What Camera Do I Choose Next? A Journey Through Needs, Wants, and Gear Lust

By: Jon Swindall

If you’re anything like me, deciding on a camera feels like staring into a buffet where everything looks delicious—and expensive. My dilemma? I’m between cameras, juggling the tools of the trade for wildly different shoots, and wondering if bigger always means better. Here’s how I’m navigating the chaos and what I’m learning about my evolving needs.

The Problem: Too Many Options, Too Many Demands

Over the years, I’ve shot everything: portraits, golf courses, cityscapes, wildlife, and tourism gigs. Some days I need to produce museum-quality prints; other days, it’s quick snapshots for marketing. It’s not just about finding a camera—it’s about finding the right system to support my unpredictable workload.

On top of that, I’ve developed a bit of a bias for larger sensors. Blame my cinematography background. The jump from 16mm to 35mm film ingrained a “bigger is better” mentality and a pursuit of shallower depth of field. These days, medium format is calling my name. But can I balance high resolution with portability and versatility?

Enter the Fujifilm GFX 100S

After days of obsessive research and GAS-fueled scrolling through B&H, Adorama, MPB, and eBay, I zeroed in on the Fujifilm GFX 100S. Here’s why:

• 102MP Medium Format Sensor: Stunning resolution for landscapes, portraits, and everything in between.
• Compact Design: At 900g, it’s portable enough for street photography yet powerful for studio work.
• Film Simulations: A playground for creativity, with unique in-camera color profiles.
• Video Capability: 4K/30p with 10-bit 4:2:2 output—not groundbreaking, but solid for interviews.
• Lens Ecosystem: Fujifilm’s GF lineup balances sharpness, versatility, and character.
• Versatile Lens Compatibility: The GFX 100S supports a range of lens adapters, allowing the use of Canon EF, Hasselblad, Nikon, Leica, and PL-mount lenses. Combined with its ability to switch into a 35mm crop mode, it opens up endless creative possibilities.
• Increased Accessibility: With the release of the GFX 100 II, the GFX 100S has become more affordable on the used market, making medium format more accessible than ever.

The GFX 100S feels like a step into the future, blending medium-format quality with portability. But it comes with challenges—autofocus is slower than some competitors, and the cost of entry (even used) is still significant

My Costa Rica Test Run

Next on my calendar is a trip to Costa Rica, a mix of landscapes, wildlife, and street photography.  The weather there seems quite rainy and intense right now, so we’ll see if it works out.  This will be my trial run to see if the GFX 100S is a long-term match.  My goals:

1. Portraits: Using the 80mm f/1.7 lens, which offers incredible subject separation.
2. Wildlife and Macro: I’ll supplement with extension tubes for extreme close-ups and a rental telephoto lens for birds.
3. Street Photography: Testing how the medium format and camera size feels when I wander 

** Update: Since writing this our travel plans have changed becuase of the severe flooding in Cost Rica right now and problems with the Liberia Airport.

Deciding on Lenses

Choosing the right lens was a process of reflecting on what I actually shoot most. For me, that’s usually portraits or wandering around and photographing whatever catches my eye. More often than not, this leans toward a bit of telephoto—it gives me the flexibility to isolate subjects and maintain some distance, whether it’s a person, a fleeting moment on the street, or a detail in the landscape.

With that in mind, I decided on the GF 80mm f/1.7 as my first lens. It’s perfect for portraits, with stunning subject separation and beautiful bokeh. At the same time, it’s versatile enough for street photography, where its slightly longer focal length lets me frame compositions without being intrusive.

What excites me most is the combination of medium format resolution and cropping ability. The 102MP sensor means I can reframe and crop images without sacrificing detail, letting me “zoom” in post-production when needed. This is especially useful for candid moments or when I can’t physically get closer to my subject.

For future projects, I plan to supplement with rentals depending on the job. A 45-100mm zoom would be ideal for flexibility, while a longer telephoto or a wider prime could suit specific shoots like wildlife or landscapes. By starting with a lens that fits my core needs, I can build out the rest of the kit over time.

Balancing Portability and Power

One of my biggest concerns is whether the GFX 100S will become a glorified paperweight. It needs to be portable enough for spontaneous moments yet capable of producing stunning results. The built-in ND filter and tilting touchscreen are practical for travel, but its size could still intimidate subjects during street photography.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what my camera conundrum has taught me so far:

• Know Your Priorities: Focus on what you shoot most and choose gear that fits those needs.
• Buy Used: The secondhand market offers great value for premium equipment.
• Start Small: Begin with a lens or setup that covers your essentials, then expand as needed.
• Look Beyond Specs: Megapixels are great, but usability and versatility matter more.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right camera system is as much about your creative vision as it is about megapixels. For me, the Fujifilm GFX 100S represents an exciting step forward, blending medium-format quality with portability and versatility.

But this is just the start. My trip to Costa Rica will reveal whether this camera becomes a permanent part of my kit—or just a stepping stone in my ongoing quest for the perfect gear.

What’s your dream camera setup? Have I missed something?  Let us know at [email protected].

 I’d love to hear how you balance your photography needs with your GAS-fueled impulses!

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