As a photographer, I’ve often found myself caught in the medium format vs full-frame camera debate. You’ve probably been there too—wondering if upgrading to a bigger sensor is really worth the hefty price tag. It’s easy to get swept up in the technical details and think, “bigger is always better.” But is that really the case? Understanding what larger sensors offer—and whether their benefits are actually something you need—can help you make a more informed decision without draining your bank account.
In a video by James Warner of Snappiness, he digs into the realities of sensor sizes, and I found his breakdown pretty eye-opening. Sure, larger sensors, like those in medium format cameras, allow for larger pixels, which translates to better low-light performance. If you’ve ever struggled to get a good shot in dim lighting, you’ll know how important this is. But here’s the thing—sensor size is just one piece of the puzzle. Today’s smaller sensors, thanks to advances in technology, can often rival the quality of older, larger sensors, especially in good lighting. You might be surprised at how much you can get from a smaller sensor, like those in some of the latest smartphones.
Bokeh Or Not Bokeh
And let’s talk about bokeh. Who doesn’t love that dreamy, blurred background? Medium format cameras are known for it, and that’s not just a gimmick—it’s physics. But Warner explains that depth of field isn’t just about sensor size. It’s also affected by your lens and aperture. Some medium format lenses max out at f/2.8, which can limit the background blur you’re after. Meanwhile, a smaller full-frame lens with an aperture of f/1.8 or even f/1.4 can give you that soft, artistic look more easily.
One thing Warner highlights that really hit home for me is the user experience. Medium format cameras are big and bulky, and using them can feel slow and deliberate—kind of like shooting film. That might inspire a more thoughtful, artistic approach, but if you’re like me and often need to move quickly, it’s not always practical. Yes, newer medium format mirrorless models are more portable, but they don’t quite have that classic feel.
At the end of the day, the question comes down to value. Unless you’re printing ultra-detailed images or have a specific need for a larger sensor, you might not notice a big difference in your day-to-day shooting. Most people admiring your photos won’t care whether you used a medium format or a full-frame camera—they’ll just care that the shot is good. And for a lot of us, that’s the most important thing.