Medium format cameras, a luxury or an investment

Balwazer · May 22, 2012

Hi guys,

First of all to know who am I and what I shoot you can visit my portfolio Bader Alwazeer Photography: Fashion, Beauty, Advertising, Food, Pets, Location and kids photography

I have been reading allot about medium format cameras lately, comparing them to the new full frame cameras such as the 5D mark iii, 1Dx, or Nikon D800.

I know now most of you will think that this is a completely non sense comparison and if you can afford the Medium format camera then of-course you have to go with it.

Other photographers may think if you shoot action take the 1DX if you shoot still and fashion go with the Hasselblad if the price is not an issue.

Ok for me the price is not an issue because I am supported by an organization in my country that pays 80% of any equipment for my business up to $39,787 .. which means If I pay $7957 ... the total budget is $47,744

Ok now the crazy part:

Option 1: With this amount I can buy the 5d Mark III for Fashion and food + 1Dx for action, sport and whichever need speed + Epson 9900 printer + All the L lenses I ever dreamed of (( Speaking Literally

, 400mm, 17mm tilt and shift, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm...etc ))

Option 2: Hasselblad H4D 50ms or 50MP or 60MP, with two lenses only + 1DX (I already own 70-200mm, 24-105mm, 50mm, 12-24mm, 105mm)

Option 3: 1DX + some good glass + Profoto pro 8 (I already own Profoto D1 1000x3 and all the the light shaping tools I need)

you can visit my 500px to see my current equipment list 500px / Bader Alwazeer / Photos

So this is what I am thinking of and I am sure that you can help me in this matter.

If it is your decision what you will do with this budget? Knowing that It only can go towards photography related equipment.

Patrice · May 22, 2012

Only a camera and a couple of lenses does not make for much of a business. You need a ton of other photography, lighting, reproduction, studio and office equipment.

Jaemie · May 22, 2012

Option #1, because of the lenses. Unless you need extreme resolution (50MP+) for posters or something huge, I'd take lenses over Hasselblad. Also, you can probably rent a medium format camera for those rare times you need it.

Balwazer · May 22, 2012

Jaemie said:
Option #1, because of the lenses. Unless you need extreme resolution (50MP+) for posters or something huge, I'd take lenses over Hasselblad. Also, you can probably rent a medium format camera for those rare times you need it.

I wish that they rent here, but nobody does. Thank you for you opinion

usayit · May 22, 2012

Shouldn't this decision be driven by your business needs? Spend some time to outline them and the equipment to fill those needs will be obvious.

The majority of the members here are not running a photography business nor privy to your type of business, their recommendations may not be on key.

Buckster · May 22, 2012

usayit said:
Shouldn't this decision be driven by your business needs? Spend some time to outline them and the equipment to fill those needs will be obvious.

The majority of the members here are not running a photography business nor privy to your type of business, their recommendations may not be on key.

I agree.

Have you had a need for MF up to now? Are you losing any business by not having it? Are you unable to achieve what you need to by not having it in terms of size and resolution of your finished products? Do you anticipate those needs will change and that you'll need to have the larger format to meet them?

If not, then I would say "just a luxury", and go for the DSLR gear.

2WheelPhoto · May 22, 2012

If i happened to reside in Bahrain where money is not a factor for me, my business, or my government I'd have two medium format cameras (one as a spare!)

Overread · May 22, 2012

In addition to Buck's point I would add - have you used medium format gear before? Sometimes judging things at a creative level requires you to have some experience with the tools before you can really tell if they are or are not worth a heavier investment in them. You might want to try looking at some hire services based on other countries - some might do international loans of equipment. You might also contact local interest groups (eg camera clubs) to see if members there have the gear - again another way to try before you buy.

Getting a real feel for the difference might show that the investment is or is not worth it for your area of photography.

spacefuzz · May 22, 2012

I will also agree that you need to let the business needs drive your decisions.

When I jumped from crop sensor to the D800 it wasnt just because I wanted a new toy (although Id be lying if I said I wasnt a gear nerd) but it was because I wanted to put out 6 ft prints and the D7000 just couldnt hold up at those sizes.

jaomul · May 22, 2012

No disrespect meant to op here but I think if you have to ask do I need medium format or a full frame dslr you may not be at a photographic level to get the best out of what you buy. If I was spending massive money on a camera I would at least know its benefits over other formats

Balwazer · May 22, 2012

jaomul said:
No disrespect meant to op here but I think if you have to ask do I need medium format or a full frame dslr you may not be at a photographic level to get the best out of what you buy. If I was spending massive money on a camera I would at least know its benefits over other formats

Well I mean no disrespect for you either. But I am here to ask who ever in a higher level than me to help me making my decision.

So if you can't help me and you don't have any experience with the MF cameras, let other people give their professional opinion and learn with me.

jake337 · May 22, 2012

What about medium or large format is making you want it? Resolution or the look(more magnification with wider FOV)?

StandingBear1983 · May 23, 2012

I think regular DSLR's will catch up to the medium format quality very soon, you can see it today with the latest D800 (not exactly the same yet, but getting there for sure)...in a few years you will see higher dynamic range in 35mm FF...in 1/4 of the price of a medium format back.

Check out this comparison video between the D800 and a hassleblad :

Balwazer · May 23, 2012

Thank you, Yeah I've seen this video.. And the man with the Hasselblad look like he doesn't want to admit that the D800 is head to head to his $20,000+ camera

But I like the point when he said that the professional photographers must differentiate them self from others.

After all it doesnt look good when you shoot for a client and you ask for $2500 Dollar per day and the client have better or the same camera as you have.

I think the Hasselblad is more of a pretty face for your business and a good tool for marketing more than actual huge performance shift.

Balwazer · May 23, 2012

Jake: First of all resolution, secondly the sound and the impact it makes on clients when you inform them that we are different than all the other photographers because we have one of the finest cameras in the world.

We want to make clients understand why we charge more... Creativity, style, experience will not be counted for the majority of business in my country. "Sad but true"

They understand materials more. So they are welling to pay more for something they can understand that it worth more.

So backing up the creativity, speed, and performance with a camera that makes the clients eyes dazzle will definitely covert to a higher sales.

It is just my opinion and I might be wrong.