Fujifilm GFX 100s II REVIEW | Photography & Videography

[@ArtfulSelf]

Victoria, I believe your videos hold great value because they fill a gap I feel exists in equipment reviews. There are countless channels that delve into the technical specifications of cameras and lenses on platforms like KZbin, but very few focus solely on sharing personal experiences with the gear, separate from technical details. Just like me, there are people who not only want to learn the technical aspects of a product but also wonder about the feelings it evokes. They want to see how a photographer brings their art to life with that equipment. Your videos capture that perfectly, offering not just insights but an emotional experience with each piece of gear. Thank you for sharing your craft, emotions, and artistry with us.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

I absolutely love your comment, you have no idea how touching this was to read - thank you so much. This is the reason why I started making reviews as I got fed up with all the technicalities online and I just wanted to see the equipment in action and out of a studio setting. To me photography is my art so I like to talk about the vibe of shooting with particular equipment and how it makes me feel. So for you to see this and feels this, I really appreciate it because it does come from a genuine place, not for numbers but just for the love of photography. Thank you very much ☺️

[@FellowEnginerd]

THIS 100%

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you ☺️

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I think I commented on your other video. I've owned this camera now for about three months and I worked my absolute arse off in the last two years to save for it and I haven't regretted my purchase. I know people say it's not about the gear but there are exceptions to that rule. I was using the 50S ii which I really love that camera too but I wanted to upgrade with the better auto focus I worked really hard to develop my Photography and the business side of things while still maintaining a day job four days a week because I just couldn't make enough money out of Photography to do it full-time. Hopefully one day Victoria you'll have enough money to purchase this camera because the images that you've got out of it are amazing. Once you start printing some GFX photos they just look amazing. I have printed some very large prints sometimes 2 m across by 1 m down and I've even done a billboard for the local gymnasium and it just looked amazing. I stood in front of it and I just couldn't stop staring at it. It was so life like it was crazy. The one thing I love about GFX is it actually gets you to slow down and concentrate. It is a mindfulness based experience using a medium format camera. They are not run and gun style cameras even though you can shoot some sports and wildlife with this camera if you are lucky enough and skilful enough it just does everything well. The colours are just absolutely amazing. It was always my dream camera and now that I own one I still sometimes look down my camera bag and don't believe that I own one. A lot of people don't realise that this camera weighs less than a Z8 and he's actually smaller than a Nikon D 850 as I sat side-by-side. It's a compact medium format camera and I actually think that this is the better camera than the bigger 100ii

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. And I loved the fact that you said you worked your arse off to save up for this camera - i think people can look at other’s equipment and think it was just handed to them but that isn’t the case. So well done you for putting the effort in to save up for it. I am the same as you, I work full time but photography is my hobby and passion, all my equipment I have purchased I have saved up for - but it was well worth it. Thank you for what you said about my images, I actually felt a huge difference and enhancement in my photography when shooting with the GFX gear, it was lovely to see. That is amazing you have got some huge prints as well and they still look great! You are 100% right about the GFX series getting your to slow down more and concentrate, I agree with you on the medium format being more of a mindfulness way of shooting, that is definitely how I felt and I loved that shift in photography. What’s weird is, since shooting with the GFX series I have actually shot a lot less with my own equipment. Maybe I miss the GFX series way of doing things. You should be super happy that you own it, but also you working hard to get it means you appreciate it a lot more as well. Keep enjoying your mindful way of shooting and getting your prints done - this is how photography should be 🙂🫶🏻

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@wildandfreevictoria thank you, and I followed your Instagram as well. I'm always trying to grow and it's all about the experience.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

I will have a look for you on there once i’m back online. And definitely, keep growing and learning, nothing wrong with that 🙂☺️

[@gaelanubis]

Great video, great photos and video and Nice review, thanks Victoria.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you for watching and you kind words as always 🙂

[@TarikAttor]

Fine art, as usual, was really useful

[@wildandfreevictoria]

That is so kind, thank you ☺️

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you for your review, you obviously enjoyed the camera a lot. Great images, just wonderful pictures you take.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you for watching! I really did enjoy using it and was sad to let it go back to fujifilm but hey, it’s was lovely whilst it lasted 🙂

[@andreasalexander81]

Amazing camera, amazing review, amazing outtakes! 😄

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Hehe thank you! Glad you enjoyed it - especially the outtakes ☺️☺️

[@jeffflint9086]

Stunning pictures and videos as always. Great detail and natural colours. Stay safe on your travels.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you for your continued support and kind words, it is always appreciated 🙂🙂

[@marcusbeasley3212]

I have the first 100S and love it. You would probably love the 80 1.7 and 110 F2 for portrait work.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

I bet it still is amazing! And I would love to try out more of their lenses and just have the while system to be honest 😄😄

[@marcusbeasley3212]

@@wildandfreevictoria For non movement stuff it's great. I want to get a 100II, but man is that thing expensive. I feel like the only other lens I'd want is the 45-100F4 at this point with a 100-200 5.6 stretching it or the 250F4.

[@markroberts1324]

Another great review Victoria. A camera that is more professional than any other you have reviewed. The cost is completely out of my budget but is definitely worth at a professional level. Hopefully in the future you will own one.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you very much and it has been a complete change in what I am used to but I have enjoyed the experience. Yeah it is out of my budget as well, and use to be honest, I am not a professional photographer so I don’t need it either. Maybe in the future I will own one but for now the Xseries is fine 🙂🙂

[@Bumblebee0909]

Truely amazing so informative Victoria. 👍👍

[@simeonbennettphotography]

Excellent video Victoria 👏brilliant photos ❤

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much for watching and your kind words! I hope you are well ☺️

[@yaazkall5337]

Everything in this video is beautiful, thank you so much.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

You are very kind and I appreciate it a lot, thank you ☺️

[@PedersenPhotographySweden]

Great video and perfect photos, as usual. :)

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it a lot! 🙂🙂

[@slothsarecool]

Beautiful shots and nice review! Very tempted 😅

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much! It is a lovely camera ☺️

[@druidobianco9734]

Best review of a gfx camera on the Tube 😀

[@wildandfreevictoria]

I really appreciate this, thank you so much ☺️

[@starperformer7154]

Victoria, love your videos! As you say: "It's RAW!" Always original, valuable reviews, beautiful images, great videos, storytelling, and excellent in every way! Best Regards Always!

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Hehheeee it is RAAAAAAWW! 😄😄😄 thank you so much, this really made me smile! Thanks again ☺️☺️

[@starperformer7154]

@@wildandfreevictoria It's RAF and RAW! Rock and Roll!

[@dancoffey3552]

Amazing photos and video. Also, thanks for putting the lens and camera settings in the video. I am planning on buying into this system next year. Can you say something about the data requirements: memory cards + ssd drives?

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much! And I appreciate you appreciate the settings as it takes forever! But I know it’s helpful. This system just user SD cards 🙂

[@2ShoesPhoto]

I've been shooting with Olympus for years, but I'm really considering moving to the Fuji Cameras in the future. They just have an incredible lineup of cameras from the more compact sensors to Full Frame and Medium format. I feel M43 is heading down a dark road to being eliminated and I refuse to jump on the Sony bandwagon. I really appreciate your points of views on the cameras, and the views you share with us from your travels. I will be hitting the road myself to do more photography in the next year or two.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Well you would be welcome to the Fujifilm club at any point! I am the same as you with the Sony club, it’s just not for me. I love that Fujifilm is different and has a very supportive and welcoming community. Thank you for your kind words, the truth is, this isn’t my job but my passion, so I think coming from that perspective I am just trying to provide something open and honest with anyone who watches. I hope you enjoy hitting the road and that sounds like it will be a wonderful adventure 🙂🙂

[@mahdimanesh4221]

Thx for taking the time to make such a detailed review. I love the colours and play with light in the landscape shots with the 55. That lens I have not yet tried... looks stunning! Any favourite among those you tested? :-) Tried the 80 a while back and loved it as well but then the 110 is amazing, too. Keep up the great work!

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! Yes I think the 55mm was my favourite to be honest. It’s such a beautiful lens, the softness but also sharp. It’s amazing! I think that answers your question but to be fair, I haven’t tried them all yet, so my favourite could still be out there. A couple of folk have mentioned the 80mm and it sounds incredible. There are just too many beautiful lenses to try 😅 thank you again and enjoy your day!

[@RalfSW]

Hi Victoria, the end was the best!!! Many Regards from Berlin, Ralf

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Aw thanks! I have fun making the outtakes, glad you enjoyed them! Hello to Germany 🙂

[@visionz_n_media]

Amazing images and review. I have been looking at this camera since it was announced. Stepping up to medium format would be awesome, it’s just the total kit cost that keeps holding me back. Also, your model for the portraits and video samples is absolutely beautiful 😉

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Aw thank you very much! And I am the same as you, I would love to own this gear but unfortunately I cannot afford it. If you can borrow it for a while then definitely go for it as it’s lovely to shoot with. Aww thank you so much. I am actually quite camera shy but for self portrait work I don’t mind 🙂

[@visionz_n_media]

I think I’ll try to borrow or rent one, just for the experience. Haha well you definitely looked confident and fearless for your self portraits. Looking forward to seeing more of your content.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Yes definitely do! It is always worth it and good to learn new equipment. Many thanks, I appreciate it a lot 🙂🙂

[@Fotografie85]

Your pictures are simply breathtaking, it's so fun to see them. And you have a great, charming and cheerful way of impressing that a woman has such great knowledge in the field of photography/technology. I also really like taking photos and really like camera technology... But at the moment I'm a bit limited in time when it comes to that. I hope your dog is doing well too...❤

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Aw thank you, this is so lovely and it really means a lot. It is all done from the heart and love for photography so I think that helps 🙂 It does that a lot of time to be fair so I can understand that completely. I hope you can get out soon and have some fun. Erik the wee champ is very well thank you ☺️

[@VictorAmaru]

realmente hermoso tu trabajo! saludos desde Chile

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much! And it is amazing you are watching all the way from Chile! ☺️☺️

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Lovely to see you and your wonderful images, whether that’s with the gfx or the x-h2s. It must have been a real wrench to let go of the camera though, but that price is extremely prohibitive for your average person, you did make it work well. Thank you.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you 🙂 yes it was hard to give the camera back as I really did enjoy shooting it and the finish images I got. Especially for portraits, I thought it was beautiful. But yes, the price is just too much for me, I think the camera industry in general has gone a bit crazy for the price of cameras. I guess that is the world though 😅 thank you for watching and your support 🙂

[@BLXRX5]

Again, as in my previous comment, I feel you would make Fuji a premiere ambassador and they would be insane not to provide you with everything you need. Frankly, I think you deserve and could produce your own BBC series on "personal" wildlife and travel photography. I've been a professional artist, filmmaker and photographer for many decades and you capture within your personality and YT production, the feel, depth and real human value of the process of photography and movie making in the real world and the ways that interaction with life can awaken connection and creativity. Thanks for sharing the good energy.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

This is such a lovely comment and I was very touched reading this - I had a very big smile on my face. I love this idea of a BBC series on personal wildlife and travel photography, I think that would be a lovely idea - I don't know how I could make it happen but it does sound great. That last bit is a massive compliment coming from a professional, I guess it is just something I really love and care about. I am not trying to sell anything or do this for numbers, it is just something I genuinely love and enjoy sharing with folk like yourself. So thank you very much for leaving such a touching comment, I appreciate it a lot ☺️

[@michelebelotti2022]

Hi, I bought the GFX 100S II in June, and unfortunately my model was defective. I contacted Fuji and they fixed it (I think they replaced the camera). Beside that, I can agree with almost all you said in your video. I have also a Z8, which is another nice camera, but there is something in the medium format that the full frame does not have yet. I thought I was wrong, but when I compared the same photos taken with both cameras, the Fuji one has something "more"... and I am not talking about megapixel, but the deeper color gradient and the face I can recover much more (light, shadow...), but as you said, it is a "slow" camera and I like that it make me pause and think more about the photo I am taking... and when there are some birds flying, I take my Z8. What I wish is that Fuji would make more lenses for the GFX system

[@just_eirik]

Great review and great photos! Your editing is so nice! Have you considered getting a cheaper GFX instead? If you can live with "only" 51mp and adapting lenses, then there are some good alternatives.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you so much! And no I haven’t but to be honest, I think i am happy with my set up of the XH2s and XH2 as I am not a professional etc. So I don’t need the extra kick of the GFX series - even as beautiful as it is 🙂

[@just_eirik]

@@wildandfreevictoria Fair fair! :) I have a question, have you thought of joining Cara? It’s like instagram but not toxic and awful.

[@FlushFit]

❤

[@wildandfreevictoria]

☺️☺️

[@SelimYavuz]

🎉🎉🎉

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Thank you ☺️

[@SquirrelHybrid]

Strange... my APS-C pictures looked sharp before watching this video, but now they're all soft. 🤔

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Hehhee I am very sorry! 😅😅 the GFX is super duper sharp, I could cut myself looking at it it’s that sharp 😅🥲🥲

[@roa5359]

Christ, isn't she a cute little thing. Apart from that (and who cares about that ... 🙂) great photography.

[@wildandfreevictoria]

Hahaha please care, it too me so long to make 🥹🥹 thank you very much