So here’s the thing. I’ve been really enjoying shooting on my Fuji cameras lately, even though I am a Canon shooter. So many people keep asking me on Instagram about my thoughts and whether they could switch to Fujifilm as their main camera, how they should edit their Fuji files, all that stuff. So I decided to write down a little something.

Before we go any deeper, let me just say this is not a review or one of those stories about switching brands and having life all figured out now. After all, the camera is out for a while and there are other photographers who only shoot Fuji now and they might be more qualified to write down their experiences. But if you and I went out for a coffee to chat about cameras, this is what I ‘d tell you.

Also: FUJI PRESET! I developed some presets specifically with Fuji colors in mind, since I found that their files deserve some special treatment. You can get them down bellow. Or HERE if you can’t wait.

There is no need to spend too much time talking about why Fuji cameras are so attractive. They’re small, fast, relatively cheap, they look great and their lenses are very solid. They’re just cool. Plus the image quality is very close to Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras. I’m just gonna skip this part, you can find amazing reviews everywhere. Ok now back to our coffee date.

EDITING THOSE FUJI TONES

What always drew me towards Fuji, besides the obvious reasons, were the colors. I am not a big fan of the tones in raw images straight out of camera, but when you learn how to edit them, there is something special about the look and texture Fujifilm renders images. It took me a while to figure out the the files, the x-trans sensors are just very different to what I am used to. What has worked for me on Canon has always looked strange on Fuji. And the other way around.

That being said, I had to update some presets and now I actually enjoy editing again. There is something about the rich greens and reds on Fuji which is exactly the look I am usually going for. And when put side by side against my Canon files, Fuji is right there, if not better. Definitely more interesting.

NO FULL FRAME AND SHALLOWER DEPTH OF FIELD

Not having a full frame is apparently the biggest concern when thinking about getting Fuji for professional work. Obviously, it is a big deal. I must say I don’t care about the full frame “look” 90 percent of the time there are definitely moments when my full frame Canon saves the date. Especially when you are not always in control of the light and angles and backgrounds, which happens a lot during weddings actually.

I always said that if Fuji made a full frame camera, it would be the most popular camera on the market. With their colors and manual dials. Canon and Nikon and Sony would have a big problem. Too bad it might never happen, based on what Fujifilm’s PR puts out there lately.

In solid light, I actually prefer the look of Fuji over my Canon. Something about the lack of the depth of field is also fun for me, as I’ve always liked incorporating backgrounds in my photographs. I never liked that super soft, blurry f1.2 look my Canon 50mm produces.

Fuji photos are messy, gritty, the smaller sensor doesn’t do much for you. But that’s the magic. It forces you to be more creative and not to rely on blurry background to make pretty images.

But I have to admit, when I was shooting both of my cameras, Canon and Fuji, side by side, in a dark forest, the Canon files were just nicer. Fuji has a really good focusing system though and it was easier to use compared to my Canon 5D mark iii.

SIDE BY SIDE WITH CANON

I tried to shoot side by side during couple of engagement shoots. I was curious to see how different my final files will look and how easy or hard it will be to edit different files. I was able to match colors within a minute but what stands out the most is the depth of field difference. It’s really up to you if you prefer one over the another. For this specific shot though, the Canon files feels better as the forest in the background was already very distracting.

MY CAMERA SETUP

I love shooting with Fuji even if there are better cameras in my bag. It’s just a fun experience and I love that I can bring it with me everywhere without thinking twice. No more heavy backpacks during hiking or people staring at me in a coffee shop because I have a giant camera with me. Plus I really enjoy editing now and getting the perfect tones is definitely easier after tweaking those presets.

However I keep my full frame Canon for weddings and other shoots where I’m not always in control of the situation. Fuji is a perfect second camera for me. For personal use and for parts of a wedding day.

People keep asking me “Is Fuji good enough to be your only camera?” and my answer is always “absolutely yes”. If nothing else, it might make you love shooting everyday life again. And that itself is worth it.

FUJI PRESETS

After playing with Fuji for a while I noticed how different their files are compared to other brands and how different treatment they need during editing. That’s why I created some presets specifically for Fuji. You can purchase them HERE if you want.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Here’s my Instagram and Facebook.