6 Months Later: The Fujifilm GFX100 II

[@sarynellivalerin7691]

Great video and loved the shots at the end!

[@oxeneers]

Thank you!!!!! ❤❤

[@AdventuresinNature]

I, like you, am a hobbyist with a full-time job who loves photography/videography and have had a few professional gigs. I got my GFX 100 ii in December and absolutely love it. I sold my Canon R5 kit (RF 15-30 2.8, 50 1.2, 70-200 2.8, 100-500 4.5-7.1) for it and have not regretted it for a second. Personally, I have so much more fun with GFX. I actually shoot my camera in single shot for the 16-bit files, which has drastically slowed down my shooting, but in my opinion, for the better (fewer overall photos taken, but so many more keepers). Thank you for your honest review; I believe I have watched every review of the 100 ii on YT so far (there aren't very many), and they all miss so much of what the camera is and can do, probably because every other review is by someone who has been sent the camera for a short period, never an owner of it like you. I actually use and appreciate the video functions extensively, and I've noticed most reviewers were sent a 55 1.7 to showcase, which is notoriously bad for video AF with its stepping motor, and have commented harshly on it, which I think has really hurt the perceived video abilities of this camera, which in my opinion is what sets it apart to a whole new level from every other medium format camera out there (Hasselblad, Phase One, Pentax, etc).

[@oxeneers]

Really appreciate your reply! Was nodding my head reading everything you wrote. You're right on the money here. Yes, 16-bit shooting is a bit slower than switching to 14-bit but agreed that it helps you slow down which is a theme over the years with GFX. So glad you're loving the camera and feel me on the rental and 'first look' reviews. I didn't even get a chance to talk video on this thing, which yes, has gotten a tough rap due to all the rental guys using the 55mm and a non-LM lens. Appreciate you watching and giving me kind words here, thank you!!!!

[@oman4229]

What monitor do you use to edit the 16bit photos on?

[@AdventuresinNature]

@@oman4229 I use a MacBook Pro M1 Max. Although I can't immediately see the difference between 16-bit and 14 or even 12 on a screen such as my MacBook, it has significant advantages when editing photos. Greg Benz Photography has an excellent description of the benefits of larger-bit files. One of the things he noted was, "Why do we have options for even more than 10-bits in our cameras and Photoshop? If we never edited photos, there would be no need to add any more bits than the human eye can see. However, when we start editing the photos, previously hidden differences can easily start to show. If we significantly brighten the shadows or darken the highlights, then we are expanding some portion of the range. We are making any minor errors or rounding error in the data more obvious. In other words, increasing the contrast in the image is like decreasing bit depth. If we manipulate the photograph enough, this will start to show up as “banding” in the image. Banding is obvious/discrete jumps from one color or tone to the next (instead of a smooth gradient). You’ve already seen a theoretical example with the low-bit gradients above. Typical real-world example would be various “bands” showing up in the clear blue sky or excess noise."

[@AdventuresinNature]

@@oman4229 I use a 16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max, and while I can't immediately see any differences between 16-bit and 14, 12, or 10, there are significant advantages when editing. Greg Benz Photography described these advantages: "Why do we have options for even more than 10-bits in our cameras and Photoshop? If we never edited photos, there would be no need to add any more bits than the human eye can see. However, when we start editing the photos, previously hidden differences can easily start to show. If we significantly brighten the shadows or darken the highlights, then we are expanding some portion of the range. We are making any minor errors or rounding error in the data more obvious. In other words, increasing the contrast in the image is like decreasing bit depth. If we manipulate the photograph enough, this will start to show up as “banding” in the image. Banding is obvious/discrete jumps from one color or tone to the next (instead of a smooth gradient). You’ve already seen a theoretical example with the low-bit gradients above. Typical real-world example would be various “bands” showing up in the clear blue sky or excess noise."

[@anthonym3051]

Love the images and your eiditing is on poing. What lens did you use for your landscape photos?

[@oxeneers]

@@anthonym3051 most of the landscape shots were on the 55mm f1.7 or the 35-70mm kit lens! Thanks so much for the kind words. Email me at [e-mail] and I'll give you a code to get my presets for free so you can get close to the look on these shots! 🤝

[@DanFarrar]

When will people understand the GFX is its own experience? Comparing it to ANY current camera is apples to oranges. GFX is its own beast. Thanks Dylan! Great points.

[@oxeneers]

Much love for you Dan! You're one of the OGs on here spewing the gospel of GFX haha. So well said.

[@DanFarrar]

@@oxeneers just sharing the joy lol

[@JerredZ]

Fantastic man! I’ve got a loaner coming with the 500, so I’m excited to get going on it. I have the 100sii for now, and I doubt I’ll upgrade to the 100ii… but you never know! Great video and shots man.

[@anthonym3051]

@DanFarrar Man you are right. Im gonna have to carry both the GFX and the XH2, otherwise my XH2 is going to stay home 😆

[@jharrelphoto]

This is super tempting. Loved the video. I currently am shooting with a Hasselblad x1dii and do love it. But the though of being able to adapt lenses easier and have that crazy good viewfinder is making me interested. Thanks for the talk about it.

[@oxeneers]

@@jharrelphoto thanks so much for watching! Yeah the crazy good viewfinder is honestly game changing and it was something that I didn't really care about on any previous camera until this one. But, I'm a believer now. What did you end up going with?

[@sglynnphoto]

As a pro using GFX the biggest benefit for me is speed of editing. It’s just so easy to make images look amazing. I cut my wedding/portrait session edit time 50% and I like the results more. The drawbacks are more storage requirements and taking your time to set up shots v running around as much. I would shoot full manual if I had to so I could get GFX files. PS the 55mm does not have the CA issue the 80mm does. I haven’t seen any in my images. Great lens!

[@oxeneers]

Well said - yes, the edit times are much easier with the colors of the Bayer sensor and just some of the benefits of MF/LF. But yes, you're right. Storage sucks, yes, and so does editing RAWs (even on my M2 Ultra 64GB). GFX files are the best though - well worth the trade offs. Yes, the 55mm has no CA to speak of! The 80mm, which I just traded in (RIP), is an incredible lens but if the 55mm didn't exist, it wouldn't have its issues be so prevalent. But alas, here we are. Thanks for watching man!!!

[@johndunne]

"I want to celebrate this camera" what a novelty on yt :) The gift and curse quote is so true. My entry to Fuji was the 100S and it blew me away but the weight of it paired with the 45-100 was too much for a comfortable carry around. So I picked up a X-H2 for that purpose and every single time I reviewed those images (as good as they were) I was just left thinking they're not GFX quality. I eventually sold it and the 100S and upgraded to the 100 II. I mostly shoot on tripod and mainly with prime's but I picked up the very light and portable 35-70 for walk around stuff, and I will always have the 110 with me if I need reach. While not exactly small or light the GFX and 35-70 combo is a comfortable carry and I’m never left wishing I had shot that image with the GFX :-)

[@oxeneers]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting, John! Yes, this camera deserves all the celebration and needs a lot more than these critical reviews and the boring spec reads. I have never used the 110mm but I have seen many photos from it - very jealous. 35-70 is so great! Love that you're on the X-H2 too. What a great system eh?

[@robiulahmed]

You have to appreciate all cameras for what they each bring. I recently bought a 10 year old Nikon Df. It's no way near as good as my Sony, but i like using it and i still enjoy its image quality. In fact, i like how its different.

[@oxeneers]

@@robiulahmed you bring up a really good point. Rob. I mean even some of these cameras from way long ago just have such incredible image quality. But yeah it's a lot of fun either way! Thanks so much for watching man

[@MikeBanom]

Glad to see a new video from you sir! How's the AF photographing your daughter in contrast to the GFX100s? To be honest, I have 0% interest in the GF100 II, mainly due to the price, upgrading isnt really an option for me. So I didn't really look into this camera, but thanks for your thoughts. I learned a ton! It'd be a solid upgrade for video from the 100s, but I dont think I would ever be in that position. I think the 100sii is the upgrade I begrudgingly have to make specifically for AF. I'm really hoping the 100sii brings the shooting experience from 'i can kill it in the studio and on the street, but cant literally shoot anything moving more than slow' to a versatile camera! Solid performance from the XF8mm!

[@oxeneers]

Much love man, glad you made it over here. The AF is a huge step up - but don't expect X-H2s or Sony/Canon/Nikon-level of stickiness. It's still a huge step up. Feels very "modern" and "clean" if that makes any sense. Yes, the price if you already have the 100s is a huge put-off but the battery grip was a huge push for me to get it and it's kind of an endgame camera, you know what I mean? I haven't seen anyone do a 100s ii vs 100 ii AF video - there HAS to be some minor, weird, "pixel peeping" type of difference but haven't seen anyone do it yet. Would be interested to see. Or, maybe, it's exactly the same. Who knows. I know for something like the X-H2 vs X-T5 - both cameras have the exact same sensor and exact same processor, and yet the X-H2 has 20-30% better AF. So is it that same dynamic? Hard to say. XF8mm - now that's a lens I still don't know how to use. You're the wide angle god and the thing stopping me from grabbing the 20-35 is my awful attempts at SWA photography. Need to learn more from you haha. Hope you're well man and enjoyed the Hawaii trip - looked incredible.

[@187onaPigeon]

I am an (mainly) event photographer and have been thinking about getting a GFX for a long time. This weekend I will rent this cam with 2 lenses. No one else in my field (at least in my area) shoots mf. I am sure even non photographers will notice something different when they see mf photos (but they can't tell what it is).

[@oxeneers]

@@187onaPigeon yeah definitely. I think this is a camera worth renting, but if you're really serious about photography, it's a great investment. Especially if you can get some money back on paid gigs. But overall it's just an amazing experience, and like you said, most people that have no idea about photography. Will see the medium format photos and just notice that it has a particular kind of look. So totally agree. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JohnJohn-fz6nt]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photographs! At that level of quality do you feel the camera has a decent life expectancy? I come from the old film world and the Leica M5 I once owned gave decades of service. This digital world seems so precarious and investing that much gives me pause.

[@oxeneers]

Hey thanks so much! Really appreciate it, John. And yes, I would think this will give me 10+ years of service at least. In the paid work I've done, I've already paid off the camera with the funds I've got, and I'm a semi-professional. it's definitely worth it if you can do some paid work to offset cost OR if your amateur work is good enough to survey the cost. if all else fails, rent it first?

[@JohnJohn-fz6nt]

@@oxeneers Thank you for replying. Yes, I thought about renting. It's rather expensive! Lol, guess I better just plop down the 10k a save that rental money 'eh?! At 61, that 10-year window would work fine for me. I wish you continued success and growth as a photographer🙂

[@TheAdvaitin]

Do wish you had included the lens and exposure information with each shot rather than the camera (since the review was about the GFX 100 II. I also have one and decided to carry more batteries rather than the grip.

[@oxeneers]

Great feedback - will definitely do this next time. To be fair, the headshots are all with the 45-100mm f4 and the other shots are the 63mm f2.8 and 80mm f1.7. I think the grip is great because it helps balance the larger lenses (especially the 45-100mm f4) and it does really well for portrait shooting due to the vertical grip nature. Great points though and thank you for watching!

[@johnnyyacoub8772]

Been going back and forth on purchasing a 100sii for my wedding work. I currently shoot on two 50sii's (crazy, I know). People constantly talk smack on the AF for those cameras. You briefly touched on owning a 50sii before this. Is the difference in AF that large? The idea of purchasing two of these for wedding work is daunting lol.

[@oxeneers]

Dude - congrats on your work - would love to see some images if you don't mind sharing?? But yes, coming from a 50S II to this camera is like going from an X-T2 to X-T4 in terms of AF. If that metaphor isn't strong enough for you, I basically always use the Eye AF in AF-C whereas I never used AF-C on the 50S II. It's great. The 100S II seemingly is the "same" as the GFX100 II but I am still waiting for a strong vis-a-vis comparison between the two AF systems (in theory they're the same but the X-H2 and the X-T5 have VASTLY different AF results).

[@neonrain9978]

@@oxeneersgood to hear, contemplating getting it also. How would you compare the autofocus compared to the xt-5 and xh-2? I own both of those.

[@icogicog8287]

Hobbyist. Started with the 50R and owned several GFX to now the 100II. Mostly landscape and travel. Imagine quality is it. Period. Does well in harsh conditions from sand blasting in Namibia to snow and ice in northern Norway. If I wanted super fast autofocus there are other options. Not for my case use. Definitely share your love for the camera!!

[@oxeneers]

Awesome - yes, the 100 II is that endgame camera for sure. Harsh conditions are often a fail for most of my photography on the APS-C line of cameras I own but you're right - the 100 II lets you 'save' any photo with the DR and IQ capabilities, very well said. And I am jealous you've been to Namibia aka a photographer's dream destination haha. So glad you watched and commented, thank you!!

[@yimen1995]

Hello, I would like to ask a question. I have heard from others that there is a chance that some photos of GFX100II may exhibit jelly effect during high-speed continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter? Is this true?

[@oxeneers]

Hey! Thanks for watching - I have done a LOT of high-speed continuous shooting and talk about it briefly here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIe1oJappJmIiM0 I think the ES mode is really impressive for the sensor size and this has been confirmed by other much smarter people on KZbin than me. That said, the MS issue you're talking about, I haven't experienced that, and I'm picky as hell about these photos aha. Hope that helps? Maybe?

[@65WZ]

Thank you for sharing.. I live in Riyadh, with dusty weather most of the year, so protection from dust is very important to me. My question: is there a mechanical shutter curtain, that closes to protect the sensor from dust? At least when I swap lenses?

[@oxeneers]

Hi! Thanks for watching!! Wow, yeah, so there is an EF-C and MS but the MS does not close when the camera is off like the higher end Sony cameras, sadly. The sensor is exposed. Fujifilm should change that though!

[@65WZ]

@@oxeneers Thank you

[@Iamtongue]

One day... one day..🥲

[@oxeneers]

Honestly if you sold all your Sony and Lumix and all the other stuff you buy, you'd have a god-tier camera capable of everything you ever needed. Eassyyyyy.

[@Photojouralist123]

I got both 100/2 and 100s/2 I did a commercial shoot for Gibson. Guitars and nobody can challenge me! By the way get the tilt and shift lens crazy good and the 500mm 5.6 you will have the only 16bit MF 102mp telephoto lens in the world

[@oxeneers]

I can't imagine shooting guitars - I would totally fail. Would love to see the results if you don't mind sharing?? The tilt shift lenses are sooo enticing just very pricy. Haha and yes, was just talking about the 500mm f5.6. 16-bit 102MP images are the way to go - thanks so much for your comment man!!

[@Photojouralist123]

@@oxeneers send me email and I’ll send you my work with the GFX100/2

[@runcmd1419]

63mm is fuji’s reference lens for sharpness.

[@oxeneers]

@@runcmd1419 is that right? I know it's a really under loved lens in the system and a lot of people don't like to talk about it for whatever reason, but it's one of my favorite lenses for sure. Thanks for watching and letting me know about that. That's super interesting!

[@runcmd1419]

@@oxeneers I think the rendering is just fine and the af is not internal and is buzzy, but I think its a great walk around.

[@Mattrossphoto]

I just got the 100sii and it is the perfect camera for me. Audios Sony

[@oxeneers]

That's so awesome man! The 100sii is great - the material and grip on the camera is my absolute favorite. Enjoy the hell out of it!

[@tagchristof]

nice sum-up dude.

[@oxeneers]

my brother! This was so pleasant to see, thanks man. Geeked about this damn camera. Just took it to Catalina Island and forced myself to shoot with it and the 55 & 45-100 for the weekend. Was so happy with it. We still gotta meet up and geek out

[@314LA]

Just try X2D

[@oxeneers]

@@314LA no doubt hasselblad makes legit cameras, especially some of their newer stuff, but their lens system with the leaf shutter and all of that is not really up my alley and my entire kit is Fujifilm so it feels at home for me. But whether it's better than the hasselbladder not is really neither here nor there. But totally agree. I think it's worth taking a look at all these different cameras