I recently traded in my GFX50R to upgrade to the GFX100, as I saw a deal that I just couldn’t refuse.
At the time of trading it, I thought I’d receive the camera next day, but that wasn’t to be. A commission came in and I’m without my GF system.
I opted to use my XT3 for the [still life] shoot. A system I got for video and I think I’ve only ever shot actual work on it, and that was 10 days ago. The video quality is still incredible and something I really need to make more use of.
I’ve always been a little apprehensive with shooting anything commercial on and APSC camera, video fine, but It’s always best to offer the best possible quality file and I fee APSC can’t touch Medium Format [and even the latest full frame tech], wether that’s Fujifilm or Phase, in terms of image detail and quality.
Granted you’re paying significantly less for a APSC Fuji than your are a GFX or a medium format flagship. But going from Medium Format back to APSC, I just can’t warrant shooting still life/food on such a sensor size. Sure when you post it on a website or socials, you’d probably be hard pressed to tell what system it’s been shot on.
But in terms of detail, crop-ability and the latitude in the file in post, APSC just can’t compete. APSC is fine for your prosumer/everyday person, and some commercial work, but I’d always reach for my GF system, even opting for an R5 over an APSC for commercial purposes.
With that said, I love my X100V & XT3, and the image quality, colour is perfect for shooting everyday life & any of the more documentary/reportage football.
For my needs the 50R, in terms of image quality is far more than I need. Though I felt the 50R’s performance and handling was feeling a little tired, I noticed this on a job recently.
Outside of shooting on a tripod the camera isn’t that comfy to operate for long periods, especially with larger lenses. Walking around taking occasional shots is fine, but to do a full blown shoot [hand held] is very uncomfortable, but that’s not what this camera is made for.
Saying that, the form factor of the 50R does lend itself more to travel shooting. I could easily put in my bag & with no real issues and not draw too much attention to myself. The 100 on the other hand resembles a flag ship DLSR, and there is no chance I’ll be taking that away with me, unless for work/personal project.
As I can now switch from stills to video on the GF system on a shoot, opposed to using the XT3. I have started to ask myself if I’ll move away from the X Series of cameras?
I’m really waiting to see how APSC sensor technology develops. There is talks of a 40+ APSC system coming sometime in 2022. At this time the XT3 is more than enough for the kind of work I use that system for and I don’t ever see myself using the APSC systems for still life/food anyway [unless for video].
I did start writing about future sensor tech, but this is for another post. It’s far too technical [boring] for most peoples tastes.
At the time I was pretty happy to part ways with the 50R, but it hit me that I do in-fact miss this system, and that it’s the reason I decided to even write a post about the 100. Ultimately I hope Fujifilm release a 100MP or even a 50MP + sensor in the R series but with phase detect auto focus & useable video as it really is a lovely system and one I will sorely miss.
And just to round things up, here’s are the pro’s and cons.
Pros
Imagine quality is unrivalled at its price point.
4k 4.2.2 10 Bit - The 50 series were just unusable when it came to video
Handling - More comfy than the 50R
USB C Charging
E-Ink screen is nice, but will miss the dials
Histogram on the top/back screen
Larger lenses are better suited to this body
IBIS - first camera I own to have such a system
Cons [More Dislikes, there’s no bad cameras these days]
I can’t see myself taking this system away with my on non job related trips, just too big and ‘pro’ looking.
The lack of dials, but then again this is a work tool, nothing more. The 50R & Subsequent Fujifilm cameras will be the fun cameras.
Probably the worst paint job on a system, love the colour but the application is so poor.
Silly to complain, but the sheer quality and detail will cause issues.
File size is ridiculous
Port flaps, I prefer the more ridged doors on the XT3