I had the pleasure of owning a 3 medium format systems (Pentax 645z, Fujifilm GFX 100 and Phase One IQ3 100) and let me explain what I found out. For an entry level of course the Pentax 646z was a huge leap switching from Full Frame in terms of (colors, details and dynamic range) but after experiencing such thing I was intrigued of how would the best medium format system in the world would be so I moved to Phase One IQ3 100 and let me tell it was by far the best photography experience I have ever felt (5 stop dynamic range, 16 bit colors and 100 million megapixel) which opened new possibilities for what I can yield from such system. when Fuji announced that they are planning to build a new system that rivals Phase One and overcomes the drawbacks that the phase one system has I was hooked and got my hands on one and let me tell you, there is no way to compare them the dynamic range and color fidelity are poor when compared to phase one and that’s is to some extent is predictable because technically the GFX100 uses the same sensor in the 50r but modified so in terms of details it was okay-ish. Phase One pro & Cons: Pros: 1. 5 stop dynamic range: You can literally pull shadows from -6 EV without any noise as well as from up to +2EV. 2. 16 bit colors: The colors pop and accuracy are unreal. 3. Details: 100 Million megapixel so up. 4. Continues Platform improvements: which as simple firmware update you can unlock limitless features. 5. Lenses are sharp as heck. 6. Full support to Capture One editing software. Cons: 1. Expensive system. 2. You can only shoot up to 1.5 FPS. 3. 1 focus point. 4. Heavy and bulky. Fujifilm GFX100 pros & cons: Pros: 1. Affordability when compared with other medium format systems. 2. 100 million megapixels. 3. Multiple autofocus point. 4. Fast autofocus and face detection. 5. Lenses are good and the range is keeping on increasing. 6. Not that bulky and heavy (similar in size to Canon 1DX and Nikon D5). Cons: 1. Color rendition isn’t the best. 2. Poor dynamic range: not as flexible as the phase one - out of my experience you can go to -1.5 EV and pull the shadows. 3. Not good with highlights. To sum it up, it is up to the photographer to decide what system suits his needs best but you can say that the Fuji because the difference is sensor size makes the phase one superb in image quality.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that 100 megapixels is not the same as “100 million megapixels”... the ‘mega’ is used to describe the amount of pixels; in this sense, it means 1 million.
Some important context. The reason Phase One cameras are as a big, heavy, and expnesive as they are is that they have a much bigger sensor. To put it into perspective the GFX sensor is only 1.7X the size of FF. The IQ4 sensor is 2.5X the size of FF. The much, much smaller sensor is how Fuji gets away with the smaller bodies and lower prices. But to me that's a good thing. It's a much better balance between IQ, size, weight, MP and Price. The GFX100S is the most ground breaking and exciting camera in a long time. GFX is clearly the real upgrade path now for guys who got D800s, A7Rs, 5Ds, ect fro the resolution mostly. To me the GFX100 and 100s are the D3X successor Nikon guys who need and care more about resolution and IQ than fps never got. And now at 6K a lot of those guys and a large number of pros making money doing product, food, commercial, fine art, ect can afford one. Fuji is going to take market share with the GFX100s. No question.
That also puts into perspective the myth of the „medium format look“. If Fuji and PhaseOne give you that „look“ with their hugely different sensor sizes, there is no reason why the not-so-much-smaller full frame should give one a fundamentally different look. More details and resolution yes, sometimes more color depth, but otherwise there is nothing special medium format delivers.
@@TheNinthPhotography I couldn’t disagree more. I noticed a big difference in going from full frame such as the Sony A7r III to the Fuji GFX 50R and 100S . The level of detail and dynamic range in my opinion is much better then full frame. I’ve also shot with many systems Film and Digital including Full frame Canon, Nikon and Sony. For the type of photography I do, once shooting with the GFX, I would never go back to Full Frame.
@@carlinifoto Like I wrote in my comment, I am with you on detail and dynamic range, but is that really what people talk about when talking about a “medium format look”?
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficialyes IQ250 was the same sensor they put in Hassleblad XD and Fuji GFX 50 I think … it wasn’t a exciting sensor … IQ 280 and 100 and above you could feel it lol 😊
I use a Fuji XT2 (which I love) but like most Fujifilm users, dream one day of owning a GFX 50 or 100. Although rather expensive, the GFX series remains a realistic dream and so bif thanks to Fujifilm for bring these superb cameras on the market.
The Fuji GFX series is a gamechanger. They found a niche that made medium format within reach of 35mm users and with yourself - a very high quality system with much greater portability.
Exactly. Imagine a GFX 100S II or III with shorter VF black outs, better AF tracking, and some good pixel binning to shoot at say 50mp when you need too. For $6Ksih. It would make the high res, non sports FF MILC cameras like the A7RIV, Z7, R5 ect obsolete for anyone would could afford a GFX.
@@josh885 Already waiting for the GFX100s 2? Have you played with the new one? I'm also coming from Phase One XF system and am tired of lugging around the thing. However, I did a recent comparisons of the same images shot on similar focal lengths between the GFX100s and the Canon R5, and that R5 is stunning I must say. It's very hard for even the discerning eye to see a difference. Sure the resolution is half, but at the end of the day how many clients actually care?
Finally, a GFX review compared to another medium format camera. Thank you!!! You are only the third video I’ve found. Everyone else compares them to DSLRs and FF cameras which is useless. Great comparisons!!
Thank you for uploading this video ! I have the GFX50s and shooting digital MF handheld without IBIS can be challenging. I think lots of GFX50s users are waiting for the next GFX50s with IBIS. I am interested in how you use continuous light in combination with ambient light.
Bastian, Thanks for the insight! One thing that might make people hesitant about fuji gfx is that their smaller sensor size compared to the "real 645 format" of higher end phase one backs. Did you had a chance to compare fuji to those full frame digital backs and you feel any negative impact from the smaller sensor of fuji? or does the bigger apertures on fuji lens cancels out those impact? Some side notes about this video I find interesting: 1. it looks like you used a really vintage lens for shooting those close up video of cameras, looks like there's lots of spherical / longitudinal chromatic aberration that gave the close-up a very dreamy look! 2. if you look at view frequecy at the video's progress bar, there's a huge spike at the part toward the end where you begin to talk about Leica. People are so interested in leica that even in a video where you compare fujifilm and phase one with no leica mentioned in the title the part where you talk about leica get overwhelmingly replayed more!
Hi Joe! Thanks for these insights, this is why I love building community online. I have worked with the IQ250 which had the exact same sensor size as the fujifilm. I have compared it with the higher end models because that was exactly the reason why I looked at other systems: the price of the higher end models. 1. Yes, correct! Sharp eye! 2. Nice tip. I will look into it and consider it with new content! Cheers
You don't look old enough to have been through all those camera systems. I started off with 35mm film in various Nikon bodies, the went Mamiya 6x4.5 film (But always wanted a Hasselblad 6x6), I shot a 4x5 View camera for a few years, loading sheet film in the bathroom with towels stuffed under the door for darkness, then it was crop sensor APS-C digital SLR Nikon bodies, while waiting for years for them to go full frame. Then FF Nikon bodies, then back to APS-C Fuji cameras because I liked the manual dials, and now I'm up to Fujifilm GFX 50S II, by far the best image quality yet.
Thank you, Bastiaan, for this video-- more than any other "promo" video, it helped me decide to sell my Fuji X-T2 and 7 superb Fuji lenses and purchase the Fuji GFX100. With the GF110mm F2 portrait lens, this camera system produces amazing images, particularly when shot wide open. The 3D effect, or subject separation from background, is just stunning, beyond what I get from my Nikon D850. Just as when you go from 35mm film to 120 medium format film shooting, the difference between full frame digital and medium format digital is a quantum leap in resolution and your control of depth of field.
I'm just a few days into my new gfx100 coming up from canon. Capture One has noticeably better handling of the fuji raw files, and I'm sure the seamless transition there made the jump from phase to fuji made it easy. Files are just super rich, and the film simulations are awesome. Still figuring out what lenses I'd like to end up with...hopefully you cover that in the next video!
The GFX is more flexible to use, has better features on paper and certainly offers better value for money. But if you want the best image quality and the best lenses and are prepared to spend more money on them, then you can't avoid the Phase One. I know the feeling, you know Phase One exists and you know Phase One doesn't compromise on image quality. In the end, it's all about the image quality and your own expectations. The GFX is a great system and Phase One is the reference!
I have a Phase One and a 5DSR, and like you said, there really is a certain look. I almost never love the photos from my 5DSR because Full Frame just can't produce that look. I've used the GFX 50, and I have to admit that the Fuji GFX series is a great camera. There were times when I debated on switching over to the GFX as well, but I also like how much the Phase One forces you to slow down and focus on the shot more... the two cameras offer completely different shooting styles and I think it comes down to what you need/wants. I've also been hesitant on leaving the Leaf Shutter lens system. To give a little more information on the MF look for any non-MF shooters: Since the MF has a larger sensor, you get a large field of view from the lense, but the same compression from the focal length being shot on. So an 80mm f/2.8 would have the FOV of a 50mm, but the compression of an 80mm.
Absolutely. The restrictions imposed by an inherently slow camera has been a good thing for me. Probably the same reason (apart from the look) that people are appreciating film in this age of ridiculously fast and accurate DSLR/MILC cameras
hahah he is talking about phase one and fuji, but he works in B&W hahaha! No one camera gives colours like Phase One. That's fact. Colours/DR of Phase One just beyond, but yes, I agree Phase One is heavier.
So glad I stumbled upon this video. I decided quite awhile ago that the GFX100 was my ideal camera. The only barrier is the price, which, while more than reasonable for what you're getting, is a little beyond my current budget. Can't wait to get one. The files it produces are beautiful.
the 1st 2 cameras i bought was a Leica Clone, a FED 3 and Canon AE1, still have it even though its full manual i really dont mind it allowed me to use all my old lenses (100+, some of them are from my grandfather from the 30s) on my Fuji XT1-4 cameras, recently got myself a GFX100 and its amazing, my 1st medium format was a Pentax 645Z had it for many years and it was bulky hence why i ended up mostly keeping for studio work, and using my 1DX and XT1/4 for for out of studio work, but as soon as i got my GFX100, i cant stop shooting it, it feels like my 1DX but the images are just insanely good. i have 2 more on order for a total of 3.
i totally understand what you said about texture and detail and i agree....sometimes you want to explain to people but the just dont understand what you mean. Recently when i see some b/w images and the tone and texture of the B/w i just tell my photog friend that it was shot with a medium format....and lastly ill say what if you want a medium format image, buy one (if you can afford) you wont get a medium format feel or image using a DSLR no matter how expensive or how much you try and tweak or fake it in post. Huge fan of your work here.
I like the sincerity of your video and it really really helps me to finally decide which brand to go with. I have been dreaming and lusting for Phaseone, I think I can pass on for now.
I would love to know your thoughts on the Sony A7R4 in terms of megapixels does it make much of a difference to you in your work? also do you do any street photography or documentary photography at all??
I never look at megapixels, that's just a bonus. For me its all about the image quality, rendering of out of focus area's and overall handling. I don't do any street or documentary work at all, mostly studio work and projects while travelling.
There is no comparison. The GFX (any of them, and the Hassy) camera's blow the A7s out of the water at any MP. Anybody who doesn't see that hasn't shot with both.
Appreciate the timely response. I was just curious because I admire detail so much especially when it comes to street work or for documentary. I believed that the mega pixels helped quite hugely when it came to big prints. But thank you for pointing out other key important aspects of making truly beautiful/and powerful image. Such as your work. I enjoyed your most recent podcast by the way especially covering humanitarian issues on going in the US as that is where I am from and of african origin. Keep up powerful work. Definitely inspiring to make images of impact with my Fuji XT3 👍🏾
why the Fuji, when a Hasselblad xcd or H 6 D are around? wouldn't they be lighter than the Phase one ?, and the XCD camera is similar in physical form to the Fuji anyway.
Bastiaan, thanks for taking the time to show us a bit of the technical aspects of your work. I appreciate seeing what's behind the curtain and what makes other's I admire get inspired to create their work. Excellent video and I look forward to the next one. - Dane
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial I look forward to it. What model is your digital Leica? I shoot an M3 and an M4-P. They're the ones that inspire me to get out there and make photos.
I love what you said about the Leica - I still have my old M-P 240 and it's like a member of the family - could never sell it even though I have newer cameras.
Interestingly enough, there is a blizzard today in New York! Count yourself luck to have the opportunity to shoot and choose between such fantastic cameras. Sorry about the loss of your work on the laptop, that usually stings. I enjoyed this video.
Haven't try the Phase One so I wouldn't comment on it. GFX100, on the other hand, is a overall fun medium format camera: - Excellent skin tone (I don't shoot portraits a lot, though, usually B&W street) - Fast AF - Pretty light, probably 20% or 30% heavier than XT-4. Compare this to medium format SLR like Hassy or Phase One which obviously is bulkier. - IBIS. Nothing new if you are a Olympus M43 shooter. But certainly new in medium format world. Using longer lenses like 45-100 handheld on low light is not a big deal. Most people probably still associate digital medium format cameras with "slow workflow, low ISO, tripod and studio environment only". GFX certainly is trying to change that perception. It's like a XT-4 slightly on steroid. Personally, I think GFX is a light medium format camera. Want something heavy? Try Mamiya RZ. Or the all metal Pentax 67. Unfortunately there's no 6x7 digiback... yet :p Too bad I don't have extra $10K to spend. Perhaps in the next few years :)
I've been using Phase One for many years and never looked back. The support alone through Digital Transitions [in my case] is also beyond compare. I know many of the world's top pros and many use Phase One. I prefer the IQ 350 because 100 MP is just insane overkill for portraiture. For environmental work, I get it. I also use the Blue Ring Schneider lenses and they are all extraordinary. The downsides are...the cameras are very heavy and hand-holding over a few minutes at a time will trigger arthritis in your wrists, jam your shoulders and generally exhaust you. lol. Seriously. The other issue is that your Imac must have LOTS of memory and external storage. Thanks for the interesting review, but nothing for me has changed regarding camera selection. Cheers.
I agree on phase one being a insane good camera. It’s not that I switched because I didn’t like it. For me the Fuji film was just as good and with some benefits.
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial The technology today is truly amazing. But it's difficult to find support, and one of the biggest factors for me is getting someone on the phone to troubleshoot and issue or overnight something to me. As for side by side comparisons, it would probably be close to impossible to distinguish one from the other...but I have never tried, so there's that. Thanks.
Thanks for your interesting and helpful comments Bastiaan. I am about to change from Phase One IQ260 to Fuji but can't help being very worried about the switch. After a career of studio work and 20 years of using Phase One equipment it's scary to change - as I too need to keep the quality of medium format. My work is now mainly Landscape and Still life. For me, one reason for the change is the move away from the single point of focus to multiple points as well as the weight and bulk. Your video has helped me feel a bit more confident. Cheers! Great work by the way!
I am going through the same dilemma now. I have a Hassey H5D 40 I paid $24k years ago for, I am also thinking of switching to Fuji 100 for some of the same reasons you did. Thing is just like you said the Hassey is also heavy to carry around, but to it's defense it's a studio camera. I love medium format and wanted something that I can carry with me. I live here in NYC so I do a lot if street shooting as well, so what I did was pick up the Fuji XH1 and I just love with the output. But I am having a hard time getting rid of the Hassey because I love it too :) Nothing like it but the Fuji is not bad at all and has great features. The one thing beside besides how heavy the Hassey is; Is this the H5D is not great on higher ISO's. I do also use Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji XH1 and Mamiya medium film camera's so I am covered when it comes to street photography. I am thinkng on getting the Fuji GFX 50r or 100. Having a hard time on letting the Hassey go :(
just ran across your channel. Like your passion for photography and talking about the still features of still cameras and not video that I see on every other channel. Like to see you post more of your photos during presentation and discussing the features more in depth with different cameras.
Thanks for this video. I'm also in the market for a "baby MF" system. The weight of the XF and lenses is considerable for non-studio work. My question is, having sold your XF system, do you ever miss not having leaf shutters?
People shoot Phase One mostly for the lenses, which are real art pieces, not for the megapixels. I would have loved to get more feedback on this aspect.
I have the 5d mark iv for the commercial broschure and social media and the GFX 50S. Man, GFX lens is very very sharp, sensor are so gorgeous... always amaze every i saw the picture
hahah he is talking about phase one and fuji, but he works in B&W hahaha! No one camera gives colours like Phase One. That's fact. Colours/DR of Phase One just beyond, but yes, I agree Phase One is heavier.
Hi Bastiaan, I appreciated this video very much. Definitely we are all mainly interested in the body of work if an artist but some insight in the BTS and equipment is a great addition. I own a GFX50R (63 & 110 lenses) and it’s a pleasure to work with. I follow with great admiration your work and love your book that I purchased right at the beginning. All the best for your projects!
Thanks Bastiaan for the excellent review! Really helps me in finally going with the Fuji system. Was hesitating long time between the Hasselblad and the Fuji GFX 100s. Both fantastic cameras but I know I’ll just use the Fuji more because the Hasselblad is so precious! I also have a Leica, the M6 A gem indeed : D
Hi Bastiaan, Thank you, interesting to hear your reasons for switching. The Phase One cameras are very heavy. I don't need 100mp so I'm also looking at the Hasselblad X1D which is lighter than the GFX50 options. Having shot with the GFX50s I didn't love the handling or the multiple menus but you can't fault with the quality of the raw images. It would be good to see more BTS videos possible on post production and printing.
Hi Bastian I think what would be useful is a video showing just how versatile the 100 is used off tripod. It’s IBIS plus seriously dampened shutter put it on a new frontier in medium format cameras. The Hasselblads don’t have it. Leica S3 is just primitive by comparison but ergonomically unrivalled. I had a 50s for 3 years. As soon as I switched to the 100 I was astounded by its IBIS and what can now be achieved hand held - as per your Nepal trip. We now take stabilisation for granted in full frame format. It ain’t so with bigger sensors. Fuji have pushed the envelope with the IBIS in the 100. I think you could usefully showcase what can be achieved hand held at crazy slow shutter speeds
thanks for the review it was really helpful ..i purchased the gfx 100 last october w 32-64 mm lens n i love it the detail the Ibis sharpness alot of people complain about the vertical grip i have no issues with the vertical grip i love the design me personally dont like small cameras but anyways i love the camera i use it for landscape n macro work . GOD bless n thanks !!!!!!!!! n by the way i love your work !!!!!!
Just watched your video, very informative and well said. I too will be switching to Fujifilm and now we have the GFX100ii which just came out! Greetings from 🇨🇦
Bastiaan Woudt In my language we say if you buy a new thing than we wish you that. Use it withe health. So Bastiaan use your new gfx100 white a lot of health. 🙃✌️
Thanks that was an interesting viewpoint. The IBIS, lighter weight and focus sounds like big improvements. I'm considering upgrading to medium format (from Canon), but I'm leaning more towards the Phase One (probably XT) with the black and white 150MP sensor. I do landscape so even though I appreciate IBIS etc higher quality image is paramount where I would use tilt and shift. I also consider using a 4x5 setup where I would do stitching to get an even higher resolution. I'm a bit unsure if the 4x5 lenses are good enough for this sensor though since most are old.
@Bastiaan Woudt : Hi, I changed from Canon 1D series to Fujifilm medium format. I really like your photos and the contents you made on this UA-cam channel. Very useful informations. I have a question that need your advice.. The biggest problem I met is dusty very easy on GFX camera's sensor and (and mirrorless sensor, because I must change lenses during the photoshoot portrait people on the field. Do you clean sensor by yourself or you send it to Fujifilm service ? How about you solve that problem if you are shooting on location and oversea or far from your city, without Fuji service there ? Thanks,
Thanks, appreciate it. I change my lenses always very quickly and actually never have the issue of dust on my sensor. It’s probably there, but It never bothers me. I clearly don’t see it in my pictures. Sometimes I have a dust spot and I take out this rocket blower to get rid of it. Never have send it off to fujifilm.
Interesting video. You made your reasons for switching clear and simple, and you also took the trouble to warn about post-processing computer capacity. A good review.
Hi Bastiaan Great video, I love your work, I have tried to use some of your minamilism in my wedding and travel photography-it sure is challenging to find the balance between enough subject, but not too much. Have you seen the new Hasselblad X2D 100 megapixel camera? Several advantages over the Fujifilm GFX 100 and the colour in the sensor is incredible, especially the skin tones with the new V series of lenses. Regards from New Zealand :)
Thank you for explaining that it's not about the megapixels, it's about the look of the out-of-focus background with the larger sensor. I have heard people talk about the medium format look. It's nice to get an explanation of what that means. I have heard people for years talk about the look that the Canon lenses give. Where the Canon 35 mm lenses are not as sharp, but they give good creamy blurry backgrounds. And of course years ago this is what portrait photographers wanted because they didn't want the skin texture to be sharp and they wanted the blurry backgrounds and with them you wanted to do that in camera. Fast forward to today and people who are pixel peepers seem to be addicted to how sharp a photograph is. But today's lenses that put the subject in sharp focus don't produce the same creamy out of focus backgrounds the older Canon lenses did. I am wondering if this is what people like about the medium format cameras. Maybe they give the subjects more sharpness but the backgrounds more depth. Something that with 35 millimeter you have to choose. Do you want to shoot with cameras that have a reputation for keeping the in focus subject sharp, or do you want to shoot with Canon, where the subjects may not be as sharp, but the background blur is creamier. Please help me if I've said anything that is not true. Photography is a difficult thing to define.
I think your quite right. For me its all about the out of focus areas (offcourse I want my subject to be in focus if intended). Also the amount of detail and the way the structure and detail is rendered is different in medium format. A “look” I’m very keen on.
There is a term for the *quality* of out-of-focus areas: "bokeh". Problem is that people got it confused with the *amount* of blurry areas (depth of field) so when someone says a lens has "good bokeh" they may not actually mean the actual quality which muddies the waters... sigh.
Exactly the type of review I wanted. I used to have a phase. Drowned it. Housing leaked! Been missing it ever since. Have been flirting with the idea of purchasing a Fuji for a while but have never found an experienced users opinion like this. I also have a Leica M2! And totally agree. A camera I will never sell. Thanks for the great vid!
Hi Bastiaan. Very instructive video. Thanks. I don't know about others, but I'd like to see how you edit your images. That would be amazing. Have a lovely week.
Thank you for this video. I have a Sony a7rII and I plan on switching to medium format...I was thinking about just getting a fujifilm gfx 50s..but eventually I’ll have money to get a gfx100
Good insight! this was more of a very personal experience sharing which is exactly I wanted to see... I am thinking of this beast! May be will wait for the next update from Fuji. Still not very comfortable with not having any physical buttons on the top right! This is another (probably silly) reasons why I still have not opted for any mirrorless cameras. I feel them bit phone-y kind of handling ... So still I using the D850 with all the lenses possible. I will definitely sell off my Nikon system, however, am truly interested for a next level which in my view is not the mirrorless, but the medium format such as this one! Many thanks for the honest feedback, your thoughts and the explanations...
For pure studio work, the PhaseOne is certainly a great one for itself. Documentary work, portraits that require mobility and a weatherproof housing cannot be avoided with the GFX. The system's lenticularity is in the lenses, if you need ultra wide angle or large telephoto focal lengths, you can't get past the Sony RIV, R5, Z7, SR1.
If you were going from a Phase One Camera with 50 megapixels, and the issue was weight and price, why not just go with the Hasselblad X1d system? Sure, you would have ONLY 50 MP, but the system would be lighter, would be approximately half the price of the GFX 100 system (which you could put the difference in cost towards new lenses,) and you would have access to leaf shutter lenses. Also the Phase One XF does have both a prism and waist-level viewfinder..
Because I tried the hasselblad and really did not like it. Not a big fan of the brand in general. Leaf shutter is not an issue for me as I’m not shooting flash.. if that is what you mean.
Good approach to medium format and different uses, and in fact Fuji came to fill a space in this art with no other option in the market, shooting medium format with portability. But I must say that the words about Leica is the best part of this video, exactly on point of what I think as well. Came for the first time to your channel, and I´m looking forward for more content. Well done.
Thank you Bastiaan. That was helpful to me as I am choosing a digital medium format system to buy to finally replace my old film Hasselblads (which I will NOT be selling). I have hired the PhaseOne XF system (heavy and not terribly ergonomic shape, though stunning results on a tripod) and Fujifilm GFX (50 and 100) systems and borrowed both X and H series Hasselblads so I am close to a decision. Two questions if I may? 1. Did you consider / try the Leica S? Either the 4 year old typ 007 or the new S3? 2. How have you found using the EVF on the GFX versus the OVF on the Phase One? I have struggled a bit with EVFs; even the high resolution EVF on the GFX 100. Which is one reason I am thinking about the Leica S3 and its bright OVF. (I am also a Leica M user.) Many thanks Ian
Thanks for reaching out. I did consider the Leica S3. But I needed to upgrade or change system for my travel to Nepal. At that time the Leica wasn’t out yet, and I heard now it’s finally out after months and months of delays. The EVF is something you have to get used to. In the beginning I didn’t like it, but it definitely grew on me. Now that I’m used to it I can’t recommend it enough. It’s clear and easy to use. Hope this helps!
Great video. Thank you. Size really does count! I don't think you said what type of Leica it was? I'm still trying to get my brain across all the models...
Thanks for the video. I loved it. Request for future topic: how do you work with your models? How do you get them to relax? How do you get the right facial expressions? I saw some of your shots of Rugby players and the facial expressions felt so powerful, and it made me wonder what you told them 😊 Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences with us all 💛
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial Thanks man. Anything about the emotional space you create with your models would be really awesome to learn about. Take care man, thanks for your wonderful work.
Bastiaan, thanks for your insight on why you switched to Fujifilm. I have a question if you don't mind. Like you I'm a lover of medium format, my preference is 6x7 shot on a Bronica GS1 and Mamiya 7. The main reason I persist with 6x7 is for it's aspect ratio and most importantly the size of the imaging area, at almost twice the size of 645 and 4x the size of 35mm, 6x7 really gives you the "medium format aesthetic" thanks to the "angle of view / focal length" ratio. The 44x33mm sensor in the GFX is basically a crop 645, what APS-C is to 35mm full frame. In your opinion, does it really have enough of that medium format aesthetic over 35mm full frame? Do you notice it being closer to a 35mm aesthetic compared to the larger Phase One sensor? Additionally, do you think the colours on the GFX come close to Phase One, particularly skin tones, where the Phase One is exceptional. Thanks again Bastiaan, I appreciate your comments and your beautiful portfolio of images.
Thanks for reaching out. The sensor in the Fuji is exactly the same size as that of the phase one I owned. For me it definitely has that medium format look even if it’s not full frame medium format. I can’t say anything about colors as I’m shooting for black and white only
Interesting view on the matter, real life review from someone who shot a lot on PH1 before switching! I'm shooting PhaseOne at the moment (The older P40+) and Fujifilm (X-T1) but I do prefer using the PhaseOne because of the IQ, the feel (used to shoot Hasselblad/Sinar back in the film days) One thing I'm still thinking about is: viewfinder... I do prefer optical (PhaseOne) vs electronic (Fujifilm) but in the end use both... so if I would switch to the GFX100... I'll just have to decide I'll loose the optical one, but gain the weightloss between both of them... One thing that is nice is that the GFX has the same 'cropfactor' my PhaseOne has (chipsize is identical) So I would not see any changes in DOF when using the same F-stops... Any Idea how well the Fuji would perform when shooting art reproductions? because I shoot that too & I presume that since I can use CaptureOnePro just like before I can keep my workflow -with lager files- Also: I see you have the 50R there too... do you think I can just sell both camera's I have now and switch to the GFX100 primary for in studio work and the 50R when on location (and wanting to travel lighter, yet a little heavier than with my X-T1)?
I did prefer optical as wel until I started working with electronic for a while. Now it’s for just as good as optical. I use my GFX100 for 95% of things I do and use my 50R as a backup/second camera during shoots. Love them both!
Wow, thanks for the info about the switch!! I was wondering where you went to sell off all the phase one equipment? I think you may have sold me on selling off my phase one camera, back, and 4 lenses to get the new Fuji gfx 100s ....I do not want to go through all the trouble of selling off on item at a time encase I can not sell off everything to get the Fuji. Thanks so much!!
greta video, i have been using the 50s since 2018 and i love it. once you get used to the look it is hard to go back to full frame. i will eventually get the 100, just hoping it will come down in price a bit. I am also still using a Leica M9 which is very unique experience, like you said.
Dear Bastiaan, I really appreciate and enjoy your marvelous work! Your work is breathtaking! I just wonder why you do not work with Hasselblad (analog with a digi back like CFV 50 II) or one of the newer digital bodies. Would appreciate whether you could comment! And once again, really happy to hear your thoughts about technical aspects, but would even enjoy more about commenting aspects of art, visual interpretation and/or comments on your favorite photographers/designers/painters. Thx again ... it is really wonderful to listen to your thoughts. Michael
Thanks Michael. I have shot with Hasselblad in the past but never liked the system. Thats why I started with Phase One in the first place. Recently I have been looking into the CFV50II because of the oldschool look and feel you get when paring it with the old Hasselblad body. But for a second or third camera, it is quite expensive :)
Great video. Not many reviews of the GFX100 from real-world pros like yourself. I'm in a similar position - thinking of switching from Credo back, mostly due to focus limitations. Expecting the GFX100 in the next couple of weeks to test.
hello Sir, . . . I too have the 50 summilux, with M10-P white limited edition .... you said : "the look also changes when you work with flashlights/daylight, but the depth of field, the detail you get is incomparable to any other system, and its not possible to get that in post-production as well, you need to shoot with bigger sensor" ... so going by what you said, GFX100S sensor is as much smaller to Phase One sensor (54x40mm) as the Fullframe is to GFX (44x33mm). So there should be a notable difference between the IQ of GFX & Phase One, but didn't notice it ? Thanks. Regards
my previous Phase One had the same sensor size. If your shooting with the 100MP or 150 MP back, then you have the bigger sensor. I just was not planning on spending that amount of
Great man. Recently discovered your work and just really appreciate your artistic vision. And.. Yay for the Leica! I have 2 and will never sell them. Cheers.
Just a perfect review on "what is needed to decide, which way is, an why, the right one" to go. You found out clearly your needs and you showed them in a propper video, and of course to have a Leica and use a Leica is not the heaven on earth, but it is photography on the roots, thank you for that the good video
Fuji GFX is very special imo.. Wish I could afford such technology. However, if Fuji released a full-frame.. yum yum. Can't justify apsc after my full-frame.
Hello sir, I'm a Fujifilm XT-4 user and I would like to know that what would be the optimum size of prints that I can get from n APS-C body. I really enjoy the prints in your videos, but I am not really confident if I can print my work. Please help me!!
I had the pleasure of owning a 3 medium format systems (Pentax 645z, Fujifilm GFX 100 and Phase One IQ3 100) and let me explain what I found out. For an entry level of course the Pentax 646z was a huge leap switching from Full Frame in terms of (colors, details and dynamic range) but after experiencing such thing I was intrigued of how would the best medium format system in the world would be so I moved to Phase One IQ3 100 and let me tell it was by far the best photography experience I have ever felt (5 stop dynamic range, 16 bit colors and 100 million megapixel) which opened new possibilities for what I can yield from such system. when Fuji announced that they are planning to build a new system that rivals Phase One and overcomes the drawbacks that the phase one system has I was hooked and got my hands on one and let me tell you, there is no way to compare them the dynamic range and color fidelity are poor when compared to phase one and that’s is to some extent is predictable because technically the GFX100 uses the same sensor in the 50r but modified so in terms of details it was okay-ish.
Phase One pro & Cons:
Pros:
1. 5 stop dynamic range: You can literally pull shadows from -6 EV without any noise as well as from up to +2EV.
2. 16 bit colors: The colors pop and accuracy are unreal.
3. Details: 100 Million megapixel so up.
4. Continues Platform improvements: which as simple firmware update you can unlock limitless features.
5. Lenses are sharp as heck.
6. Full support to Capture One editing software.
Cons:
1. Expensive system.
2. You can only shoot up to 1.5 FPS.
3. 1 focus point.
4. Heavy and bulky.
Fujifilm GFX100 pros & cons:
Pros:
1. Affordability when compared with other medium format systems.
2. 100 million megapixels.
3. Multiple autofocus point.
4. Fast autofocus and face detection.
5. Lenses are good and the range is keeping on increasing.
6. Not that bulky and heavy (similar in size to Canon 1DX and Nikon D5).
Cons:
1. Color rendition isn’t the best.
2. Poor dynamic range: not as flexible as the phase one - out of my experience you can go to -1.5 EV and pull the shadows.
3. Not good with highlights.
To sum it up, it is up to the photographer to decide what system suits his needs best but you can say that the Fuji because the difference is sensor size makes the phase one superb in image quality.
dude i love you, such a good advice
Raul Russo Hope I helped, Thank you.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that 100 megapixels is not the same as “100 million megapixels”... the ‘mega’ is used to describe the amount of pixels; in this sense, it means 1 million.
Micah Yamanaka A 1 megapixels is equal to 1 million megapixel. It is just a short term we use in general to explain the multitude of resolution.
Mohammed Alahmadi yup, same page 🤙🏽
Some important context. The reason Phase One cameras are as a big, heavy, and expnesive as they are is that they have a much bigger sensor. To put it into perspective the GFX sensor is only 1.7X the size of FF. The IQ4 sensor is 2.5X the size of FF. The much, much smaller sensor is how Fuji gets away with the smaller bodies and lower prices. But to me that's a good thing. It's a much better balance between IQ, size, weight, MP and Price. The GFX100S is the most ground breaking and exciting camera in a long time. GFX is clearly the real upgrade path now for guys who got D800s, A7Rs, 5Ds, ect fro the resolution mostly. To me the GFX100 and 100s are the D3X successor Nikon guys who need and care more about resolution and IQ than fps never got. And now at 6K a lot of those guys and a large number of pros making money doing product, food, commercial, fine art, ect can afford one. Fuji is going to take market share with the GFX100s. No question.
That also puts into perspective the myth of the „medium format look“. If Fuji and PhaseOne give you that „look“ with their hugely different sensor sizes, there is no reason why the not-so-much-smaller full frame should give one a fundamentally different look. More details and resolution yes, sometimes more color depth, but otherwise there is nothing special medium format delivers.
I shot with the IQ250 which had exactly the same sensor size. So for me there was no difference in sensor size.
@@TheNinthPhotography I couldn’t disagree more.
I noticed a big difference in going from full frame such as the Sony A7r III to the Fuji GFX 50R and 100S . The level of detail and dynamic range in my opinion is much better then full frame. I’ve also shot with many systems Film and Digital including Full frame Canon, Nikon and Sony. For the type of photography I do, once shooting with the GFX, I would never go back to Full Frame.
@@carlinifoto Like I wrote in my comment, I am with you on detail and dynamic range, but is that really what people talk about when talking about a “medium format look”?
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficialyes IQ250 was the same sensor they put in Hassleblad XD and Fuji GFX 50 I think … it wasn’t a exciting sensor … IQ 280 and 100 and above you could feel it lol 😊
I use a Fuji XT2 (which I love) but like most Fujifilm users, dream one day of owning a GFX 50 or 100. Although rather expensive, the GFX series remains a realistic dream and so bif thanks to Fujifilm for bring these superb cameras on the market.
absolutely!
The Fuji GFX series is a gamechanger. They found a niche that made medium format within reach of 35mm users and with yourself - a very high quality system with much greater portability.
Agree!
Exactly. Imagine a GFX 100S II or III with shorter VF black outs, better AF tracking, and some good pixel binning to shoot at say 50mp when you need too. For $6Ksih. It would make the high res, non sports FF MILC cameras like the A7RIV, Z7, R5 ect obsolete for anyone would could afford a GFX.
@@josh885 Already waiting for the GFX100s 2? Have you played with the new one? I'm also coming from Phase One XF system and am tired of lugging around the thing. However, I did a recent comparisons of the same images shot on similar focal lengths between the GFX100s and the Canon R5, and that R5 is stunning I must say. It's very hard for even the discerning eye to see a difference. Sure the resolution is half, but at the end of the day how many clients actually care?
Finally, a GFX review compared to another medium format camera. Thank you!!! You are only the third video I’ve found. Everyone else compares them to DSLRs and FF cameras which is useless. Great comparisons!!
Thanks Juan!
I did the same after shooting phaseone for more than 10 years I now shoot gfx100 and loving it.
💪💪
Thank you for uploading this video ! I have the GFX50s and shooting digital MF handheld without IBIS can be challenging. I think lots of GFX50s users are waiting for the next GFX50s with IBIS. I am interested in how you use continuous light in combination with ambient light.
agreed regarding the lighting
That’s a great subject for the future. Will definitely take it in consideration when we are planning new content!
Great info and such valuable input! Thanks so much for taking the time to make this review!
Your welcome chandler
Bastian, Thanks for the insight! One thing that might make people hesitant about fuji gfx is that their smaller sensor size compared to the "real 645 format" of higher end phase one backs. Did you had a chance to compare fuji to those full frame digital backs and you feel any negative impact from the smaller sensor of fuji? or does the bigger apertures on fuji lens cancels out those impact? Some side notes about this video I find interesting: 1. it looks like you used a really vintage lens for shooting those close up video of cameras, looks like there's lots of spherical / longitudinal chromatic aberration that gave the close-up a very dreamy look! 2. if you look at view frequecy at the video's progress bar, there's a huge spike at the part toward the end where you begin to talk about Leica. People are so interested in leica that even in a video where you compare fujifilm and phase one with no leica mentioned in the title the part where you talk about leica get overwhelmingly replayed more!
Hi Joe!
Thanks for these insights, this is why I love building community online.
I have worked with the IQ250 which had the exact same sensor size as the fujifilm. I have compared it with the higher end models because that was exactly the reason why I looked at other systems: the price of the higher end models.
1. Yes, correct! Sharp eye!
2. Nice tip. I will look into it and consider it with new content!
Cheers
Excellent - short and informative video. Thanks. Can't wait to see and hear more from you .
Thanks milena!
Thanks for the great feed back. 👍
You don't look old enough to have been through all those camera systems. I started off with 35mm film in various Nikon bodies, the went Mamiya 6x4.5 film (But always wanted a Hasselblad 6x6), I shot a 4x5 View camera for a few years, loading sheet film in the bathroom with towels stuffed under the door for darkness, then it was crop sensor APS-C digital SLR Nikon bodies, while waiting for years for them to go full frame. Then FF Nikon bodies, then back to APS-C Fuji cameras because I liked the manual dials, and now I'm up to Fujifilm GFX 50S II, by far the best image quality yet.
Thank you, Bastiaan, for this video-- more than any other "promo" video, it helped me decide to sell my Fuji X-T2 and 7 superb Fuji lenses and purchase the Fuji GFX100. With the GF110mm F2 portrait lens, this camera system produces amazing images, particularly when shot wide open. The 3D effect, or subject separation from background, is just stunning, beyond what I get from my Nikon D850. Just as when you go from 35mm film to 120 medium format film shooting, the difference between full frame digital and medium format digital is a quantum leap in resolution and your control of depth of field.
So nice to hear! You wont regret your decision!
I'm just a few days into my new gfx100 coming up from canon. Capture One has noticeably better handling of the fuji raw files, and I'm sure the seamless transition there made the jump from phase to fuji made it easy. Files are just super rich, and the film simulations are awesome. Still figuring out what lenses I'd like to end up with...hopefully you cover that in the next video!
Will take it in consideration! Definitely recommend the 110mm f2!
The GFX is more flexible to use, has better features on paper and certainly offers better value for money.
But if you want the best image quality and the best lenses and are prepared to spend more money on them, then you can't avoid the Phase One.
I know the feeling, you know Phase One exists and you know Phase One doesn't compromise on image quality. In the end, it's all about the image quality and your own expectations. The GFX is a great system and Phase One is the reference!
I don’t agree. I have compared the two extensively and didn’t find any differences. Even after really butchering the files in post.
I am a Fuji x user , enjoyed the video very much . the Leica winter captures are stunningly good , the rendering has real feeling . thanks .!
Thanks!!
I have a Phase One and a 5DSR, and like you said, there really is a certain look. I almost never love the photos from my 5DSR because Full Frame just can't produce that look. I've used the GFX 50, and I have to admit that the Fuji GFX series is a great camera. There were times when I debated on switching over to the GFX as well, but I also like how much the Phase One forces you to slow down and focus on the shot more... the two cameras offer completely different shooting styles and I think it comes down to what you need/wants. I've also been hesitant on leaving the Leaf Shutter lens system.
To give a little more information on the MF look for any non-MF shooters: Since the MF has a larger sensor, you get a large field of view from the lense, but the same compression from the focal length being shot on. So an 80mm f/2.8 would have the FOV of a 50mm, but the compression of an 80mm.
Absolutely. The restrictions imposed by an inherently slow camera has been a good thing for me. Probably the same reason (apart from the look) that people are appreciating film in this age of ridiculously fast and accurate DSLR/MILC cameras
I had the chance last year to try the phase one xf with the 150mm 2.8 blue ring, and I fell in love!!!!
hahah he is talking about phase one and fuji, but he works in B&W hahaha! No one camera gives colours like Phase One. That's fact. Colours/DR of Phase One just beyond, but yes, I agree Phase One is heavier.
It’s a great camera!
True, I’m not shooting colour at all, so can’t talk about that!
So glad I stumbled upon this video. I decided quite awhile ago that the GFX100 was my ideal camera. The only barrier is the price, which, while more than reasonable for what you're getting, is a little beyond my current budget. Can't wait to get one. The files it produces are beautiful.
Yes it’s a stunning machine!
Seems like your prayers were answered
I really like that you mentioned the Leica! M9?
Great camera! Also the M240-P is a keeper
amazing review, and amazing photographer. glad I searched this camera and found your channel. keep it up, man!
the 1st 2 cameras i bought was a Leica Clone, a FED 3 and Canon AE1, still have it even though its full manual i really dont mind it allowed me to use all my old lenses (100+, some of them are from my grandfather from the 30s) on my Fuji XT1-4 cameras, recently got myself a GFX100 and its amazing, my 1st medium format was a Pentax 645Z had it for many years and it was bulky hence why i ended up mostly keeping for studio work, and using my 1DX and XT1/4 for for out of studio work, but as soon as i got my GFX100, i cant stop shooting it, it feels like my 1DX but the images are just insanely good. i have 2 more on order for a total of 3.
👌
i totally understand what you said about texture and detail and i agree....sometimes you want to explain to people but the just dont understand what you mean.
Recently when i see some b/w images and the tone and texture of the B/w i just tell my photog friend that it was shot with a medium format....and lastly ill say what if you want a medium format image, buy one (if you can afford) you wont get a medium format feel or image using a DSLR no matter how expensive or how much you try and tweak or fake it in post.
Huge fan of your work here.
Agree!
I like the sincerity of your video and it really really helps me to finally decide which brand to go with. I have been dreaming and lusting for Phaseone, I think I can pass on for now.
Happy to be of help.
I would love to know your thoughts on the Sony A7R4 in terms of megapixels does it make much of a difference to you in your work? also do you do any street photography or documentary photography at all??
I never look at megapixels, that's just a bonus. For me its all about the image quality, rendering of out of focus area's and overall handling. I don't do any street or documentary work at all, mostly studio work and projects while travelling.
There is no comparison. The GFX (any of them, and the Hassy) camera's blow the A7s out of the water at any MP. Anybody who doesn't see that hasn't shot with both.
Appreciate the timely response. I was just curious because I admire detail so much especially when it comes to street work or for documentary.
I believed that the mega pixels helped quite hugely when it came to big prints.
But thank you for pointing out other key important aspects of making truly beautiful/and powerful image. Such as your work.
I enjoyed your most recent podcast by the way especially covering humanitarian issues on going in the US as that is where I am from and of african origin.
Keep up powerful work. Definitely inspiring to make images of impact with my Fuji XT3 👍🏾
🙏🙏
Excellent on Fuji gfx 100, helped me finalize and verified my decision to get it.
Wow! Great to hear!
The Sensor of a Phase One P65 is 40,4×53,9 mm. The Sensor size of the Fuji is 32.9 mm x 43.8 mm.
I shot with iq250. That had exactly the same size sensor
why the Fuji, when a Hasselblad xcd or H 6 D are around? wouldn't they be lighter than the Phase one ?, and the XCD camera is similar in physical form to the Fuji anyway.
Because I really don’t like hasselblad cameras I’m general.
Bastiaan, thanks for taking the time to show us a bit of the technical aspects of your work. I appreciate seeing what's behind the curtain and what makes other's I admire get inspired to create their work. Excellent video and I look forward to the next one. - Dane
Gudde Co. thanks Dane! Appreciate that you reached out. Stay tuned for more!
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial I look forward to it. What model is your digital Leica? I shoot an M3 and an M4-P. They're the ones that inspire me to get out there and make photos.
Would love to see how you approach a portrait shoot. Btw. Love the street photos shown at the end. 👌
thank you Thomas! Check out my 5 min portrait video on my channel!
haha in 2021 new fuji 100mp is going to be in a body of gfx50! current GFX100's body is as ugly as hell.
I disagree
The bit about the Leica was captivating.
Thanks Steven
I love what you said about the Leica - I still have my old M-P 240 and it's like a member of the family - could never sell it even though I have newer cameras.
It’s a great camera, still love it
Interestingly enough, there is a blizzard today in New York! Count yourself luck to have the opportunity to shoot and choose between such fantastic cameras. Sorry about the loss of your work on the laptop, that usually stings. I enjoyed this video.
Thanks Rick, appreciate it
Haven't try the Phase One so I wouldn't comment on it. GFX100, on the other hand, is a overall fun medium format camera:
- Excellent skin tone (I don't shoot portraits a lot, though, usually B&W street)
- Fast AF
- Pretty light, probably 20% or 30% heavier than XT-4. Compare this to medium format SLR like Hassy or Phase One which obviously is bulkier.
- IBIS. Nothing new if you are a Olympus M43 shooter. But certainly new in medium format world. Using longer lenses like 45-100 handheld on low light is not a big deal.
Most people probably still associate digital medium format cameras with "slow workflow, low ISO, tripod and studio environment only". GFX certainly is trying to change that perception. It's like a XT-4 slightly on steroid.
Personally, I think GFX is a light medium format camera. Want something heavy? Try Mamiya RZ. Or the all metal Pentax 67. Unfortunately there's no 6x7 digiback... yet :p
Too bad I don't have extra $10K to spend. Perhaps in the next few years :)
Agree on everything you said! 🙏
haha in 2021 new fuji 100mp is going to be in a body of gfx50! current GFX100's body is as ugly as hell.
Great content. Your channel should be soo much bigger than it is currently! Keep going
Thanks nick!
I've been using Phase One for many years and never looked back. The support alone through Digital Transitions [in my case] is also beyond compare. I know many of the world's top pros and many use Phase One. I prefer the IQ 350 because 100 MP is just insane overkill for portraiture. For environmental work, I get it. I also use the Blue Ring Schneider lenses and they are all extraordinary. The downsides are...the cameras are very heavy and hand-holding over a few minutes at a time will trigger arthritis in your wrists, jam your shoulders and generally exhaust you. lol. Seriously. The other issue is that your Imac must have LOTS of memory and external storage. Thanks for the interesting review, but nothing for me has changed regarding camera selection. Cheers.
I agree on phase one being a insane good camera. It’s not that I switched because I didn’t like it. For me the Fuji film was just as good and with some benefits.
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial The technology today is truly amazing. But it's difficult to find support, and one of the biggest factors for me is getting someone on the phone to troubleshoot and issue or overnight something to me. As for side by side comparisons, it would probably be close to impossible to distinguish one from the other...but I have never tried, so there's that. Thanks.
Thanks for your interesting and helpful comments Bastiaan. I am about to change from Phase One IQ260 to Fuji but can't help being very worried about the switch. After a career of studio work and 20 years of using Phase One equipment it's scary to change - as I too need to keep the quality of medium format. My work is now mainly Landscape and Still life. For me, one reason for the change is the move away from the single point of focus to multiple points as well as the weight and bulk. Your video has helped me feel a bit more confident. Cheers! Great work by the way!
Good to hear. You probably made the switch now, or you didn’t. In the case you didn’t, rent it out first and try!
I am going through the same dilemma now. I have a Hassey H5D 40 I paid $24k years ago for, I am also thinking of switching to Fuji 100 for some of the same reasons you did. Thing is just like you said the Hassey is also heavy to carry around, but to it's defense it's a studio camera. I love medium format and wanted something that I can carry with me. I live here in NYC so I do a lot if street shooting as well, so what I did was pick up the Fuji XH1 and I just love with the output. But I am having a hard time getting rid of the Hassey because I love it too :) Nothing like it but the Fuji is not bad at all and has great features. The one thing beside besides how heavy the Hassey is; Is this the H5D is not great on higher ISO's. I do also use Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji XH1 and Mamiya medium film camera's so I am covered when it comes to street photography. I am thinkng on getting the Fuji GFX 50r or 100. Having a hard time on letting the Hassey go :(
I understand. Maybe renting one and trying it for yourself will help you make a choice!
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial Good idea I have been thanking about that. Glad to see you were in Morocco I have family there.
your work is so cool, you have an extraordinary mind and beautiful vision.
just ran across your channel. Like your passion for photography and talking about the still features of still cameras and not video that I see on every other channel. Like to see you post more of your photos during presentation and discussing the features more in depth with different cameras.
Thanks. Will look into it. 👍
Thanks for this video. I'm also in the market for a "baby MF" system. The weight of the XF and lenses is considerable for non-studio work. My question is, having sold your XF system, do you ever miss not having leaf shutters?
No, I never miss them. I’m never shooting flash lights, so no benefits for me…
People shoot Phase One mostly for the lenses, which are real art pieces, not for the megapixels. I would have loved to get more feedback on this aspect.
I agree. Lenses are out of this world. Better then Fuji. But unfortunately you can't have best of both worlds :)
I have the 5d mark iv for the commercial broschure and social media and the GFX 50S. Man, GFX lens is very very sharp, sensor are so gorgeous... always amaze every i saw the picture
hahah he is talking about phase one and fuji, but he works in B&W hahaha! No one camera gives colours like Phase One. That's fact. Colours/DR of Phase One just beyond, but yes, I agree Phase One is heavier.
Hi Bastiaan, I appreciated this video very much. Definitely we are all mainly interested in the body of work if an artist but some insight in the BTS and equipment is a great addition. I own a GFX50R (63 & 110 lenses) and it’s a pleasure to work with. I follow with great admiration your work and love your book that I purchased right at the beginning. All the best for your projects!
Thank you Consalvo!
Thanks Bastiaan for the excellent review! Really helps me in finally going with the Fuji system. Was hesitating long time between the Hasselblad and the Fuji GFX 100s. Both fantastic cameras but I know I’ll just use the Fuji more because the Hasselblad is so precious!
I also have a Leica, the M6
A gem indeed : D
Great to hear! Happy to be of help.
Omg I didn’t know you had a UA-cam.
One of my top 3 photographers
Welcome! 💪
Datman
top 3? lol u have seen not enough. he is photos are good for 19th century
@@art_means_artificial its personal taste, playboy.
Hi Bastiaan, Thank you, interesting to hear your reasons for switching. The Phase One cameras are very heavy. I don't need 100mp so I'm also looking at the Hasselblad X1D which is lighter than the GFX50 options. Having shot with the GFX50s I didn't love the handling or the multiple menus but you can't fault with the quality of the raw images. It would be good to see more BTS videos possible on post production and printing.
We are making a series of videos about how I create my work, shooting, printing, framing and exhibiting. Coming soon!
Hi Bastian
I think what would be useful is a video showing just how versatile the 100 is used off tripod. It’s IBIS plus seriously dampened shutter put it on a new frontier in medium format cameras. The Hasselblads don’t have it. Leica S3 is just primitive by comparison but ergonomically unrivalled. I had a 50s for 3 years. As soon as I switched to the 100 I was astounded by its IBIS and what can now be achieved hand held - as per your Nepal trip. We now take stabilisation for granted in full frame format. It ain’t so with bigger sensors. Fuji have pushed the envelope with the IBIS in the 100. I think you could usefully showcase what can be achieved hand held at crazy slow shutter speeds
It’s even so good that I bought the 50R to get some movement in my images at say 1/15th of a second because the ibis just is that good
Thanks for the video, looking forward to next one about lenses.
Thanks peter!
thanks for the review it was really helpful ..i purchased the gfx 100 last october w 32-64 mm lens n i love it the detail the Ibis sharpness alot of people complain about the vertical grip i have no issues with the vertical grip i love the design me personally dont like small cameras but anyways i love the camera i use it for landscape n macro work . GOD bless n thanks !!!!!!!!! n by the way i love your work !!!!!!
Thank you Juan. It is indeed a beast of a camera. I also don't have any complaints about the grip, I think its great!
Just watched your video, very informative and well said. I too will be switching to Fujifilm and now we have the GFX100ii which just came out! Greetings from 🇨🇦
Just bought the gfx100II myself. Absolutely amazing camera
Great Video Bastiaan! Thanks for sharing your passion for photography.
You’re welcome. Thanks for reaching out!
Love your work and nice video! Just made the step from X-Pro2 to GFX 50R and I really love it.
Great to hear. Hope you keep enjoying it !
I'm also a Fuji Shooter and I absolutely love the Fuji System (XH1 and X100F) (XF16-55 2.8 and 50-140 2.8)
Cheers!
Bastiaan Woudt In my language we say if you buy a new thing than we wish you that. Use it withe health. So Bastiaan use your new gfx100 white a lot of health. 🙃✌️
Thanks man!
Thanks that was an interesting viewpoint. The IBIS, lighter weight and focus sounds like big improvements. I'm considering upgrading to medium format (from Canon), but I'm leaning more towards the Phase One (probably XT) with the black and white 150MP sensor. I do landscape so even though I appreciate IBIS etc higher quality image is paramount where I would use tilt and shift. I also consider using a 4x5 setup where I would do stitching to get an even higher resolution. I'm a bit unsure if the 4x5 lenses are good enough for this sensor though since most are old.
hi Bestiaan, do you think Fuji will release another medium format camera soon? Because I am looking forward to that. thank you.
Really don’t know! I heard rumors that they are developing a 150MP body. But I don’t have any contact with fujifilm, so it’s speculations
@Bastiaan Woudt : Hi, I changed from Canon 1D series to Fujifilm medium format. I really like your photos and the contents you made on this UA-cam channel. Very useful informations. I have a question that need your advice.. The biggest problem I met is dusty very easy on GFX camera's sensor and (and mirrorless sensor, because I must change lenses during the photoshoot portrait people on the field. Do you clean sensor by yourself or you send it to Fujifilm service ? How about you solve that problem if you are shooting on location and oversea or far from your city, without Fuji service there ? Thanks,
Thanks, appreciate it. I change my lenses always very quickly and actually never have the issue of dust on my sensor. It’s probably there, but It never bothers me. I clearly don’t see it in my pictures. Sometimes I have a dust spot and I take out this rocket blower to get rid of it. Never have send it off to fujifilm.
Thanks @@Bastiaanwoudtofficial
Interesting video. You made your reasons for switching clear and simple, and you also took the trouble to warn about post-processing computer capacity. A good review.
Hi Bastiaan Great video, I love your work, I have tried to use some of your minamilism in my wedding and travel photography-it sure is challenging to find the balance between enough subject, but not too much. Have you seen the new Hasselblad X2D 100 megapixel camera? Several advantages over the Fujifilm GFX 100 and the colour in the sensor is incredible, especially the skin tones with the new V series of lenses. Regards from New Zealand :)
Thank you for explaining that it's not about the megapixels, it's about the look of the out-of-focus background with the larger sensor. I have heard people talk about the medium format look. It's nice to get an explanation of what that means. I have heard people for years talk about the look that the Canon lenses give. Where the Canon 35 mm lenses are not as sharp, but they give good creamy blurry backgrounds. And of course years ago this is what portrait photographers wanted because they didn't want the skin texture to be sharp and they wanted the blurry backgrounds and with them you wanted to do that in camera. Fast forward to today and people who are pixel peepers seem to be addicted to how sharp a photograph is. But today's lenses that put the subject in sharp focus don't produce the same creamy out of focus backgrounds the older Canon lenses did. I am wondering if this is what people like about the medium format cameras. Maybe they give the subjects more sharpness but the backgrounds more depth. Something that with 35 millimeter you have to choose. Do you want to shoot with cameras that have a reputation for keeping the in focus subject sharp, or do you want to shoot with Canon, where the subjects may not be as sharp, but the background blur is creamier. Please help me if I've said anything that is not true. Photography is a difficult thing to define.
I think your quite right. For me its all about the out of focus areas (offcourse I want my subject to be in focus if intended). Also the amount of detail and the way the structure and detail is rendered is different in medium format. A “look” I’m very keen on.
There is a term for the *quality* of out-of-focus areas: "bokeh". Problem is that people got it confused with the *amount* of blurry areas (depth of field) so when someone says a lens has "good bokeh" they may not actually mean the actual quality which muddies the waters... sigh.
Exactly 🙏
Good job. I love my GFX100. Great thought: "making an image."
👍👍
Exactly the type of review I wanted. I used to have a phase. Drowned it. Housing leaked! Been missing it ever since. Have been flirting with the idea of purchasing a Fuji for a while but have never found an experienced users opinion like this. I also have a Leica M2! And totally agree. A camera I will never sell. Thanks for the great vid!
Your Welcome!
Thank you very much for this informative video. Which Leica camera are you using?
I have the m240-p but I’m not using it as much as I’m supposed to.
Hi Bastiaan. Very instructive video. Thanks. I don't know about others, but I'd like to see how you edit your images. That would be amazing. Have a lovely week.
Great content as always. Keep up the good work Bastiaan. Greets from Denmark
Thank you mads
Out of curiosity, which phase one digital back were you using?
I was using the iq250
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial Okay, that's very interesting. Thanks for making the video.
It ended up being the difference in weight and handling mainly. Nice presentation Bastiaan, thanks
🙏🏼🙏🏼
I had the iq140 phaseone and switched to this camera and I love the gfx way more then the phaseone
Same
would be interested to know if you anew still using this camera or did you upgrade to the newer 100II series
Upgraded recently to the new one! But I would still shoot with the old one. Amazing camera.
I would have liked to see some of you work with the Fiji from the trip you mentioned
You can check out more work on www.bastiaanwoudt.com
See project Peak for the trip i did with the Fuji GFX100
Thank you for this video. I have a Sony a7rII and I plan on switching to medium format...I was thinking about just getting a fujifilm gfx 50s..but eventually I’ll have money to get a gfx100
Go for it !
Good insight! this was more of a very personal experience sharing which is exactly I wanted to see... I am thinking of this beast! May be will wait for the next update from Fuji. Still not very comfortable with not having any physical buttons on the top right! This is another (probably silly) reasons why I still have not opted for any mirrorless cameras. I feel them bit phone-y kind of handling ... So still I using the D850 with all the lenses possible. I will definitely sell off my Nikon system, however, am truly interested for a next level which in my view is not the mirrorless, but the medium format such as this one! Many thanks for the honest feedback, your thoughts and the explanations...
You can go with 50S or 50R for the physical button on top right. I choose 50S for weightbalance when lense attach
Wonderful video. Which small Leica was that?
It’s the Leica m240-p
For pure studio work, the PhaseOne is certainly a great one for itself. Documentary work, portraits that require mobility and a weatherproof housing cannot be avoided with the GFX. The system's lenticularity is in the lenses, if you need ultra wide angle or large telephoto focal lengths, you can't get past the Sony RIV, R5, Z7, SR1.
Indeed!
If you were going from a Phase One Camera with 50 megapixels, and the issue was weight and price, why not just go with the Hasselblad X1d system? Sure, you would have ONLY 50 MP, but the system would be lighter, would be approximately half the price of the GFX 100 system (which you could put the difference in cost towards new lenses,) and you would have access to leaf shutter lenses.
Also the Phase One XF does have both a prism and waist-level viewfinder..
Because I tried the hasselblad and really did not like it. Not a big fan of the brand in general. Leaf shutter is not an issue for me as I’m not shooting flash.. if that is what you mean.
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial And Hasselblad Phocus is much worser in handling than C1
Good approach to medium format and different uses, and in fact Fuji came to fill a space in this art with no other option in the market, shooting medium format with portability.
But I must say that the words about Leica is the best part of this video, exactly on point of what I think as well. Came for the first time to your channel, and I´m looking forward for more content. Well done.
Thank you Nuno. Welcome!
Great job my friend..... from algeria 🇩🇿 🇩🇿🇩🇿👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪
Thnx!
Thanks for the video! Really enjoyed hearing your perspective.
Thanks for reaching out Austin!
Thank you Bastiaan. That was helpful to me as I am choosing a digital medium format system to buy to finally replace my old film Hasselblads (which I will NOT be selling). I have hired the PhaseOne XF system (heavy and not terribly ergonomic shape, though stunning results on a tripod) and Fujifilm GFX (50 and 100) systems and borrowed both X and H series Hasselblads so I am close to a decision. Two questions if I may?
1. Did you consider / try the Leica S? Either the 4 year old typ 007 or the new S3?
2. How have you found using the EVF on the GFX versus the OVF on the Phase One? I have struggled a bit with EVFs; even the high resolution EVF on the GFX 100. Which is one reason I am thinking about the Leica S3 and its bright OVF. (I am also a Leica M user.)
Many thanks
Ian
Thanks for reaching out. I did consider the Leica S3. But I needed to upgrade or change system for my travel to Nepal. At that time the Leica wasn’t out yet, and I heard now it’s finally out after months and months of delays. The EVF is something you have to get used to. In the beginning I didn’t like it, but it definitely grew on me. Now that I’m used to it I can’t recommend it enough. It’s clear and easy to use. Hope this helps!
Helpful. Thank you 🙏 Bastiaan Woudt
Thanks for sharing. Would be cool to see you comment on your own work, favourite pictures and inspirations.
I will look into that! thanks
Great video. Thank you. Size really does count! I don't think you said what type of Leica it was? I'm still trying to get my brain across all the models...
This is the M240p
Hi Bastiaan. Curious to know what your favourite GFX lenses are?
At this moment the 80mm and 110mm
Excellent presentation and personal experience based review. Thank you.
Thnx !
Thanks for the video. I loved it.
Request for future topic: how do you work with your models? How do you get them to relax? How do you get the right facial expressions? I saw some of your shots of Rugby players and the facial expressions felt so powerful, and it made me wonder what you told them 😊
Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences with us all 💛
Thanks for the request. Will look into it ;)
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial Thanks man. Anything about the emotional space you create with your models would be really awesome to learn about. Take care man, thanks for your wonderful work.
Great! I'd love to see more videos like that!
Thanks!
Bastiaan, thanks for your insight on why you switched to Fujifilm. I have a question if you don't mind. Like you I'm a lover of medium format, my preference is 6x7 shot on a Bronica GS1 and Mamiya 7. The main reason I persist with 6x7 is for it's aspect ratio and most importantly the size of the imaging area, at almost twice the size of 645 and 4x the size of 35mm, 6x7 really gives you the "medium format aesthetic" thanks to the "angle of view / focal length" ratio. The 44x33mm sensor in the GFX is basically a crop 645, what APS-C is to 35mm full frame. In your opinion, does it really have enough of that medium format aesthetic over 35mm full frame? Do you notice it being closer to a 35mm aesthetic compared to the larger Phase One sensor? Additionally, do you think the colours on the GFX come close to Phase One, particularly skin tones, where the Phase One is exceptional. Thanks again Bastiaan, I appreciate your comments and your beautiful portfolio of images.
Thanks for reaching out. The sensor in the Fuji is exactly the same size as that of the phase one I owned. For me it definitely has that medium format look even if it’s not full frame medium format. I can’t say anything about colors as I’m shooting for black and white only
Check Matt Granger's video on GFX 100 vs Phase One.
@@DeepteshLovesTECH Thanks for the tip, I'll check out his comparison.
@@Bastiaanwoudtofficial Thanks Bastiaan!
Interesting view on the matter, real life review from someone who shot a lot on PH1 before switching! I'm shooting PhaseOne at the moment (The older P40+) and Fujifilm (X-T1) but I do prefer using the PhaseOne because of the IQ, the feel (used to shoot Hasselblad/Sinar back in the film days) One thing I'm still thinking about is: viewfinder... I do prefer optical (PhaseOne) vs electronic (Fujifilm) but in the end use both... so if I would switch to the GFX100... I'll just have to decide I'll loose the optical one, but gain the weightloss between both of them... One thing that is nice is that the GFX has the same 'cropfactor' my PhaseOne has (chipsize is identical) So I would not see any changes in DOF when using the same F-stops... Any Idea how well the Fuji would perform when shooting art reproductions? because I shoot that too & I presume that since I can use CaptureOnePro just like before I can keep my workflow -with lager files- Also: I see you have the 50R there too... do you think I can just sell both camera's I have now and switch to the GFX100 primary for in studio work and the 50R when on location (and wanting to travel lighter, yet a little heavier than with my X-T1)?
I did prefer optical as wel until I started working with electronic for a while. Now it’s for just as good as optical. I use my GFX100 for 95% of things I do and use my 50R as a backup/second camera during shoots. Love them both!
Thanks for the video.... would you talk about the GFX capabilities on faster moving objects?
Quit good!
Bastiaan Woudt thanks for the prompt response and now I am a subscriber
Keep up the good work...
The NYC blizzard photos are amazing!
thank you!
Thank you for this video and your time and effort.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching
Wow, thanks for the info about the switch!! I was wondering where you went to sell off all the phase one equipment? I think you may have sold me on selling off my phase one camera, back, and 4 lenses to get the new Fuji gfx 100s ....I do not want to go through all the trouble of selling off on item at a time encase I can not sell off everything to get the Fuji. Thanks so much!!
Thanks Greg. I sold my phase one gear via my local camera store. Good luck with the Fuji!
greta video, i have been using the 50s since 2018 and i love it. once you get used to the look it is hard to go back to full frame. i will eventually get the 100, just hoping it will come down in price a bit. I am also still using a Leica M9 which is very unique experience, like you said.
You won’t regret buying it. But most important, keep shooting despite which camera u use!
Dear Bastiaan, I really appreciate and enjoy your marvelous work! Your work is breathtaking! I just wonder why you do not work with Hasselblad (analog with a digi back like CFV 50 II) or one of the newer digital bodies. Would appreciate whether you could comment! And once again, really happy to hear your thoughts about technical aspects, but would even enjoy more about commenting aspects of art, visual interpretation and/or comments on your favorite photographers/designers/painters. Thx again ... it is really wonderful to listen to your thoughts. Michael
Thanks Michael. I have shot with Hasselblad in the past but never liked the system. Thats why I started with Phase One in the first place. Recently I have been looking into the CFV50II because of the oldschool look and feel you get when paring it with the old Hasselblad body. But for a second or third camera, it is quite expensive :)
Bastiaan Woudt thx for your opinion! I would also enjoy shooting with the CFV50II .... but too expensive;-) thx again
Great video. Not many reviews of the GFX100 from real-world pros like yourself. I'm in a similar position - thinking of switching from Credo back, mostly due to focus limitations. Expecting the GFX100 in the next couple of weeks to test.
Hope you will enjoy it!
thanks for sharing this experience, will you be doing a video about GFX100 mark2 ?
If I get my hands on one, I might 😁
hello Sir, . . . I too have the 50 summilux, with M10-P white limited edition ....
you said : "the look also changes when you work with flashlights/daylight, but the depth of field, the detail you get is incomparable to any other system, and its not possible to get that in post-production as well, you need to shoot with bigger sensor" ... so going by what you said, GFX100S sensor is as much smaller to Phase One sensor (54x40mm) as the Fullframe is to GFX (44x33mm). So there should be a notable difference between the IQ of GFX & Phase One, but didn't notice it ? Thanks. Regards
my previous Phase One had the same sensor size. If your shooting with the 100MP or 150 MP back, then you have the bigger sensor. I just was not planning on spending that amount of
Great man. Recently discovered your work and just really appreciate your artistic vision. And.. Yay for the Leica! I have 2 and will never sell them. Cheers.
No, me neither. It will be passed on for sure!
Just a perfect review on "what is needed to decide, which way is, an why, the right one" to go. You found out clearly your needs and you showed them in a propper video, and of course to have a Leica and use a Leica is not the heaven on earth, but it is photography on the roots, thank you for that the good video
Thanks Hubert, appreciate your feedback
Hi I just wonder what Phase One you jus ? Also do you not miss LS ?
I used the phase one Iq250 and no I don’t miss ls as I’m never shooting flash
Fuji GFX is very special imo..
Wish I could afford such technology.
However, if Fuji released a full-frame.. yum yum.
Can't justify apsc after my full-frame.
I don’t see fujifilm coming out with full frame to be honest, but you never know!
Hello sir, I'm a Fujifilm XT-4 user and I would like to know that what would be the optimum size of prints that I can get from n APS-C body. I really enjoy the prints in your videos, but I am not really confident if I can print my work.
Please help me!!
Really can’t say... never worked with the xt4 before. But I’m sure you can go pretty big in print with that sensor