18 Months After Taking the Plunge


How It All Began

I started my wedding photography journey over 15 years ago with Nikon cameras and lenses, never imagining that one day I’d make the switch to another system.


In recent years, I also began exploring wedding videography—first inspired by incredible films and music videos shot with stills cameras, and later because friends invited me to assist as a second shooter.


Gradually, I found myself involved in more videography projects, needing a versatile camera capable of handling a wide range of situations. On top of that, carrying heavy Nikon bodies and lenses for long wedding days was draining my energy and even affecting my back.

Black and white landscape photograph of bare trees in misty forest.

For the Love of Nikon: Why I Stayed So Long


When it comes to photography, three things kept me loyal to Nikon for years:


  • Bokeh: A friend jokingly called me a “bokeh whore” for my love of shooting wide open and isolating subjects with creamy backgrounds—something Full Frame cameras excel at.
  • High ISO: Shooting at ISO 3200+ was easy with Full Frame, and I worried crop sensors wouldn’t deliver clean results.
  • Low-Light Focus: For documentary weddings, Nikon’s low-light focusing was a game-changer, capturing natural, atmospheric moments effortlessly..
Stunning orange and purple sunset sky with dark silhouettes in the foreground.

My First Experience With FujiFilm


Initially, my plan was simple: use Fuji for video and rely on Nikon for stills, especially in low-light conditions. I started with a FujiFilm X-T2 kit (18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens).

The moment I tested it at a wedding, I was blown away by the video quality—years ahead of Nikon in that area.


Encouraged, I invested in a second X-T2 body and lenses: 16mm, 23mm, 56mm, and 50-140mm, and shot my first wedding entirely on FujiFilm.

I never felt limited, even in fast-paced, low-light reception parties, and over the following year, I sold almost all my Nikon gear—except my beloved 85mm f/1.4 AF-S, which I couldn’t part with!

Interior of historic building with ornate wood paneling and multiple windows.

FujiFilm and the Kaizen Philosophy


One of the things I admire most about Fuji is their commitment to improving cameras via firmware updates - even years after release.


  • The X-Pro2 received 4K video updates two years post-release.
  • The X-T2 gained 120fps Full HD.

Autofocus improvements were added to older models like the X-T1 and X-T2.


This approach shows respect for users and their investments—something many companies overlook.

Long line of people standing against a concrete wall outdoors.

Professional Support: FujiFilm vs Nikon Services


As a professional wedding photographer, having reliable gear is non-negotiable. I joined FujiFilm Professional Services UK, and whenever I needed repairs (overheating or a loose aperture ring), turnaround was incredible—sometimes even the same day.


Compare that to Nikon Professional Services, where I occasionally had to request re-dos due to unresolved issues. Fuji’s service is simply a professional’s dream.

Aerial silhouettes of trees against a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.

Shooting with Fuji: The Technical Perks


  • Ergonomics: Small, lightweight, and silent—perfect for documentary-style weddings where guests often forget I’m even there.
  • Image Quality: Excellent skin tones, minimal color noise, and remarkable dynamic range at high ISO thanks to X-Trans sensors.
  • Black & White: The Acros+R film simulation delivers stunning monochrome images without relying on plugins like Nik Silver Efex.
  • Lenses: Fuji lenses are spectacular, fast, accurate, and cost-effective.


The only minor drawbacks: I occasionally miss the creamy bokeh of my Nikon 85mm f/1.4, and autofocus in AF-C mode could still improve for action shots.

Upgrading to the FujiFilm X-T3


The X-T3 was a game-changer. Improvements include:

  • Faster, more accurate autofocus across the frame
  • Better video functionality: separate menus, tally lights, zoom focus check
  • Improved usability for videographers without losing photographic feel

Even with these upgrades, Fuji retains the same tactile feel and workflow I loved from the X-T2.

Spring meadow with white wildflowers blooming under bright sunlight.

My Wish List for Firmware Updates


Some personal wishes:

  • More flexible AF-C face detection
  • Show battery percentage on the display
  • Dual-card backup for video
  • Power aperture control for drive-by-wire lenses
  • Better AF-C performance for sports, pets, and moving children
Line of Fujifilm digital cameras displayed on a light surface.

Lenses and Gear I Use


  • 2x FujiFilm X-T3 bodies
  • FujiFilm X-T2 body
  • Fujinon XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR
  • Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR
  • Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R
  • Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS
  • Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR
  • Samyang 12mm f/2.0
  • Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AF-S
  • Nikon 60mm f/2.8G AF-S Macro
  • Nikon SB-700 Speedlights ×4 + radio controllers
Wooden park bench overlooking a peaceful garden setting.

Conclusion


Eighteen months after fully switching to FujiFilm, I have no regrets. Some argue bigger, more expensive cameras are better—but as one old friend told me:


“You’re taking the picture with your brain, not with the camera.”


FujiFilm gives me incredible versatility, lightweight handling, and amazing image quality—all while letting me focus on storytelling and capturing authentic wedding moments.

Panoramic cityscape at sunset with sun rays bursting over water and buildings.
Ancient oak trees with sprawling branches in a sunlit park setting.
Motion blur of cyclists riding past trees in a park on a sunny day.
White puppy being petted and playfully interacting with hands in a garden.
Tall grass silhouetted against a dramatic sunset sky.
Golden wheat field with hay bales stretching to the horizon at sunset.
Vintage camera and photography equipment arranged on rustic wooden surface.
Four black and white professional portraits showing casual conversation and laughter at a corporate event.
Wide shot of a dark conference room with blue lighting and audience silhouettes against large presentation screens.
Exhibition space with curved white displays and technology demonstrations at a trade show.
Still life arrangement of white and yellow decorative eggs with a church spire visible through a window.
Casual dining scene in a warmly lit restaurant with stacked plates and striped clothing.
Sunny outdoor scene with yellow bokeh effects and natural lighting.
Wide classroom setting with colorful posters and student work displayed on walls.
Series of dramatic black and white shots showing theatrical lighting effects.
Vintage style black and white photos of a luxury car outdoors.
Bar interior with illuminated shelves displaying bottles and screens showing entertainment content.
White BMW luxury sedan parked in front of brick building with elegant styling details.
Small black dog sitting in garden with grow sign visible among green foliage.
Large crowd gathered in indoor venue holding up phones to capture a moment.
Close-up view of decorative white ceramic teacups arranged in a row on orange surface.
Wedding party arriving in luxury vehicles outside venue with greenery.
Wedding celebration with group wearing white robes and raising arms in joyful moment.
Wedding ceremony setup with elegant white chairs arranged outdoors in black and white.
Historic brick mansion with pink flowering trees blooming in the foreground garden.
Wedding ceremony in dimly lit elegant indoor venue with blue accents.
Traditional wedding ceremony with ornate red and gold cultural attire and decor.
Black and white photograph showing people walking in a park or garden setting.
Yellow balloon numbers visible against a dark background outdoors.
Abstract circular white graffiti pattern against dark background creating tunnel effect.
Candid gathering with people in formal attire conversing in warm lighting.
Multiple smartphone screens showing photography in progress through reflective glass.
Silhouetted figures against large windows overlooking city skyline at dusk.
Couple in formal attire embracing near large windows with cityscape view.
Macro shot of wedding rings with shallow depth of field and bokeh lighting effects.
Black and white candid shots of people dining at a formal event.
Large decorative yellow number balloons displayed in an outdoor garden setting.