Can You Really Tell The Difference? Medium Format Vs APS-C For Landscape Photography

Buy My Book www.fototripper.com/chasing-a...
In this video, I go full pixel-peeing nerd and take you to a local beauty spot to see how much difference $10,000 makes to your landscape photography.
I pour all of my energy into capturing just one beautiful shot using two different camera systems, but I think I stepped in something stinky.
After hundreds of questions from viewers about the Fuji GFX100s, I decided the best way to answer these questions was to make a video addressing all of my loves and hates of this camera and whether or not I would buy it.
I also figured it would be helpful to do a comparison with a much more affordable camera system to see if there's really any justification for spending upwards of $11,000 just for one camera and one lens.
I finally reveal the results of the image test I posted a few days ago to see if my audience of discerning snobs got it right, you might be surprised with the results.
Thanks for watching Gavin Hardcastle - Fototripper.
The Fuji Gear On Amazon: amzn.to/3rBvpM2
Sony on Amazon: amzn.to/3Ax8OV6
Get 10% Off Fotospeed Paper with coupon code GAVIN10
cybersportphoto.com/shop-for-...
The F4 Road Trip: f4roadtrip.com
Fototripper Newsletter: www.fototripper.com/newsletter/
Music by Epidemic Sound share.epidemicsound.com/vwCTJ
My Camera Bag (10% Off with code FOTOTRIPPER10) shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/kj...
Business: www.fototripper.com/contact-us/
Fototripper T-Shirts: teespring.com/stores/fototripper
My Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/gavgris...
My Rinsedagram: / fototripper
Brents Rinsda: / brenthendersonphotography
My Full Gear List: www.fototripper.com/my-gear-l...
#landscapephotography #fujifilm #fototripper
Did I mention I wrote a book? www.fototripper.com/chasing-a...

[@fototripper]

Buy My Book www.fototripper.com/chasing-awe-landscape-photography-book-gavin-hardcastle/

[@winheiMR]

Ich kann mir dein schönes Fotobuch leider nicht kaufen, weil es mir viel zu teuer und nur in englisch geschrieben ist! Sehr schöne Landschaften wo ich im Leben selbst nie hinkommen werde.

[@patricksmith2553]

You know the Fuji GFX series is amazing and they deserve some serious credit, however I just don't see the cropped medium sensor as enough of a size jump to really benefit over what full frame can do. The Nikon Z7 II, Sony A7R IV and even Nikon Z9 are maybe better buys for certain audiences. I've used DX, FX and medium format (PhaseOne) and I absolutely can see the difference's in those jumps. Where I see much less of a benefit is in these crop-sensor medium format camera's like the GFX and Hassleblad camera's. If you had shown a PhaseOne IQ4 150mp sensor against a DX sensor, you'd see a massive difference in IQ. Especially if you print, crop heavily, or just in the tonality...the difference is clear. The downside is they are about $60,000 and they are not great AF wise. My colleague has the PhaseOne IQ4 150mp camera and had the previous model as well, they offered him an upgrade path, which made the new camera considerably less. So that is nice, but in order to afford PhaseOne or even borrow one you need a high-limit American Express black card or similair and 800 credit score lol. Seriously they do financial and background checks if you want to review one as KZbinr or otherwise, so it is sort of crazy the level of service and all that you get with such a purchase. Funny thing is almost all of his best work has been shot on D850's and other FX Nikon gear and not on his PhaseOne. Honestly even if I were extremely wealthy I would never buy such a camera. I would however love to someday have an older model if the price was right, something like a Phase One IQ1 or 2, which are about $4000-$6500. Simply because the files are sublime and I just love the "look" a bigger sensor produces. Nowadays nearly every camera is great or at least good enough and there are so many used options as people upgrade and go mirrorless...it's photo gear heaven right now. Some great deals on used DSLR gear if you get lucky or pay attention!

[@hank.hacking]

Dude, you sound just like Sean Bean in the Sharpe movies, lol! Extremely engaging

[@RichardJPhotog]

Im not a landscape photographer but have been a portrait photographer for nearly 30 years. I bought the GFX 50sii and the 100mm F2 glass. I can tell you this.... Since this purchase, My R5 and A7r3 are collecting dust. The color science is untouched and you will never have to touch the clarity or sharpness sliders again...ever

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

I work for a camera manufacturer where we are capable of 1.7million FPS, my hobby is 4x5" landscapes where I can shoot a max of about 2FPHr. Right tool for the job... In my job, where we analyse images on a sub-pixel level (yes, look it up), resolution & sharpness are everything. My best image which won me the Aus science photography prize was shot on a 6MP Pentax *istD. I love geeking out about gear, but know the most exciting part of photography is getting large chromes back from the lab, or the moment you know you've captured an epic event no one will capture the same way again...and those moments have very little to do with the gear.

[@dedskin1]

I work for my mom , but i also do Astrophotography where we shoot 0,2FPHr , with a camera super cooled to -30C , while at the same time we heat up the lens , and when you do that and you have to you battle condensation in the system ,so we put those moisture absorbing pearls in the optical train , while at the same time keeping those pixels aligned with the Stars for hours on end on sub pixel level to get that shot . It is really fantastic geek stuff , forget 10 000$ camera , you need 10 000$ just to start doing it , and couple stacks more to get a good camera . Right tool for the job .

[@Deweybing]

Thanks Gavin. You just confirmed what I always say. "Use what you have. Don't worry about having the newest or best. Get outside and enjoy life."

[@andrewroland]

Give him the bloody camera back, it’s second hand now anyway and you got it at cost. If you take off the free advertising you’re only taking back about $90.

[@gavincarter3425]

I like the bench off to the right of the frame, I’d like to think I could spend some time there reading a book…..”Chasing Awe” by Gavin Hardcastle, link in the description below!!! 👍🏻

[@TackJorrance]

I guessed right before the reveal, even at 1080p KZbin compression with split-screen between images. The dynamic range and the color depth was the giveaway to me.

[@christophergrove4876]

🇨🇦/🇺🇸... Before the reveal... It looks like B has more dynamic range... that CAN be smart use of Lightroom though... EDIT: I was correctamundo! Well done, Gavin! As a large-format PRINTING technician, I know that whether or not an image is going to be printed AND if it is going to be printed LARGE & CLOSE (as on a wall in a corporate lobby) makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE! Corporate sales is where it's at, folks! And corporate sales is where you're going to recoup your cost difference!

[@Just-a-Guy1]

I agree with you about why one should and shouldn't buy the Medium and the crop sensor. Your basic advice is th fond something you like somewhere in the middle. I have a Nikon D850 and, at around 46 megapixels, it does everything I need it to do and it does it very well. The bottom line for me is it is paid for, I have the lenses I need. It has rock solid performance and the results are functionally as good as anyone else's. Also, I'm not in love with mirrorless cameras in general. The important thing for me do is to remind myself the best photos originate from between my ears and a camera its only the tool for capturing what I want.

[@freetibet1000]

One way to draw a conclusion from this comparison is to buy into one of the major fullframe systems instead. That segment got the hi resolution (for most use-cases) and excellent DR, extensive and excellent lens line-ups, high frame rates, large buffers, a large variety of body types, top notch video and reasonable prices. In that segment we find a whole slew of excellent options on the used market as well. It is also in that segment we see the most R&D efforts from the developers. To put it short; it’s the sweet spot if we are regular users without extreme needs.

[@MisterMakerNL]

Why am I watching a camera that I cannot afford and never will? Because Gavin you are awesome! And the rainbow unicorn.

[@juanitakelly3082]

The best points were encouraging people to think about what they are using the photography for before getting into the gear buying game.

[@Werner_1968]

You once mentioned that you delete a lot of vlogs because there were no photos that could be shown from them. Personally, I would love to see these vlogs too. In my opinion, the quality of your content does not only consist of the excellent photos that you show during a vlog. Even if photography wasn't my hobby, I would devour your videos because they are extremely entertaining. Please keep it up! You always put a smile on my face, which is very valuable these days :-)

[@matthiasurstoger856]

Man, that stupid feeling when you're done watching Gavins video, knowing you'll have to wait another week for a new one.

[@manuelilic9195]

I have 3 Cameras; Fuji X-T20, Nikon D750 and the Fuji GFX 50s and the GFX 50s has the most realistic "3D" look even if you watch the image on a phone. For Landscape photography a real pleasure! 🙂

[@woflgangdurst6752]

Great job as always explaining the difference as well as pros and cons.

[@SOURMlLK]

Having multiple cameras, the thing that I find obvious about APS-C (or smaller) images are always the tree branches or telephone wires. They always have a weird sharpness to them to make up for the size of the sensor. The contrast due to dynamic range on the cheaper APS-C cameras are another thing that is at times unnatural. Bigger sensor images are just effortlessly natural and more 3 dimensional but yes not worth the price for most of us.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Super interesting Gavin. Thanks for all that work!!

[@marcusslade9804]

When Gavin gets serious, I know to sit up straight and pay attention. Come on Fuji, get in touch with him.

[@1_Tim]

Thorough critique from a number of useful perspectives. Thanks!

[@timshields8720]

Superb video. You taught me a HEAP of logical and straightforward information. I'm incredibly embarrassed to say I choose them the wrong way around but after you explained everything it made perfect sense. Mainly the shadow separation to my eye was superior in the cheaper camera vs. the expensive one. Thats what I was mainly looking at and it tripped me up massively. Thnx!!

[@richcower]

Very informative Gavin, one of your best.

[@lwilson5198]

I really enjoyed this Gavin. You have so much knowledge on camera kit it is great to see you do a video like this.

[@noenken]

Just a couple details: - The output files on the A7RIV are 14bit, not 16. Only the internal image processing is 16 bit. So it makes sense for the GFX100 files to take more time. But I would still prefer something more universal like DNG or a file format that is truly free and open. That would probably also help with processing. - The sensor in the GFX50sII is not a BSI sensor (and that is a big deal!), doesn't have phase detection pixel AND is only 14 bit vs 16. In fact there is something like seven years of sensor development between the 50mp and the 100mp sensor. Regardless of resolution, these two sensors are generations apart. In general you are completely right, I think. Hardly anyone needs 100 megapixel files and even full frame is a bit overkill for most. ... On the other hand, you are already saving tons of money by being a camera guy instead of a car guy, sooo ... :D

[@mortenthorpe]

if you’ve used a GFX 50 (S, R, S2), you’ll appreciate how supreme that “older sensor” is to any full frame sensor available today - the dynamic range difference is massive! i can easily recover a bad exposure on the GFX, which my spanking new Nikon will output as a muddled mess, rather than details (especially true for underexposed shadow areas!)

[@noenken]

@@mortenthorpe I did have a 50s and a 50r, both for a very limited amount of time before getting the GFX100. They are great cameras for anything that doesn't move too much and the output will match or beat anything full frame. I agree with you. I'm not saying the 50mp sensor is bad, I'm just saying that the new sensor is even better ... by a lot. And when you look at the base cost of the GFX50sII and then think about the price difference that would get you the 100s, especially for someone who wants to build a full kit for like 10k+ or so, it would be a better long term investment to go for the best sensor on the planet right now. If you just want to try it out, don't get a GFX50sII, get a 50r used for like 2k and fart around with it. That's totally fine. it's not gonna drop in value for a while. But don't buy something that old brand new for that amount of money. That's a bad idea, I think.

[@hrobertb]

Really liked the quiz and the comparison discussion. Great vid.

[@ianbrowne9304]

Interesting enough; however , if there is nothing to compare with then there can be no comparison . Put each as a framed printed photo in different buildings most would never notice difference . But the problem today (likely always has been) is the camera holder is so consumed with their gear they forget photography is still more about the quality of light than the tools used to record the light .

[@davidjensen41]

I made the change to the GFX 100s after moving on from a Canon 5D 4 and a 5D s and do not regret the choice. Even after being up all night waiting for the perfect light and having a face like Gavin Hardcastle, it's good to know my prints will be the best they can be for my clients. I am, by choice, a photographer that shoots slow and patiently and the GFX 100s suits my style beautifully.

[@jrm2254]

Enjoy the subtle humor in your videos. Good stuff man

[@PortugalCarp]

One of the best videos you've posted, ruddy interesting. Thanks for posting it.

[@stephenschmid492]

An excellent discussion of the pros and cons of the various formats, Gavin. Thank you!

[@jcben]

Probably the best analysis of the subject i've seen on youtube. 👏

[@jerryalt6486]

Very enjoyable video Gavin! Excellent summation.

[@gavtakesphotos]

Love the comparison idea, great composition too

[@steventaylor1649]

Great video , best I’ve seen on this type of comparison….really nice shots , rainbow unicorns and dog dump …fantastic allrounder - cheers Gavin.

[@arthurdespres6421]

Thanks Gavin, I really enjoyed that video!

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Nice comparison video Gavin, thanks for sharing.

[@thejimmyfermin]

Something I want to point is there is some work arounds for things if you research or look into. One example is at 32:32 I want to point out with Lightroom's enhance feature and AI pixel enhancer, I was able to take a photo that was shot on my XT-3 and even cropped in, and blow it up to a 50 inch print. Was it some work to get it done, of course, but it's possible. I think you pointed it out perfectly in the video, if you have the knowledge and wit, you can probably get the same results with something cheaper. Even now, I'm trying to replicate the look of medium format film and that separation the Mamiyas produce with my XT-3. I'm using a canon FD F1.2 lens and the results have been beautiful with the creamy dreamy look it has.

[@fachiro1]

This is the very best video you have ever done. Inspiring...Inspiring words...through and through.......

[@josephh4532]

Everyone knows you have the photography chops, but some people only want to see straight up reviews, tutorials etc. However, you are the best at blending humor with photography and not taking yourself too seriously (which a lot of people obviously like). I think the growth move for your channel is to keep your comedy/photography niche, but also blend in videos like this one to attract additional viewers. Great channel regardless!

[@DigitalImageStudio]

Great honest practical review Gavin, thanks!

[@hopoutside]

Finally, a complete assessment of the Fuji GFX for landscape that's practical...thank you!!! :)

[@NJM1948]

Just love your usual very funny but still informative style.....but, seeing this, and seeing you in "serious" mode was just as watchable. Great video and very nice to see this contrast in your style.

[@dlanska]

Quite excellent. Very clear, balanced, and thoughtful discussion. Well done.

[@samwilds6399]

Excellent video, best pro/cons I seen yet. Keep up the great work.

[@craigallenphotography]

Your comment on the 50 vs the 100 (pixel density) is exactly what I was thinking. I'm still shooting DSLR's and I 'm considering where to go next. Great video Gavin

[@bunkermagnus]

Lovely video as usual Gavin, you nailed the pros and cons of the GFX!

[@dalkapur]

Agree 100%. Great comparison and discussion. As an enthusiast and not a professional, the no 1 criteria for hauling my heavy 50S mk1 and a couple of lenses is that it is "a joy to use". Both when taking the image and in post. What you can do with that high dynamic range continually astounds me.

[@lfc7805]

Great video. I love both my Fujifilm xe3 and Nikon z6ii. They just have different strengths. I think I am gonna keep using these two systems for a long time.

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

Very, very good comparison! Thanks for sharing your professional perspective! Take care and be safe out there….

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great comparison Gavin, actually really enjoyed this style of presentation. Cheers

[@laogai5700]

12 Megapixel are most of the time enough for printing, even for bill boards. It depends on the viewing distance, but even on close distance I have acrylic prints from my Micro Four Thirds cameras with 12 (old Lumix G1) or 16 Megapixel (OM-D E-M1, E-M5) which look very sharp and are as big as 80x60cm. My biggest canvas print is 120x80cm and pin sharp. So for me the Megapixel race is over and I concentrate on different aspects of my cameras like usability, features and feeling in my hands. Other than that your videos are very entertaining and educating at the same time. Thank you for your content.

[@jimmazurek5589]

True Nikon D700 is ideal for landscape photography.

[@A1000Truths]

Great video! I I’ve been using the A7riii and for what I do and shoot that camera does it all. I think it’s a great balance between these two cameras. Now you can also find it for a lot less. So for anyone who wants a little more it’s a great pick up. For printing that’s what makes the difference. Anything on a screen really doesn’t matter.

[@reneolejnik5482]

Your thoughts are very usefull and thank you for this words !

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Out of all the channels this is easily the best. Keep er lit Gav. Great compositions. Love from Dublin

[@TheIppoippo]

Nice video. Couldn't agree more. It's all about choosing the right tool for the job, keeping in budget, trading off pros & cons. Regarding the comment about the GFX100S vs the GFX50SII. So, in theory, yes, lower pixel count per unit area gives you "better quality", it doesn't work in this case. The sensor in the GFX100S is the same technology as the Fujifilm XT-4, and the Sony A7RIV. It's a newer generation. The sensor in the GFX50SII is the same as the one that was in GFX50R, GFX50S, and even the Pentax 645Z. It's 8 year old technology, that Fuji has done a good job of extracting the most from. That said, even though it's not going to be "better", that sensor is still an amazing bit of kit. I used to have the GFX50R, and it was amazing what you could produce from it, (and can still produce from it). I have a 100S now, but image quality-wise I'd be happy with a 50SII. The only frustration I'd have is the lack of PDAF. Not an issue for landscape photographers I guess. A bit more useful for portrait shooters.

[@AcuraTechMan]

Excellent episode. Concise and informative.

[@marcuswagar7246]

Very informative but in same time enjoyable! Well done 👌

[@GlenDomulevicz]

I almost did not watch this episode. However, I was curious about what you would say. I should have expected what you did, an excellent presentation. This should be helpful for many. Thanks for sharing. Happy I watched.

[@solkels_z4794]

love this video, I've ben using my a6500 for 4 years now, though wanting to buy a fullframe, but still lovr it.

[@hannahmillington5781]

My best photos were taken with my old Canon 5D from 15 years ago, mainly because it was so usable and intuitive. It's 80% about the person, not the camera. You can also take the sharpest photo in the world and then decide to soften the image to make it more film like after, negating the need for ultra sharp RAW files.

[@robintaylor-hunt5875]

I didn’t know you did serious! Very interesting analysis, makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

[@mrz1342]

Thank you to reply my massage from long time ago and thank you for very honest and trustable statement; great video to watch over and over to digest and remember all specific words you mentioned. Thank you

[@brianstark3578]

Thanks for the lesson, really enjoyed it.

[@Heavenesque]

Love the nerdiness of this vid!! And that the squirrel totally photobombed you at 12:50

[@davidmilisock5200]

As an output professional I'd add this. The medium format and full frame work (if done properly) produces cleaner work on archival gloss and matte media. Whether for good or bad a popular media is an archival canvas, a DX 24MP Nikon will get you a 30 inch wide native resolution print on that media and having more detail is not reproducible on that media. My experiance with a technical comparison between two bodies such as those tested is not, can you get a decent image out of both. I find the test of investment value is the difference in variable setting parameters in which you can obtain a viable capture. In my experiance the more expensive cameras in most cases will allow captures in a wider range of fstop, ISO and magnification settings allowing vastly different quality exposures. More artistic possibilities. Nice video. As Arnold said, I'll be back.

[@p1pepper]

Very nice and gotta say , refreshing from you . Been awhile since you've educated vs entertained . I like both it definitely get more from an "edutainment" mix !

[@jeffhampton7405]

The 100 megapixel camera will have more visible noise than the 50 if you’re zooming in to 100%, but that’s because it’s double the size. When you scale them both to the same size, the noise gets compressed down and the low light performance is the same or better. It also gives you more headroom for noise reduction while still getting more detail.

[@Bill-NM]

Where content is king, when the content is very good, sensor size hardly matters, and indeed our phones are quite frequently more than good enough. But where content is similar, sensor size (noise, color depth, dynamic range). as well as of course lens choice and editing, is a primary way to stand out. And sometimes that extra performance of larger sensors comes across almost subconsciously, where the images just looks/feels "better", even if pixel peeping fails to show noticeable differences.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Totally agree with your points

[@stevemarson9665]

A camera is a data collection tool. It's sensible to collect as much data as accurately as possible. What you do afterwards is another issue. As such, higher resolution, wider dynamic range, less noise and better resolving optics with less aberrations are all worth it .... if you can afford it and carry any additional weight that comes with it. My 1.9mpx Coolpix images from 1999 look pretty crappy on an iMac. How will yours look in a few years on a 90" 8k or better TV ? It will come. Take photos with both today and the future in mind .....

[@JaySims]

Gavin, long time follower and wow- such an awesome comparison! It really shows us a6xxx shooters what our cameras can do! This meant a lot to me and would love to see a vid dedicated to the a6xxx! Thank you!

[@CelsoMollo]

I did enjoy it. Thank you 😊

[@kurotaka007]

Because of this episode, I am now a subscriber! Thanks… you just answered my dilemma. Dec ‘24 I went from A7r4 & A7S3. To Fuji XH2 and Xh2S. But been thinking about moving to GFX after watching your Lake Louise. And yes dump the XH2 for the GFX 50S2. Keep the XH2S. BTW reason I left SONY tired of f’n with the menu! I moved to Japan and can get great prices. Car analogy sold me! Thanks!

[@darioperizzolo2364]

I bought the 100s with the same the lenses you had last year in May. The point you made at the end about how much you enjoyed using it, is 100% true for me. I have never enjoyed photography as much as the last 6 months. I actively seek to go out and shoot with it, and it was the motivation I needed to finally get into photoshop for editing. Brilliant video, and for what it's worth I got the Fuji photo right 😎

[@jefffenske1958]

That's WONDERFUL to hear!

[@sierragold]

Great video, Gavin, thank you. I have been through many cameras since I started shooting (film) in the 1980's when I was just a teenager. In the 2000's I got into digital, first going aps-c, then MFT, then back to aps-c, then Nikon full frame with the D700. Sold that to get into the D800E. It was always such a drag, though, all that bulky weight... made my wrists hurt lol. So I bought the Sony RX1R when it came out... and my world changed. Small, full frame, mirrorless, and that Zeiss 35mm f2 Sonnar T lens was spectacular! My back up cameras at the time were Fuji aps-c. I loved the Sony RX1R, but after a few years got a bit tired of the fixed lens, so I sold it and got into the Fuji GFX 50R. This is the older 'rangefinder' style GFX. Fairly small, and with a grip is nice to handle. I got the Fuji GFX 50R and the Fuji GF 45mm f2.8 lens combo used for under $3,500. That lens (though not the best in the Fuji GF lineup) is very sharp. I'm looking to get the Fuji 23mm next, but man is it pricey, as are all the Fuji GF lenses. Since I was into Nikon full frame for so long, I also have a nice collection of Nikon legacy glass and I use those quite successfully on the 50R, though sometimes have to crop a wee bit due to vignetting as the lens doesn't completely cover the sensor-- still, they are plenty useful. I use a cheap Fotasy adapter that cost about $20.00 new. I also use my Nikon F mount Zeiss 100mm f2 Makro Planar with it and the images are stunning. My back up camera is a full frame Nikon Z series... and I have a couple of Nikon Z lenses, plus use my Nikon legacy glass with that camera, as well. You're absolutely right... the Fuji GFX medium format cameras are a joy to use. I sold all of my aps-c sensor cameras and lenses years ago and will never go back to that size sensor. Full frame and medium format is where it's at, IMO. Once you've handled a Fuji GFX camera, the aps-c cameras feel like cheap, plastic toys. There are some drawbacks though with the GFX cameras, as you mentioned. I'd love to go to the Fuji 100S, but I would (seriously) need to buy a new computer. I have a decently spec'd older Mac, and it is slow to process the Fuji 50R RAW files (I can't imagine processing 100MP files with it). I mostly shoot landscapes, so the the slowness of the GFX system doesn't affect me... and really, it isn't all THAT slow unless you're shooting very fast action and need blazing fast FPS. Lastly, the Fuji GF lenses are damn expensive. I'm writing this to let folks know about the early Fuji 50 GFX cameras... they can be had for relatively cheap on the used market. I love mine-- and for now, the 50MP is more than enough.

[@GirdHerd]

Gavin, I like your funny videos but I really liked this video because it is very informative and it shows that you really do know photography.

[@larryrudnick1519]

Thanks Gavin. Very informative - I was considering the larger format but I'm not a pro, don't print often and do occasionally shoot some birds/wildlife, so I'll probably stick with my Nikon system. It was a very reasoned approach and analysis - good stuff!

[@colourlabs]

Those Fuji Colors 😍

[@rscottadams7082]

Enjoyed the more “serious side” of you on this. I shoot both GFX 100 and X-Pro 3. Your comments are apt.

[@williamcurwen7428]

One thing that you have not mentioned is that every sensor and lens combination has its own unique aesthetic, and the Fuji medium format system is no exception. You either like it or you don’t, and if you do like it but can’t afford it, you can always rent one for a paying shoot. I have gone the other way, and have a couple of Fuji APS-C bodies and two collections of vintage glass - one consisting of razor sharp Nikon primes, the other is a carefully researched collection of possibly the worst lenses ever made, which yield incredible results impossible to achieve with a high end medium format system you so avidly describe. I guess it’s down to making the very best of what you already have, or is affordably available. In the end, a good picture doesn’t care what camera has recorded it.

[@robroisinchannel4297]

Interesting video Gavin, it would be interesting to see to same comparison against a newer mirrorless full frame or similar DLSR

[@billybraithwaite67]

Really enjoyed that Gavin, I did guess the the correct image but that may have been fluke 🧐 What I did notice & is quite frankly a disgrace….is that you’ve only 70k subscribers !!! Come on boys & girls, spread the word !! 😉

[@The_stay_at_home_wizard]

phewwww, I clicked this video with my eyes shut thinking I would have to buy a gfx and sell one of my children to afford it. but instead its an honest view (rare for youtube) and I finished still being happy with my A7R3 Thanks Gavin

[@klausschleicher523]

I'm with Nikon since 1997 but I plan to switch to Fuji GFX. Not because of the better image quality (24MP are enough for my A2 prints) but because of the joy using Fujis. I rented one for a few trips and felt in love with the ergonomics, the user interface (swipe gestures). I slowed down my process and gave me more fun.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

One of your best videos! I like your “If you’ve got the dough” comment. That’s why I upgraded from my D750 to a Z7ii with 2.8 24-70. No more nagging “if I just had better equipment” feeling. The photo is good or bad based solely on my skill level now. Put another way, “no excuses”.

[@srameypr]

Well, I guessed the wrong image, LOL. I haven't printed photos in years - my sharing is 100% online, so I appreciate how your discussion eased my mind about what I really do/don't need. I'm just struggling with whether or not to jump from Canon to Sony.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

This is a great comparison and really addresses when the key moment that a digital medium format camera would be worth it. Specifically, only if you regularly print very large. If you even print typical 8x10, 16x20 sizes, either option could work very well. Huge panoramas are where this camera would shine, and given the price you'd better be selling for a lot of $$$!

[@gregs2466]

Well thought out presentation and mage a great deal of sense. I am a Canon shooter and have 5DIII, 5DIV and a R5. I am waiting for one of my kids to get into photography more seriously (I gave both a fairly deceit camera with a couple crop lenses) and then I will give them the 5DIII. I will never give away my 5DIV but my R5 is my primary camera. Such a serious video!

[@Bleunoir686]

Amazing video, I like the thoroughness of it all. I'm on a crop fuji body and have thought of going FF sony but those menus, I just can't do it for the difference.

[@dct124]

You can see the gradation of the Fuji is more subtle. Pretty identical for digital. Print detail and mainly post processing is where the differences will manifest. *Got it right, but it's pretty obvious that the a6000 can't hold its highlights together. Bracketing or $10k 😂 High dynamic range is built-in some cameras like Nikon D-Lighting and Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer. Your post review 👌🏾 I think you can use an SSD with the Fuji. Now what you can't replace from the Fuji is it's color depth and workflow for high end client's. Imagine having to photograph for a museum, art collector, products such as an Omega or Rolex.

[@karmoxido1971]

Nice Vid! Thanks for posting it.

[@Xydorf]

Amazing photos with the rain

[@SteveMellorPhotography]

This is a really good comparison. I would have liked to have seen the difference between the GFX and the XT3/XT4, reason being that I suspect some of the colour science that Fuji employs would make the comparisons even harder to spot. I could tell the difference because I was looking for what I would expect to see in the shadows of my own fuji. Another interesting test would be to see what happens when the images are printed.

[@cooljoan1309]

With the A6000 having a much older sensor, it's impressive how close it comes to the Fuji image. With improvement in sensor tech, the APSC cameras would be a greater bang for the buck.

[@slosmoke1]

Great review! Sure would have liked to see a comparison to your R IV

[@TarrelScot]

A bit late to the party with my comment, but thanks for a really insightful appraisal of the GFX system. I've shot Fuji APS-C for years. Bought a GFX50R second-hand around 18 months ago to run alongside it, for those planned, set-piece shots where, as you say, speed doesn't matter. I liked the immediate familiarity of the camera (like a bigger version of my X-Pro2), but it's taken me 18 months to love it. I even had a wobble when the 40MP aps-c sensor came out, and borrowed an X-H2 from Fuji, considering going back to aps-c only. Ultimately though, and I know it's been said before and a bit of a cliche, there's "something about the medium format images" that I can't quite put my finger on. Weight-wise the 50R is quite a bit lighter than the 50SII, especially when paired with the 35-70, which I find is great optically, in spite of its relatively low price. I can happily stick that combination on a sling strap and throw it over my shoulder while hiking. I guess having had a brief but intense affair with that new 40MP sensor, I've realised where my true love lies, and it's with the medium format. (If I come by a few extra quid, I could be tempted to pick up a little X-T5 for some fun on the side though!)

[@Sashman077]

This was a very different episode. I liked it as much as your regular ones. This confirms that you can be entertaining even if you are more serious. It also confirms that you have a bright future: older, more grumpy, but still very entertaining!

[@brucecampbell4485]

Does that mean that from now on Gavin will be known as Brother Grumpy?

[@Esge71]

25:44 Wow - wth? I'm usually unimpressed by most shots (not yours ofc) but this one..wow. Very impressive! :) That's a masterpiece!

[@rdgspams5669]

Been waiting for the video to the last 2 hours! Gavin you uploaded it finally. Cheers from India 🍺

[@shelbersman]

Thanks for a more “nerdy” video. I do enjoy your entertainment/comedy videos, but appreciate this more informative detail from your channel.