Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Fujifilm GFX100: Which One Reigns Supreme for Street Photography?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re weighing the pros and cons of two distinct systems like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Fujifilm GFX 100. Both cameras offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but they cater to different needs and aesthetics. This in-depth comparison will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each system, including their respective lenses, to help you make an informed decision.

Full-Frame vs Medium Format: Understanding the Difference

The most significant difference between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Fujifilm GFX 100 lies in their sensor size. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV boasts a full-frame sensor (36x24mm), while the Fujifilm GFX 100 utilizes a larger medium format sensor (43.8×32.9mm). This size difference translates into several key advantages for the GFX 100:
1. Increased Resolution and Detail: The larger sensor area allows for more light to be captured, resulting in higher resolution images with exceptional detail and clarity. The GFX 100 delivers a staggering 102MP, while the 5D Mark IV offers 30.4MP.
2. Shallow Depth of Field: The larger sensor size enables a shallower depth of field at the same aperture, creating more pleasing bokeh and isolating subjects effectively.
3. Improved Dynamic Range: The GFX 100’s larger sensor captures a wider range of tones, resulting in better shadow detail and highlight recovery, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
4. Reduced Noise: The increased surface area of the sensor allows for larger photodiodes, which collect more light and produce less noise at higher ISOs.
However, the GFX 100’s medium format sensor comes at a cost. The cameras are significantly larger and heavier, and the lenses are also larger and more expensive.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: A Trusted Workhorse

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has been a popular choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. It offers a well-balanced combination of image quality, performance, and features:
Strengths:

• Excellent Image Quality: The 30.4MP full-frame sensor produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range.
• Fast and Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system provides accurate and fast performance, even in low light.
• 4K Video Recording: The 5D Mark IV can record high-quality 4K video at 30fps, making it a versatile option for both stills and video.
• Durable and Weather-Sealed: The camera is built tough and can withstand the elements, making it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.
• Extensive Lens Ecosystem: Canon offers a vast and diverse range of lenses, catering to various photographic needs.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Resolution: Compared to the GFX 100, the 5D Mark IV’s resolution is lower, which might not be ideal for large prints or extreme cropping.
• No In-Body Image Stabilization: The 5D Mark IV lacks in-body image stabilization, requiring the use of stabilized lenses for handheld shooting.
• Smaller Sensor: The full-frame sensor, while offering excellent image quality, falls short of the medium format sensor in terms of dynamic range, detail, and shallow depth of field.

Fujifilm GFX 100: The Medium Format Powerhouse

The Fujifilm GFX 100 is a game-changer in the medium format camera market. It combines exceptional image quality with advanced features and user-friendly design:
Strengths:

• Unmatched Image Quality: The 102MP medium format sensor delivers stunning detail, clarity, and dynamic range, surpassing the 5D Mark IV in every aspect.
• Exceptional Depth of Field Control: The larger sensor allows for extremely shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and isolating subjects with ease.
• Advanced Features: The GFX 100 offers advanced features like in-body image stabilization, 4K video recording, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder.
• Excellent Color Reproduction: Fujifilm is renowned for its film simulations, and the GFX 100 delivers exceptional color accuracy and rendering.
• User-Friendly Design: The GFX 100 is surprisingly compact and lightweight for a medium format camera, making it more portable than its predecessors.

Weaknesses:

• High Price: The GFX 100 is significantly more expensive than the 5D Mark IV, both in terms of the camera body and the lenses.
• Limited Lens Selection: While Fujifilm’s GF lens lineup is growing, it is still smaller than Canon’s EF lens system.
• Larger and Heavier: The GFX 100 is larger and heavier than the 5D Mark IV, making it less suitable for travel or handheld shooting for extended periods.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM: A Versatile Workhorse

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is a popular and versatile zoom lens for full-frame Canon cameras. It offers a wide range of focal lengths, covering everything from wide-angle to portrait shots:
Strengths:

• Sharp Image Quality: The lens delivers excellent sharpness and detail throughout its zoom range, especially when stopped down.
• Image Stabilization: The integrated image stabilization system effectively reduces camera shake, allowing for handheld shooting in low light.
• Fast and Silent Autofocus: The USM motor provides quick and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video.
• Durable and Weather-Sealed: The lens is built tough and can withstand the elements, making it reliable for outdoor shooting.
• Affordable Price: Compared to other professional-grade zoom lenses, the 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is relatively affordable.

Weaknesses:

• Not as Sharp Wide Open: While the lens performs well at f/4, its sharpness is slightly less impressive wide open at f/2.8.
• Limited Aperture: The f/4 maximum aperture limits the amount of light that can reach the sensor, making it less ideal for low-light photography.
• Some Distortion: The lens exhibits some barrel distortion at wider focal lengths, which can be corrected in post-processing.

Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR: A Sharp and Versatile Wide-Angle

The Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR is a high-quality wide-angle lens designed for the GFX system. It offers a sharp and detailed image quality with excellent distortion control:
Strengths:

• Exceptional Sharpness: The lens delivers exceptional sharpness and detail throughout the frame, even wide open at f/4.
• Excellent Distortion Control: The lens exhibits minimal distortion, making it ideal for architectural or landscape photography.
• Weather-Sealed: The lens is weather-sealed, protecting it from the elements and making it suitable for outdoor shooting.
• Fast and Silent Autofocus: The linear motor provides quick and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video.
• Compact and Lightweight: The lens is relatively compact and lightweight for a medium format lens, making it more portable than other wide-angle options.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Aperture: The f/4 maximum aperture limits the amount of light that can reach the sensor, making it less ideal for low-light photography.
• No Image Stabilization: The lens does not include image stabilization, requiring the use of a tripod or a stable platform for handheld shooting.
• Higher Price: The GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR is more expensive than other wide-angle lenses for full-frame cameras.

Choosing the Right System: A Matter of Priorities

Ultimately, the decision between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Fujifilm GFX 100 comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
If you prioritize:

• Affordable price: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the more budget-friendly option.
• Extensive lens selection: Canon offers a wider range of lenses, catering to various photographic needs.
• Lightweight and portable design: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is smaller and lighter than the GFX 100.
• Fast autofocus for action photography: The 5D Mark IV’s autofocus system is faster and more reliable than the GFX 100’s.

Then the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great choice.
If you prioritize:

• Exceptional image quality and detail: The Fujifilm GFX 100 delivers unmatched image quality with its medium format sensor.
• Shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh: The larger sensor of the GFX 100 allows for more dramatic depth of field effects.
• Advanced features like in-body image stabilization: The GFX 100 offers advanced features that are not available on the 5D Mark IV.
• Exceptional color reproduction: Fujifilm’s film simulations deliver stunning color accuracy and rendering.

Then the Fujifilm GFX 100 is the better choice.

Beyond the Camera: The Importance of Personal Style

While the technical specifications are important, your personal shooting style and artistic vision are equally crucial. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels in capturing everyday moments with a familiar and reliable workflow. The Fujifilm GFX 100, on the other hand, invites a more deliberate and artistic approach, allowing you to capture the world with stunning detail and depth.
Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that inspires you to create your best work. Experiment with both systems and see which one resonates with your vision.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Creative Journey

Choosing the right camera is just the beginning of a creative journey. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Fujifilm GFX 100 are both capable tools for capturing stunning images. The key is to understand your needs, explore your options, and embrace the process of finding the perfect camera for your unique vision.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the best camera for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, extensive lens selection, and abundant resources available online.
Q: Which camera is better for landscape photography?
A: The Fujifilm GFX 100 excels in landscape photography due to its exceptional image quality, shallow depth of field, and wide-angle lens options.
Q: Which camera is better for portraits?
A: Both cameras are excellent for portraits, but the Fujifilm GFX 100 offers more control over depth of field, allowing you to achieve a more pleasing bokeh.
Q: Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV still relevant in 2023?
A: Yes, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a relevant and capable camera in 2023, offering excellent image quality, performance, and features at a competitive price.
Q: What are the best lenses to use with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Fujifilm GFX 100?
A: The best lenses for each camera depend on your specific photographic needs. For the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, popular choices include the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. For the Fujifilm GFX 100, recommended lenses include the Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR, the Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR, and the Fujifilm GF 250mm f/4 R LM OIS WR.