Fujifilm GFX 50S Long Term Review. A Year with the GFX 50S. Is Medium Format Right for You?
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2021
- I've been shooting with the Fujifilm GFX 50S for a little over a year, and this is my long term review of this amazing medium format digital camera. This is not a technical review, of which there are many on RUclips. This is my personal impression of working with this camera as a full-time professional studio portrait photographer. There are lots of example images made with the GF 63mm and GF 110mm lenses and I talk about some of the differences between them, and who this camera system is right for.
If you'd like to learn to shoot and edit like I do, my online masterclass is at www.cinematicportraits.co.uk
If you're interested in purchasing the Photoshop actions and colour grading tools I use, head over to: store.epw.one
My in-person workshops, for learning to light, shoot and edit like this can be seen at workshops.epw.one
Facebook Group: / lightshootedit
Instagram: / epwphoto
Website (professional clients): www.davidshoukry.com
Website (consumer clients): www.englishphotoworks.com 
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I could literally listen to you talk for hours
Thanks for saying that! 🙌🏼
I don’t think a better camera makes you more money, being a better photographer will make you more money and you probably are the better photographer looking at your work, True honest professional photographer, nicely done!
Agreed! You can do a lot with basic stuff; nice gear is the icing on the cake.
Great video David, you don’t see enough working photographers taking about the day to day experience (probably because we’re so busy) it’s very refreshing! ☺️🙏🏻
Much appreciated, thank you 😊
An insightful review of the GFX50s - which I also own. I am one of the slow photography brigade that you referred to and find the quality of the files superb. It was heartening to hear your comments, amongst which were some some of the downsides of the camera, all well made. Excellent to hear a portrait /studio photographers views - so thank you.
Really appreciate your feedback: thank you!
Yea, allowing your images to extol the virtues of your review. This is brilliant!
Thanks! 🙏🏼
Lovely summary. Very nice work. I am very happy with mine .does all I need a camera to do for my style and pace of work. Resulting prints are superb.
Really lovely work David! Always great to hear a working pro's opinion a few months in, vs a full-time reviewer ; ). Appreciate the content and you sharing your experience. This camera is tempting me back to MF, which I really haven't used since I moved to digital.
Thanks so much for watching! It’s definitely not without its idiosyncrasies, but I love this camera 😊
I love your setting. Want to see more videos about this side of business 🤩
Loving your fabulous images, and feel as you do, with all the new whistles & bells available in cameras now are great, but not everyone needs a jack of all trades and are better served with a master of one.
Yes absolutely. It’s about having the right camera for the right job for YOU.
Thanks for your video.
I use the GFX50s for architecture with a Canon 24mm tilt-shift and a techart adapter (works beautifully) with manual focus and the GF 32-64mm for studio work. Results are extraordinary.
You have an instagram ? Trying to see the GFX - Tilt Shift photos !!! Sounds amazing.
Lovely images and review. I like your presentation style and professional photographer perspective.
Really appreciate you taking the time, thank you!
Surprisingly useful video! Thanks for your insights. Plus you're one of the few camera youtubers that can actually photograph well.
Appreciate the comment, thank you 😊
Thank you - a very calm, informative review from a real world pro perspective. Nice and super interesting to listen to.
Thank you, appreciate the comment 👍🏼
Was thinking about getting a Fuji medium format camera but after watching this video, I feel that the XT5 is better suited to my style of photography. I have not taken any real photography for around 4 years after dedicating my time to video documentaries. However, I do hope to get back to Photography next year. One last thing I just want to say , your photography is truly amazing and I find it inspiring. Thank you for sharing your work. 👍
The MF cameras are definitely not right for every situation. Thank you for your lovely comment, and enjoy your shooting when you get back into it!
great and honest review thanks david.
Most welcome, thank you for watching! I have the 80mm 1.7 on loan from Fujifilm and I’m shooting a video for RUclips tomorrow 😄
This was excellent and very informative. Spectacular images too!
That’s very much appreciated, Joseph: thank you!
Just the review i needed! Doesn’t bang on about bokeh :’) your work with colour is brilliant
Appreciate that very much, Henry: thank you!
Thank you so much David for your very honest review. I am an italian professional portrait photographer and often shoot in the studio with an old Hasseldlad H3DII-39 which still has fantastic file quality, but is starting to get a little too dated. I am considering upgrading to Fujifilm's GFX system, and am thinking of getting a used GFX 50. Thanks again.
My pleasure, I’m glad you found this useful. If you’re already shooting Hasselblad you know about the various trade-offs with medium format! I’m (still) very pleased with the GFX 50S and recommend it.
Wow your photographs are beautifully crafted
That’s very kind of you to say, thank you!
David, you have beautiful photos! I fancy buying your masterclass.
Thanks for your lovely comment. I hope you find the Masterclass useful is you decide to go for it!
I just bought David’s masterclass and recommend it!
Thank you so much, Rolf!
Enjoying your video very much. I do believe that quite a few who purchased the DFX 50S mistaken we believe that they were purchasing a camera with the same capability as a DSLR all they had no idea what a medium format camera is on this purpose. The biggest complaint I hear is about the frames per second from people who should know better. I shoot with the GFX50R And the only problem I have with my camera is me. I am still learning how to use it.It’s is a work in progress.
Agreed. It’s a different thing to DSLRs and, like and machine, we need to use it to its strengths rather than expecting to be able to do everything. Thanks for watching 😊
Hey David 🙏 thanks for sharing great contant.
Love the way you capture the essence of your subject , no doubt your body of work is piece of Art❤.
Great job. 👍.
My body of work. Based on portraits, still-life & personal work. I’m coming from old school Love to work with film medium if I can due to time taking process and developing issue etc.
Long story short I just recently order GFX50s in pretty good condition but soon after got a deal on GFX 50sii so I did replace with the new model.
I think I made a good choice 🤔. My concern is the Lens which I ordered GF63mm and I always love 50mm ful frame lens on my Nikon glass as coming form Nikon setup.
But many people talks about GF35-70mm.
I would really appreciate if you give your input with your precious time.
Thanks David and keep sharing great stuff 👌
That’s very kind of you to say, thank you!
I've been shooting Canon since I went digital years ago. My R5 is far and away the best overall camera I've ever owned. And since I'm adapting EF glass to it I'm used to using an adaptor. I've wanted the GFX since it was announced. Like you said the prices have been dropping. I finally picked up a 50s two weeks ago for less than the new fuji x100vi. I do a little editorial/portrait and a fair amount of architecture so the slower pace is not an issue for me. I just completed my second shoot with the camera and could not be happier. Especially helpful for architecture was adding the tilt adaptor to the viewfinder. I was glad to year your comment about this body vs the 100mb body which confirms my investment in this one. Solid review David and confirms all my initial thoughts.
Lovely shots!
Appreciate it, thank you!
Your images are absolutely beautiful!
Much appreciated, thank you!
You comment on gfx is practical and objective. As a hobby photographer and have been using the gfx system for quiet sometime, I do agree most of you comment . Thanks!
Loving my 50s. I only shoot portraits so not bothered about form factor or speed. Just love the output. Clients happy = payed for itself.
Yeah I’m very happy with mine too. If absolute image quality is important then it’s an incredible camera!
Great portrait work! 👏👏👏
Appreciate it, thank you!
love your style of photography!
Appreciate that so much Ethan: thank you!
An excellent, well balanced talk.
Thanks for watching!
Really helpful lens information, thanks
My pleasure, John: thank you for your feedback!
Enjoyed your discussion in this video. I was a GFX50R user for two years. Got the 100S now. Overall, the 100S is easy to shoot, the files are more flexible to work with. But, I have this nagging feeling that the RAW out of camera from the 50R had a certain pleasing look that (if you desired) didn’t need much adjustments to it.
The 100S gives you more flexibility, but you need to spend more time on post production, especially model skins (and that’s minor fixes only, not full on frequency-separation).
Anyway, one last thing. I did notice the audio track to this video was a little out of sync with the video.
Interesting to hear that you notice a difference between the S and the R as I though they had the same ‘insides’ (not saying there isn’t a difference but I guess it says something about their manufacturing tolerances!). Yes, I know the audio is slightly off: I had to manually align it from the recorder because there was an issue with the on-camera mic so I couldn’t sync automatically. Hopefully it’s not too off-putting!
Sorry, you meant the 100S: it’s early in the morning and I mis-read! 😆
Great frank and honest review thanks.
Appreciate it, thank you 🙏🏼
Amazing review, I think im selling I'm getting it, after seeing the gfx files, I cannot unsee it.
Appreciate it, thank you!
@@DavidShoukry your work is really wonderful, I like to hear gear Reviews from pros that actually put it to the test
I've been using the gfx 50s for about 3 years and have an excellent result. I'm a semi professions shooting industrial landscape and also do my own prints. 90% of my shooting is handheld. I love the camera and I probably will buy the 100 s in some point somtimes in the future but it is really not necessary for me. 50 megapixel is plenty for my prints.
I’m very happy with this system!
Hi I am using GFX 50s from past three years like you. I am so happy with the camera. When the images are enlarged for huge size wall printing I couldn't see any pixels or noice.
Hey David, love your candour, great review. Been thinking about one of these myself.
Side note: Your audio capture is spot on, cleanest audio around! Also I dig your glasses, can I ask what brand and model they are? They have a nice big lens surface.
Thanks so much 😊. Sure, the glasses are from Zeelool and the model is Gabriel.
Great video thanks. I am planning on getting the GFX system this year but not sure where would be the best place to get one. Do you have any recommendations?
My friend, your images once again are superb enough cannot be said about the Fuji 50s or now 50sii with the 110mm gf f/4 it’s undeniable legend from Fuji craftsman engineers.
And yes you are correct about the Fuji MF. It’s not a camera to just pickup and shoot like a mirrorless full frame camera. It is not designed for speed or fast. Focus. Fuji engineer created the GFX MF for experience, creative photographers who needs the highest quality one can have. It’s slow focus makes up on it exquisite image quality. It’s requires great experience and patience’s. Coming from the film days with manual MF cameras you become the creator from the subject to the camera with unmistakable control from start to finish.
Now days everyone in the digital world wants to have the MF do all the work. What’s the fun in that?
You may as well have Ai to do it all for you. That’s not being a creative photographer.one can do that with an iPhone.
Thank you for this video!
Most welcome Gary, thank you 😊
I am a professional photographer with over 35 years in the business. I am still loving my GFX50s's and now more than ever with the new firmware update! I love the 63mm one of my most used lenses, brutally sharp with the 32-64. I do own 8 lenses. The 20-35, 32-64, 45, 63, 80, 110, 120 and 250mm.
Completely agree. The 63mm gets a lot of complaints, which I just don’t understand.
Is there a new fw update to the 50s ? 😳
What was improved ? 🤔
@@EranFX fujifilm-x.com/fr-fr/support/download/firmware/cameras/gfx-50s/
Oh , that's an old one , thank you Benjamin. I thought I missed something significant 🤣
@@EranFX There has been a new firmware update since.
I'm new to your channel, and I've seen some of your videos. Good work. I used the m43 as a primary tool, but I also have the 5D MkII, for architecture work. Of course I can use m43 with metabones speedbooster as well. But tools are tools anyway, and now I'm considering the GFX 100s as the perfect tool for me.
First of all, sell my Mamiya 6MF, and next term, maybe get rid of my LF stuff also. But GFX aint there, but I can still maybe sell much of my stuff and get a GFX.
I Hope there will be a new 100R. Think such a camera will suit me more.To my type of photography, the 50/3.5 and the 80/1.7 from the GFX line up, will suit me best.
The rest I will have a lot of T&S lenses and others, which will perform perfectly for my purpurse for landscape and architecture photography, and at least, sometimes and I don't want the perfection. I want sometimes something wacky look, something you just get from some older lenses.
Thanks for your comment!
Great Review 😊
Your work is amazing
Appreciate that very much, thank you.
Thanks a lot, David for your beautiful comment. I'm a really slow photographer, but the 50s is quicker than I'm. I use a Cambo ActusGFX view camera and the 50s is amazing on that slow horse. No autofocus is needed, nor an IS. I often need 10 to 15 minutes to get the whole 'ground plate' sharp, depending on the motive. No stop down then is needed. So sometimes downsides maybe upsides! But that is of course very special. Thank you.
Thanks!
Hi David. Informative review thanks a bunch!
I shoot street portraits on a MK iii but am finding that focusing quickly on the eye with people whose magic moment comes and goes in a millisecond results in softness at the crucial moment about 30% - 40 % of the time. I generally shoot 3.5 - 6.3 on an 85 or 100 macro. In your experience is the eye focusing system in the 50S a real improvement over using single focus on the Canon MK iii? The 110mm is so enticing!
Hi there, the eye focus on the 50S is pretty good when people are not moving! It’s certainly not 100% bulletproof and sometimes gets confused if people are wearing glasses or looking away from camera. I haven’t compared the eye focus with a Mark 3 directly but my instinct would say that the Canon is probably better. I don’t know about the new GFX models personally but people are saying the focusing is improved. To be honest, if that is a real priority for you there are much better cameras: any of the Canon R series or recent Sony cameras have incredible eye tracking.
Great Video. Thanks for the information. Great!
love your shoots for long time, I got my 50s second hand for only $2800 USD, I was afraid that it's too old, and it's turns out that it's works pretty well for my needs, I only use auto focus for fun, like 10% of the time, so auto focus is never my first concern. And many people complain the weight, which is also another thing that I don't really care, because my job needs me to carry cinema camera rig very often. Lovely camera, maybe switch to 50s mark 2 dwpends on the price.
Thanks so much. I'm still super happy with the 50S and I don't feel I need to change for a while :-)
Crazy !!! Just found a 50Sii brand new for $2900 !!! Thinking about doing it. Currently on an XT4 but I wanna dabble in Medium Format now.
Thanks for reviewing: been using 5ds & 5dsr. Any thoughts about the removable viewfinder-and use-of compared and ease of use? And (uh-oh! Resolution; just curious cause I know it is about other features)
I have the viewfinder and wouldn’t want to be without it. To me it’s high quality, bright and clear. I’m very happy with the resolution of the 50S: I wouldn’t need any more than that to be honest!
There is a huge group of wedding photographers that use the mitakon lenses the zeiss 80 as well with an adapter. They are usually film hybrid shooters. They manually focus as well
Dear Sir,
Exciting Stuff / Great Information / Thank You.
Thanks for watching 😊
Do you have the 80mm 1.7? If yes, how do you feel about it?
Hi David, have you tried the GF 30mm F3.5 WR on GFX 50S for shooting portraiture ? Hope you can share your opinions about this lense. Many Thanks !
I haven’t tried that one yet.
Hi there! I just found this video. I found It pretty helpful. I was going to ask you.. with the new 50sII and slightly better autofocus, would you go for the newest one or pick one of these up for around 2k in the used market? I mainly shoot fashion photography in 35mm and I have not found a camera system to match film like with fuji files. Thanks in advance,, David!
I’d probably get a used 50S. I believe the sensor on the new model is the same as the previous one so your images will actually look the same. The autofocus on the older model is good enough for fashion.
@@DavidShoukry Indeed!
Did you get the Fujifilm Battery grip or is that a different grip add-on??
Thank you, David. Have you had the chance to compare the quality of the files with high-end FF cameras like the Canon R5? Any insights?
Hey Carlos! How are you? I haven’t compared them side by side. The R cameras are fantastic, no doubt, but the MF ones still have the best absolute image quality. Of course the R cameras are far better all-rounders!
Can’t beat MF ! Different sensor and depth of field never achievable on your R5. Different cameras.
I just won this camera for 1500 on ebay, wanted to do some research before I paid for it so Ive been watching non stop videos about it. Sadly theres very little about shooting in a studio setting and fashion photography. So finding this video gave me the go ahead to pay for it. Thanks! Now Im looking for low cost lens.
You’re welcome! The GF63mm is a great lens and quite cheap (for a GF lens…)
@@DavidShoukry I’ll check it out. Thanks! Great content
@@DavidShoukry how do you feel about the kit lens? It seems to be cheaper and has a decent focal range 35-70mm.
The zooms are also very good!
Hey David, nice review & beautiful photos.
I own both the 50s & the 100s. My most used lens are the 45-100 f/4 & the 110 f/2
Yes, it’s true the 100s has a quicker auto focus & the trigger response is quick too.
I have been using the 50s for over 2 years & It’s been my main camera but I needed something quicker. After using the 100s for a few months I have moved back to using the 50s once again. I prefer the overall results from the 50s than the 100s.
Having said that the other technical advancements on the 100s are very good.
Thanks so much for your comment. Interesting to hear you have gone back to the 50S: I have head others say they prefer the actual look of the 50S images over the 100S.
@@DavidShoukry I think it’s the phase detect on this new sensor or the BSI sensor type or the combo is the cause.
Also, the 50s beats the 100s to it’s dynamic range.
For the new GFX users who haven’t tried the 50s nor the 50r before wouldn’t complain using the 100s.
Hello David, thank you for this very insightful video! I am considering buying a gfx 50, however I am a documentary and reportage photographer. I was interested to hear you say this camera would not be suited for movement which I'm so sad to hear! Do you think it's really not possible for live action situations? Do you know of any middle format camera that would be more appropriate? Thanks again for the information and love your work, stunning!!
Hi Annabella, thanks for your comment. In my experience the autofocus is not really suited to faster-moving environments. The 50SII has quicker AF, I believe, but it’s still not like using a DSLR or smaller mirrorless. If you want a Fuji camera for documentary work you could check out the new Fuji H2 series cameras: I think they would get you into the ballpark but with a better experience for moving subjects. The other MF cameras in the 50S class (Hasselblad X series) I think would be just as difficult for this application.
@@DavidShoukry Hi David, Thanks so much for your response. I'll be sure to check out the H2 series. Thanks!
thanks for that, a good review, one note, there is ONE case for adapted lenses, that of a sinar, or other LF monorail camera, giving the chance of using Shnieder or Roddenstock lenses, and if these are good enough for 4x5/5x7 or 8x10 film, it should be good enough for this sensor, shouldn't it be?
Agree completely re the 63mm. It's phenomenal. What is wrong with youtubers??
If you are shooting at higher F-stops, why did you choose the 63mm over the zooms Fuji offers? I'm deciding between them now myself
Good question. The zooms are very good and I’d have no hesitation in having one (I’ve used them and love them). I very occasionally shoot wide open, it’s nice to have the option but I don’t do it very often!
Great video. What microphone recorded this shooting ?
Hey thank you. It’s a Rode NTG3.
I understand your views on having native GF lenses but the whole point of a mirrorless system makes the camera a lot more flexible and adaptable. They are ultimately just a tool to get the job done. GF lenses are great to get the job done but there are specialty lenses out there (not just fast lenses) that may be quite fun for a unique look and need not just be for "fun" photography
Of course, do whatever works for you 😊
Are those Elinchrom strobes?? I have a pair of D-Lite 2s!!
thank you for the video....If you have a buddy that shoots a "normal" mirrorless camera I would love to see the difference ....you mentioned "normal" people tend to shoot at 1.4 or F2 which I do...I would like to see what a photo shot at f2 looks like compared to how you would shoot it .
In a studio situation, which is usually where I work, shooting at f2 or thereabouts is basically pointless. It’s difficult to get the strobe power low enough and because there is so little space behind the portrait subject, you won’t get the blurry depth of field that shooting wide open gives. If I used the word ‘normal’ it was a slip of the tongue because people shoot in a wide range of ways 😊
110 is outstanding lens on any body
Good morning Mr. Owl.
Lol, good morning to you too! Glad you like the glasses 🤓
Velvia film always had saturated green and reds and were a favourite for landscapes, so for your style of portraits I can see why you wouldn’t use the film simulations.
Absolutely!
I have only 110mm and the 45mm. Had the 80f1.7 for a moment and exchanged for the 110.
Grew choices. Did you notice a big difference in image quality and usability between the 80 and 110?
@@DavidShoukry I was lucky enough to have the 80mm quite early on and thought I would really like it. Instead it felt too close to a 50mm (ff equivalent actually its about 63mm in ff). I have a gf45mm that is brilliant and is about 35mm ff equivalent so the gf80mm 1.7 fov was not so appealing for my style. I like wide or long. The contrast and colour rendering of the gf110mm is perfect for my work (portraits) the gf80mm was really OK 👌 but not the 110 balance and quality. I think instagram warriors would like the 1.7 but I don't shoot that shallow as I like context in my images. The brightness is its best quality to my benefit but aside from that the 110 is pretty much a perfect lens at f2,f4 f5.6 f8 f(anything).
That’s all very interesting. I know what you mean about the 80mm focal length: it’s kind of ‘in between’ isn’t it. I really enjoyed trying out the 80 but I don’t think I’d swap my 110 for it. Still might impressed though! Interesting that you don’t shoot shallow depth of field (same here): I think we’re a rare breed 😄
@@DavidShoukry I hope all has been going very well! Still loving my 110, now with 100s. I picked up a 23 along the way and love it too! I will check out your other work bless!
Ah that’s cool! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
What type of Tether tools cable do you use?
It’s a USB 3.0 to Micro-B.
@@DavidShoukry Micro B 3.0? Thank you! Love your content on RUclips and IG!
Yes!
Upgrading my Nikon F-system with a used D850 then I will get a Fuji GFx 50Sii for art woodland photo so I can reuse my old HB and Mamiyu 7ii lenses with adapters
Sounds like a great setup!
@@DavidShoukry Thank you, I don’t work professionally with photo and I will not switch to Z. Learn the hard way 14 years ago when I went Digital and got 2nd hand MF and LF. I still have not repaired my economic buffer since then. So I stay in the F-system and my TC lenses but translate slowly to MF that I prefer. So a 50sii or a 100s, a Zoom and a TS(PC) lens.
how to use fujifiim gfx without stand pls let me know. heavy sutter lag . images are not sharp.
Turn up the ISO?
@@DavidShoukry . All the way I tried. Stand is the only option I found.
Are you making sure your shutter speed is fast enough to match your focal length (I find medium format requires a faster SS than DSLRs)?
How far into the video did you manage to say two words about the camera?
Hi John, there are countless videos on RUclips that goes through the camera’s features. Feel free to check those out. This one is whether it’s the right camera for you.
@@DavidShoukry I have the S II. I was looking to see similarities and differences between the cameras.
Fuji GFX50R, better looking, is subjective.
That’s my opinion 🤗
I found one body only for $1800. I’m thinking about it.
Going against the comments grain here because I could pick up a repeated undercurrent of dismissal and disdain with what you class as "amateur/hobbyist"... feeding an incorrect narrative relating to skill simply because you choose to photograph as a source of income for your family. Lets be clear - this camera more than any other is not something an "amateur" would invest in as an outright purchase. If someone is buying into this system for non-paid purposes, then they already have a secure, disposable income and this is either a luxury item or a tool to further their art. They would also have to consider themselves quite skilled photographers to reap the benefits of a relatively expensive MF system. This brings me to depth of field: most small event photographers choose safe F10 type depth because nothing can go wrong with client interpretation for the paid work - the camera and lens are primarily delivering the output (and this one delivers in spades). Nothing wrong with that until it is pitted against Shallow depth of field as just being cliché. Photography is a much loved art form for many... and this camera system offers deep possibilities with art. Apologies, but I'm not going to let fellow photographers get trashed for their decisions and preferences.
Nobody is trashing anybody. Thinking there’s no difference between the needs of pro and amateur photographers is shortsighted and unrealistic. And if you think there’s any disdain/dismissal from me towards anybody, amateur or otherwise, I’m afraid you’re mistaken. Have a great day!
the 50r has a better dampened shuttermek than the 50s it doesn't vibrate as much as the 50s this is a problem all mf has its called shutter shook it shoots as good pictures as new canon r5 new sony when it comes to pure image quallity MF is king every thing else SUCKS on 50r/50s 3d tracing useless slow to focus hunts alot when focus misses shots
50R and 50S are same bro .