Medium Format Sensors

[Kev Welch]

I just saw how fujifilm came out with their new medium format mirrorless. I'm curious as to how such a high end sensor could only produce 1080 HD video. Is this simply a result of the engineers determining that the processing power would be used for other things. Surely that sensor could do more than that? I'm new to understanding the engineering side of these cameras.

-kev

 

[Kev Welch]

this is in reference to the fujifilm gfx 50s

 

[Marcus Friedlander]

That comes down to a processing issue most likely.

Here is a quote from the press blurb "Beyond this, the sensor and processor combination also avails the ability to work in a variety of aspect ratios common to traditional large and medium format film cameras, as well as the ability to shoot at up to 3 fps or record Full HD 1080p/30 video."

As you can see, the camera's processing power only has the ability to do 3fps from the full sensor, but if you only record 1080, the camera can process up to 30fps.

Not a perfect analogy, but it's kind of like putting a V10 engine into a car, but only giving it a 4 speed gear box. Techincally, the power is all there, but the camera/car, doesn't have the ability to properly use all of that power. If Fuji had put all the processing power needed to capture the full sensor at 24fps, the camera would probably be the size of an Alexa. But since it's a photo camera, they can limit certain functions for the sake of the design as a whole.

 

[Kev Welch]

Thanks Marcus, that makes perfect sense. especially that analogy.

 

[Marcus Friedlander]

Thanks Marcus, that makes perfect sense. especially that analogy.

No worries. Glad to help! It's a complicated subject, so if you have more questions, feel free to ask!