I do it all the time with the .......snip
When I began shooting digital, I learned a lot from the old Rob Gailbraith Forums and even DP review.
Mostly from wedding photographers because their goal was simple. To shoot the best photo they can, shoot many multiples for options, cover the event, deliver quickly and deliver an image as good as they were producing with film.
Back then that was a tall order, but wedding photographers really lead the way.
Now today, it's different on the forums. To begin with there is a whole bunch of reps, salesman and photographers that are giving seminars and/or associated with dealers/reps/makers, so for the person starting out and reading these forums you have to take the information along with the presenter and the agenda.
Obviously someone that wants to teach is going to tell you one format or the other is difficult to learn. Obviously people that sell cameras with high margins are going to offer the camera with the most profit for the dealer and the maker.
I own every format of digital camera (except a tech camera) and IMO I can tell anyone what I've learned and sum it up in a few points.
1. Just like film cameras, larger formats usually produce a more detailed image. Unlike film cameras, larger format digital produces an much inferior preview image. Also unlike film cameras, larger format digital tends to moire.
2. Just like film cameras, larger formats are slower to work and though don't always require it, work a lot better with a tripod, if for focus alone.
3. Just like film cameras, 35mm is usually cheaper (not counting Leica) than the larger formats. Just like film cameras the 35mm versions usually are more innovative.
4. Unlike film cameras, digital larger formats requires a little more post work as there is no real embedded jpeg that is suitable for proofing.
5. Just like film cameras, medium format digital cameras are virtually the same as they were in the film days as all of the medium format digital bodies started life as 10 year old film camera designs.
6. Unlike film cameras, there just isn't that huge a difference in formats. 645 to 35mm might be double the size, but it's nothing compared to what was offered in film with 6x7, 6x9, 4x5 and 8x10.
7. Just like film cameras most people shoot the format they prefer. Today it is a photographer's option, not usually a client demand.
8. All of the cameras are good, any good photographer can shoot any of the major brands 35mm or 645 and have success. The camera will not change your career, your artistic abilities or your billing.
IMO
BC