Ya know Alister.... You ticked me off in Scotland when when we were together.... and now you MAKE me watch this glowing review... I really do LUST for this system....
You raise a couple of interesting points for me. I have the 100Sii, 20-35mm, 45-100mm and 100-200mm. 1. I agree that weight is an issue and there are times when you need smaller kit (eg flying somewhere with only cabin luggage, or arduous hikes). I had considered making a move to Nikon Z8, but the equivalent Nikon trinity + camera is only 300 gr lighter! So reluctantly have accepted to run with 2 camera systems, so I am now building up a Fuji XT-5 solution which fits. 2. You say you can't think of any negatives, but there are 2 which have turned photographers like Mark Denney and Tom Heaton from GFX to Nikon. One is the lack of a decent long range telephoto zoom (your solution of the new 500mm lens is both expensive and makes the kit even heavier). My solution BTW is to adapt a Canon 100-400mm with a Fringer adapter, and remove the baffles inside the lens, so you get the full frame without vignetting. The other issue is the reduced depth of field of shooting medium format and the necessity sometimes to focus stack which is both a pain and sometimes error prone (interested in how you focus stack as the DXO software doesn't do it IIRC). Its not that big a deal though. Ansel Adams managed fine shooting large frame and without any image processing software!
Thank you Alister for this information. I sold my two Canon full frame bodies a year ago to change for the Fudji XT4 and XH2 and I love them so much, especially the quality of the lens. That being said, last week I visited my preferred camera shop in Montreal, where I don't go often since I live on the country side, just get the feelling to have the GFX system in my hands. Woaw! I understand so much your appreciation for this camera and hopefully one day I might switch too to the medium format. But for the moment I appreciate the tools I use almost daily and focus on my creativity. I look forward for your next videos about the GFX and how you use it in terms of creativity. Patrice/Canada
I’m glad to see you have hit your stride with the new toy. If I can’t have one to use myself right now, I’m glad someone as talented as you can have one. Very much enjoyed the work you shared, and look forward to seeing what you capture and create in the future.
One day we all realize it's not about the camera. There are amazing images shot every day with cameras that cost a few hundred dollars. Here's what you need, a camera that shoots in raw, shoots in manual and for me one with a 2 second shutter delay. That's it! Don't let the camera be a crutch!
I have had a Pentax 656z and a Phase One, but for landscape I am very happy with my GFX 100s and those excellent lenses. I don’t need the new features of the new models, so so will stay with the 100s. My favourite features are the image quality, the variety of formats available, the film simulations and the weather sealing. The only con is the weight, but at 63 I still can carry all my equipment in a reasonable backpack.
Thanks Alister, I like the way Fuji enable you to see the shot in a aspect ratio you intend to have, i.e. 65:24, as in camara. For a mediocre landscape shooter like myself, what's the main pull you would say from a D850 to the GFX ?. Thanks again for the vids.
I have most of the gfx lenses and I also have a few of my Nikon Prime lenses still, I find them all great with the fringer adaptor Nikon 24mm 1.4 sigma 40mm 1.4 85mm 1.4 105mm 1.4 and the Sigma 60-600mm, and it is sharp if you're not shooting wide open, and I can get down to 20th sec hand held at 600mm
Watching over your shoulder as you were using the camera this spring on Vancouver Island I was convinced the answer to the question you pose is yes! However, I have not sold my decades accumulation of Nikon gear and switched yet. Still using the venerable D850. Next step will be Z8, and conversion from F to Z. For those of us who can’t settle down and specialize, versatility is a significant consideration. Subjects from macro to astro, and everything in between are irresistible temptations. Fiscal considerations constrain the temptation to go both ways, Fugi and Nikon, alas. For now anyway… 😢
Hi Alister …. Lots of mixed responses there ….. personally I have not tried the camera so I can not make a sound judgement but your review seems very convincing. I use the Hasselblad X2D medium format camera and to be honest I can not fault it ….. sensor collects so much information, dynamic range has so much info in a seemingly “ black “ shadow and Hasselblad colours for me are perfectly rendered. So I am happy where I am but respect the Fuji and your review … as usual a balanced presentation. Thank you
I have switched to the GFX100s with the 20-35mm and 40-100mm and the major of going with it was the 65x24 format. I think you touched with the 100s first and was wondered what was the wonder of the GFX 100 II is hwat is it better than the 100 II to the 100s? I agree I need to look at a longer lens, thinking it about the 100-200mm or the 250mm. All the best.
It's a fantastic camera and some lovely shots! I like to think more in terms of the best setup, to maximize your ability to get the shot. Two lighter bodies, one with the 100-400 on my pack shoulder strap and another with the 24-70 on the waist belt is my ideal quick fire setup. It might seem crazy but l often don't take the shot if l have to change lenses and sometimes speed and weather conditions are an important factor.
I can certainly see how this is the ideal camera for you…although I suspect that you would equally be as happy with one of the high end Nikon Z cameras! The great thing is that you don’t need to find out as it provides you with all the attributes you are seeking. Look forward to seeing some Sahara photos in the new year…
I think it’s important that a professional photographer should keep up-to-date with equipment. So, young man, I agree with you. I’ve not tried Fuji cameras, but if presented with one I wouldn’t refuse it, if I can carry it (I’m not tall!). In the meantime, I’ll stick to my less weighty Olympus/OMS cameras and lenses as I’m not a Pro. I wish OMS had the aspect ratios 65:24 and 4:5, but glad they have the others, and of course, if you change your mind, can change it in Lr/PS. Stunning images, as usual, Alister🇦🇺
I picked up the GFX 100 II and 45-100 and 500mm lenses in July. When comparing shots with my Canon R3 with same image framing the image quality wasn't that different. I was expecting a lot more difference between 102mp and 24 but it just wasn't there. The dynamic range is great on the Fuji and the body feels great in the hand but there wasn't enough difference in image quality for me to run two systems so I traded the Fuji back in on a Canon R5 II.
I love the simplicity of the Hasselblad X2D menus and the lens choices of the Fuji GFX system, if only. And I'm not knocking the GFX100 II. The "Ultimate" camera is the one you love after all. Any other lens you wish you had??
I love my GFX 100s II (the smaller brother) and to be honest it's not much heavier than most full frame cameras but I've also shot some amazing photos with my Fujifilm XT5 with a 13 mm Viltrox lens and Viltrox 75 1.2. I actually think the 100s II is about a camera because it's a little bit lighter and you basically will get the same images same sensor same everything really just a different EVF. 20-35, 35 range-70, 55 1.7 (portraits) and 100-200. And I've had this camera now for about five months and I love the images out of it but I will say this it is not the easiest camera to use. The one thing that I've struggled with a couple of times is if you don't get the image Pin sharp it's really obvious in other words this camera highlight your faults like no end if you make a mistake and I remember watching one of your videos, mate where you were talking about a seascape and it wasn't quite Pin sharp and most people wouldn't notice it but we do this camera actually for me makes me a better photographer because I actually have to nail the shot and I know that sounds crazy to people who don't use this system but at the end of the day it'll make you a better photographer because you have to get the shot right. The only reason I didn't get the bigger one was I didn't actually like that EVF that stuck out on top. I felt like I would break it or knock it on something. I can be a bit clumsy. I just felt the S model was a bit more compact and I waited for that to come out and I don't regret my decision. Thank you for your insights on this camera. I would say to people that if you're looking at the hundred 100s II it is only one frame per second less. I decided not to get the 500 mm I base it on this if I crop in 100% on the 200 I get close to 380 mm and given that I don't shoot any bird photography or anything like that that's enough to capture waves or mountain scenes in the background and still get a really acceptably sharp image. I just couldn't justify the money for a lens that I might only use five or six times a year. Plus, then you've got a carry it as well. This is not the sort of camera that you buy to make your Photography better I would say it's kind of like driving a big hummer. It's very effective but it's a difficult beast to Navigate when you first start even for experienced photographers medium format is tricky. Thank you for your video and I agree with everything you said.
Sometimes it's the small things that make the big difference. Technology is so good now across the board that the specs are not what intrigue me. I'm still hoping to find a camera that has a useful viewfinder - particularly when you wear eyeglasses. I really like the option of the adjustable viewfinder on this camera. Canon used to offer something similar, but not even close now. Size and weight are also priorities. Convenience is king for me, once technology needs are met. So I guess the definition of "ultimate" is truly subjective.
Of course, I agree. Nevertheless, I think that you are being too specific to the GFX 100 II. From an image quality standpoint all 4 cameras in this series deliver equal quality. In my own case, I find that it is heavy. I have some shoulder problems and clearly this system is a bit of a weight challenge in that I am 16 years older than you. I enjoy it immensely.
...the Fuji GFX system is a point of no return. The extreme quality of raw files is endless, as well as great workability. Yes, is no cheap, is a more heavy, but when you open a file on the computer, everything goes through. Highly recommended...
Ultimate in what respect? for image quality, it would go to a view camera, digital or film. The movements alone slay rigid cameras for depth of field, important for landscape.
Very well done video! I should like to say that my experience is similar to yours. Caveat: I have the GFX 50sii. However, the images that I get from that have similar dynamic range and image quality metrics as what you have described. At this time, my typical kit includes the GF 20-35, GF 35-70, and one out of an assortment of adapted lenses. Example: on the longer end I have a Hasselblad 250mm with an HB to GF adapter, and a 2x teleconverter. While that setup is a bit of a pain to use (definitely need a tripod for this) the images I can get out of it are decent. Now, having seen your video, I will take a look at the new GF 500 mm lens! One last note: I am 77. I am fortunate that I can still walk and hike quite a bit. My kit can get quite heavy ---- and for an old guy like me, that is an issue. One would think I would move over to an OM System 4/3 setup that is much lighter. But, alas, I am hooked on the Fuji medium format and will stay with what I have. Cheers!
I'd trade my GFX100S in a heartbeat for an X2D if it didn't mean I'd lose a bomb. I can't shoot an exposure of more than 10-15 seconds without LENR or the sensor will be covered in hot pixels. A 90 second exposure means I'm out of action for 3 minutes. Having said that, who produces a camera in this day and age without a cable release ... you have to trigger the X2D via an app or self-timer, which is not ideal when you're perched precariously on rocks just above crashing waves.
Meh, no ultra wide lenses, no telephotos, I dislike the 4:3 image ratio for horizontal shots, 100MP is overkill for most of my shots. The higher dynamic range is useful sometimes, but my camera bag is already too heavy to carry both a Sony FF to have ultra wides and telephotos, and a medium format...
The Z7 with a 24-200 ticks most of the boxes for me, enough reach for 98% of what I shoot, good close focusing, lightweight, no lens swap issues in bad weather, relatively affordable, decent selection of aspect rations in camera.
I use mine with that lens for longer hikes and it has been brilliant! For landscape photography it is still an excellent choice. You can pick up that combination used in excellent condition for £1500 or less. If you need better AF for wildlife, then the Z8 is clearly way better.
No. There is no such thing, everyone having different needs and wants. Personally, I would never even consider a mirrorless camera as it disassociates one from the process, but you do you.
An obviously good camera. For a more balanced view I recommend Mark Denney's video on why he went from GFX to Z8. ruclips.net/video/j5-84EkqdYU/видео.htmlsi=bTEtSoLqKmI3Me39
Ya know Alister.... You ticked me off in Scotland when when we were together.... and now you MAKE me watch this glowing review... I really do LUST for this system....
Great job Alister, quick question how have you found the 500mm lens ?
You raise a couple of interesting points for me. I have the 100Sii, 20-35mm, 45-100mm and 100-200mm. 1. I agree that weight is an issue and there are times when you need smaller kit (eg flying somewhere with only cabin luggage, or arduous hikes). I had considered making a move to Nikon Z8, but the equivalent Nikon trinity + camera is only 300 gr lighter! So reluctantly have accepted to run with 2 camera systems, so I am now building up a Fuji XT-5 solution which fits. 2. You say you can't think of any negatives, but there are 2 which have turned photographers like Mark Denney and Tom Heaton from GFX to Nikon. One is the lack of a decent long range telephoto zoom (your solution of the new 500mm lens is both expensive and makes the kit even heavier). My solution BTW is to adapt a Canon 100-400mm with a Fringer adapter, and remove the baffles inside the lens, so you get the full frame without vignetting. The other issue is the reduced depth of field of shooting medium format and the necessity sometimes to focus stack which is both a pain and sometimes error prone (interested in how you focus stack as the DXO software doesn't do it IIRC). Its not that big a deal though. Ansel Adams managed fine shooting large frame and without any image processing software!
Excellent images to demonstrate the abilities of this camera! Not only is it 102mp sensor but it can also capture in 16 bit, that too is pretty sweet.
Thank you Alister for this information. I sold my two Canon full frame bodies a year ago to change for the Fudji XT4 and XH2 and I love them so much, especially the quality of the lens. That being said, last week I visited my preferred camera shop in Montreal, where I don't go often since I live on the country side, just get the feelling to have the GFX system in my hands. Woaw! I understand so much your appreciation for this camera and hopefully one day I might switch too to the medium format. But for the moment I appreciate the tools I use almost daily and focus on my creativity. I look forward for your next videos about the GFX and how you use it in terms of creativity.
Patrice/Canada
Certainly a great camera. Thank you very much for this video and the beautiful photos, Alister!
I’m glad to see you have hit your stride with the new toy. If I can’t have one to use myself right now, I’m glad someone as talented as you can have one. Very much enjoyed the work you shared, and look forward to seeing what you capture and create in the future.
That’s very kind, thank you
One day we all realize it's not about the camera. There are amazing images shot every day with cameras that cost a few hundred dollars. Here's what you need, a camera that shoots in raw, shoots in manual and for me one with a 2 second shutter delay. That's it! Don't let the camera be a crutch!
Agree 100% sure is nice though 😜
What a wonderful camera! Happy you are enjoying! Enjoy learning from you!
I have had a Pentax 656z and a Phase One, but for landscape I am very happy with my GFX 100s and those excellent lenses. I don’t need the new features of the new models, so so will stay with the 100s. My favourite features are the image quality, the variety of formats available, the film simulations and the weather sealing. The only con is the weight, but at 63 I still can carry all my equipment in a reasonable backpack.
Thanks Alister, I like the way Fuji enable you to see the shot in a aspect ratio you intend to have, i.e. 65:24, as in camara. For a mediocre landscape shooter like myself, what's the main pull you would say from a D850 to the GFX ?. Thanks again for the vids.
I have most of the gfx lenses and I also have a few of my Nikon Prime lenses still, I find them all great with the fringer adaptor Nikon 24mm 1.4 sigma 40mm 1.4 85mm 1.4 105mm 1.4 and the Sigma 60-600mm, and it is sharp if you're not shooting wide open, and I can get down to 20th sec hand held at 600mm
Great Work, thanks for sharing our Kase filters ,thanks for your always supports.
Watching over your shoulder as you were using the camera this spring on Vancouver Island I was convinced the answer to the question you pose is yes! However, I have not sold my decades accumulation of Nikon gear and switched yet. Still using the venerable D850. Next step will be Z8, and conversion from F to Z. For those of us who can’t settle down and specialize, versatility is a significant consideration. Subjects from macro to astro, and everything in between are irresistible temptations. Fiscal considerations constrain the temptation to go both ways, Fugi and Nikon, alas. For now anyway… 😢
Hi Alister …. Lots of mixed responses there ….. personally I have not tried the camera so I can not make a sound judgement but your review seems very convincing. I use the Hasselblad X2D medium format camera and to be honest I can not fault it ….. sensor collects so much information, dynamic range has so much info in a seemingly “ black “ shadow and Hasselblad colours for me are perfectly rendered. So I am happy where I am but respect the Fuji and your review … as usual a balanced presentation. Thank you
I especially loved the image at 12:00. beautiful!
I have switched to the GFX100s with the 20-35mm and 40-100mm and the major of going with it was the 65x24 format. I think you touched with the 100s first and was wondered what was the wonder of the GFX 100 II is hwat is it better than the 100 II to the 100s? I agree I need to look at a longer lens, thinking it about the 100-200mm or the 250mm.
All the best.
I wish I had the dosh for one my friend. What a lovely thing.
Yeah, I know, thankfully mine are business expenses
It's a fantastic camera and some lovely shots!
I like to think more in terms of the best setup, to maximize your ability to get the shot.
Two lighter bodies, one with the 100-400 on my pack shoulder strap and another with the 24-70 on the waist belt is my ideal quick fire setup.
It might seem crazy but l often don't take the shot if l have to change lenses and sometimes speed and weather conditions are an important factor.
I can certainly see how this is the ideal camera for you…although I suspect that you would equally be as happy with one of the high end Nikon Z cameras! The great thing is that you don’t need to find out as it provides you with all the attributes you are seeking. Look forward to seeing some Sahara photos in the new year…
Many thanks Nick, yeah, it has ticked all the boxes for me now, very happy with it
I think it’s important that a professional photographer should keep up-to-date with equipment. So, young man, I agree with you. I’ve not tried Fuji cameras, but if presented with one I wouldn’t refuse it, if I can carry it (I’m not tall!). In the meantime, I’ll stick to my less weighty Olympus/OMS cameras and lenses as I’m not a Pro. I wish OMS had the aspect ratios 65:24 and 4:5, but glad they have the others, and of course, if you change your mind, can change it in Lr/PS. Stunning images, as usual, Alister🇦🇺
What editing software do you use?
I picked up the GFX 100 II and 45-100 and 500mm lenses in July. When comparing shots with my Canon R3 with same image framing the image quality wasn't that different. I was expecting a lot more difference between 102mp and 24 but it just wasn't there.
The dynamic range is great on the Fuji and the body feels great in the hand but there wasn't enough difference in image quality for me to run two systems so I traded the Fuji back in on a Canon R5 II.
These differences are getting less and less , it’s like guitars, I have multiple as I use them for different things and they all work
Hi Alister
I love your Channel. Is it you playing the wonderfull guitarmusik ?
Best regards from Denmark
I love the simplicity of the Hasselblad X2D menus and the lens choices of the Fuji GFX system, if only. And I'm not knocking the GFX100 II. The "Ultimate" camera is the one you love after all. Any other lens you wish you had??
Yeah, I hear you on that, I don’t delve too deep into the 100ii menus as they are way too complicated. The H2D is beautiful
I love my GFX 100s II (the smaller brother) and to be honest it's not much heavier than most full frame cameras but I've also shot some amazing photos with my Fujifilm XT5 with a 13 mm Viltrox lens and Viltrox 75 1.2. I actually think the 100s II is about a camera because it's a little bit lighter and you basically will get the same images same sensor same everything really just a different EVF. 20-35, 35 range-70, 55 1.7 (portraits) and 100-200. And I've had this camera now for about five months and I love the images out of it but I will say this it is not the easiest camera to use. The one thing that I've struggled with a couple of times is if you don't get the image Pin sharp it's really obvious in other words this camera highlight your faults like no end if you make a mistake and I remember watching one of your videos, mate where you were talking about a seascape and it wasn't quite Pin sharp and most people wouldn't notice it but we do this camera actually for me makes me a better photographer because I actually have to nail the shot and I know that sounds crazy to people who don't use this system but at the end of the day it'll make you a better photographer because you have to get the shot right. The only reason I didn't get the bigger one was I didn't actually like that EVF that stuck out on top. I felt like I would break it or knock it on something. I can be a bit clumsy. I just felt the S model was a bit more compact and I waited for that to come out and I don't regret my decision. Thank you for your insights on this camera. I would say to people that if you're looking at the hundred 100s II it is only one frame per second less. I decided not to get the 500 mm I base it on this if I crop in 100% on the 200 I get close to 380 mm and given that I don't shoot any bird photography or anything like that that's enough to capture waves or mountain scenes in the background and still get a really acceptably sharp image. I just couldn't justify the money for a lens that I might only use five or six times a year. Plus, then you've got a carry it as well. This is not the sort of camera that you buy to make your Photography better I would say it's kind of like driving a big hummer. It's very effective but it's a difficult beast to Navigate when you first start even for experienced photographers medium format is tricky. Thank you for your video and I agree with everything you said.
Sometimes it's the small things that make the big difference. Technology is so good now across the board that the specs are not what intrigue me. I'm still hoping to find a camera that has a useful viewfinder - particularly when you wear eyeglasses. I really like the option of the adjustable viewfinder on this camera. Canon used to offer something similar, but not even close now. Size and weight are also priorities. Convenience is king for me, once technology needs are met. So I guess the definition of "ultimate" is truly subjective.
Oh 100% and the title was only to make RUclips share the video instead of not!! It is a fair review of my love of the camera though
Of course, I agree. Nevertheless, I think that you are being too specific to the GFX 100 II. From an image quality standpoint all 4 cameras in this series deliver equal quality. In my own case, I find that it is heavy. I have some shoulder problems and clearly this system is a bit of a weight challenge in that I am 16 years older than you. I enjoy it immensely.
...the Fuji GFX system is a point of no return. The extreme quality of raw files is endless, as well as great workability. Yes, is no cheap, is a more heavy, but when you open a file on the computer, everything goes through. Highly recommended...
Ultimate in what respect? for image quality, it would go to a view camera, digital or film. The movements alone slay rigid cameras for depth of field, important for landscape.
Very well done video! I should like to say that my experience is similar to yours. Caveat: I have the GFX 50sii. However, the images that I get from that have similar dynamic range and image quality metrics as what you have described. At this time, my typical kit includes the GF 20-35, GF 35-70, and one out of an assortment of adapted lenses. Example: on the longer end I have a Hasselblad 250mm with an HB to GF adapter, and a 2x teleconverter. While that setup is a bit of a pain to use (definitely need a tripod for this) the images I can get out of it are decent. Now, having seen your video, I will take a look at the new GF 500 mm lens! One last note: I am 77. I am fortunate that I can still walk and hike quite a bit. My kit can get quite heavy ---- and for an old guy like me, that is an issue. One would think I would move over to an OM System 4/3 setup that is much lighter. But, alas, I am hooked on the Fuji medium format and will stay with what I have. Cheers!
I'd trade my GFX100S in a heartbeat for an X2D if it didn't mean I'd lose a bomb. I can't shoot an exposure of more than 10-15 seconds without LENR or the sensor will be covered in hot pixels. A 90 second exposure means I'm out of action for 3 minutes.
Having said that, who produces a camera in this day and age without a cable release ... you have to trigger the X2D via an app or self-timer, which is not ideal when you're perched precariously on rocks just above crashing waves.
Meh, no ultra wide lenses, no telephotos, I dislike the 4:3 image ratio for horizontal shots, 100MP is overkill for most of my shots.
The higher dynamic range is useful sometimes, but my camera bag is already too heavy to carry both a Sony FF to have ultra wides and telephotos, and a medium format...
The Z7 with a 24-200 ticks most of the boxes for me, enough reach for 98% of what I shoot, good close focusing, lightweight, no lens swap issues in bad weather, relatively affordable, decent selection of aspect rations in camera.
Not to mention the AF capabilities of a camera from the 80's ...
I use mine with that lens for longer hikes and it has been brilliant!
For landscape photography it is still an excellent choice.
You can pick up that combination used in excellent condition for £1500 or less.
If you need better AF for wildlife, then the Z8 is clearly way better.
No. There is no such thing, everyone having different needs and wants. Personally, I would never even consider a mirrorless camera as it disassociates one from the process, but you do you.
An obviously good camera. For a more balanced view I recommend Mark Denney's video on why he went from GFX to Z8.
ruclips.net/video/j5-84EkqdYU/видео.htmlsi=bTEtSoLqKmI3Me39
No
No it’s not.
😂 I’m sorry, I’ll sell mine right away
😂😂😂
What is 😮