Medium format cameras offer unique advantages, but are they worth the investment? The photographer took the Fujifilm GFX 100 II to Iceland to see how it performs in real-world conditions.
Coming to you from Anthony Gugliotta, this informative video reviews the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. Gugliotta, who had never used a medium format camera before, shares his insights after taking it to Iceland. Medium format cameras, like this one, are known for their larger sensors, which can significantly enhance image quality compared to full frame or APS-C cameras.
Gugliotta begins by explaining the differences between medium format and other sensor sizes. The Fujifilm GFX 100 II features a sensor with about 1.7 times the surface area of a full frame sensor. This means that a 50mm lens on a medium format camera offers a field of view similar to a 40mm lens on a full-frame camera. Additionally, the larger sensor provides a shallower depth of field, which can be particularly beneficial for portrait photography. The GFX 100 II’s 4:3 aspect ratio also offers more height in the frame, making it versatile for various compositions.
Despite its advantages, medium format photography isn’t without challenges. One major downside is the size and weight of the gear. Gugliotta notes that the lenses for the GFX 100 II are significantly larger than those for full frame cameras. This can make packing and carrying the equipment more cumbersome, especially when traveling. Additionally, while the GFX 100 II captures stunning 16-bit raw photos, which offer incredible color depth and detail, this level of quality comes at a high cost. The camera itself is expensive, and the files are large, requiring substantial storage space.
Using the Fujifilm GFX 100 II in Iceland, Gugliotta discovered both the camera’s strengths and limitations. The 100-megapixel sensor produces images with astonishing resolution, ideal for large prints or detailed landscape shots. However, this high resolution isn’t always necessary for all types of photography. For most everyday uses, a 45-megapixel camera, like the Canon EOS R5, might suffice. Gugliotta emphasizes that the GFX 100 II excels in controlled environments, such as portrait studios or landscape photography, where the high resolution and superior dynamic range truly shine.
On the practical side, Gugliotta found the GFX 100 II’s handling and usability to be excellent. The camera’s large, detachable viewfinder and high-quality screen make composing shots straightforward, even in challenging lighting conditions. However, the slower burst rate and autofocus system mean this camera isn’t suited for fast-action photography or sports. Gugliotta recommends considering what you primarily shoot before investing in a medium format system.
No doubt, the Fujifilm GFX 100 II is a remarkable camera with exceptional image quality and dynamic range. It’s perfect for those who need high resolution and superior color depth, such as landscape or portrait photographers. However, its size, weight, and cost make it less practical for everyday use or fast-paced photography. If you’re considering a medium format camera, weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks to see if it’s the right fit for your needs. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gugliotta.
Nope. Not for me. I had a 100s. It was too much resolution and and it overheated a LOT during outdoor shoots. I might pick up a Pentax 645 later on down the road but until then I'm good with full frame and APSC. The only thing I do miss about the GFX 100s is the editing latitude of the files. You almost can't break them. Problem is full frame is so close to medium format quality and how full frame is significantly faster and more responsive that It's hard to justify buying medium format.
Hey Bob!
For my day job, I use a bunch of Nikon Z gear, but my personal camera is the 100S, which I have used the last year and a half almost exclusively outdoors. Just got back from a trip to the eastern Sierra Nevada part of California, including two nights and a bunch of daytime shooting at Death Valley. I've not once ever had an issue with my Fuji overheating. Can you describe the scenarios in which you had it overheat on you?
I work for Think Tank (the bag people!) and we rent a LOT of different gear for our in-house productions. I settled on the GFX100S after running with the Sony A1 and 50 1.2, the Canon RF with their 50 and 85 1.2, the Nikon Z9 with their 50 1.2 (seeing a trend here?) and the GFX50SII with the 110 f/2 (and others) and came away feeling the files from the Fuji had a lifelike quality that I wasn't able to replicate with any of the other cameras, even though they all produced great images. Maybe it's a bit of bias, being I've shot MF film and 4x5 for a number of years, but the Fuji definitely IQ and files felt more "serious" and lifelike.
The big drawback was file size, processing power, etc. I've since added a RAID array of drives, have a current fast i9 processor and 64 gigs of ram and a 4k monitor - and now working with those files feels 100% natural.
Just my 2 cents!
Cheers
I think 'it depends' would be the correct answer. Despite it not being a want for my photography, the GFX 100s (and the 50s before that) is a pleasure to work with.
It is my go-to camera for all occasions, including my current India trip (it's 42 degrees Celsius here right now, and the camera works like a charm).
The RAW files are 200 MB approximately and it never changed my 2019 Intel MacBook enough to be a pain.
I used the GFX 100 II for some time and enjoyed capturing birds and animals. I look forward to upgrading to the 100s II by the end of this year.