The Creative Spark: My time with the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2

On the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2, X-Photographer Anton Bosman found something that renewed his creativity. He delves into what this is and how it has impacted his photography.

My photography journey has taken me on a path where I have tried to exclude myself from the norm. The aim was to craft my own style and have a signature to my work. Using Fujifilm exclusively for the past six years has helped me in achieving this goal, since the system lends itself to a more rebellious approach; a creative journey that breaks away from the ‘general rules’ of photography.

Why am I mentioning this? Fujifilm has managed to find a way to cater to a range of photographers. Whether they want to take ‘holiday snaps’, more professional work, or are pushing the limits of photographic creativity, Fujifilm is making it possible.

Their X-T range of cameras is leading the charge. Some photographers love the range for the colours it produces, others for the look-and-feel or the film simulations that open a new creative world.

Image quality & Dynamic range

From my side it has always boiled down to two main factors: Overall image quality and dynamic range. Fujifilm’s image quality is not just excellent, but the system has the ability to produce images with a real organic feel. This draws the viewer in and makes them feel like they are looking at an actual photograph, rather than some digital rendering.

Dynamic range is the other big one, but why is this so important? Quite simply, cameras have tried for years to capture that which the human eye can see – from extreme highlights to the darkest of shadows. Fujifilm have quietly been improving on the dynamic range capabilities of their cameras and have done so since the launch of the X-T1. With every new launch I am blown away how the newer sensor takes the dynamic range just that one step further.

I shoot RAW and process my images to achieve the look and feel I desire. Comparing RAW images from a plethora of Fujifilm cameras over the years is proof enough for me that this imaging company cares not only about photography but also the end-user.

X-Trans 5 HR making the difference

Part of my Fujifilm journey has provided access to the large format GFX range. When you get exposed to this level of imaging capability, your approach is forced to change. Once you get a taste of what the GFX system offers, there is always that yearning for its mind-blowing dynamic range.

In steps the 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, as found on the Fujifilm X-T5 and the X-H2. I will say this: The X-Trans 5 HR sensor has changed my world. I believe this new sensor takes you close to what’s on offer on certain GFX models.

Don’t get me wrong, the X-T5 and X-H2 are not directly on par with their bigger GFX brothers, but you get a good chunk of that performance at a fraction of the price. It gives you not just a strong taste of GFX goodness but manages to dish up an entire three course meal.

I will not be delving into the autofocus nor the video functions, but purely image creation, since this is where this new X-Trans 5 HR sensor absolutely shines. Images are crisp and packed with detail, even in the darkest of areas. I found that highlights are easily recovered from overblown areas. Moreover, images are clean and with 40MP available, there is more than enough room for cropping.

Pushing the envelope

As a photographer, I feel that technology should not take precedence over our creative ability. How can one see something uniquely, with the end goal of capturing and presenting it in such a way that is enduring and at the same time captivating?

That said, in my time with the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2, I have once again found myself pushing my own creative envelope. For the past three years I have worked carefully at creating black and white images, curating these into a catalogue with the aim to sell prints into spaces where my work can proudly hang. With this improved dynamic range of the newer sensor, it feels like a whole new world has opened to me.

What more could one ask for? Well done Fujifilm on keeping the legacy alive and proving that the Kaizen philosophy stays true to itself.

Also read:

USER EXPERIENCE: X-Photographer Anton Bosman on the Fujifilm X-T5

https://fujifilm-x.co.za/user-experience-x-photographer-anton-bosman-on-the-fujifilm-x-t5/

Find more of Anton’s work here:
Instagram: @antbosman
Facebook Page: @landscapeguyanton