APSC vs Full Frame vs Medium Format

[Last Mango]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

 

[Tom Ames]

Keep the GFX. The XT2 will suit you well when you need smaller. I have sold all my other system, the X-H1 a few weeks ago. The 50r will do. Use my IPhone Xs max for snapshots and video.

 

[snappu]

I'd go with the X-T2 and 50R combo. Fast vs Slow. Small vs Big. Great IQ vs Exceptional IQ. It just makes more sense going forward.

 

[Erik Kaffehr]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

Hi,

How did you process those images?

Best regards

Erik

--
Erik Kaffehr
Website: http://echophoto.dnsalias.net
Magic uses to disappear in controlled experiments…
Gallery: http://echophoto.smugmug.com
Articles: http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles

 

[Last Mango]

I tool two exposures, processes the RAWs in Capture Ine to my taste, and then merged in NIK HDR Pro2.

Hope that helps.

Rod

 

[Erik Kaffehr]

I tool two exposures, processes the RAWs in Capture Ine to my taste, and then merged in NIK HDR Pro2.

Hope that helps.

Rod

Hi,

The reason is that I observed a lot of artifacts in different places and I have not seen that kind artifacts in other pictures I have seen. Other than that, nice images!








Here everything behind the foreground is 'out of focus' .

The examples were taken from Nikon image.

Best regards

Erik

--
Erik Kaffehr
Website: http://echophoto.dnsalias.net
Magic uses to disappear in controlled experiments…
Gallery: http://echophoto.smugmug.com
Articles: http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles

 

[scst48]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

Its great that finally APS-C, FF and MF is compared within a non scientific test scenario.

Could you make the RAW´s available since this would be very helpful to qualify the IQ

Thank you in advance

--
Stefan

 

[Greg7579]

Keep the GFX. The XT2 will suit you well when you need smaller. I have sold all my other system, the X-H1 a few weeks ago. The 50r will do. Use my IPhone Xs max for snapshots and video.

Tom, you sold your XH-1 and great XF lenses? You left the sweet spot? Well at least you didn't abandon the sweet spot for FF.

I am disappointed though.

You are going against my very good advice thst I'm about to give the OP.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Greg7579]

I'd go with the X-T2 and 50R combo. Fast vs Slow. Small vs Big. Great IQ vs Exceptional IQ. It just makes more sense going forward.

You are correct.


Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Greg7579]

Erik, you lost me. I am curios what you think the answer to her question is. FF Nikon right?

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Greg7579]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

Its great that finally APS-C, FF and MF is compared within a non scientific test scenario.

Could you make the RAW´s available since this would be very helpful to qualify the IQ
Thank you in advance

Oh boy. We are in for it now. This thread will now explode into aperture equivalency and test procedure battles. Seen it happen hundreds of times when somone posts various sensor size images and asks a question.

Someone is going to try to say that SonCaNikon FF is so much better than Fuji APSC, which is wrong, and will also say that the SonCaNikon FF is as good as the Fuji MF. LOL. Wrong again.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Last Mango]

Yeah, to do this right, I should have used photoshop...I will try post RAWs.

 

[Last Mango]

Photoshop to blend that is, Capture One is great.

 

[scst48]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

Its great that finally APS-C, FF and MF is compared within a non scientific test scenario.

Could you make the RAW´s available since this would be very helpful to qualify the IQ
Thank you in advance

Oh boy. We are in for it now. This thread will now explode into aperture equivalency and test procedure battles. Seen it happen hundreds of times when somone posts various sensor size images and asks a question.

Someone is going to try to say that SonCaNikon FF is so much better than Fuji APSC, which is wrong, and will also say that the SonCaNikon FF is as good as the Fuji MF. LOL. Wrong again.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas
https://www.flickr.com/photos/139148982@N02/albums

Its simpler than you think. The quickest way to address the issue and to avoid that some fanboys "try" to say something without having any proof in hand are only 3 RAW files available to play with

If you have seen such battles almost 100 times and if it "still goes on" it simply means that "nobody" provided valid, comparable, comprehensibly and reproducible data up to now helping others to decide for the right system and spend their money well


Not everybody has X # of dollars available just for the "hobby". I fully understand that
some which will invest in 2019 might need more substantial information


Where is the backup for your "Wrong again" statement?

--
Stefan

 

[The Davinator]

I'd go with the X-T2 and 50R combo. Fast vs Slow. Small vs Big. Great IQ vs Exceptional IQ. It just makes more sense going forward.

My route as well. Fuji apsc and Fuji MF. Best of both worlds.

 

[Greg7579]

Greetings,

I recently purchased the Fuji GFX 50R to go along with my XT2 and Z7. Unfortunately, I can only keep two of them. Admittedly, I suffer from GAS. Anyway, took them out last night for a sunset over-looking Dana Point. This is not meant to be scientific, but just a fun comparison (in fact, I screwed up and shot the Z7 at ISO 800). Each are two shots, RAW processed in Capture One and blended using NIK HDR Pro2.

No real surprises, the GFX has "gobs" of detail, but each is capable of producing great images. I will be keeping my XT2, and need to decide between the Z7 and 50R. At first, I did not get on very well with the 50R ergonomics, but it is really growing on me. The 32-64mm is a big lens, but is well balanced on the 50R. The image quality is beautiful.

I'm really torn on whether to go for medium format and the deliberate shooting style, or stay with the Z7 and added versatility. Photography is a hobby for me, an escape that is therapeutic, soothing and fun. Gear is an extension of that. The Z7 is the logical choice, but the Fuji's have something special to them, which is hard to explain. Input welcome.

see below sample images:


Nikon Z7, 24-70 F/4 S, 45mm, f/11, ISO 800


Fuji XT2, 16-55 f/2.8, f/8, ISO 200, 24.9mm


Fuji GFX-50R, 32-64mm F/4, F/14, ISO 100, 51.7mm

Its great that finally APS-C, FF and MF is compared within a non scientific test scenario.

Could you make the RAW´s available since this would be very helpful to qualify the IQ
Thank you in advance

Oh boy. We are in for it now. This thread will now explode into aperture equivalency and test procedure battles. Seen it happen hundreds of times when somone posts various sensor size images and asks a question.

Someone is going to try to say that SonCaNikon FF is so much better than Fuji APSC, which is wrong, and will also say that the SonCaNikon FF is as good as the Fuji MF. LOL. Wrong again.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas
https://www.flickr.com/photos/139148982@N02/albums

Its simpler than you think. The quickest way to address the issue and to avoid that some fanboys "try" to say something without having any proof in hand are only 3 RAW files available to play with

If you have seen such battles almost 100 times and if it "still goes on" it simply means that "nobody" provided valid, comparable, comprehensibly and reproducible data up to now helping others to decide for the right system and spend their money well

Not everybody has X # of dollars available just for the "hobby". I fully understand that
some which will invest in 2019 might need more substantial information

Where is the backup for your "Wrong again" statement?

--
Stefan

You are right Stefan. I have never seen a thread like this end well. I have seen so many like this. I'm popping the popcorn now. Hey guys, don't worry. Stefan and I go way back.

My wrong again statement was absolutely correct.

There now. You have your proof.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Last Mango]

There is no reason that this thread cannot end well....this is a first world problem and should not get that worked up about it.

Anyway....more to my dilemma.

I shot the D810 for a number of years and was very happy. The image quality was amazing, but it was so bulky to carry around, simply not fun after a while.

I jumped on the XT2 when it came out, and was amazed at the image quality, ergonomics, lenses, etc., what an experience! However, I was still craving something a little more, which is why I purchased the Z7 and sold off my D810. The Z7 image quality is fantastic in small full frame package and IBIS to boot.

However, I kept reading about the GFX and the medium format look, i.e., the tonal quality, dynamic range, details and amazing lenses….I simply had to try it out for myself prior to investing further into the Z system (I can sell my Z7 and 24-70S for a minor hit and is worth taking a look at the GFX). Plus, the Fuji’s have a special place in my heart, which makes me want to take them out and shoot…which is the point for a hobbyist like me, i.e., I shoot for the pure joy of it.

There is no doubt that the GFX produces stunning image quality, which is what I would expect. But, so does the Z7, not quite as good, but good enough. Again, it comes down to what camera will make me want to shoot more and add to the experience? The GFX will make you work for it, am I willing to put the work in to get the most out of the GFX? I would likely carry only two lenses, the 32-64mm F/4 and 23mm f/4, but is that versatile enough? The Z7 is no doubt more versatile with IBIS and smaller lenses, and will be very interesting to see what lenses are developed down the road (Nikon and third parties).

I know that this is my dilemma to sort out….

See below link to RAW files

Loading…

www.dropbox.com

 

[Greg7579]

There is no reason that this thread cannot end well....this is a first world problem and should not get that worked up about it.

Anyway....more to my dilemma.

I shot the D810 for a number of years and was very happy. The image quality was amazing, but it was so bulky to carry around, simply not fun after a while.

I jumped on the XT2 when it came out, and was amazed at the image quality, ergonomics, lenses, etc., what an experience! However, I was still craving something a little more, which is why I purchased the Z7 and sold off my D810. The Z7 image quality is fantastic in small full frame package and IBIS to boot.

However, I kept reading about the GFX and the medium format look, i.e., the tonal quality, dynamic range, details and amazing lenses….I simply had to try it out for myself prior to investing further into the Z system (I can sell my Z7 and 24-70S for a minor hit and is worth taking a look at the GFX). Plus, the Fuji’s have a special place in my heart, which makes me want to take them out and shoot…which is the point for a hobbyist like me, i.e., I shoot for the pure joy of it.

There is no doubt that the GFX produces stunning image quality, which is what I would expect. But, so does the Z7, not quite as good, but good enough. Again, it comes down to what camera will make me want to shoot more and add to the experience? The GFX will make you work for it, am I willing to put the work in to get the most out of the GFX? I would likely carry only two lenses, the 32-64mm F/4 and 23mm f/4, but is that versatile enough? The Z7 is no doubt more versatile with IBIS and smaller lenses, and will be very interesting to see what lenses are developed down the road (Nikon and third parties).

I know that this is my dilemma to sort out….

See below link to RAW files

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e7f9nt6gwnizvzx/AAB81_Kn4GH1PG2PzP79e0UZa?dl=0

Rod,

You said that very well. That adds a lot to your original OP. You and I are a lot alike. I spend money on photography and make zero money at it. I went from Canon FF to Fuji APSC and loved the glass, IQ, and ergo. It is the perfect travel-shooters dream kit, and like you, I do it for one reason. Fun.

My Fuji XT-1/2/3 and XH-1 experiences have been great because I'm a travel shooter, and like I said, it was perfect for me.

I too went to the GFX because of the "Siren's Call" of GFX and familiarity with Fuji. I would never have given MF even a moment's thought otherwise.

Unlike you, I was not at all tempted by the first generation of FF CaNikon mirrorless. I was severely tempted by the Sony a7riii. I even pulled the trigger and ordered it a year ago, then cancelled it the next day. Too many Fuji guys said it was like shooting a computer and they hated the ergo and feel of it. I got chicken and bailed.

Yes, MF makes you work harder and I have way less focal length / angle of view flexibility and breadth than I did with Fuji XF lenses and XT / XH Bodies. I have less DOF flexibility. I have more hand-held speed requirement in order not to sacrifice expensive resolution. I also lost IBIS (you did not with the Nikon FF mirrorless).

But we have that wonderful DR and resolution, even though the charts claim it is close with the big res FF sensors (which I haven't decided I believe yet). But we also have that "MF look" which causes so much debate on this board. Micro-contrast? 3D Pop? That MF magic? It even applies to down-sampled images? I don't know. That is for you to decide.

But you also have the growth potential of this GFX line and these great lenses that will resolve much higher than where we are now. It is exciting. Don't you like having the MF rig on the street? Come on … I know you do. It is a special feeling huh? Part of the fun? How many SonCaNikon FF shooters have walked up to you and asked to be blessed by the hand of the almighty GFX? I have had 5 at least, and they were pros. But I am a modest man, unaffected by their adoration.

Anyway -- the future and growth potential issue? Nikon FF mirrorless will grow too. No doubt. You have to decide if the growth argument is a wash. But I think GFX wins that battle.

OK. We have discussed this. I have thought about this today and now we have decided. Let's make this decision together. You, Eva and me.

We have decided that you will stay Fuji. APSC and MF GFX. Sell the Nikon. It has lost very little value. Bail now while you can. Don't so like me and hold 3 Canon bodies, 6 Speedlites, a ring light, and 9 L lenses for two years after abandoning it for Fuji. Sell it now.

When you sell the Nikon, report back the percentage lost on the resale. Then lets decide what GFX lenses to get next. You say you will use the Fuji APSC for reach. Me too. But we have to get that 100-200 GFX just in case. Let's do it!

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Last Mango]

Well, you make a convincing argument....decisions...I will report back when I decide.

one question regarding the 50R, there are times when it is unresponsive after turning on, I.e., it is on for 5-10secs, can see the screen, but is unresponsive, ever experienced that?

I might need to send this one back...

 

[Greg7579]

Well, you make a convincing argument....decisions...I will report back when I decide.

one question regarding the 50R, there are times when it is unresponsive after turning on, I.e., it is on for 5-10secs, can see the screen, but is unresponsive, ever experienced that?

I might need to send this one back...

No. But I'm as newbie with the GFX or any MF rig. Chris or Jim or Rick or Erik or someone will see this and pop on here and help you with that.

But wait... You said you are still deicing. I thought we already decided together.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Greg Johnson’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com