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Great video thanks. Agree on all points. Once the RAWs are turned into JPEGs, and then sent over to the print shop, some of that glorious pinpoint detail is often lost, or no longer important, really. I find getting my photos into large prints is totally worthwhile, as I get a sense of completion and enjoyment that just doesn't occur when they live on my computer or device (iPads work great to look at pictures, but even with low compression, "pinch to zoom" won't show the last nth degree of detail that I know was there at one point). But I do resent the fact that things get complicated when you try to fit your glorious images into aspect ratios that aren't native to your camera, and find yourself cropping out things you wanted in the photo, and so on, which happens if you aren't doing or able to do custom print jobs. The GFX exacerbates some of these issues for us common folk because the aspect ratio is "unusual" for those of us doing 3:2 print sizes like 4x6 or 8x10. You may have a lot more megapixels, but you'll be throwing a lot away if you try to frame images to fit the "standard" later on. That's another reason I might stay away from GFX for now. As it is, I sometimes throw away quite a lot of pixels when straightening/cropping I may have to do as a result of poor framing or "fast" shooting. Given that I too am taking pictures partly just to remember parts of my life, I'd be more likely to get a FF sensor if I wanted some of the benefits of having a larger sensor. It would be nice to see more high-end bodies out there with relatively modest pixel counts (20-30).

Good video very informative, I think it clear even on my poor screen that the GFX has quality of the XT5 i believe this is greatest in the dynamic range but not enough to beat the XT5 is all other areas. keep up the good work.

I completely empathise with your conclusion and the observations you make based on the pics. Pixelpeeping is an enemy of photography, but we all do it, including non photographers: even technophobic grandmas pinch into pics of grandkids or cats when they look at them on a phone or tablet, which is how 90% of pics are viewed these days. So there is that. The 100MP of the GFX are spread on a much larger sensor, which in turn alllows much larger photosites than the X-T5, even at 100MP vs 45MP. This brings a lot more flexibility in terms of dynamic range and shadow recovery, despite the higher resolution. Also, such high quality resolution brings advantages way beyond the "joys" of pixelpeeping. Cropability is not only about zooming in, it is also about giving complete freedom in terms of reframing and changing aspect ratios, pretty much like medium format in the old film days, when 6x6 was very rarely the final product's aspect ratio. Here you have the full 100MP at 4:3, which is a nice ratio for framed prints, but you can deliver your final product in any other aspect ratio while maintaining very high resolution for very large prints. You can preview all those ratios in camera as you shoot, and the GFX even proposes in camera the 65:24 panorama ratio of the old XPan system, which was the gateway to extremely flattering landscape prints. With the GFX100 you still have 50MP to play for giant prints with that desirable ratio, which is a dream for landscape or cityscape photography . If you tried that with the X-T5 you'd have to guess while shooting and you'd end up with less than 24MP and smaller prints anyway. All this to say that comparing pictures in LR on a screen only tells part of the story. There are also good solid reasons to encumber oneself with a GFX system.

But what about the Toneh! You didn't show us the Toneh, nor the Toneh balls! We must imagine them now, in all their glory!

Very thought provoking. Thank you. Subscribed. I am lucky enough to be an enthusiast with both systems, and have thought long and hard about the pros and cons. The biggest pro for me for the GFX (which you only touch upon) is the improved dynamic range, and what a breeze it is to edit in post. But I do wonder if that is worth the extra weight in my backpack and of course the cost. I am currently on holiday in Madeira with both systems. I use the GFX for everything except when I am going on a long hike, then I use the XT-5. It is interesting that the more favoured photos that I have posted on Flickr are those from the XT-5 and I think this is mainly because it allows me access to more interesting, out of the way locations! One area we differ on (and yes this is all about personal taste) is that I actually love the GFX form factor! Coming from a film background, I bought into Fuji for the retro dials, but over the years I find PASM more efficient, and changing the the ISO and shutter speed using the front and rear dials more intuitive. Finally, the medium format look does become more evident with portraits, particularly full body portraits shot wide open. For example the Mitakon 65mm f/1.4 on a GFX is incredibly similar to the look I used to get with my film Pentax 67 and the 105mm f/2.4 lens. But I am shooting fewer portraits nowadays, and so it is less of a benefit. I see little added benefit shooting landscapes, and in fact the shallower depth of field with the GFX can be a bit of a bind, where you have to turn to focus stacking images. All this said, my mind is turning to the day if it comes when Fuji produce a 40mp version of the X-HS line (which has a similar GFXesque form factor). That might be the time when I ditch the GFX. I seem to have written war and peace. Apologies!

Hi Simon, I have been following your channel for a while and enjoy your style and presentation. You raised a very interesting question in which camera makes me go and enjoy photography? My son says it's the display of his camera. His Canon displays the images so stunning that... You are welcome to read my own rambling on the subject image quality... Best Siegfried

There's not much difference on normal 0% zoom of the images and you could carry less gear with Xt5. But I still added GFX to my gear, now my XF cameras are collecting dust. I've grown to love the 4:3 aspect ratio because I love IMAX film ratio.

Good video👍 which gfx lenses do you own ?

Interesting comparison would be between the GFX and the Hassleblad H5 with a 100mp back

I have to admit I really like this camera may have to rent one for a day or two because in reality I can’t afford to buy it at this time it looks stunning. And image quality looks good

I look at it this way you would not buy a car in most circumstances without test driving the thing why do we do it with cameras ? When your spending that amount of money you should due your due diligence.

I enjoyed your very thoughtful comments. Thanks!

a very big part of "owning" a camera (i.e. spending a lot of money to buy the thing), is how it feels when you use it. I don't think you are wrong in trying it out first. If I had time on my hands, this is exactly the approach, I would take: rent/borrow first, test it in the field and look at the results, before deciding if I should buy. I use an old Hasselblad 503cx with 4 lenses, as well as this Nikon D850 (with Zeiss lenses). I did go to hold the D850 at a camera store in Central London, before buying it. But I also looked at many use cases about its reliability. I don't buy a lot, but when I do, I most certainly want something that fits my hands, is reliable and to my taste.

I wonder whether the 100 the Second will hold up, if taken out to Iceland? I have some Zeiss Otus lenses and want to travel later to Iceland. I am unsure, if I rent the 100 mark ii, leave my Nikon D850 (in order to travel lighter), with the Otus lenses, will the camera deliver? I've heard horror stories of these 100MP cameras just locking up, out in the field.

Regarding dynamic range , I find Fuji to be a bit cleaver in these situations with DR200 and DR400 for improved dynamic range. Regarding high iso performance, I find the Fuji's noise to be less distracting and more pleasing. On my Sony's the image shifts green and a subtle grid pattern appears. No color shifts on the Fuji and the noise has a filmic quality to it. Professional Sony shooter here that loves his X-T5.

Very thoughtful video I’m now retired at 70 but still doing wee bits of paid stuff and moved completely to Fuji T5 and H2. I tried Sony but it didn’t like the Scottish weather and the Fuji colours were more to my liking and with uncompressed files and my two red badge lenses the image quality was fine for what I was doing. I would have stayed with Nikon Z but with the 2.8 lenses I was getting overtaken by young woman pushing prams it was just far two heavy. 😢 Fuji suits me fine just now 😂

Great review on the XT5 and the Fujifilm system. I own the XT30II and have just ordered the XT5. Gone is all the canon gear! The Fujifilm cameras are just a pleasure to use and own, I think it’s an age thing as it takes me back to a 1970’s Practika 35mm I stared with. The Fujifilm colours and images are simply stunning and even better is hardly any editing to do!

Thanks for an excellent presentation describing use of the XT5. I’m a hobby photographer and live in regional Australia. I use both prime and zoom lenses for different photographic needs/wishes. I like travelling with my camera and 2025 will take us on a road trip in France. I’ve always liked travelling with the XF 16-55 f2.8, albeit the weight of the lens is/was a deterrent to carrying it. I’ve just spent hard earned money on the new MK2 version of the lens and hope the reduced weight and size make it a better travel companion.

Can you explain to me what gear you use to do the camera rotation? I'm sure you use a tripod and if I had to guess, a rotating collar. Can you explain? Thanks.

Thank you. Great artistic ideas that I'll try out. I love Fujifilm for its inspirational colors and tack-sharp f/1.4s.

Fujifilm as a company seems to operate on a very different moral level than the others. They are truly passionate about their products. The passion is reflected in the design of the cameras and software. There are periodic updates that align with their philosophy of constant improvement. The film simulations are unmatched. Fuji understands color better than most and it shows. Good friends.

Feeling is everything in photography. That's what makes it a fine art.

For professional work, I thought you would have wanted to use the Fuji XF 8-16mm f2.8 zoom - it's significantly better than the XF 10-24mm f4.

Thank you. I hope to do a video with my initial thoughts. I hope to do some photography the next couple of days including sports photography indoors and at night.

Watched a couple of your videos and subscribed. I just received the new 16-55 f2.8 II today.

Really well balanced view points. The high and low reflect my own experience. I’ve noticed that most who have drifted away from the XT5 may have lost sight of what attracted them in the first place. I believe it is important to spend little time watching reviews and more time mastering the Fuji system. The flaws are what forces us to become better photographers.

Love the X-T5

I really appreciate your thoughts. Just sold my Sony FF with all lenses and waiting for my new X-T5 to arrive. Being a Hobby photographer for nearly 15+ years, I had the blurry feeling of a need to change. Your thoughts on the Fuji support what I felt.. TY and greetings from Germany!

I like your style of presenting, more a thoughtful conversation (albeit one way) than most TH-camrs tend to give us. And echoing the comments of others here, there's something about the X-T series that makes taking photographs more enjoyable and immersive compared with other brands. Eight years ago I bought a used X-T1 but sent it back because I told myself I couldn't afford any additional lenses, and then immediately regretted it. Then in 2023 I bought a used X-T3 and loved it, trading it in against a virtually new XT-5 early this year when I found a deal I couldn't refuse. But while I appreciate my X-T5, I don't enjoy using it quite as much as I did the X-T3!

Thanks. I have been a Nikon shooter and I still have and use them but this year I bought an XT-5 and lenses and I really like it, especially the manual controls, retro style and film simulations.

Thanks a lot. I’m on the edge of changing from Sony tif Fujifilm. But I need a hybrid system that is accepted in the pro world, too! Everyone uses Sony for videography.

Great video. I have an XT2 and now dithering between upgrading to the XT5 or shifting to the Sony full frame platform. I liked one of the comments you received - ‘Sony is math - Fuji is soul.’ Of course I want both!

Thanks that was great. As a visual artist (painter) you have cemented my resolve to buy the X-T5

Like others have said, you’ve mirrored my thoughts on Fujifilm. I own an X-T5, X100VI and X-Pro3, all uniquely different, and all provide a very comfortable and pleasurable experience.

Yeah I have similar findings, I shoot at f5.6 to 7.1 for maximum sharpness on the xt5 as diffraction starts kicking in earlier with this 40mp sensor (typically at f8 but in full frame it would be noticeable at f13 , f16). Since it's a crop sensor camera you get pretty good depth of field at 5.6 and 7.1. On the zooms, I own the sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for the x-mount and can definitely say that my 16mm f2.8 fuji prime is sharper at all apertures. Primes will always be ahead of zooms optically but some new very expensive fast zooms are closing the gap a bit. My main takeaway is that nobody will notice unless they are pixel peeping in a very good monitor at 200% magnification.

Interesting point of view. Love to see more. Thank you.

Wonderful and original. Would love to see more, and how you go about creating these images. Thank you.

Thank you for this video. Really wonderful and creative images. I have not tried ICM yet but on occasion, where I have mistakenly blurred images, I have been pleasantly surprised with a few of the results. I would love to see some more from you on this topic and the techniques that you use.

There is also the Sigma 10-18 2.8 available for the X mount.

I would bounce a flash off the ceiling for that type of work instead of bracketing and then just use linear gradient in editing. I've done a heap of Real Estate Photography and I wouldn't be doing bracketing as that's a slow process and then having to stack them simply bouncing a decent flash with a diffuser off the the job really well especially if you've got Back lit windows as well as you can underexpose and then expose the area I've even used a small umbrella which actually I handhold with my ad200 pro. It really helps control the highlights in the windows as well. This was shown to me by another real estate photographer. Using a flash is so much easier than trying to do bracketing because even with bracketing you still get a blown out highlight in the window and then the amount of editing you have to do to get that highlight to be reduced is quite problematic. I use a simple godox diffuser on my flash.... I know the videos is not about technique stuff, but I just couldn't help myself as I would get very frustrated doing it that way. the other thing I would do with the XT5 is get the Viltrox 13mm 1.4.... It's great in low light!!

Hello! The 18-55 lens (according to the Fujifilm ad) does not fully reveal the new 40 megapixel matrix, perhaps this is the reason for such a difference. Some zooms are on this list (for example, the new 16-55), perhaps their results are better. The photos with fog are very beautiful. 👍

Really enjoyed your video. Looking forward for more😊

You’ve described my Fuji X-T5 experience exactly! Still hanging on to my Sony a7RIII & some big lenses, but charmed by the Fuji experience.

Thnx for your thoughts, appreciate your way of giving inside views on Fujifilm. I also came from Sony Full Frame and went to Fujifilm. Wonderful cameras, excellent lenses, very nice photographs. I always said: Sony is math, Fuji is soul

glad to have found you and your learned font of practical experience with photography-thank you and i look forward to seeing your channel grow and to the next instalments! I feel a kinship from the opposite direction (myself having carved out a career in sound with photog. taking an enthusiast position) and am curious about your successful musical exploits which i can see around your studio!

How did you change career? Help me 😭

I enjoyed watching this also being new to Fujifilm six months ago; thank you for taking the time to make this video. A Nikon user and then Canon for most of my (very long) amateur photo career I just wanted to try something 'completely different' which I am finding refreshing and enjoyable thus far. I look forward to more of your creative content. Good luck with subscribers.

Thanks for your comparison! It was helpful.

Absolutely loved hearing your thoughts. Appreciate you. Thoughts on Fujifilm sort of mirror my own. I just enjoy using them and there is something about the photos I get out of this camera that I absolutely love.