Medium-format vs full-frame: Testing the Hasselblad H6D-100c and Nikon D850

The first video we started work on was the sunset shoot. This turned out to be a thoroughly trying shoot, not just for the cameras, but for the team as well. Living in Guernsey, it very rarely snows. But when it does, it decided to snow during the week we need to film a landscape shot!

I’d agreed on a location where we would conduct the test with both cameras prior to the shoot, but that was about all we could control. It took us three attempts before we were finally able to get the shot. Our first attempt was foiled by the inclement weather rolling in. The dramatic sky we’d had when we first arrived was soon replaced with monotone clouds and snow. Despite our best intentions, I knew there was no way I was going to be able to get anything good in that weather.

The second day, despite arriving to blustering snowfall, held more promise when it briefly cleared. I quickly set up and was just waiting for the light to drop when the second round of snow came in. Again, we packed our bags and headed home without getting the shot (but we did have a good snowball fight).

Our third attempt proved to be the lucky one as we finally got a clear hour, good skies and ideal tides. In our three days out in minus temperatures, both cameras withstood the icy conditions. Despite both getting wet from the melting snow and sea spray, neither gave any problems.

The sunrise shoot proved to be far easier and we managed to get the shot in one outing albeit starting very early. That meant the final test left was the studio shoot, where I tested each camera in two different lighting setups.

For the first setup I wanted to create an image that would really allow us to determine how well each camera captured shadow detail. For the second, I went for a lighter, fresher feel, looking to test the color accuracy, tonal range and three dimensionality. Shooting in studio also allowed me to test the tethered capabilities of the cameras, using the appropriate tethering software for each.

After completing the three shoots, the landscapes and studio portraits, I sat down to examine the images in greater detail. To ensure a fair comparison I used neutral software, in this case Photoshop, to examine the RAW files. This was to avoid any unfair advantages that might be offered by automated software corrections by each brands own proprietary software.

To see the full results from each camera, you can watch each video here:

Medium-format is what every photographer aspires to shoot with, but unfortunately, mostly due to the higher price tag, it often isn’t possible. That being said, I feel that the camera you shoot with is only as good as your own knowledge. You could shoot with the best camera in the world, but if you don’t know what to do and how to get a good shot, the result will be a reflection of that.

The Nikon D850 was the best 35mm camera i’ve ever shot with (and I’ve also been a Canon user all my life too!) but Medium-format cameras are designed to deliver superior images, in every way. As a commercial photographer, that’s important to me. Quality is one thing I’m unwilling to compromise. It is for that reason that I believe Hasselblad’s medium-format system is the right one for me. However, it might not be the one for you.

Before committing to buying it, think about whether you really need it. For many, the Nikon would prove to be more than adequate — it delivered superb results in each of these examples. For those wanting to shoot landscapes, fashion work or even some basic product photography, it would certainly suffice. But for those unwilling to compromise on quality who have a strong focus on technical capabilities, then the Hasselblad is the way to go.