Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Fujifilm GFX100S: Which Camera Reigns Supreme? A Comprehensive Review

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re weighing the benefits of full-frame versus medium format. In this post, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the **Fujifilm GFX 100S**, two popular cameras catering to different photographic needs and aesthetics.

Price and Value

The Canon EOS RP with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens comes in at a significantly lower price point than the Fujifilm GFX 100S. While the EOS RP body alone is relatively affordable, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a premium piece of glass that adds considerably to the overall cost. The GFX 100S, on the other hand, is a high-end medium format camera with a correspondingly higher price tag.
Value-wise, the EOS RP with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens offers a compelling proposition for photographers seeking a high-quality full-frame experience with a fast aperture lens for portraiture and low-light shooting. The GFX 100S, while expensive, provides an unparalleled level of image quality and detail, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize exceptional resolution and shallow depth of field.

Image Quality: Full Frame vs Medium Format

The image quality is perhaps the most significant differentiator between these two cameras. The GFX 100S, with its 43.8MP medium format sensor, produces stunningly detailed images with exceptional dynamic range and low noise performance. The larger sensor size allows for a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds and subject isolation.
The Canon EOS RP, while offering excellent image quality for a full-frame camera, falls short of the GFX 100S in terms of detail and dynamic range. However, it still delivers impressive results, especially when paired with the high-quality RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens. This lens excels in low-light situations and produces incredibly smooth bokeh, making it ideal for portrait photography.

Autofocus Performance

Both cameras offer reliable autofocus systems, but with distinct strengths. The Canon EOS RP, with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF, provides fast and accurate autofocus performance, especially in continuous shooting modes. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens also contributes to the overall autofocus speed and precision, making it a great choice for capturing dynamic subjects.
The GFX 100S boasts a phase-detection autofocus system with 425 autofocus points covering a large portion of the sensor. It’s capable of tracking subjects accurately, although it might not be as fast as the Canon EOS RP in some situations.

Ergonomics and Design

The Canon EOS RP offers a compact and lightweight design, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The GFX 100S, being a medium format camera, is naturally larger and heavier. While it still feels well-built and ergonomic, its size might be a consideration for photographers who prioritize portability.
Both cameras feature a well-designed control layout, with readily accessible buttons and dials for adjusting settings. The GFX 100S, however, offers a more extensive set of controls, including a dedicated ISO dial and a rear LCD touch screen that can be tilted and rotated.

Video Capabilities

The Canon EOS RP is a solid choice for video recording, offering 4K video at up to 25fps with a variety of recording options and features. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is also well-suited for video, producing excellent image quality and smooth bokeh.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S, while capable of recording 4K video at up to 30fps, is not as widely regarded as a video camera compared to the EOS RP. Its focus on still photography is evident in its video features, which are more basic and lack the advanced options found in the Canon EOS RP.

Takeaways: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. The Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is an excellent option for photographers who value affordability, portability, and fast autofocus performance, particularly for portraiture and low-light shooting. It’s a versatile camera that can handle a wide range of subjects.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S, on the other hand, is a premium medium format camera designed for photographers who demand exceptional image quality, detail, and shallow depth of field. It’s a powerful tool for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize the highest level of photographic fidelity.

What You Need to Know

Q: Is the GFX 100S worth the extra cost compared to the EOS RP?
A: The GFX 100S is significantly more expensive than the Canon EOS RP, but it offers a distinct level of image quality and detail that is unmatched by full-frame cameras. If you prioritize exceptional resolution, dynamic range, and shallow depth of field, the GFX 100S might be worth the investment.
Q: Which camera is better for portrait photography?
A: Both cameras are capable of producing excellent portraits. The Canon EOS RP with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a popular choice for portrait photographers due to its fast aperture, smooth bokeh, and reliable autofocus. The GFX 100S, with its larger sensor and shallow depth of field, can also create stunning portraits with exceptional detail and subject isolation.
Q: What are the advantages of using a medium format camera like the GFX 100S?
A: Medium format cameras like the GFX 100S offer several advantages over full-frame cameras, including:

• Exceptional Image Quality and Detail: The larger sensor size allows for higher resolution and greater detail, particularly in the shadows and highlights.
• Shallow Depth of Field: The larger sensor size enables a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds and subject isolation.
• Superior Dynamic Range: Medium format sensors typically have wider dynamic range, allowing you to capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights.
• Lower Noise Performance: The larger sensor size reduces noise levels, especially at higher ISO settings.

Q: Is the EOS RP a good camera for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS RP is a great camera for beginners due to its user-friendly design, intuitive controls, and affordable price point. Its full-frame sensor provides excellent image quality, and its autofocus system is reliable and accurate, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic subjects.
Q: What are some of the drawbacks of the GFX 100S?
A: While the GFX 100S offers exceptional image quality, it also has some drawbacks:

• High Price: The GFX 100S is significantly more expensive than full-frame cameras.
• Size and Weight: The GFX 100S is larger and heavier than full-frame cameras, which might be a consideration for photographers who prioritize portability.
• Limited Lens Selection: The GFX system has a smaller lens selection compared to full-frame systems, although the selection is growing.