Head v Heart Decision: Nikon Z8 or Fujifilm GFX100s II

After my father’s passing in November, I used a small inheritance he left me to invest in a new camera system. My head urged me to upgrade my current Nikon Z system to the Z8, while my heart pulled me towards the creative potential of a medium format camera. In the end, the heart won, and I chose the Fujifilm GFX100S II. My first outing with it, to the River Dart Dartmoor near Ashburton, was a rewarding experience. While the camera’s detail and features impressed me, I learned that large file sizes will require a computer upgrade. This choice feels like the perfect way to honour my dad’s memory.

A New Chapter in Photography: Honouring My Dad’s Legacy

Life can take unexpected turns, and since October, I haven’t had much opportunity to get out with my camera. November brought a profound loss with the passing of my father, a man who introduced me to photography and inspired my love for the craft. Alongside grieving, I was left to manage various family matters.

Out of this challenging time came a silver lining—my dad left me a small inheritance. It wasn’t life-changing, but it was life-enhancing. It felt only right to use part of it on something that connected us: photography. Choosing how to spend the money wasn’t easy and became a battle between my head and my heart.

The Decision: Head vs. Heart

My practical side, my head, urged me to stick with what I knew. I’ve been a long-time user of the Nikon Z system, and upgrading to the Nikon Z8 made perfect sense. The Z8 is a fantastic camera, offering advanced features and seamless compatibility with my existing equipment.

But my heart yearned for something different. Medium format cameras have always intrigued me, offering unparalleled detail, dynamic range, and a unique aesthetic. While the head-to-heart debate was intense, in the end, my passion for creativity tipped the scales. I decided to take a bold step and invest in the Fujifilm GFX100S II, a 100-megapixel medium format camera.

This wasn’t just about getting new gear; it was about embracing a new chapter in my photography journey and honouring my dad’s memory by stepping out of my comfort zone.

First Impressions of the Fujifilm GFX100S II

My first outing with the GFX100S II took me to the River Dart near Ashburton, a location I’ve always loved for its serene beauty. It was the perfect setting to test my new camera.

The first thing I noticed about the GFX100S II was its build quality—it feels solid yet surprisingly portable for a medium format system. But it was the images that truly blew me away. The detail captured by the 100-megapixel sensor is extraordinary. From the delicate textures of moss on rocks to the intricate patterns of ripples in the river, every photo seemed to come alive with clarity and depth.

One feature I’m particularly excited about is the in-camera cropping options, especially the XPan aspect ratio. This panoramic crop gives images a cinematic feel and opens up creative possibilities, especially for landscapes. While it’s great to experiment with crops in-camera, it’s also reassuring to know that I can revert to the full image in post-processing using Lightroom.

The Appeal of Medium Format

Shooting with the GFX100S II has been a revelation. The larger sensor size doesn’t just capture more detail; it also creates a richness and tonal depth that’s hard to achieve with full-frame cameras. The dynamic range allows for subtle transitions in light and shadow, giving images a three-dimensional quality.

Even though I didn’t take many photos on my first outing, the ones I captured left a lasting impression. The camera’s ability to resolve fine details is astonishing. For example, I photographed tree branches overhanging the water, and even when zoomed in, the smallest twigs remained crisp and defined.

Challenges and Realisations

Of course, moving to medium format comes with its challenges. The most significant so far has been file sizes. Shooting at 100 megapixels produces enormous RAW files, which my 2020 Apple MacBook Pro struggled to process efficiently. Editing in Lightroom was slow and, at times, frustrating. I knew this would be an issue when I chose the GFX100S II, but it’s become clear that a computer upgrade is now a necessity.

Another challenge has been adapting to the camera’s controls and features. The Fujifilm system is quite different from my Nikon setup, so there’s been a learning curve. However, exploring the camera’s capabilities has been a rewarding experience in itself, and I’m looking forward to mastering it over time.

A Meaningful Experience

Reflecting on my outing to the River Dart, I realised something important: while I’m passionate about photography, the simple act of being outdoors, surrounded by nature, is just as meaningful to me as taking photos. My time by the river wasn’t just about testing a new camera—it was a chance to reconnect with myself and find solace in the natural world.

This experience feels even more significant in light of my dad’s passing. Photography has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way of seeing the world and finding beauty in the details. It’s also a connection to my dad, a way of honouring his memory and continuing the legacy he inspired in me.

Looking Ahead

The Fujifilm GFX100S II isn’t just a new piece of equipment; it represents a fresh chapter in my journey as a photographer. It’s a reminder to follow my heart, embrace creativity, and take risks. While the challenges of medium format photography are real, so too are the rewards, and I’m excited to explore all the possibilities this camera offers.

I’m particularly looking forward to experimenting more with the XPan crop and seeing how the camera performs in different lighting conditions. I also can’t wait to create large prints that showcase the incredible detail the GFX100S II captures.

In many ways, this camera feels like a tribute to my dad—a way of celebrating the passion for photography he passed down to me. As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for the memories we shared and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Here’s to new beginnings, the beauty of the landscapes yet to be captured, and the enduring legacy of those who inspire us.

Photographed on the Fuji GFX100s ii with35-70 lens. A tranquil yet powerful moment on the River Dart, where rushing waters weave through moss-covered rocks, their movement contrasting with the stillness of the ancient woodland beyond. The twisted, ivy-clad branches frame the scene, adding a sense of timelessness to the landscape. Soft, diffused winter light enhances the rich greens and earthy browns, creating a serene yet dynamic composition that captures the wild essence of this Devon river. 

I have created a behind the scences video of me using the Fujifilm GFX100s II out in the wild