Why I Switched From Canon to the Fujifilm GFX System

I've been a proud Canon user for over a decade.

Not long ago, close to home, I used my savings from working as a server's assistant at a local wine bar to buy my first 'big girl camera.' The long nights and generous tips allowed me to purchase a Canon Rebel T3I. Full of excitement, I went to the nearest Best Buy and returned home, overjoyed to finally call it mine.

Choosing the right camera wasn't a difficult decision. The Canon Rebel was a hit among the trendy, sunset-loving Tumblr crowd, who often showcased their sleek Rebels in mirror selfies and various hashtags. This popularity heavily influenced my most significant teenage purchase. At that time, Canon cameras were all the rage, praised for their durability, comfort during all-day shoots, stylish design, and outstanding quality.

As my lifestyle and editorial photography career took off after college, the need for a more sophisticated camera became clear. When the impressive 5DMIV was launched, I knew it had to be my next major upgrade. Purchasing it filled me with emotion once again, and this remarkable camera soon became my constant companion worldwide.

I've been a proud Canon user for over a decade.

The 5DMIV is the original DSLR powerhouse. It sports a 30 MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6+ processor, Dual Pixel AF system, and 4K video capture.

The Mark IV stands out as the pinnacle of the 5D series, maintaining an esteemed legacy. It's so reliable that even after nearly six years, I reach for it numerous times. This camera has been my constant companion, from the Himalayas in India to jeep adventures through Zambian grasslands, travels across Europe and Japan, and even a river cruise in the Amazon Jungle. Remarkably, it hasn't seen the inside of a repair shop to this day (touch wood).

I've always believed in making purchases that last a lifetime, and should this writing career extend into automotive reviews, my trusty Subaru Outback deserves a shoutout next.

My camera wasn't just a tool but an extension of myself, performing reliably in every light condition, setting, journey, and scenario imaginable. A decade-long relationship with Canon has left me with nothing but praise for the brand that both kickstarted and helped cultivate my career in professional photography.

However, as with all good things, personal evolution and expanding skills have nurtured a desire for change. Despite my deep affection for my Canon 5DMIV, I realized it was time to move on. I had surpassed its once-novel features, and its sensor seemed to lag, showing signs of fatigue. Accepting this change was challenging, given my steadfast nature. However, the decision wasn't immediate, as finding a new digital camera worthy of investment proved difficult in this rapidly advancing technological landscape.

That is until the GFX 50S II was released.

Why Fujifilm GFX Is Such a Big Deal

Simply put, Fujifilm's GFX line comprises large-format mirrorless cameras that deliver the highest level of image quality available in a digital camera system.

The GFX 50SII has revolutionized digital photography by capturing images over 50 megapixels. As a passionate analog enthusiast specializing in medium-format portraits and lifestyle imagery, I felt my creativity was being stifled by the limitations of DSLRs. It became apparent that my time with full-frame cameras ended, clearing the path for my transition to large-format photography.

However, it's not just the superior image quality that distinguishes medium-format cameras from their full-frame counterparts. The visual experience of models like those in the GFX series is nearly indescribable. The larger sensor allows for more dramatic bokeh and an expanded field of view, enabling a shallower depth of field and more pronounced background compression, especially when using a wide lens. These features are highly valued in portrait photography, particularly by those who appreciate a quality that echoes traditional film.

These cameras have a unique charm and editorial-like visual appeal that has yet to be matched. They are treasured within the artistic community and hold significant sway in the competitive field. These devices are dynamic and stylish and represent a new era in the world of photography.

The Switch From Canon To Fujifilm

Writing this isn't easy for me, and I approach it with some reluctance due to my deep affection for Canon. I haven’t parted with my 5DMIV; letting it go would be too painful. It remains invaluable, particularly for rapid shooting scenarios where the GFX lags because of its slower sensor.

However, change was inevitable.

To put it simply—Fujifilm feels more modern. They demonstrate a keen understanding of their diverse consumer base—those looking to enhance or change their photography equipment. Fujifilm addresses the needs of today's photographers without clinging to outdated trends of the early 2000s. Their adaptability is both seamless and understated. With Fujifilm, there's never a sense of straining to attract younger demographics; they excel at identifying genuine consumer demands.

Setting aside my sentimental biases, it became clear that Canon's technological advances weren't meeting my expectations. DSLRs seemed to lag behind the innovations introduced by competitors, fueling my growing sense of missing out. Even as Canon launched new models with updated features, their recent offerings no longer sparked the excitement I craved.

The debate often shifts from DSLRs to mirrorless models. While both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras share similar sensors, image quality, technologies, and features, they differ significantly in structure and aesthetics. The differences aren't just in their physical appearance—how they're shaped, how they feel in your hand, and how they operate—but also in technical aspects like video recording capabilities in 4K, 6K, or even 8K and advanced autofocus systems. Mirrorless models offer additional advantages like eye autofocus, more compact sizes, and the ability to preview exposure in real-time without switching to a live view mode. But honestly? The specific type of digital photography experience wasn't my main concern. I was yearning for something completely new.

It had to be a complete departure from the familiar for me to consider a change.

The idea of a mirrorless camera intrigued me, but the allure of medium format truly captured my imagination. One of the perks of working at Moment is the privilege of early access to the latest equipment. Taylor, a fellow filmmaker at Sunny Sixteen, had the chance to experiment with the camera, an experience documented in a popular video on Moment’s YouTube channel. Her feedback was stellar. Our artistic sensibilities align, so her endorsement was all the encouragement I needed, especially when she expressed her enthusiasm to transition from her own Canon 5DMIV.

General Specs on the Fujifilm GFX 50SII

Capturing images with the 14-bit RAW files on my camera feels like having a trusty toolkit that preserves a solid amount of shadow detail. While it's true that it doesn't have the almost supernatural recovery abilities some of the newer cameras boast, it certainly holds its own.

The dynamic range might not match that of the GFX 100s, but it's far from disappointing. I confidently push up to ISO 6400 when shooting in dim conditions without worrying about noise ruining my shots. The noise is well controlled, and the details remain crisp and clear. In those do-or-die moments, I can even push it to ISO 12,800 and still salvage respectable images — though, of course, your mileage may vary depending on how much grain you can tolerate. Despite the sensor's age, the images I capture with it feel timeless. These files are robust, offering ample latitude for my creative whims.

The GFX50S II really steps it up with its autofocus, all thanks to Fujifilm's mighty X-Processor 4. The leap in sensor readout speeds — from 130fps in its predecessor to a brisk 250fps — makes it wonderfully responsive, ideal for catching those fleeting moments or picking out a face in a crowd.

The autofocus system has been souped up with the latest algorithms from the Fujifilm X-Series and GFX system cameras, enhancing its prowess across all scenarios, including spot-on face and eye detection. Paired with the camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which offers a generous 6.5 stops of stability, shooting handheld becomes a breeze. This means that whenever inspiration strikes, I can rely on my camera’s autofocus to keep up with the flow of my creativity seamlessly.

I've fallen head over heels for my GFX, though I confess I'm still getting the hang of it even after a couple of years. My heart has always leaned towards film photography for personal expression and professional projects. But when a campaign’s creative direction requires a digital touch, my GFX 50S II is my trusted partner. Its performance is impeccable, and the sheer quality of the images it produces always leaves me in awe. Yet, when I need to capture moments swiftly, like at my sister's track meets or when helping out at a friend's wedding, my Canon 5DMIV is my go-to for its faster capture speed. Despite this, I'm genuinely happy with my switch to the GFX, and it’s comforting to know that my reliable Canon is still there, ready to step in whenever I need it.