful camera if you like to take your time with photography. This suits any style that involves a tripod. Another advantage of choosing this camera is the beautiful range of Fujifilm GF lenses you can buy.
6. Hasselblad 907X 50c
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
50 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
117 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
2.7 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Modular system medium format camera
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who may want to use a digital back on their film cameras
|
The Hasselblad 907X 50c is a medium format camera that takes its form from old Hasselblad film cameras. The iconic shape and style are a thing of beauty. If you have grown up with cameras in the digital age, the camera shape will look completely alien to photography.
In fact, this shape comes with one huge advantage. It is a modular system. So you can use the camera as a digital back for Hasselblad film cameras. It is ideal for photographers who own these. You can still use the Hasselblad lenses and aesthetic of these film cameras.
A big 3.2-inch touchscreen on the back controls the entire camera. And Hasselblad provides an easy interface to navigate around. This system may be hard to use on the go. But the camera again reflects old medium format cameras.
You must ensure the right settings before raising the camera to your eye. And talking about viewfinders, you won’t find one on this camera! The 3.2-inch screen does include a Live View of what you can see down the lens, though.
The 907X 50c is not a camera that suits everyday photography. This specialist camera suits photo styles where quality is the most important factor.
This camera is best for commercial photographers or fine art photography. It’s ideal for images where the main construction of the photo takes place in front of the frame. It’s not for images taken in the camera and angles themselves.
7. Leica S3
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Leica S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
64 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
50,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Weather-sealed body, cinema 4K video
|
| Best For |
Best For
Medium format photographers who want to shoot street photography or videos
|
The Leica S3 is an extremely high-priced medium format camera. What else can you expect from one of the most renowned luxury companies in the world?
Its 64 MP sensor doesn’t even rival the higher resolution cameras on this list, like the Fujifilm GFX100S. But it is almost double the price. With a beautiful ergonomic body and simple button and screen layouts, the S3 is a camera we don’t need. It’s one we just really want.
It has a rugged, brushed metal design and complete weather sealing. And the Leica S3 is the perfect medium format camera to shoot landscapes. This is emphasized by the camera’s great battery and Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities.
The Leica S3 also performs a bit faster than most other cameras on this list. This makes it a medium format model better suited as a street photography camera.
And if video recording is a must-have feature, the Leica S3 offers Cinema 4K (C4K) video at 24 fps. You can also film in 1080p at 30 fps. Unfortunately, the video only deals with MOV files.
This is basically a motion JPEG format that lacks the depth and range MP4 gives you. Nonetheless, the Lecia S3 is an amazing medium-format camera that can produce stunning video.
8. Pentax 645Z
| Released |
Released
2014
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Pentax 645AF2
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
51.4 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
27 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
204,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Rugged weather-resistant body
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who don't carry their camera around all day
|
Now we feature the oldest camera on this list, the Pentax 645Z. It was the cheapest digital medium format camera upon its release in 2014. But it has since been stripped of its title thanks to technological advancements.
Its 51.4 MP sensor still keeps it up to date, though! And its sensor size makes its dynamic range and noise handling much better than most digital cameras.
The camera body is a big rugged body resembling a tank more than a camera. The magnesium alloy shell can take a few knocks out on location without damaging the body. But you do have to prepare your camera bag for carrying a big body, as it weighs up to 1.5kg!
Although it may be old, the Pentax 645Z produces beautiful images. Its size and weight restrict it to tripod use unless you have it handheld for less than an hour or so.
A great aspect I love is the menu and controls. There aren’t many Pentax digital cameras. But they have provided a great menu that’s easy and simple to navigate.
9. Fujifilm GFX 100
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm G
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
102 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
15-stop dynamic range, Accurate phase detection AF, 4K / 30p video
|
| Best For |
Best For
Medium format studio, landscape, or commercial photographers
|
The Fujifilm GFX 100 is the first modern digital camera to produce a 100 MP resolution for under $10,000. And thanks to this development, it still places as one of the best medium format cameras today!
It may look like a DSLR with an extended battery grip. But this space packs all the advanced technology into the body.
It even provides in-body stabilization. Fujifilm identified this as a must-have feature for medium-format cameras. And it was the first medium-format camera to provide this.
This was the first medium format camera to have on-sensor phase detection. This gives the camera information on the distance of the subject you focus on. It allows for a more accurate AF system.
But even though the AF system is accurate, it can be slow and sluggish. The extra features like Eye AF and Focus Tracking aren’t dependable. So if you shoot with modern systems like these, remember that this camera cannot dependably execute them.
The video ability is exactly the same as the GFX100S. What’s surprising is that while older, the Fujifilm GFX100 is still capable compared to its newer version.
The real advantage of the newer version is its price and portability. The newer version is worth investing in if you plan on being out and about.
10. Hasselblad H6D-100C
| Released |
Released
2016
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Medium Format |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Hasselblad H system
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
100 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
0 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
1.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
15-stop dynamic range, 4K video
|
| Best For |
Best For
High-end professional studio and commercial photographers
|
Now lets look at the Hasselblad H6D-100c. This professional medium format camera is way out of the price range for any average photographer. It is the kind of camera most would only get as a rental.
You would use this Hasselblad to shoot major commercials or campaigns. The camera has the very best output. And it is good enough to print images for full-sized billboards that hang off buildings!
If you are unfamiliar with shooting Hasselblads, its body has been developed in a completely fresh way. I am a fan of the camera design that makes it easy to shoot. Most buttons have been taken away, and you get a touchscreen display.
The H6D-100c is almost five times more expensive than others on this list because of the camera’s sensor size and high dynamic range. The sensor is a truly digital medium format camera. It gives you more detail than all the other best medium-format cameras.
Like all the other cameras on this list, its performance drops when you take it off the tripod. It is a specialist camera that really only benefits big companies or photo studios. It also records 4K Ultra HD video.
Conclusion: The Best Medium Format Camera
We picked the Fujifilm GFX 50S II as the best medium format camera. It offers excellent image quality and features. And it’s the perfect choice for any photographer with the budget for a high-quality camera.
If you are looking for the cream-of-the-crop, choose the Hasselblad X2D 100c. It gives you the best quality photos, details, and dynamic range. But you will have to pay the appropriate price tag!
