Is Medium Format Worth It?

High-end gear can be tempting, especially when it promises unmatched image quality. But is it always worth it?

Coming to you from Mads Peter Iversen, this interesting video chronicles his experience shooting the Hasselblad X2D medium format camera. One of the standout features of the X2D is its 100-megapixel sensor, which produces images with stunning detail and sharpness. Iversen compares these files to those from his Sony s7R V, a 61-megapixel full-frame camera, and the difference in detail is noticeable when you zoom in. However, this level of detail comes at a cost—both literally and in terms of file management. Each photo from the X2D can exceed 200 megabytes, and once layers are added in post-processing, PSD files can quickly balloon to over 2 gigabytes. For anyone without a top-tier computer setup, managing and editing these massive files could become a cumbersome process.

Despite the high resolution and image quality, Iversen points out that a 100-megapixel sensor isn’t a miracle worker. While the files are incredibly detailed, the improvements over a 60-megapixel camera are marginal when viewed at a normal size or from a typical viewing distance. This raises the question: do you really need 100 megapixels, or are you better off with a more manageable resolution?

Another consideration is the practicality of using the X2D in the field. Medium format cameras are traditionally bulkier and heavier than full-frame systems, and the X2D is no exception. However, Iversen found that the size and weight of the X2D with its zoom lens were comparable to his a7R V and its lenses. Even so, the lack of a comprehensive zoom lens lineup for the X2D means that carrying multiple lenses to cover different focal lengths is almost a necessity, adding to the overall weight and complexity of your gear.

In terms of usability, the X2D doesn’t shoot video, which simplifies its menu system but might be a drawback for photographers who also need to capture video content. The absence of a joystick for moving the focus point is another minor inconvenience, as you have to rely on the dials, which can be slower and less intuitive.

Finally, there’s the issue of cost. The X2D is significantly more expensive than high-end full frame cameras, and the lenses are also pricier. While the camera delivers on its promise of top-tier image quality, Iversen questions whether the marginal gains in image sharpness and detail justify the hefty price tag, especially for photographers who aren’t making large prints or who work primarily in digital formats.

The Hasselblad X2D is undoubtedly an impressive camera, but it’s not without its compromises. It offers extraordinary image quality and a premium build, but the trade-offs in file size, lens options, and cost may limit its appeal to a niche group of photographers who need—or simply want—the best of the best. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Iversen.