The Fujifilm GFX 50S II Camera Hands-On Review
A gateway to large format photography that produces high-quality results for a fraction of competitors prices.
10MomentScore
An easy-to-use digital medium format camera boasting an extensive range of features, encouraging photographers of all levels to maximize creativity and produce results of exceptional quality. Truly an exceptional beast I've used every day since its debut. I'm serious — this camera made me fall in love with digital photography again.
To Know:
Though part of the esteemed GFX System, this gem doesn't just boast a massive 51.4 MP sensor that outshines standard full-frame sensors by about 1.7 times; it also astounds with its sleek design, mirroring the size of numerous full-frame counterparts. Tipping the scales at a mere 900g (1.98lb), its weather-proof build is a globetrotter's dream, promising reliability for creators on the go, anywhere across the globe. But that's not all; the GFX50S II doesn’t skimp on performance. Its razor-sharp autofocus is a game-changer, while the in-body stabilization smoothes out the shakes for up to 6.5 stops, unshackling you from the tripod and empowering handheld shots in even the trickiest situations. What's more, with 19 Film Simulation modes, all backed by over eight decades of color science expertise, it turns every shot into a masterpiece, catering to creatives at any skill level.
What We Love:
High-Speed Autofocus
Incredibly rapid autofocus for every creative need.
The Freedom to Create
A stellar IBIS system that’s lighter and more accessible for the working and traveling creative.
Reassuringly Familiar
Similar in size to other full-frame cameras, the ergonomically contoured handgrip and PASM dial - used to access the camera’s main exposure functions - feel wonderfully familiar and accessible.
The Details:
Brand: Fujifilm
Product Type: Mirrorless Large Format
Best For: Professional photographers needing that perfect camera for high-quality projects at a semi-affordable price point.
GFX 50S II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera - Body Only
Fujifilm
Step into the world of large format photography with GFX50S II, a GFX System camera that packs a 51.4 MP sensor that’s physically bigger than every full-frame sensor by approx. 1.7x, but so wonderfull...
Add for $3998
Where quality meets affordability, it’s the camera every professional photographer needs to get their hands on.
If you’re interested in shooting high-quality digital images, a large-format camera is the way to go. Nothing compares to the seemingly gorgeous quality of its images and true-to-life tones. As a film photographer, I’ve made it clear only to use digital cameras when necessary. However, I have been completely inspired to pick up digital again after one afternoon with this beautiful baby. What visible differences I’ve discerned from this format from my full-sensor Canon 5DM4 DSLR is utterly inspiring. While it’s increasingly apparent that the recycle time of continuous-shooting doesn't compete with my DSLR, that doesn’t steer a user away from its otherwise perfect specs.
Level up to Large Format GFX50S II offers the perfect mix of accessibility and flexibility. Pair it with the new GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR lens, and you’ll find a wonderfully affordable combination that delivers images from a 51.4-megapixel sensor, which makes it the perfect gateway to large format photography. Get outstanding results with professional features that include 19 of FujiFilm’s lovely Film Simulations, advanced autofocusing, and a vast range of exposure controls providing limitless opportunities for creativity.
GFX50S II features a redesigned in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the version found in GFX100. Despite this reduction in size and weight, it provides up to an impressive 6.5 stops of five-axis stabilization (based on CIPA standards), providing dramatically broad possibilities for image makers wanting to work more freely with slow shutter speeds. Even when light levels are low and a tripod isn’t available, steady images are on the horizon.
GFX50S II weighs just 900g (1.98lb) and is similar in size to many full-frame cameras, which makes the ergonomically contoured handgrip and PASM dial - used to access the camera’s main exposure functions - feel wonderfully familiar and accessible. A gorgeous blend of curves and edges, the camera body is finished with a top-plate LCD to display critical settings, a redesigned focus lever, and a feather-touch shutter release to turn that familiar feeling into an intuitive image-making experience.
Fast, reliable autofocus comes to GFX50S II thanks to a combination of advanced technologies and Fujifilm’s powerful X-Processor 4 imaging engine. Sensor readout speeds have been boosted from 130fps to 250fps compared to GFX50S, enabling razor-sharp responses – whether subject tracking or picking out a face in a crowd. An improved autofocusing algorithm from the latest FUJIFILM X Series and GFX System cameras boosts focusing performance in all modes, including face and eye detection. The AF system also brilliantly works with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to provide up to 6.5 stops of handheld stability. This means the camera’s autofocusing performance will be up to the task when the creative senses flow.
Also — the “wow” factor is real when inputting a CineBloom filter on this mind-blowing sensor. Just peek at the images, including RAW comparison shots between the FujiFilm and my friend’s Nikon DSLR.
Additional Features:
- 51.4 Megapixel Large Format CMOS Image Sensor
- X-Processor 4 Image Processor
- 3.0 Frames per second
- Updated Autofocus (AF) algorithm for optimized performance with G Mount lenses
- Up to 6.5 stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- Compact, weather-resistant body
What We Rate
- Skill Level
- Just getting started
- Understands manual settings
- Shoots regularly
- Professional
- Photo Quality
- Passable
- Pretty Good
- Really good
- Best Out There
- Video Quality
- Passable
- Pretty Good
- Really good
- Best Out There
- Auto Focus
- Always hunting
- It Works
- It Works Quickly
- Quick and Locked In
- Low Light
- Very noisy.
- Average
- Clean
- Crisp And Clean
- Battery Life
- Sucks
- Not bad
- Good
- Really Good
- Rugged Ability
- Leave it in the studio
- Daily Carry
- Traveler
- Mountain Goat
- Build Quality
- Cheap
- What You’d Expect
- Solid
- Top Of The Line
