The best medium format cameras (opens in new tab) are capable of capturing exquisite detail and resolution, and while they've been known for their higher price in the past, today they often challenge the best full frame cameras on price.
• Read more: What is the medium format look and why does it matter? (opens in new tab)
Professional photographer Paul Sanders is a specialist in mindful landscape imagery – most often in black and white – and he has already provided many tips for mindfulness in photography (opens in new tab). We wondered, can the camera you choose to use make you more mindful? Paul changed to Fujifilm's medium format camera system years ago, but should you do the same?
Here are his thoughts on the Fujifilm GFX 50S, which has now been replaced by the very worthy Fujifilm GFX 50S II (opens in new tab).
A former Reuters photographer and picture editor for The Times, now an acclaimed fine art landscape photographer, Paul leads photographic tours and iPhoneography courses, as well as one-to-one workshops for people with mental health issues. www.discoverstill.com (opens in new tab)
Firstly why do you want a medium format camera? 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.
Read more:
The best professional cameras (opens in new tab)
The best mirrorless cameras (opens in new tab)
Fujifilm GFX50S II review (opens in new tab)
