Medium Format Cameras

You could be forgiven for thinking that Japan's Sigma is just a maker of lenses for the cameras of other companies like Canon and Nikon, but that's not the case. The company broke into the digital camera market in 2002 with the SD9, which was also the first outing for a new sensor technology developed by Foveon. Unlike other sensors that capture one color per pixel location, the Foveon X3's stacked design captures all three colors at each pixel, which is said to result in more accurate color reproduction and sharper resolution. Now Sigma is about to release a new camera sporting a new version of the X3 sensor, dual image processing engines and improved ISO sensitivity. It's also very expensive ...  Read More

Just how much value does Ferrari's logo add to a product? Hasselblad's latest announcement seems to answer that and we're not sure if it reflects well on either brand. The EUR13,995 (US$18,531) Hasselblad H4D is the flagship product of the best known medium format imaging marque and has been purchased by tens of thousands of the world's elite photographers because it delivers digital SLR functionality with extraordinary imaging quality. Now the company has announced two identical cameras that don't come in silvery grey. For an extra EUR1000 (US$1324), you can have one of a limited run of 100 stainless steel H4Ds. There's also a Ferrari Limited Edition camera which is identical except for a carbon fiber display case, its Ferrari "rosso fuoco" color, and the unmistakable Yellow Prancing Horse Racing Shield. Hasselblad will make 499 units of the limited edition camera, selling them for EUR21,499 (US$28,473.61). That's US$9,938 more than an identical product – a premium of more than 50% extra for the display case … and the logo.  Read More

Leaf has updated its professional camera back range to include the new Aptus-II 12 and Aptus-II 12R. The new models feature a full frame, 53.77 x 40.3mm, CCD sensor with the world's highest resolution – a massive 80 megapixels. Capture speeds are under 1.5 seconds per frame and shot preview is via a 6 x 7cm (2.3 x 2.75 inch) touch screen that's designed for challenging light conditions.  Read More

Leaf has just announced a new professional-level 56 megapixel digital camera back with the world's widest medium format internal rotating sensor, touchscreen display, 16-bit color and 12-stop dynamic range. The Aptus-II 10R is compatible with most of the Hasselblad V series as well as other camera systems from the likes of Mamiya and Fuji via an adapter.  Read More

It's been just under a year since Pentax first released images of its 645D medium format digital SLR camera and the company has finally announced its launch, albeit only in Japan for the moment. Offering 40 megapixels, dual-memory support and professional-level image processing you could be in for a pleasant surprise if you were assuming an astronomical price tag.  Read More

Mamiya has announced that its DM33 and DM56 professional modular digital SLR systems are to be joined by a 40 megapixel, large sensor version. The DM40 brings together the expertise of Schneider-Kreuznach, Leaf Phase One and of course Mamiya to offer users a choice of two shutter systems, a lush 16 bit/channel color palette, touchscreen display and powerful supporting processing software.  Read More

At the PMA 2010 convention Fujifilm’s theme was “Expand the World of Imaging”. The company took its theme literally, announcing 18 different camera models across their digital and film product lines. From compact digital point-and-shoot models to a folding medium-format film camera, Fujifilm unveiled a broad array of new and updated technology including Fujinon optics, HD movie capability, facial recognition (for humans and pets), and 3D imaging.  Read More

Following last September's announcement of new 50 megapixel and 60 megapixel H4D medium format cameras, Hasselblad has now announced the immediate availability of the H4D-40 DSLR camera system. The 40 of course signifies the number of megapixels, but the camera also benefits from up to four minute exposure times, faster capture rates and higher ISO ratings as well as an improved auto focus mechanism.  Read More

High-end camera manufacturer Hasselblad has added to its H System of cameras with the H4D-60. The "60" refers to the unit's huge 60 megapixel medium format sensor which is combined with True Focus with APL (Absolute Position Lock), a system designed to make auto-focus substantially easier and more accurate. Aimed at professional photographers, the company says its first H4D camera marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of medium format DSLRs.  Read More