Spéos International School of Photography has taken a decisive step in enhancing its educational offering by equipping all its studios with FUJIFILM GFX50S II large-format digital cameras, mounted on Cambo technical camera systems. This major investment highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to delivering hands-on training that meets the highest technological standards and closely mirrors the professional environment that awaits its students.
Precision Meets Possibility: A New Era in Studio Technology
At the core of this upgrade is the GFX50S II’s 51.4-megapixel large-format sensor, which allows students to capture images with extraordinary precision, clarity, and color fidelity. The integration of Cambo’s offset body systems further expands the technical and creative possibilities, enabling students to explore advanced photographic techniques such as shifting the focal plane and controlling depth of field with a high degree of accuracy.
These tools are not only innovative—they directly reflect the real-world equipment used by leading professionals in commercial, artistic, and editorial photography.
Learning Like a Pro: Industry Tools in the Classroom
This investment is more than just a hardware update—it transforms the student experience.
By working daily with industry-standard tools, students learn to handle complex equipment with confidence and professionalism. They gain firsthand knowledge of camera systems that are in widespread use among high-level practitioners, acquiring both the technical skills and the intuitive understanding necessary for a successful career in photography.
According to Cihan Ünalan, Head of the Spéos Studios, the impact has been significant. He notes that integrating the FUJIFILM GFX into the school’s studios has greatly improved workflow and ensured consistent delivery of professional-quality images by students. From his perspective as an experienced photographer, the GFX system offers not only reliability and joy in the creative process but also a critical competitive advantage for students as they transition into the professional world.
When Gear Inspires Growth: Technical and Artistic Benefits Combined
Throughout the academic year, the use of the FUJIFILM GFX50S II in conjunction with the Cambo system has yielded tangible benefits, both technically and artistically. Students working with the GFX50S II have been able to produce exceptionally detailed images, which has challenged them to refine their photographic precision and improve their post-production techniques.
The tethered shooting experience, particularly when paired with Capture One in still-life assignments, has streamlined studio workflows and enhanced efficiency. Despite its high-resolution output, the camera performs swiftly and reliably, making it suitable even for demanding high-volume projects such as fashion or commercial shoots.
The Cambo system has also played a key role in enhancing technical control and artistic expression. Students have learned to manipulate the tilt-shift functions using Live View, making fine adjustments that elevate the technical quality of their images while also encouraging creative freedom. In low-light conditions, the GFX50S II’s exceptional ISO performance—up to 1600 without significant noise—has enabled students to produce atmospheric images, including a series of candlelit photographs that became standout pieces in their final portfolios.
Beyond the technical advantages, this combination of tools fosters a deeper artistic engagement. Working with a technical camera system encourages students to approach photography with a sense of craftsmanship. The deliberate, thoughtful nature of using such equipment helps instill a large-format mindset—where composition, light, and form take precedence over digital corrections. As a result, students begin to create work that feels both timeless and contemporary, with a level of visual depth and nuance that standard digital cameras rarely offer.
More Than a Camera: Building a Culture of Excellence
This equipment upgrade is part of a broader vision to maintain Spéos’ reputation as a global leader in photographic education. The integration of the FUJIFILM GFX system strengthens the school’s position at the intersection of technical mastery and creative innovation. Beyond the classroom, this partnership extends into collaborative initiatives.
Fujifilm regularly engages with Spéos students through educational events, such as a product discovery session held in November 2024 at Quai de la Photo. During this half-day masterclass, students had the opportunity to interact with Fujifilm ambassadors, test equipment hands-on, and gain deeper insights into the GFX system through direct dialogue with brand experts.
Built for the Studio, Ready for the World
The GFX50S II has proven to be highly reliable in a demanding academic setting. Its robust, weather-resistant body is built to withstand frequent handling, transportation between classrooms and studios, and continuous use by students at varying levels of experience. Its ergonomic design and intuitive user interface make it accessible for beginners, while still offering the depth and sophistication expected by more advanced users.
Technically, the camera’s in-body image stabilization system has been a major asset, enabling students to capture sharp handheld images even during long exposure sessions or in low-light studio setups. The extended battery life supports long, uninterrupted shooting periods—an essential feature during workshops or intensive portfolio development sessions. Additionally, the consistent sensor performance and Fujifilm’s signature color science ensure dependable image quality across a wide range of assignments, from fine art and still life to fashion and documentary work.
A Creative Catalyst: The GFX as a Tool for Vision
Perhaps most importantly, the GFX system profoundly supports the creative process. Its large 51.4MP sensor offers exceptional dynamic range, subtle tonal gradation, and stunning micro-contrast, giving students the opportunity to create work with remarkable visual richness. This capability encourages them to slow down and become more intentional in their practice. Rather than relying solely on post-processing, students focus more on crafting each shot with precision—from lighting and set design to framing and composition.
In specialized modules like fashion and portraiture, the camera’s ability to render lifelike skin tones and intricate textures enables students to produce professional-quality images suitable for print, publication, or exhibition. This kind of hands-on experience not only enhances their technical confidence but also elevates the quality of their portfolios, providing a tangible advantage as they begin to enter the competitive photography industry.
Preparing Global Talent with the Right Tools
By adopting the GFX Series, Spéos reaffirms its identity as a future-focused institution that equips students with the tools and skills they need to meet the highest industry standards. Fujifilm’s global reputation for innovation and excellence lends additional prestige to the school’s curriculum. For students, learning on a system that is widely used by top-tier professionals offers a level of readiness and familiarity that will serve them well in both commercial and artistic career paths.
The GFX ecosystem also allows for a wide range of photographic disciplines—from macro and studio photography to landscape and architectural work—making it highly adaptable to the diverse curriculum of a photography school. This flexibility encourages students to explore multiple genres, while cultivating an aesthetic sensitivity and technical fluency that will define their visual identity as emerging professionals.
Conclusion: Crafting the Future of Photography, Together
The partnership between Spéos and Fujifilm illustrates the powerful impact of aligning educational ambition with technological excellence. By bringing the GFX50S II and Cambo system into its classrooms, Spéos offers students not only access to some of the best tools available in the industry, but also a framework to develop their craft with depth, precision, and purpose. Together, Spéos and Fujifilm are shaping a new generation of photographers—equipped, inspired, and ready to create.
