Why I swapped Panasonic for Fuji
I recently made the decision to swap my Panasonic Lumix S5 for a Fuji X-S10. Why? Perhaps not for the reasons you might think…
Earlier this year (2023) I made the decision to stop working as a semi-professional photographer and focus all my attention on launching and growing The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd (TPAC). Whilst I still love photography and taking my camera out and about with me, whether on walks around North Wales where I live or on my travels further afield, I haven’t been doing as much photography lately.
For me, photography is 95% about the practical side and the why, over the technical side and the how. I am not a particularly technical person. I know enough, but I am by no means a photography expert with a extensive knowledge of technical specs etc. When it comes to photography, I focus on the enjoyment factor. If you don’t enjoy picking up your camera, holding your camera, using your tripod or your equipment then that what needs addressing far more urgently than understanding all the technical specifications of a camera. Throw all the technical stuff out the window as far as I am concerned and just enjoy creating images. I will write more on this another time, but for the purposes of this article, it’s relevant simply to emphasis that enjoyment of photography should come at the top of the list before worrying about the technical elements. If you get the enjoyment aspect sorted, then the rest will come.
Firstly, let me say that I still love the Lumix S5 as a camera. I have taken some images I am incredibly proud of with this camera in the 14 months I have owned it. I firmly believe it is an incredibly underrated camera that has always been very competitively priced, compared to competitors. The L mount system is versatile and has some fantastic lens options, especially with the rise of Sigma over the years, a manufacturer I am a massive advocate for.
Despite being a photographer, I do not particularly enjoy the editing side and this is perhaps why I have severely lacked the motivation to go out with my camera in more recent months. The dread of the editing afterwards! Autumn has almost been and gone and I think I took my camera out once during this incredible season. I have previously lived for Autumn when it comes to my photography. Despite that, I have also been focusing on building TPAC and the endless business tasks involved with running a small, startup company. However, deep down, I believe there are also other reasons as to why I just haven’t been inspired to pick up my Lumix S5 and go out to take pictures.
One of my favourite images from 2023, taken on the Panasonic Lumix S5.
One of the main reasons I am choosing to move on, is the lack of interaction, support and genuine interest that seems to be associated with Panasonic. For a lot of photographers, a camera is more than just a piece of equipment. It’s one of your most prized and important possessions. It is almost an extension of yourself in some ways. Part of your personality. I bought into the Panasonic Lumix brand and the so called L Mount Alliance, which was formed back in 2018 between Leica, SIGMA, Samyang and Panasonic, to promote and sustain the L mount series for easy standardisation for photographers. Whilst it is great that there are so many fantastic lenses out there that offer incredible value for money across the L mount alliance, it never really felt inspiring or that Panasonic really cared about their customers. When you buy into any brand, photography or otherwise, you want to feel important, like you really matter and that the brand you have spent your hard earned money investing into will be there to support you and your journey, in this case your photography journey. For me personally, I never felt that from Panasonic.
Another key reason I decided to end my time as a Panasonic Lumix user is due to their lack of interest and support for independent retailers. Alongside my time running The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd, I also work part-time for a camera store in North Wales and the only camera store in North Wales that can offer a high-street presence for brands. Whilst some brands really engage and support the smaller, independent camera retailers, others are just not interested. If Panasonic had shown more interest in the independent retailers, in reaching customers outside of London, Birmingham and Manchester then perhaps my views and opinions wouldn’t have changed so much in the last 14 months. Writing this is a real shame, because as I said right at the start, the Lumix S5 is a fantastic camera, the L mount range of lenses is outstanding - but this is all let down by those decision makers at Panasonic HQ.
With my experience to date, having dealt with Fuji over a number of years and knowing many people who are Fuji customers, I have always found them to be a company that supports photographers, at least more so than some others and a brand that is interested in those that use their equipment.
Over the last few months I have done a lot of research, spoken to colleagues and other photographers to try and decide what would be the right camera for me moving forwards. Sony A6700? Ricoh GriiiX? Sony RX100 VII? However, after many conversations, I came to the decision that being lightweight and compact was my number one priority. So the GriiiX then? Almost! So what stopped me? Well, I decided that whilst I definitely wanted something as compact as possible, I wasn’t yet ready to completely give up using an interchangeable lens system. The decision then came down to between the A6700 and Fuji X-S10 or X-S20. I considered the Fuji X-S20 but I just couldn’t stretch financially to that and I also don’t need too. The same for the Sony A6700. Then Fuji brought out their X-S10 offer! The camera offers me everything I now need in a camera without breaking the bank, especially with trading in my Lumix S5. So, problem solved.
Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales, 2023.
There are a number of reasons that I was drawn to the Fuji X-S10. I will briefly outline some of those points below. These were all important considerations for me and my style of photography.
Weight - whilst the Lumix S5 isn’t the heaviest camera on the market, it is also not the lightest. With an approx weight of 714g (including battery) for a full-frame mirrorless camera, the weight is acceptable and manageable and the lenses are incredibly light too. However, with where I tend to photograph (outdoors across North Wales or when travelling), how I photograph (mostly handheld) and the reasons why I now do photography (for TPAC marketing, website and social media and the very occasional photography job), I just don’t need the Lumix S5. By comparison, the X-S10 weights approx 465g (including battery and SD memory card).
JPEGs - I am not one who has ever particularly enjoyed editing but despite that I have always shot in RAW, in aid of better editing options. However, now I don’t work as a professional photographer anymore, do I really need to shoot in RAW? Fuji cameras have a great reputation for producing fantastic colours within the out of camera JPEGs. I am hoping that these images will require very little, if any real editing time. This is a massive draw for me!
Travel and Adventure - These two words sum up my life in a nutshell and are the two main reasons as to why The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd came into existence. The love for travel and the search for adventure are the two main focuses I take into consideration with every camera equipment purchase I make. My photography gear from cameras and lenses, to backpacks and accessories is driven by their suitability for travel and adventure. This also links back to the first point (weight) along with being as compact as possible. The Fuji X-S10 is far more travel friendly than the Lumix S5, therefore making it a clear winner. Whilst the build quality perhaps isn’t as tough as the Lumix S5, including the lack of weather sealing, this is a minor negative and not something that will make a massive impact for me moving forwards.
No need for full-frame - I think this is something that is slowly changing. When I first started out in photography, all anyone spoke about was the need for full-frame. If you didn’t have a full frame camera, you just couldn’t achieve good photographs. However, over time and through experience, learning and gaining a better understanding of my own photography, I have grown to realise that whilst full frame may be important for some photographers, for a good majority, especially in the amateur to intermediate bracket, there are far more important aspects to consider, such as weight and getting enjoyment using the camera! I have always been of the opinion that it is far better to have a camera you enjoy using day to day over a camera with all the bells and whistles and one that doesn’t inspire you to pick it up and go take photographs!
I am looking forward to getting out and about with my new Fuji X-S10 over the coming weeks and months, and enjoying a more streamlined approach to my photography.
There will definitely be a hint of sadness because I do love the Lumix S5 and it has given me some incredible images. I will always hold that camera in high esteem - but Fuji and the X-S10 is the right option for the future.
Less editing, more photography, less weight, more travel and adventure. That’s a win win combination!
