The Fujifilm GFX 50S II Body Hands-On Review

A gateway to large format photography that produces high-quality results.

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.

To Know:

Welcome to 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 wonderfully compact that it’s still similar in size to many full-frame cameras. At just 900g (1.98lb) and with a weather-resistant construction, it can certainly be taken everywhere, by creators all over the world. With an incredibly accurate autofocus system, in-body image stabilization that provides up to 6.5 stops stability for complete handheld freedom, and 19 Film Simulation modes – created using over 85 years of color science know-how – GFX50S II is sure to produce outstanding results for creatives of every level. Portable and powerful, with in-body image stabilization offering full creative freedom, it is perfect for any creator who demands the best.

What We Love:

Responsive Autofocus for Ultimate Creativity

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, which makes 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

Price: $3,999

Product Type: Mirrorless Large Format

Best For: Professional photographers needing that perfect camera for high-quality projects at a semi-affordable price point.

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 simply the way to go. Nothing compares the seemingly gorgeous quality of its images, and true-to-life tones. For mainly being a film photographer, I’ve made it clear to only use digital cameras when necessary, but have been completely inspired to pick up digital again after one afternoon with this beautiful baby. It’s utterly inspiring what visible differences I’ve discerned from this format from my full-sensor Canon 5DM4 DSLR. 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 to 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 key 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, taken 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 in tandem with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to provide up to 6.5 stops of handheld stability. This simply means the camera’s autofocusing performance will be up to the task when the creative senses are flowing.

Also — the “wow” factor is real when inputting a CineBloom filter on this mind-blowing sensor. Just take a peek at the images, including RAW comparison shots between the FujiFilm and my friend’s Nikon DSLR.

  • 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
Moment Fujifilm 600022313 GFX50 S II Body with FUJINON GF35 70mm F4 5 5 6 Lens Kit Thumbnail

Fujifilm

GFX 50S II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Looking for a Medium Format camera surpassing its counterparts? Fujifilm GFX 50S II has a sensor 17x bigger than the average and incredible image stabilization

Buy for $3,699.00

What It Has:

  • 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 It Does:

  • Feels incredibly good in the hands

  • Delivers images with minimal noise and an incredibly wide dynamic range

  • Offer 19 Fujifilm Simulations

  • Boasts a powerful X-Processor 4 imaging engine

  • features a redesigned in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that is 20% smaller, and 10% lighter, than the version found in GFX100

  • The camera body is finished with a top-plate LCD to display key settings, a redesigned focus lever, and a feather-touch shutter release to turn that familiar feeling into an intuitive image-making experience.

Specs:

  • Packaged Width - 11.3 inches

  • Packaged Height - 9.4 inches

  • Packaged Depth - 5.9 inches

  • Packaged Weight - 5.5 inches