Goodbye Fujifilm - Part 1
After years with my trusty Fujifilm APS-C cameras, I have decided to embark on a new chapter in my photography journey. The decision to bid farewell to my beloved Fujifilm system was not easy, as it has been a faithful companion capturing countless moments of joy, adventure, and creativity. Yet, the possibilities of full-frame sensors and better autofocus has beckoned. I have decided to make the significant leap to Sony Alpha system. With my Fuji gear packed and shipped off to MPB.com for sale, I wanted to reflect on this chapter of my photography.
Leading up to a change
In the past year, I extensively used the Fujifilm X-T5, capturing over 18,000 photos for both personal and professional purposes. During Thanksgiving in November 2023, I compared images taken with the X-T3 in 2022 to those with the X-T5 in 2023. Low-light performance was a notable concern for me, as I often shoot in the evenings, at night, or indoors and the X-T3’s images from similar events the previous year appeared superior to me.
Although the X-T5 demonstrated solid performance overall, I encountered several issues that gave me pause regarding the upgrade. Firstly, I noticed that the sensor’s ability to capture fine details depended heavily on the quality of the lens and was impacted significantly by the increased noise of the new 40mp sensor (see comparison below). Even with newer lenses like the Fuji 23mm and 33mm LM R WR there was a disappointing lack of clarity, particularly noticeable when cropping images, which undermined the advantages of the new 40-megapixel sensor. Furthermore, shooting in low-light conditions revealed a notable amount of noise at lower ISO levels, which proved distracting and hindered image quality. Even after denoise tricks and AI tools the photo quality felt worse compared to what I was use to with my older X-T3. Lastly, while the new intelligent autofocus system seemed promising in theory, it failed to live up to expectations in practical use for portraits, especially in comparison to the reliable performance of the standard single-point autofocus.
Despite the enticing features such as the new 40-megapixel sensor, extended battery life, and in-body stabilization, the X-T5 didn’t feel like a substantial upgrade from my X-T3, especially after a year of usage. Looking back, I found myself regretting the decision to part with my Fujifilm X-T3, a realization that only became clear to me after spending time with the X-T5.
Research
Considering a switch back to my preferred 26mp sensor of the X-T3, I researched the new mid-range Fuji X-S20, but the absence of dual card slots was a deal-breaker. Looking to the top-of-the-line Fuji X-H2S had many features that interested me and a more classic control scheme, but its price point placed it in a whole different category. Lastly, I could hit the used market and go back to the X-T3, a tempting thought to say the least.
In December 2023, with some Fujifilm bodies on sale for the holidays, I visited Best Buy with a memory card in hand to try the X-S20 and X-H2S. Fortunately, they had floor models available for testing. The X-H2S was very appealing but at that price point, even on sale, it opened a lot of other possibilities. Still at the store, pondering a big purchase I also checked out Canon and Sony full-frame cameras, this inevitably led to a significant change to my plans.
Making the decision to move on
Reviewing the SD images from the store and an insane amount of biased Youtube reviews, the larger sensor size of full-frame cameras was what I was looking for. Providing enhanced depth, dynamic range, more accurate autofocus, and superior low-light performance, resulting in more detailed images making this the upgrade that I wanted. While Canon offered impressive body options, the higher prices of lenses and limited choices were drawbacks for my beloved DSLR brand. Sony stood out with its extensive third-party lens selection, excellent autofocus features, and a balance of lightweight yet flexible cameras.
After repeatedly weighing my options, ranging from the cost-effective choice of sticking with the X-T5, to the realization that I miss my X-T3 and should consider a downgrade, or contemplating an upgrade to the X-H2S, but then again, that budget could also get me a Sony A7 IV. After a week of circular internal debate, I made the bold decision to switch to Sony. I boxed up and sold most of my Fuji gear, including 11 Fuji lenses and the X-T5 to MPB. I did keep my X-T30ii and my favorite XF 35f2 lens for a reliable backup. It was both an exciting and daunting decision tinged with a hint of sorrow for my time with Fuji.
Saying goodbye to Fujifilm
My time with Fujifilm had been nothing short of magical. From the X100F (before they were cool), X-T3, X-E4, X-T30ii, X-T5 were all such amazing experiences for me. The compact crop sensor X-Series system had been a dependable partner, delivering stunning images of family, friends and so much more. Most importantly the physical control of Fujifilm allowed me to better understand and embrace manual exposure like no other camera system had.
Parting ways with my Fujifilm gear felt like leaving an old friend, but I carry with me the volumes of lessons learned. Each click of the shutter was a chance to learn and grow as I better understood not only photography but what tools I wanted vs what I really needed. As I step into the full-frame realm, I am grateful for the educational foundation laid by my Fujifilm gear.
This decision to move on from Fujifilm was not just a goodbye but it was about embracing new possibilities, investing in the future, and challenging myself further. So, as I begin this next phase in my photography in 2024, I look forward to more extraordinary moments and to the potential that lies ahead in my ever-evolving photographic adventures.
Updated 1-11-2024: edited to be more readable.
Updated 1-21-2024: added details about what led to my decision.
Updated 4-23-2024: apparently people cant see camera or lens info in the comparison photo so I spelled it out in the caption below.
