As a working photographer and the mom of two young girls, being able to capture our life at all times is imperative. Photography is my way of freezing life for a second, so that I can document these fleeting moments and preserve them for all time. Since I love to have my camera ready at all times, I’m always looking for ways to simplify the amount of gear I have on hand. Enter the FUJIFILM GFX 50R — my dream camera.
Before I got the GFX 50R, I would have laughed if you told me there was one camera that could handle my portrait, documentary, and commercial work. A lightweight camera that has a large sensor, amazing colors, eye detection autofocus, touch flip screen, a weather-resistant body, built-in interval timer and the ability to connect via bluetooth to your phone — that sounds too good to be true. However, I’m here to tell you that the new FUJIFILM GFX 50R is this dream come true, and more.
The rangefinder style lets me stay in the moment.
I immediately fell in love with the rangefinder style of the GFX 50R. This style of camera was new to me. Basically, you can look through the viewfinder with your right eye at the same time you look at the subject with your left eye. The rangefinder makes photography an absolute joy because it allows you to maintain connection with your subject and really be part of the scene. This, combined with the amazing Fujifilm focus lever (which provides instantaneous control of the focus point) and top dials that let you adjust your shutter speed and exposure control, make the camera feel like an actual extension of your body.
The features of the FUJIFILM GFX 50R help me focus on my art.
I have long swooned over the Fujifilm colors. So, combining those stunning colors with a lightweight and compact camera body that has a medium-format sensor (approximately 1.7 times the size of a full-size 35mm image sensor) is absolutely amazing. I’m able to enlarge images significantly without losing quality, and there is a classic, signature look that sets Fujifilm images apart. I’m able to capture absolutely beautiful skin tones and there’s just something so lifelike to the GFX 50R images.
The GFX 50R sings in all situations. It handles low light incredibly well, which is amazing on those cloudy and dreary days. It has great ISO performance. And, one of my favorite feature of all is the amazing focus capabilities of the camera. Not only does it automatically detect and focus on a face or eyes, but it also operates seamlessly in manual focus mode, with its focus peaking and ability to zoom in to make sure your images are tack sharp. The advanced focus capabilities make it so much easier to capture my moving children and to get in the frame, all while focusing on composition and my creative direction. And, for instances where I want to change my focus for storytelling, the touchscreen and focus lever make it incredibly easy to adjust.
I don’t have to choose between quality and size anymore.
Finally, I feel like I have a camera that doesn’t require a trade off between quality, versatility and size. The GFX 50R doesn’t need its own bag and can easily slip into — and not weigh down — my purse. This means I can capture those priceless everyday moments as well as produce the ultra-high quality images necessary for my professional work without sacrificing quality. The 51.4 megapixel sensor in a compact camera makes life so much easier for me!
The FUJIFILM GFX 50R makes it easy to get in the frame.
Though it’s hard to choose, I would have to say that my favorite feature of the FUJIFILM GFX 50R is the built in interval timer and easy to use Fujifilm camera remote app for my phone which makes it easier for me to get in the frame. I’m often asked how I get in the frame so often. Well, switching over to the Fujifilm system and using the GFX 50 R has made it possible.
Getting in the frame is hard enough — at least for me — but having the Fujifilm system eliminates several steps. I am able to set the built-in interval timer to capture moments as quickly as one second to a delay of 24 hours. And, most importantly, I can set as few or as many frames as I want to capture. This is far superior to using a two-second or ten-second delayed timer (which the GFX 50R can also do, if you prefer).
For me, setting a continuous interval timer allows me to capture a more organic and authentic moment. Most importantly, having it built in to the camera means I no longer have to hunt around for my intervalometer and the remote (and who knows if the batteries are still working, right?!). There were enough hinderances to keep me from getting in the frame all that often, but now all I need is my camera and a place to set it down and I can capture any moment. It’s so easy and truly life-changing!
Finally I have the camera I have always dreamed of.
Having one camera that allows me to capture my entire life — from casual snapshots to professional images — is priceless. I no longer need to decide if I want to carry my “work” camera or my “day-to-day” camera with me. Instead, I’m always prepared to capture high-quality photographs of all aspects of my life.
All photos by Divya Wolf
This is a sponsored post but opinions are those of the author.
