I’m confused as to why people insist on treating this camera so badly. We know it’s not a video camera and we know we could just go buy a full frame body for mpx. There’s much more to medium format than that. The look of the images is the primary reason why people who buy a gfx do so. The dive of the sensor creates a field of view that full frame cameras just can’t match. I shoot an XT4 as my general purpose camera, and used to have a 50R for portraits and landscapes and loved it, I can’t wait to get my 50s2.
The people most critical of digital medium format, *have never actually shot it* The contrast AF is *just fine* for regular photography. I wouldn’t shoot F1 racing or birds in flight with my 50Sii, but for the typical photography of family/vacation/landscapes/etc… it’s *sooooo good* Especially now 2 years later, you can get a 50Sii lightly used for $2k or less, *no brainer*
My analysis is that these people just dont have proper background in analog photography. If you are used to shooting a mamiya 645 or mamiya 7 for the look and want to go digital, you don't complain about burst rates or slow autofocus, heck im shooting manual focus lenses on my camera. The entire point of medium format is the look and the SLOW shooting process that helps actual artists create better images. Slowing down the process of taking pictures is a good thing.
@@sdfghjkertyuiofghjk This - now a decade old - sensor isn't much bigger than a full frame sensor. It's more like a crop MF sensor. But I understand that he or she was coming from an XT4 APS-C camera, so I can see how it is a bigger jump. To many people, 6x4.5 shot on 120 film wasn't really much better in terms of detail than 135 film, so only 6x6, or 6x7/6x8/6x9 was really worth getting into if you wanted more detail. 6x4.5 did save money on 120 film, though. And this sensor is in between 6x4.5 film frame and full frame. "The medium format look" is the thing that many people drop, without pin pointing exactly what it is. Some bring up thinner depth of field because of the bigger sensor. Which is questionable, because unlike this sensor, you can use 0.95 glass at 50mm, 40mm or 35mm on full frame cameras. And probably some faster niche options. With MF glass, you're mostly stuck with smaller apertures, like F2 or F2.4. And a rare F1.7. Mitakon offers a 65mm F1.4 - something that Fuji should have offered early on. But it's manual focus, of course. You just need to let go of ego, nostalgia and emotions and just look at the specs. There is no magic, these digital MF cameras work by the same laws of physics. There use to be a time when digital backs were much better than the (then) crop digital cameras available and offering two or four times the resolution. But today, unless you go for the bigger 150MP Phase-on sensor who are actually 6x4.5 or actually shoot 6x7 or 6x9 on film in perfect conditions, this is not the case anymore. I can totally see how the color profile and color science in a camera or camera system is preferred over other brands, but film simulations can be found as presets for other brands as well. And color is subjective, as always. But the color profile has little to do with the sensor size. Some full frame vintage lenses, like Pentax 50mm F1.7 can cover the (slightly) bigger sensor of the Fuji GFX system and can give you really lovely looking images - if you can live with the softer corners. I was contemplating getting a Fuji GFX 50R for that reason, but after looking into it, I'm just going to keep my Laowa 35mm F0.95 on my Nikon Z 45MP full frame.
This camera is all for the image quality. 50mp on medium format is excellent for low light, and because it has no phase detect pixels, it will have better dynamic range without banding. And it has image stabilisation.
Chris and Jordan are legends, through and through. Love their thoughtful, honest, insightful reviews. But fellas, could we throw a person into a sample image section someday? We humble portrait photographers would welcome a handful of humans scattered in amongst all of the other lovely landscapes and urban scenes.
Not sure I agree with your conclusion. I don't shoot video so why pay for a camera that shoots 4K if I never use it. I don't shoot sports so not having phase detection is not an issue. I like shooting in a square format so cropping on a full frame camera would not give me as good an image. I don't need 100MP. This camera gives me the aspect ratios I'm looking for, sufficient MPs, great dynamic range, IBIS and the beautiful Fuji film simulations. File sizes are more manageable than the 100s so kinda sounds like the perfect camera for me!
Haha same! I'm shooting professionally on a 5 year old x-t10. I was very much looking forward to the announcement of this camera, as I had hoped to upgrade to it. Now I'm not so sure..
I understand it is not perfect, but the quality of the pictures is breathtaking. I think you are severe. There are probably cameras more suitable for photographing (and especially filming) stunts and sportsmen in action, but portraits and landscapes will be breathtaking with this camera..
Fuji made a very good call with GFX. They are selling the GFX100S faster than they can make them. Literally. It and the GFX100 basically have no real competition. Fuji owned the MF market and high MP pro body market for commercial and fine art type work over night. It was a brilliant move skipping the overcrowded FF market and going straight to MF. It's the same kind of genius, camera brand saving move, like Sony made when they ditched DSLRs/SLTs. Rather than fight a losing battle in a market Nikon and Canon control and dominate, Sony became the only option in the FF MILC market for YEARS other than an 8K Leica with no AF and even more expensive lenses. Fuji has done the same thing and basically have no real competition in the MF market. Fuji using their design and engineering experience from making tiny ASP-C MILC bodies to make MF MILCs with phase detect AF, IBIS, all the modren features, the size of and built like pro Nikon or Canon FF DSLRs for a much more reasonable price, was the most innovative and smart move the camera industry has seen since the original Sony FF MILCs.
Arff I was really intrigued by this one… but it’s not what I was hoping for. I think, as you said, that full frame is a better option. Or going full on and buy the 100s. Thanks for the great review.
"...coming in at 4 and a half Nocts, Fuji's new lens really lives up to the name - you'll feel like you're climbing a mountain anytime you're handling it"
Looking forward to the 90mm f0.95 Fuji Noct review: “…you’ll need a team of 4 to carry your lens bag and a reinforced video tripod to use this lens, seeing as it’s about as large as the legendary Sigma bazooka lens and around twice the girth and weight…”.
Yes I want a super ultra fast lens too! I do not care how much it will weigh. I used 6x9 medium format cameras and lenses and DO NOT CARE about weight. I say for anyone complaining about weight... GO WORK OUT lol. Hell I have handled a 4x5 view camera.. well just cause lol.
Well if you don't mind using Leica adaptor, you can use the the TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 for Leica M mount. Like most extreme lenses, it has field curvature and it gets worse on a bigger frame. And yes, it vignettes, but not mechanically and not too heavy, you can fix that in post. People sometimes overestimate how big these GFX sensors are. It's not a Phase One XF IQ4 sensor quite yet. Not even close to mini 120 on film, 6 x 4.5. So there are a lot of 35mm lenses that work. Mostly 50mm or longer, of course. Rarely wide angles. The Samyang XP 35mm f1.2 does, turns it into a 28mm F0.95.
Very tempted to get this one. I've always loved Fuji colors on my X Series cameras, but not necessarily in love with the X Trans Sensor or the APSC size for landscape. The tough call is that Full Frame at a lower price point is enough for 100% of people that don't make money off their gear, like me, and the high MP count FF cams do an excellent job. I have this on Pre-Order nevertheless, haha.
Great review in pointing out the flaws. My only question to Fuji Film is "Are they producing and marketing these Medium Format cameras as a camera street and action photographers can get into?" If that is the case, the heavy criticism in regards to the flaws (Slow Auto Focus, Slow Read, Only 3 Frames Per Second, Etc.) is well deserved. However, Being an Real Estate Photographer who is also looking to get into Product/Advertising Photography, and due my my full understanding of what Medium Format is for, I would certainly get this camera!
I'm going with a 👍 for what seems like a bottom line no B.S. review. After almost twenty-five years of continuous shooting I am thinking of doing a splurge from my 16 mp 4/3 system and fuji seems offer a lot but I really listened and appreciate your review. Now back to pretending I am an artist and that's why I need a Leica.
Thanks for an honest and informative review! So many reviews of this camera are by Fuji Fan boys or retailers hoping to sell it. I love Fuji and while this camera is not as wonderful as many reviewers are saying, it’s a budget medium format. We get what we pay for! You guys make reviews interesting that’s for sure!
Really nice to hear an objective review of new gear. This is why Chris, Jordan, and the DPR crew always get my view. Nice work, gentlemen... and one of the best cold opens in a while. Seriously funny stuff.
I have no doubt that your comments about the Fujufilm GFX are spot on. But your comparisons are to full frame cameras and respectfully as a medium format camera this is an entirely different tool used for different purposes. It's true that AF is not as snappy or burst rate not as good as on some full frame comeras but that is not a factor for the the way most purchasers intend to use the camera. A better comparison would be with other medium format cameras. I'm in the market for a new camera and I would not think to compare the GFX to an ASP-c or full frame camera, they don't compete in the same space.
Nice to see medium format getting some attention. The best hybrid camera system would be a medium format camera with a resolution of 8192x6144. 50MP stills, 8K video, fast sensor readout, and IBIS. It would be an absolute game-changer.
Great review. I agree also in 2021 having only contrast detect AF is not good, they should have updated that sensor to get better AF, but Im not sure you can compare pound for pound the megapixel count from this camera to the Sony 61 megapixel or others unless you also compare the clarity, colour and highlight roll off that bigger pixel cells can offer, thats just my pinch of salt.
I'd love to see a 50 megapixel-ish medium format with an upgraded sensor and processor to allow for a proportional upgrade in dynamic range over the latest full frame sensors, while also bringing it in line with even just the X-T2 or X-H1 in terms of readout and autofocus. It sucks that this is Fuji's answer to full frame cameras like the Z7 and A7R. The GFX50s ii straddles the line... It either needs to be $1k cheaper or be a significantly more competitive camera, even if the resolution doesn't change.
Not sure if my eyes are broken, but when I look at your studio comparison tool, the 50 S II image quality looks better than both the R5 and Z7II to my eyes. Better balanced colours, less noise and roughly the same detail as the Nikon. It beats the Canon on every metric. The only sensor that's better seems to be the GFX 100 S. Do we know what the colour bit depth is on this camera? is it 14 or 16 bit in RAW?
I agree the sensor should be "upgraded. However, for what it is, and the price, a 50MP "Medium" format sensor will get more detail and colors than a Full Frame 6MP sensor. There is somethign about the look of a full frame... It has a special depth, more colors.... so, I still think that this may be a better option for some people. My opinion, and I agree with the advantages of the FUll frame (and especially newer) sensors, however, there is a special look that you don't get with full frame and even a 50 MP medium format will give you that special look.
I had high hopes for this camera as 100 mpx ist just far too much and the 100S is too expensive for me. But the lack of phase detection autofocus puts this camera too much behind the competition in usability. I wish they would develop a new lower resolution medium format sensor, maybe stacked for fast readout to really put it on par to the full frame offerings on the market and make it usable for video too.
Hey Chris. Not sure if you've noticed yet...but most variable aperture lenses don't have aperture rings for obvious reasons. We probably cant expect it in the future and it will will only show up in fixed aperture lenses.
I had the same thoughts about a camera that’s more well rounded, but then this would be a perfect compliment to a camera like a D500, which would take care of situations requiring speed. This is like a “take out to enjoy photography” camera where speed isn’t an issue, given the size of the sensor and associated processing time compared to full or crop frames. I think I want it 😅
Disorientated? So Chris, if you take an Asian-American and spin them around really fast, do they become disoriented? - credit Stephen Wright. As always an honest and thought provoking preview.
I’m very curious about the real life AF performance compared with the original 50S/R. I’m interested in shooting environmental portraits and documentary work. If it can find faces in a room and focus on them I’m fine with that.
But as they say, why not buy an R5/A7RIV/Z7II then? You'll get MUCH better AF performance, video, and similar resolution anyway. I'm a Fuji user myself but objectively speaking I agree with DPR, this camera doesn't really have any place in this market when the ~50mp full frame bodies have much less compromises.
@@nikoolix I think for people who expect a camera to be a Swiss Army knife, you’re right. But, there are still many of us that buy cameras for specific purposes. My XT4 is my Swiss Army knife. My 50R was a specialty tool. My preordered 50s2 will take that place. I used to shoot Nikon full frame bodies, the still images really don’t compare.
@@AnastasTarpanov I think the ibis and newer processor is definitely an advantage. 50r’s are going really cheap in the Facebook markets though. I’ve seen a few at $2500.
Ok but noone uses a medium format camera for fast action shoots or street photography. It's a bit unfair to judge a camera based on criteria completely unrelated to what it's meant for, like AF speed or burst rate. Judge it based how good it is for landscape and portrait, that's what people use MF cameras for.
Its a landscape camera. Essentially..yes it can be used for many things but it's Essentially a tripod based camera with brilliant images. I think this would be fabulous for landscapes...and is it bad to have a landscape specialist camera.
You shouldn't even consider the GFX cameras for the sensor size. You buy it for the lenses. I've had the 50R for two years and I'm sooooo happy with the image quality. I never got the same "look", colors and bite, regardless of how expensive lenses I put on my previous (and current) FF cameras. And I even don't like the colors from the 100 mpix sensor as much, so to me, the 50S II seems absolutely perfect. I will upgrade only to get IBIS. Everything else is just bonuses but not necessary. I have zero interest in fast AF, eye AF, video, a zillion images per second, yada-yada. Now, if you want "everything" or if you can't decide what images you want to do, this is obviously not the camera for you. But if you're deep into realms of image quality beyond the (mostly irrelevant) number of pixels, it probably is.
I love Fuji, I’ll always love Fuji, but I just feel that the upgrades in 2021 are not up to par most notable the AF. The price reduction does soften the blow but it’s now firmly competing price wise against the R5. Yes it is medium format but there are so many other advantages the Canon has for the price that I don’t know if someone won’t buy the R5 for 8K, super fast autofocus, equal resolution, and more lense options, or spring the extra cash for the 100S.
@@andersistbesser no shit, my point is medium format is a niche that most people do not actually need or will notice any benefits from having. Hence if you’re looking at it from cost the R5 or A7RIV are way better value propositions compared to the GFX. That’s different when you look at the 100 and 100S, but those are more expensive. The people that actually need medium format will happily pay extra for that, whereas this option is meant to be somewhat attainable for an enthusiast, but simply doesn’t make sense in terms of bang for buck.
I would absolutely love for the size of the sensors to start getting bigger instead of just the resolution. Unfortunately this seems to be the biggest factor for increasing the production costs but I look forward to the days when digital sensors that are the size of 645 film aren't just from Phase One and Hasselblad and cost $40K
I don’t think that’s gonna happen. 100x as many people buying 40K cameras are needed for cost reductions to take place… And even then there’s the reality of silicon, in that big chips use a lot of wafer, and wafers tend to have faults in them, so the yields are abysmal. Maybe Canon could use their current 26MP chip (on the 6DII and RP) scaled up to something like 100MP, since that process seems to be all but mastered now. But the readout speeds on that would be dismal, it wouldn’t pack the DR punch that people expect today, and Canon have zero interest in MF anyway.
Interesting how the same things that were written about medium format in film days seem to be true about digital medium format. The results can be tantalizingly good, but the downsides are really bitter pills to swallow. Really big prices for really big chunks of gear. Back in the 60’s you’d hear photographers say they took that pic with their “little 35.” Nowadays that camera is called “full frame,” but not too long ago 35mm was small. And small was the reason 35mm slr’s took over in the 70’s and 80’s. The trade off- less resolution for smaller and lighter gear- was one that most photographers felt was a fair one. But oh, that medium format is soooo tempting!
Yes, the FF may have all the bells and whistles at $4,000 price point but if you want a medium format look, then obviously the 50SII is the only choice in this price range.
This product is all about building a market. Fujifilm wants to prove to themselves that if they release a sub $5k medium format camera that it will sell very well. In order to do this without taking a bunch of risk though, they needed to saddle it the older sensor and reuse the GFX100s body, both as cost cutting measures not to just bring to price down, but to make sure that if their experiment fails, the financial damage is manageable. The real breakthrough in my opinion will be the GFX 50S III if this 50S II is successful where they can start actually designing a product that isn't reliant on parts already made and hopefully by then the 100mpx sensor in the GFX 100 series comes down in cost as well.
Having a 50S myself I can say the 100S is so worth it! I did not care about sensor size myself. I do care about the excellent autofocus and the dynamic range. The detail and the images do look a step above the 50S and since its a larger sensor you do not have anymore moiré. I shoot products and do not get moiré in my shots anymore. I think its worth the extra 2000 even if you do not need the extra megapixels. I would at least rent a 100S before you make up your mind. I just do not think this camera is real upgrade since it is the same old sensor.
Great review. Would have liked more comparisons to the original 50 and the 50R especially that ending maybe explain why you like it so much better than the 50R
Watched the vid. Nearly spat my breakfast out when "affordable price" was mentioned. My combined camera collection is 1/2 that price...lol I think I just stay with my old cameras and camcorders. I though the video looked fine! I do like the Fuji look!
Question for anyone with thoughts on this. I'm coming from a background as a film MF shooter. So I have plenty of glass I can throw in front of this body with an adapter. Being from the manual focus film world AF speed isn't something I've been spoiled with or really need for what I shoot. This camera (or something similar) seems like a great way for me to eventually switch to digital medium format no?
If you have the cash just do like he says - leapfrog to the 100s. I think this camera is a bit pointless. If I wanted around 50mp I’d buy a Nikon Z7II. I own a Z7 and a 100s. I would take the Z7 anytime over a 50s, for the ergos alone, not to mention the added bonus of excellent video should you feel the need.
@Diego Palma I was planning on upgrading from the Z7 to the Z7II till the 100s came out. But tbh, I think the only thing better is the 100mp sensor, it’s low noise at high ISO’s is outstanding. Ergonomics on the Z cameras are near perfect. I don’t get on with the Fuji as well, but mostly this is to do with the position of the AF on button as I always use back button focus. The exposure compensation button is weird and small too. Generally button feel, height and tactility is much better on the Nikons. I’m not sure of specifics on the Z7II, but coming from the Z7 to the Fuji what I love is the ability to dial in longer shutter speeds passed 30 secs without having to resort to Time or Bulb mode. But I have a feeling the Z7II has addressed this… worth checking if it matters to you. Bear in mind the Fuji and the GF lenses are way heavier than Nikon’s Z lineup, plus the video is no way near as good as the Z7II. I also don’t really get why everyone goes mad for Fuji colour science and their film simulations 🤷♂️ I always use ‘natural live view’ to get rid of the weird Fuji colour on the screen and evf 😆 and only ever shoot RAW. I preferred Nikon’s profiles if I’m honest. But like I say, if you shoot RAW it doesn’t make a lot of difference. Fuji’s evf feels like a step down from my Nikon, but I’ve got used to it and it does the job fine. I have to say, if somehow Nikon could put a MF sensor in a Z7II body I’d buy it over the Fuji 100s, but what Fuji have done with this camera is amazing. If you really need resolution (I need it for very large, detailed fine art prints) then 100mpx is the way to go, if you need a solid, light, brilliant ergos, great video, superb allrounder, Z7 II is hard to beat.
@@caerphoto I think he means frame jitter. Which should be less of an issue if the new processor is doing its thing in the final release of the camera.
Some great points about the auto focus system however when it comes to megapixels the quality from a larger sensor even with lower pixel count will be nicer then a smaller sensor camera
It gives best 14bit raw files like nearly all full frame cameras while the medium format 100MP fujifilm GFX 100 gives 16bit raw. There is a huge difference with the processing of highlights and shadows between 16bit raw and 14bit raw photos. Digital medium format camera are mostly better for the 16bit raw files instead of the common full frame 14bit raw files.
One thing you guys forgot: the 16 bit raw files of GFX and the ludicrous amount of details in the shadows those files have. Already with the GFX50S you just expose correctly to the highlights, avoid blown ones and with Capture One you simply slide an image out of the shadows. I agree, a newer sensor would have been awesome, honestly I’m missing more the 2-way flip screen, flipping also cam being in portrait position like on my X-T3.
@@dpreview afai can remember, the original promo video of Fujifilm GFX 50S was talking of 16 bit raw files. But probably I can’t remember correctly, thanks for correcting. I just can’t find it no longer (the video) and I have no clue how to check that in my 50S raw files. Any hint how it can be done by myself is appreciated. Besides: That 2 bits make a huge difference and is the opposite of negligible. 2^14 = 16384 different information each pixel can carry, 2^16 = 65536, that’s 4 x more. That’s also why you can count with your fingers using the base of 10 only from 1 to 10 and using the base of 2 from 1 to 1024, because 2^10 = 1024.
You guys forgot about the real great things that put this camera miles ahead a Sony a7r IV, like low light performance and colors. Those sony colors (i own one) are a joke compared to this MF Fuji sensor, high ISO noise as well
Super honest and incredibly useful review (coming from a 50R shooter). I'd really hoped Fuji had upgraded the 50MP sensor for this camera. Ibis is great but what I could really use is better AF and viewfinder response in low light. Definitely don't need 100MP file sizes. Pity.
Having a 50S myself I can say the 100S is so worth it! I did not care about sensor size myself. I do care about the excellent autofocus and the dynamic range. The detail and the images do look a step above the 50S and since its a larger sensor you do not have anymore moiré. I shoot products and do not get moiré in my shots anymore. I think its worth the extra 2000 even if you do not need the extra megapixels. I would at least rent a 100S before you make up your mind. I just do not think this camera is real upgrade since it is the same old sensor.
I plan to use adapted Zeiss ZE lenses. How does this compare to the canon R5 or Leica SL2 in terms of sharpness and color rendering? Anyone? I’ve sort of had a Jones for the Hasselblad x1d2, but without image stabilization, I don’t feel it’s as good as this Fuji.
What does 35mm crop mode do on a native GFX lens? Say you had the 80mm F/1.7 which works out to be a 63mm F/1.3 in full frame terms. Does that 35mm crop mode turn the lens into a true 80mm F/1.7?
Thanks again for a terrific review. This channel is compulsory viewing in my opinion. You both manage to entertain while informing and that is no easy task. I would not worry about your language use too much: I was not disorientationed in the least. ;-))
I understand that it’s “only” a 50MP camera, but you also have to put things into context. APS-C sensor with 24MP is still an APS-C sensor. Having shot Panasonic’s 20MP, Fuji’s 24-26MP, and Sony’s 24MP, you can clearly see that the Full Frame sensor performs better than the APS-C one, and the Micro Four Thirds one. The megapixel count is not everything. All else being equal, a larger sensor will always give you a distinct look, and more depth. And that’s why people looking into Medium Format are not just going to go for a Full Frame, even if the megapixels are essentially the same.
Agreed. The issue is that the technology in this sensor is very old. A modern 44X33 will outperform a modern full frame sensor, as we saw with the GFX100/100S. However, when comparing a seven year old 44X33 sensor to a modern BSI full frame sensor, the gap closes considerably.
Hey, @@thatjordandrake! I agree with your assessment as well. It all boils down to your use case scenario. More to the point, if your line of work requires hybrid shooting or if you’re shooting in a fast-paced environment then this camera is clearly not going to cut it for that type of work. For portraits, still life, architecture or even landscape, the GFX50S II is going to perform at the level you would expect. Its major flaw is its lack of PDAF, but with all the new enhancements, algorithms, and new film simulations, it’s going to be hard to beat at that new lower price point. And like Chris said, if you’re looking for a 50MP Medium Format camera then this will be the best option out of the bunch, even if the sensor is quite dated at this point.
Nice video as always. Great point with CDAF and the now old sensor. Neat idea but man, I just can't see this over an R5 or Z7 (even original) or the Sony R family.
I personally wish for a stills only camera w/o all the extra buttons and menus for videos. And I much prefer the ergonomics of Fuji over the other brands. Not everyone is a social geared looking for all the bells and whistles.
Just went back to nikon after ten years with Fuji X. I was waiting to get the Z7II to see if this new GFX would be a better choice in the 45-50mp range, it looks like I'll continue on with the Z system for now. Yes the GFX sensor is 1.5x of the FF sensor but it's only 1.5x of the FF sensor. If I decide to move into DMF I think I would rather at this point get a used H4D60 for significant larger sensor size over the GFX and 1.75x over FF
@@nowisthetime6093 or the FF is 0.79 of the GFX if you want to be exact, true... The point I was making is that coming from shooting analog 6x6, 6x7 as my MF of choice in the past (and present) the GFX is not that huge of a difference, which is why for digital I would rather go for the sensor backs of the H4, H5 which is 0.64 of a FF sensor, significantly different as far as imaging characteristics and DR. You get more of that "medium format look" where the crop MF of the GFX is just giving you a teaser of that. Don't get me wrong, I love what the GFX line is doing but to me it's merely a VERY Good FF sensor with a slight coverage boost compared to the larger Hassy and PhaseOne sensor sizes... however nothing beats my 6x6, 6x7 for portraits especially with extension rings, but the drawback is all that time processing I have to do for one good photo.
I wouldn’t give up my sony a7riv with my 100 to 400 G master. I love this combination. If i need more reach i just go into apsc mode and still have 26mp.
Ok. I don't expect this body to be as good as my Canon R5 with AF(particulary EYE af), but is it at least accurate with its AF on a slowly moving model?
Here’s my question that no one is addressing. I moved over from SONY A7RIV and A7Siii to FUJi XH2 (photography) & XH2S (video and faster shooting). What I’m curious about is interest in the detail within medium format. Is the XH2 a worthy competitor to 50S (photography) only. And how much better is the 100s than 50Sii and XH2? Do I wait to move to Medium Format? Don’t care about video. I have XH2s and Pocket 3 and even Insta 360 1” and GoPro11. Last option is just dumping both Fuji’s and lenses for a 100sii? F’n confusing!
This was not a fair review. It compared the price and size of an entry-level MF camera to flagship FF cameras. "FF is good enough for most viewers." Sure, but so are APSC and m43. I would prefer to hear about when and why we should prefer MF (and when not), and whether this camera delivers on those reasons. Nobody buys MF to save money and weight.
True, that's why I love my X-T4. If I would have use cases for a larger sensor (low light capabilities, dynamic range, ...?), I would skip FF and go medium format. My ideal camera would than probably be a GFX 100 S with a retro UI like the X-T4.
just as I thought so, this is a great cam - but IBIS is not enough, and old sensor next to as mentioned in vid Z7II or A7R4 is not so impressive anymore. And lenses are still great but very fast AF ones are ... well where are they?
Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)
I’m confused as to why people insist on treating this camera so badly. We know it’s not a video camera and we know we could just go buy a full frame body for mpx. There’s much more to medium format than that. The look of the images is the primary reason why people who buy a gfx do so. The dive of the sensor creates a field of view that full frame cameras just can’t match. I shoot an XT4 as my general purpose camera, and used to have a 50R for portraits and landscapes and loved it, I can’t wait to get my 50s2.
what about af?
This. That MF can't be obtain with full frame.
The people most critical of digital medium format, *have never actually shot it*
The contrast AF is *just fine* for regular photography. I wouldn’t shoot F1 racing or birds in flight with my 50Sii, but for the typical photography of family/vacation/landscapes/etc… it’s *sooooo good*
Especially now 2 years later, you can get a 50Sii lightly used for $2k or less, *no brainer*
My analysis is that these people just dont have proper background in analog photography. If you are used to shooting a mamiya 645 or mamiya 7 for the look and want to go digital, you don't complain about burst rates or slow autofocus, heck im shooting manual focus lenses on my camera. The entire point of medium format is the look and the SLOW shooting process that helps actual artists create better images. Slowing down the process of taking pictures is a good thing.
@@sdfghjkertyuiofghjk This - now a decade old - sensor isn't much bigger than a full frame sensor. It's more like a crop MF sensor. But I understand that he or she was coming from an XT4 APS-C camera, so I can see how it is a bigger jump. To many people, 6x4.5 shot on 120 film wasn't really much better in terms of detail than 135 film, so only 6x6, or 6x7/6x8/6x9 was really worth getting into if you wanted more detail. 6x4.5 did save money on 120 film, though. And this sensor is in between 6x4.5 film frame and full frame.
"The medium format look" is the thing that many people drop, without pin pointing exactly what it is. Some bring up thinner depth of field because of the bigger sensor. Which is questionable, because unlike this sensor, you can use 0.95 glass at 50mm, 40mm or 35mm on full frame cameras. And probably some faster niche options. With MF glass, you're mostly stuck with smaller apertures, like F2 or F2.4. And a rare F1.7. Mitakon offers a 65mm F1.4 - something that Fuji should have offered early on. But it's manual focus, of course. You just need to let go of ego, nostalgia and emotions and just look at the specs. There is no magic, these digital MF cameras work by the same laws of physics. There use to be a time when digital backs were much better than the (then) crop digital cameras available and offering two or four times the resolution. But today, unless you go for the bigger 150MP Phase-on sensor who are actually 6x4.5 or actually shoot 6x7 or 6x9 on film in perfect conditions, this is not the case anymore.
I can totally see how the color profile and color science in a camera or camera system is preferred over other brands, but film simulations can be found as presets for other brands as well. And color is subjective, as always. But the color profile has little to do with the sensor size.
Some full frame vintage lenses, like Pentax 50mm F1.7 can cover the (slightly) bigger sensor of the Fuji GFX system and can give you really lovely looking images - if you can live with the softer corners. I was contemplating getting a Fuji GFX 50R for that reason, but after looking into it, I'm just going to keep my Laowa 35mm F0.95 on my Nikon Z 45MP full frame.
This camera is all for the image quality. 50mp on medium format is excellent for low light, and because it has no phase detect pixels, it will have better dynamic range without banding. And it has image stabilisation.
Chris and Jordan are legends, through and through. Love their thoughtful, honest, insightful reviews. But fellas, could we throw a person into a sample image section someday? We humble portrait photographers would welcome a handful of humans scattered in amongst all of the other lovely landscapes and urban scenes.
I know that because Chris and Jordan told me.
Im still impressed and very happy, that fuji still produces new medium format digital cameras and didnt just ditch the whole series
Not sure I agree with your conclusion. I don't shoot video so why pay for a camera that shoots 4K if I never use it. I don't shoot sports so not having phase detection is not an issue. I like shooting in a square format so cropping on a full frame camera would not give me as good an image. I don't need 100MP. This camera gives me the aspect ratios I'm looking for, sufficient MPs, great dynamic range, IBIS and the beautiful Fuji film simulations. File sizes are more manageable than the 100s so kinda sounds like the perfect camera for me!
Historically speaking, for roman emperors, roman numbers after names have to be read like "GFX 50S THE SECOND" or GFX 50S secundus
secundus sounds good!
Chris: 51 mp is plenty for most people.
Me with my 16mp camera: o_O
haha same here, rocking my D4 still
Haha same! I'm shooting professionally on a 5 year old x-t10.
I was very much looking forward to the announcement of this camera, as I had hoped to upgrade to it. Now I'm not so sure..
Ahaha. Same here. 16 MP is plenty for me. I wouldn't complain about 24 MP but so I need them? No...
Yep, still rockin' the 16mp Nikon Df
Been hearing that since 4 MP.
I understand it is not perfect, but the quality of the pictures is breathtaking. I think you are severe. There are probably cameras more suitable for photographing (and especially filming) stunts and sportsmen in action, but portraits and landscapes will be breathtaking with this camera..
Chris is just pissed off because it’s not got the side hinged flippy flappy screen.
Fuji made a very good call with GFX. They are selling the GFX100S faster than they can make them. Literally. It and the GFX100 basically have no real competition. Fuji owned the MF market and high MP pro body market for commercial and fine art type work over night. It was a brilliant move skipping the overcrowded FF market and going straight to MF. It's the same kind of genius, camera brand saving move, like Sony made when they ditched DSLRs/SLTs. Rather than fight a losing battle in a market Nikon and Canon control and dominate, Sony became the only option in the FF MILC market for YEARS other than an 8K Leica with no AF and even more expensive lenses. Fuji has done the same thing and basically have no real competition in the MF market. Fuji using their design and engineering experience from making tiny ASP-C MILC bodies to make MF MILCs with phase detect AF, IBIS, all the modren features, the size of and built like pro Nikon or Canon FF DSLRs for a much more reasonable price, was the most innovative and smart move the camera industry has seen since the original Sony FF MILCs.
Medium format digital is getting really tempting nowadays
Arff I was really intrigued by this one… but it’s not what I was hoping for. I think, as you said, that full frame is a better option. Or going full on and buy the 100s. Thanks for the great review.
The only reason I haven't jumped on board the Fuji MF train is that they don't have an f0.95 prime the size of an oil barrel yet.
"...coming in at 4 and a half Nocts, Fuji's new lens really lives up to the name - you'll feel like you're climbing a mountain anytime you're handling it"
Looking forward to the 90mm f0.95 Fuji Noct review: “…you’ll need a team of 4 to carry your lens bag and a reinforced video tripod to use this lens, seeing as it’s about as large as the legendary Sigma bazooka lens and around twice the girth and weight…”.
Yes I want a super ultra fast lens too! I do not care how much it will weigh. I used 6x9 medium format cameras and lenses and DO NOT CARE about weight. I say for anyone complaining about weight... GO WORK OUT lol. Hell I have handled a 4x5 view camera.. well just cause lol.
Well if you don't mind using Leica adaptor, you can use the the TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 for Leica M mount. Like most extreme lenses, it has field curvature and it gets worse on a bigger frame. And yes, it vignettes, but not mechanically and not too heavy, you can fix that in post. People sometimes overestimate how big these GFX sensors are. It's not a Phase One XF IQ4 sensor quite yet. Not even close to mini 120 on film, 6 x 4.5. So there are a lot of 35mm lenses that work. Mostly 50mm or longer, of course. Rarely wide angles. The Samyang XP 35mm f1.2 does, turns it into a 28mm F0.95.
GFX for photos: More than full frame.
GFX for video: Almost as good as your phone.
GFX 50SII. Not the whole GFX line.
Discombobulating
But the toneh!
Need more training on super monkey strenght
yes Sir!
Very tempted to get this one. I've always loved Fuji colors on my X Series cameras, but not necessarily in love with the X Trans Sensor or the APSC size for landscape. The tough call is that Full Frame at a lower price point is enough for 100% of people that don't make money off their gear, like me, and the high MP count FF cams do an excellent job. I have this on Pre-Order nevertheless, haha.
Cobalt Profiles
Great review in pointing out the flaws. My only question to Fuji Film is "Are they producing and marketing these Medium Format cameras as a camera street and action photographers can get into?" If that is the case, the heavy criticism in regards to the flaws (Slow Auto Focus, Slow Read, Only 3 Frames Per Second, Etc.) is well deserved. However, Being an Real Estate Photographer who is also looking to get into Product/Advertising Photography, and due my my full understanding of what Medium Format is for, I would certainly get this camera!
The intros everytime🤣
Hey, you're illiterate!
I'm going with a 👍 for what seems like a bottom line no B.S. review. After almost twenty-five years of continuous shooting I am thinking of doing a splurge from my 16 mp 4/3 system and fuji seems offer a lot but I really listened and appreciate your review. Now back to pretending I am an artist and that's why I need a Leica.
Thanks for an honest and informative review!
So many reviews of this camera are by Fuji Fan boys or retailers hoping to sell it. I love Fuji and while this camera is not as wonderful as many reviewers are saying, it’s a budget medium format. We get what we pay for! You guys make reviews interesting that’s for sure!
Really nice to hear an objective review of new gear. This is why Chris, Jordan, and the DPR crew always get my view. Nice work, gentlemen... and one of the best cold opens in a while. Seriously funny stuff.
I have no doubt that your comments about the Fujufilm GFX are spot on. But your comparisons are to full frame cameras and respectfully as a medium format camera this is an entirely different tool used for different purposes. It's true that AF is not as snappy or burst rate not as good as on some full frame comeras but that is not a factor for the the way most purchasers intend to use the camera. A better comparison would be with other medium format cameras. I'm in the market for a new camera and I would not think to compare the GFX to an ASP-c or full frame camera, they don't compete in the same space.
For landscape or portrait photographer, I think this should be first choice over full frame.
Why not full frame as Chris said the dynamic range of Z9 is matching and high res too
@@johnnychin4777 Sure but for the MF look you still need a large sensor in size, regardless.
@@johnnychin4777 the Z9 costs over $2000 more than the GFX 50S II
Nice to see medium format getting some attention.
The best hybrid camera system would be a medium format camera with a resolution of 8192x6144. 50MP stills, 8K video, fast sensor readout, and IBIS. It would be an absolute game-changer.
Great review. I agree also in 2021 having only contrast detect AF is not good, they should have updated that sensor to get better AF, but Im not sure you can compare pound for pound the megapixel count from this camera to the Sony 61 megapixel or others unless you also compare the clarity, colour and highlight roll off that bigger pixel cells can offer, thats just my pinch of salt.
Good to see you guys rewiewing an actual camera again. It's been a while. :)
Your skits never fail to make me genuinely laugh out loud. Keep up the funny and informative reviews.
As an owner of the 50r and 100s I disagree with your sensor assessment. I still love your reviews though. Thanks.
I guess the guys upgrading from analog medium format will be hyped about the buffer lasting 8 shots.
I'd love to see a 50 megapixel-ish medium format with an upgraded sensor and processor to allow for a proportional upgrade in dynamic range over the latest full frame sensors, while also bringing it in line with even just the X-T2 or X-H1 in terms of readout and autofocus. It sucks that this is Fuji's answer to full frame cameras like the Z7 and A7R. The GFX50s ii straddles the line... It either needs to be $1k cheaper or be a significantly more competitive camera, even if the resolution doesn't change.
I know it's 2k more but if u r spending 4k already, just save up for the 100s, that thing is a beast
Not sure if my eyes are broken, but when I look at your studio comparison tool, the 50 S II image quality looks better than both the R5 and Z7II to my eyes. Better balanced colours, less noise and roughly the same detail as the Nikon. It beats the Canon on every metric. The only sensor that's better seems to be the GFX 100 S. Do we know what the colour bit depth is on this camera? is it 14 or 16 bit in RAW?
I'm already in love with this camera for what it's going to do to the resale price on the 50R!
I agree the sensor should be "upgraded. However, for what it is, and the price, a 50MP "Medium" format sensor will get more detail and colors than a Full Frame 6MP sensor. There is somethign about the look of a full frame... It has a special depth, more colors.... so, I still think that this may be a better option for some people. My opinion, and I agree with the advantages of the FUll frame (and especially newer) sensors, however, there is a special look that you don't get with full frame and even a 50 MP medium format will give you that special look.
I’m a Fuji guy, and I’d love the 100S, but between this and the Sony? The Sony wins for a photo/video hybrid for sure
if you dont need Video/Fast AF but best IQ the Fuji is the way to go
Which Sony?
to be fair a high end Smart Phone is good for Photo and video too lol , but for some of us who like Landscape stuff this is tempting.
I had high hopes for this camera as 100 mpx ist just far too much and the 100S is too expensive for me. But the lack of phase detection autofocus puts this camera too much behind the competition in usability. I wish they would develop a new lower resolution medium format sensor, maybe stacked for fast readout to really put it on par to the full frame offerings on the market and make it usable for video too.
Isn't the Fujifilm Gfx 50 II better for portrait shots than the sony Alpha 1 or canon R5?
I'm considering buying a Fujifilm gfx 50 S II for portraits
Hey Chris. Not sure if you've noticed yet...but most variable aperture lenses don't have aperture rings for obvious reasons. We probably cant expect it in the future and it will will only show up in fixed aperture lenses.
They can have it with endless turn and without aperture marks, as the XF 18-55 does.
Yeah, thats true. I was thinking he said marked aperture rings, not a regular ring
Just LOVE you guys!
I had the same thoughts about a camera that’s more well rounded, but then this would be a perfect compliment to a camera like a D500, which would take care of situations requiring speed. This is like a “take out to enjoy photography” camera where speed isn’t an issue, given the size of the sensor and associated processing time compared to full or crop frames. I think I want it 😅
Disorientated?
So Chris, if you take an Asian-American and spin them around really fast, do they become disoriented? - credit Stephen Wright.
As always an honest and thought provoking preview.
I’m very curious about the real life AF performance compared with the original 50S/R. I’m interested in shooting environmental portraits and documentary work. If it can find faces in a room and focus on them I’m fine with that.
But as they say, why not buy an R5/A7RIV/Z7II then? You'll get MUCH better AF performance, video, and similar resolution anyway. I'm a Fuji user myself but objectively speaking I agree with DPR, this camera doesn't really have any place in this market when the ~50mp full frame bodies have much less compromises.
The 50R would do that. I used it a lot for studio work.
@@nikoolix I think for people who expect a camera to be a Swiss Army knife, you’re right. But, there are still many of us that buy cameras for specific purposes. My XT4 is my Swiss Army knife. My 50R was a specialty tool. My preordered 50s2 will take that place. I used to shoot Nikon full frame bodies, the still images really don’t compare.
@@singletrack29349 yeah, I was thinking about the 50R a lot, but now with the 100S or 50S II I like the body design more.
@@AnastasTarpanov I think the ibis and newer processor is definitely an advantage. 50r’s are going really cheap in the Facebook markets though. I’ve seen a few at $2500.
You guys are GREAT!!!!!!! Loving your humor!! And....I love the GFX 100s!!! Hope to buy one soon!
Kind regards, Vincent Pothuizen.
Ok but noone uses a medium format camera for fast action shoots or street photography. It's a bit unfair to judge a camera based on criteria completely unrelated to what it's meant for, like AF speed or burst rate. Judge it based how good it is for landscape and portrait, that's what people use MF cameras for.
Loved the humor shot in this video. Great job as always.
Its a landscape camera. Essentially..yes it can be used for many things but it's Essentially a tripod based camera with brilliant images. I think this would be fabulous for landscapes...and is it bad to have a landscape specialist camera.
You shouldn't even consider the GFX cameras for the sensor size. You buy it for the lenses. I've had the 50R for two years and I'm sooooo happy with the image quality. I never got the same "look", colors and bite, regardless of how expensive lenses I put on my previous (and current) FF cameras. And I even don't like the colors from the 100 mpix sensor as much, so to me, the 50S II seems absolutely perfect. I will upgrade only to get IBIS. Everything else is just bonuses but not necessary. I have zero interest in fast AF, eye AF, video, a zillion images per second, yada-yada.
Now, if you want "everything" or if you can't decide what images you want to do, this is obviously not the camera for you. But if you're deep into realms of image quality beyond the (mostly irrelevant) number of pixels, it probably is.
That intro was fantastic! :)
Yeah whatever. I love it and love its pictures. It got me back enjoying making images so to me that's key.
I love Fuji, I’ll always love Fuji, but I just feel that the upgrades in 2021 are not up to par most notable the AF. The price reduction does soften the blow but it’s now firmly competing price wise against the R5. Yes it is medium format but there are so many other advantages the Canon has for the price that I don’t know if someone won’t buy the R5 for 8K, super fast autofocus, equal resolution, and more lense options, or spring the extra cash for the 100S.
If you want medium format you dont buy a canon.
@@andersistbesser no shit, my point is medium format is a niche that most people do not actually need or will notice any benefits from having. Hence if you’re looking at it from cost the R5 or A7RIV are way better value propositions compared to the GFX. That’s different when you look at the 100 and 100S, but those are more expensive. The people that actually need medium format will happily pay extra for that, whereas this option is meant to be somewhat attainable for an enthusiast, but simply doesn’t make sense in terms of bang for buck.
I would absolutely love for the size of the sensors to start getting bigger instead of just the resolution. Unfortunately this seems to be the biggest factor for increasing the production costs but I look forward to the days when digital sensors that are the size of 645 film aren't just from Phase One and Hasselblad and cost $40K
It's not going to happen. Full frame is likely going to be the most popular and the "standard" forever.
A brand can't just gradually increase the sensor size, because the lens lineup is designed for one size.
I don’t think that’s gonna happen. 100x as many people buying 40K cameras are needed for cost reductions to take place… And even then there’s the reality of silicon, in that big chips use a lot of wafer, and wafers tend to have faults in them, so the yields are abysmal.
Maybe Canon could use their current 26MP chip (on the 6DII and RP) scaled up to something like 100MP, since that process seems to be all but mastered now. But the readout speeds on that would be dismal, it wouldn’t pack the DR punch that people expect today, and Canon have zero interest in MF anyway.
The 35-70mm is equivalent to 27.4-54.7mm
Man that intro, loving it!
Interesting how the same things that were written about medium format in film days seem to be true about digital medium format. The results can be tantalizingly good, but the downsides are really bitter pills to swallow. Really big prices for really big chunks of gear. Back in the 60’s you’d hear photographers say they took that pic with their “little 35.” Nowadays that camera is called “full frame,” but not too long ago 35mm was small. And small was the reason 35mm slr’s took over in the 70’s and 80’s. The trade off- less resolution for smaller and lighter gear- was one that most photographers felt was a fair one. But oh, that medium format is soooo tempting!
Yes, the FF may have all the bells and whistles at $4,000 price point but if you want a medium format look, then obviously the 50SII is the only choice in this price range.
What is medium format look? The equivalent F stop is slower the FF lens, some going to f.95
@@yoyiyoyi7216 So it's all about the F stop? If you know the difference between an APS-C and an FF then you'll know it's not all about the aperture.
This product is all about building a market. Fujifilm wants to prove to themselves that if they release a sub $5k medium format camera that it will sell very well. In order to do this without taking a bunch of risk though, they needed to saddle it the older sensor and reuse the GFX100s body, both as cost cutting measures not to just bring to price down, but to make sure that if their experiment fails, the financial damage is manageable. The real breakthrough in my opinion will be the GFX 50S III if this 50S II is successful where they can start actually designing a product that isn't reliant on parts already made and hopefully by then the 100mpx sensor in the GFX 100 series comes down in cost as well.
Wow! Right after the official announcement.
As a 50R user, I’d look for faster AF as the main reason to upgrade. I don’t really need 100MP, so performance is really the thing to have.
Having a 50S myself I can say the 100S is so worth it! I did not care about sensor size myself. I do care about the excellent autofocus and the dynamic range. The detail and the images do look a step above the 50S and since its a larger sensor you do not have anymore moiré. I shoot products and do not get moiré in my shots anymore. I think its worth the extra 2000 even if you do not need the extra megapixels. I would at least rent a 100S before you make up your mind. I just do not think this camera is real upgrade since it is the same old sensor.
Hey thanks for the awesome review. Can you guys suggest a tripod for this camera?
Looks like this would have been an incredible camera about 8 years ago. Thanks for another fantastic video
Great review. Would have liked more comparisons to the original 50 and the 50R especially that ending maybe explain why you like it so much better than the 50R
A perfect portrait camera in my opinion.
I can’t wait to see how small they can make the 50r ii 😱
You cannot make the sensor smaller!
@@FlatulEssence im talking about the camera body lol
Watched the vid. Nearly spat my breakfast out when "affordable price" was mentioned. My combined camera collection is 1/2 that price...lol I think I just stay with my old cameras and camcorders. I though the video looked fine! I do like the Fuji look!
yeah don't check the prices for the other branded medium format
Question for anyone with thoughts on this. I'm coming from a background as a film MF shooter. So I have plenty of glass I can throw in front of this body with an adapter. Being from the manual focus film world AF speed isn't something I've been spoiled with or really need for what I shoot. This camera (or something similar) seems like a great way for me to eventually switch to digital medium format no?
If you have the cash just do like he says - leapfrog to the 100s. I think this camera is a bit pointless. If I wanted around 50mp I’d buy a Nikon Z7II. I own a Z7 and a 100s. I would take the Z7 anytime over a 50s, for the ergos alone, not to mention the added bonus of excellent video should you feel the need.
@@jaspergoodall3206 hi! What do you think about the 100s vs the Z7ii? Beside the 100mpx, would you recomended it? Thanks!!
@Diego Palma I was planning on upgrading from the Z7 to the Z7II till the 100s came out. But tbh, I think the only thing better is the 100mp sensor, it’s low noise at high ISO’s is outstanding.
Ergonomics on the Z cameras are near perfect. I don’t get on with the Fuji as well, but mostly this is to do with the position of the AF on button as I always use back button focus. The exposure compensation button is weird and small too. Generally button feel, height and tactility is much better on the Nikons.
I’m not sure of specifics on the Z7II, but coming from the Z7 to the Fuji what I love is the ability to dial in longer shutter speeds passed 30 secs without having to resort to Time or Bulb mode. But I have a feeling the Z7II has addressed this… worth checking if it matters to you.
Bear in mind the Fuji and the GF lenses are way heavier than Nikon’s Z lineup, plus the video is no way near as good as the Z7II. I also don’t really get why everyone goes mad for Fuji colour science and their film simulations 🤷♂️ I always use ‘natural live view’ to get rid of the weird Fuji colour on the screen and evf 😆 and only ever shoot RAW. I preferred Nikon’s profiles if I’m honest. But like I say, if you shoot RAW it doesn’t make a lot of difference.
Fuji’s evf feels like a step down from my Nikon, but I’ve got used to it and it does the job fine.
I have to say, if somehow Nikon could put a MF sensor in a Z7II body I’d buy it over the Fuji 100s, but what Fuji have done with this camera is amazing. If you really need resolution (I need it for very large, detailed fine art prints) then 100mpx is the way to go, if you need a solid, light, brilliant ergos, great video, superb allrounder, Z7 II is hard to beat.
Most video is shot at half that frame rate. We don’t notice the lag then. I appreciate you’re aware of it, but …it’s a bit of a nit picky nit to pick.
Noticing 'lag' in a video doesn't even make sense. You're not interacting with it, so there's nothing to lag behind.
@@caerphoto I think he means frame jitter. Which should be less of an issue if the new processor is doing its thing in the final release of the camera.
Isn't the crop factor .79? Making the 35 a 27.6? Anyone?
Some great points about the auto focus system however when it comes to megapixels the quality from a larger sensor even with lower pixel count will be nicer then a smaller sensor camera
It gives best 14bit raw files like nearly all full frame cameras while the medium format 100MP fujifilm GFX 100 gives 16bit raw. There is a huge difference with the processing of highlights and shadows between 16bit raw and 14bit raw photos.
Digital medium format camera are mostly better for the 16bit raw files instead of the common full frame 14bit raw files.
One thing you guys forgot: the 16 bit raw files of GFX and the ludicrous amount of details in the shadows those files have. Already with the GFX50S you just expose correctly to the highlights, avoid blown ones and with Capture One you simply slide an image out of the shadows. I agree, a newer sensor would have been awesome, honestly I’m missing more the 2-way flip screen, flipping also cam being in portrait position like on my X-T3.
The 50MP GFX cameras only shoot 14 bit raw files. However, the advantage of 16 bit files with the 100MP models is negligible.
@@dpreview afai can remember, the original promo video of Fujifilm GFX 50S was talking of 16 bit raw files. But probably I can’t remember correctly, thanks for correcting. I just can’t find it no longer (the video) and I have no clue how to check that in my 50S raw files. Any hint how it can be done by myself is appreciated. Besides: That 2 bits make a huge difference and is the opposite of negligible. 2^14 = 16384 different information each pixel can carry, 2^16 = 65536, that’s 4 x more. That’s also why you can count with your fingers using the base of 10 only from 1 to 10 and using the base of 2 from 1 to 1024, because 2^10 = 1024.
You guys forgot about the real great things that put this camera miles ahead a Sony a7r IV, like low light performance and colors. Those sony colors (i own one) are a joke compared to this MF Fuji sensor, high ISO noise as well
Super honest and incredibly useful review (coming from a 50R shooter). I'd really hoped Fuji had upgraded the 50MP sensor for this camera. Ibis is great but what I could really use is better AF and viewfinder response in low light. Definitely don't need 100MP file sizes. Pity.
Having a 50S myself I can say the 100S is so worth it! I did not care about sensor size myself. I do care about the excellent autofocus and the dynamic range. The detail and the images do look a step above the 50S and since its a larger sensor you do not have anymore moiré. I shoot products and do not get moiré in my shots anymore. I think its worth the extra 2000 even if you do not need the extra megapixels. I would at least rent a 100S before you make up your mind. I just do not think this camera is real upgrade since it is the same old sensor.
Does it have 16bit raw?
What equipment did you use to shoot this video? It's great and clear. It looks so comfortable.
You guys are a great team!
These intros are the best in the game 😭😭😭😂😂😂
Love you guys so fun. Thats what i need.
I plan to use adapted Zeiss ZE lenses. How does this compare to the canon R5 or Leica SL2 in terms of sharpness and color rendering? Anyone?
I’ve sort of had a Jones for the Hasselblad x1d2, but without image stabilization, I don’t feel it’s as good as this Fuji.
What does 35mm crop mode do on a native GFX lens? Say you had the 80mm F/1.7 which works out to be a 63mm F/1.3 in full frame terms. Does that 35mm crop mode turn the lens into a true 80mm F/1.7?
Pretty much yes. So really with the 35-70 you’ll have a 27.65mm (if you use in native mode - 70mm (if you then switch to 35mm crop mode)
@2:40 shot with the panasonic 50 s pro f1.4? the rendering looks like it is.
Thanks again for a terrific review. This channel is compulsory viewing in my opinion. You both manage to entertain while informing and that is no easy task. I would not worry about your language use too much: I was not disorientationed in the least. ;-))
I have to admit that I kinda like the rolling shutter at 7:10. It has a unique look to it. 😂
7:08 I love the special effects... thanks!
LOL.... first 15 seconds of this video are great...Hey Chris been a while since we talked on the phone :)
Hapless name dropping.
I understand that it’s “only” a 50MP camera, but you also have to put things into context. APS-C sensor with 24MP is still an APS-C sensor. Having shot Panasonic’s 20MP, Fuji’s 24-26MP, and Sony’s 24MP, you can clearly see that the Full Frame sensor performs better than the APS-C one, and the Micro Four Thirds one.
The megapixel count is not everything. All else being equal, a larger sensor will always give you a distinct look, and more depth. And that’s why people looking into Medium Format are not just going to go for a Full Frame, even if the megapixels are essentially the same.
Agreed. The issue is that the technology in this sensor is very old. A modern 44X33 will outperform a modern full frame sensor, as we saw with the GFX100/100S. However, when comparing a seven year old 44X33 sensor to a modern BSI full frame sensor, the gap closes considerably.
Hey, @@thatjordandrake! I agree with your assessment as well. It all boils down to your use case scenario. More to the point, if your line of work requires hybrid shooting or if you’re shooting in a fast-paced environment then this camera is clearly not going to cut it for that type of work. For portraits, still life, architecture or even landscape, the GFX50S II is going to perform at the level you would expect. Its major flaw is its lack of PDAF, but with all the new enhancements, algorithms, and new film simulations, it’s going to be hard to beat at that new lower price point. And like Chris said, if you’re looking for a 50MP Medium Format camera then this will be the best option out of the bunch, even if the sensor is quite dated at this point.
Nice video as always. Great point with CDAF and the now old sensor. Neat idea but man, I just can't see this over an R5 or Z7 (even original) or the Sony R family.
100% agree, and so friggin expensive, not to mention the lenses
It's the cheap way to get into the system and a pretty good backup camera when you can afford one with a better sensor.
I got a sense that this 50mp sensor will not be updated until Pentax 645z is discontinued. Strange but makes sense to me somehow
I personally wish for a stills only camera w/o all the extra buttons and menus for videos. And I much prefer the ergonomics of Fuji over the other brands. Not everyone is a social geared looking for all the bells and whistles.
2:53 so we're not going to talk about the guy wearing his bed sheets to work?
Just went back to nikon after ten years with Fuji X. I was waiting to get the Z7II to see if this new GFX would be a better choice in the 45-50mp range, it looks like I'll continue on with the Z system for now. Yes the GFX sensor is 1.5x of the FF sensor but it's only 1.5x of the FF sensor.
If I decide to move into DMF I think I would rather at this point get a used H4D60 for significant larger sensor size over the GFX and 1.75x over FF
GFX sensor is 1.7x the size of full frame. 😊👍
@@nowisthetime6093 or the FF is 0.79 of the GFX if you want to be exact, true...
The point I was making is that coming from shooting analog 6x6, 6x7 as my MF of choice in the past (and present) the GFX is not that huge of a difference, which is why for digital I would rather go for the sensor backs of the H4, H5 which is 0.64 of a FF sensor, significantly different as far as imaging characteristics and DR. You get more of that "medium format look" where the crop MF of the GFX is just giving you a teaser of that.
Don't get me wrong, I love what the GFX line is doing but to me it's merely a VERY Good FF sensor with a slight coverage boost compared to the larger Hassy and PhaseOne sensor sizes... however nothing beats my 6x6, 6x7 for portraits especially with extension rings, but the drawback is all that time processing I have to do for one good photo.
I wouldn’t give up my sony a7riv with my 100 to 400 G master. I love this combination. If i need more reach i just go into apsc mode and still have 26mp.
Excellent objective review. Thanks.
Ok. I don't expect this body to be as good as my Canon R5 with AF(particulary EYE af), but is it at least accurate with its AF on a slowly moving model?
Here’s my question that no one is addressing. I moved over from SONY A7RIV and A7Siii to FUJi XH2 (photography) & XH2S (video and faster shooting). What I’m curious about is interest in the detail within medium format. Is the XH2 a worthy competitor to 50S (photography) only. And how much better is the 100s than 50Sii and XH2? Do I wait to move to Medium Format? Don’t care about video. I have XH2s and Pocket 3 and even Insta 360 1” and GoPro11. Last option is just dumping both Fuji’s and lenses for a 100sii? F’n confusing!
Simple answer: try yourself
No action or portrait or lowlight or video for this camera? What is this good for then?
Right on. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome back from vacation guys
This was not a fair review. It compared the price and size of an entry-level MF camera to flagship FF cameras. "FF is good enough for most viewers." Sure, but so are APSC and m43. I would prefer to hear about when and why we should prefer MF (and when not), and whether this camera delivers on those reasons. Nobody buys MF to save money and weight.
True, that's why I love my X-T4. If I would have use cases for a larger sensor (low light capabilities, dynamic range, ...?), I would skip FF and go medium format. My ideal camera would than probably be a GFX 100 S with a retro UI like the X-T4.
He said it's not mark 2 but in the Fujifilm présentation they did refer to it as mark 2
just as I thought so, this is a great cam - but IBIS is not enough, and old sensor next to as mentioned in vid Z7II or A7R4 is not so impressive anymore. And lenses are still great but very fast AF ones are ... well where are they?
Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)