There and back again - transitioning from Fujifilm to Sony, and back again
Here's the short version of the story about how I first started using Fujifilm when everyone around me was wielding a Nikon or a Canon, back in 2018, for weddings.
Back in 2016, I started doing wedding photography on the sides (yes I was moonlighting lol) and I was team Nikon. My very first camera was a D40 for the older photographers here, before moving to the D610, the D750 and then D810.
Shot on the Nikon in 2016, for Eddie and Vivian.
From 2017, Vithricia and Vincenzo’s Italian wedding at Tamarind Hill.
Sadly, everything came to a stop when I had a minor back surgery in 2017. My back often swells because of the heavy lifting of the cameras. It literally broke my back. I quit photography and concentrated on my full-time job.
It was probably one of the lowest point in my photography life.
However, a short year later in 2018, Fujifilm saved my career (and relaunched it).
Erin and I were planning for a trip to the Gifu Prefecture in Japan when she used the word 'pack light' because we would be hiking. I understood that as buy a 'light' camera so that I can take photographs with it lol. Having owned the Fujifilm X20 and used my brother's very first X100 back in 2013, the newly launched X-H1 was exactly what I was looking for. It was light, but packs a punch. Thank you Erin for approving the budget.
Here are some images that I shot with the X-H1, in Japan.
Because of it being a crop sensor camera, the depth of field was less obvious when creating images. That meant Fujifilm is brilliant for street photography.
Not going to spam you with too much street photos so here’s a select few. You can view more at my account (primarily street photos) on IG @the.stayhome.ronin.
The more I shot on the Fujifilm, the more I felt one with the system. It was so fun handling the dials and feeling like I’ve created the image completely on my own. The idea of the Fujifilm being good enough for wedding work stuck, and I became obsessed. In 2018, I slowly tried out photographing weddings using the Fujifilm.
And I loved it.
So much so that I quit my corporate job to work as a wedding photographer in 2019.
One of my very first Fujifilm weddings of Pris and Clem, in 2018.
The crop sensor meant I could create images like these, unknowingly (at first) and easily.
The amazing colour science everyone had been raving about was something to behold.
Fujifilm’s unique sensor not only gives you great colours, but also reproduces that filmic look that no other brand does.
Fast forward a few good years in wedding photography - I got tempted in 2022 to finally switch to a Sony because of all the rave reviews about its technology. Its amazing eye auto focusing and how sticky it is. The superb full-frame sensor and makes low light a non-issue. All the bells and whistles, really. I made my downpayment quickly, to secure the new Sony A7IV.
Then, I realised it was a mistake. After one frigging year with Sony.
I mean, the Sony A7IV works like a dream as many of you can attest to. But it wasn’t really for me. You know the line? It’s not you, Sony, it’s me. And my weird creative brain. I held on to the hope that Sony’s doing the job for me - but it ended up feeling like what it is, just a job. The photos were digitalised and extremely tack sharp. I missed the filmic look of the Fujifilm. I also did not feel challenged whenever I am out shooting because everything suddenly became so easy, nailing shot after shot during low-lit conditions There are times when I felt I did not need to engage the creative side of the brain anymore. No need to look for the light la, my lazy brain urges. Holding up the bigger camera that made louder shutter sounds also made me feel like a stranger to the people I am photographing. People became warier of me whenever I am near them. Of course, my size didn’t help.
I decided, I needed to go back. When the X-T5 was finally announced as part of the Fujifilm 10th Year Anniversary, I knew that was the moment. Flip-out screen, 40 megapixels, lighter body, better sensor, lasting battery life - I was like, yea baby let’s go! The short stint with Sony definitely felt like cheating on the wife only to go back to her (OK I JOKE AH DON'T CANCEL ME). I sold most of my Sony gear when I finally got my hands on the X-T5. Good bye and so long you expensive little bugger.
After tweaking some of the settings, I cannot stop gushing over how the X-T5 handles and how the photographs turn out, especially for weddings.
Anyways, Emily and Zhen Ming’s wedding was one of the first weddings after I went back to Fujifilm… and I have never stopped smiling since. I am smiling while I’m typing this. I know, I know, I sound like a sicko.
With that note, I’ll continue smiling as Erin and I make our way back to Japan this time for a couple of days with the little one. Appreciate your patience in the replies for now.
Tata!