Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The Fujifilm GFX 50S is a medium format camera, and for those of you who have never shot in the film era, this term may be a new one.
Medium format film was one of the most popular film formats back in the day, alongside the 135 film frame, or “full-frame” format.
Well, camera manufacturers have loads of medium format digital cameras. The Fujifilm GFX 50S is one of the most interesting.
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Fujifilm GFX 50S Specs
The Fujifilm GFX 50S features a lot of specs that are to be expected of a high-end camera of this magnitude. It features a 51MP sensor, a touchscreen, and 100% viewfinder coverage.
Other Fujifilm GFX 50S Specs:
- ISO range of 100-12,800
- 3.2” tilting articulated touchscreen with 2.36m-dots
- 117-point AF system
- 100% viewfinder coverage
- Weather-sealed
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 400-shot battery life
Fujifilm GFX 50S Body & Design
All medium format digital cameras have a heavy and bulky body because they have really large sensors.
This is also true of the Fujifilm GFX 50S. It weighs a little over 2 lbs, which is a lot heavier than other modern cameras. It’s very boxy and looks like a SLR, given its thick grip.
It actually looks pretty similar to a Fujifilm X-T2, but just a lot bigger. So, if you’ve ever worked with that line, then you aren’t going to be going in blind.
You can customize almost every dial and button the Fujifilm GFX 50S, which is an excellent feature for professionals that need a bespoke shooting experience.
It’s weather-sealed to a professional grade, too, so you can keep on shooting even if the weather isn’t exactly awesome.
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Fujifilm GFX 50S Build & Handling
My favorite part of the Fujifilm GFX 50S’ handling is that it’s comfortable to hold and operate with just your right hand since you can reach the AF joystick without changing positions.
Its touchscreen is also helpful, and the LCD tilts two ways.
Both the shutter speed dial and the ISO dial on the top plate can be easily locked and unlocked. Unfortunately, the exposure compensation button isn’t as easy to work because it’s tiny and hard to use.
You can also completely remove the electronic viewfinder to shoot with or without it.
The battery life is fine at 400-shots, but if you can afford an extra battery, you should buy one just in case.
Fujifilm GFX 50S Video Performance
Thanks to Kai W for this Fujifilm GFX 50S video test.
Obviously, a medium format camera is not built for incredible video. You're much more likely to use the Fujifilm GFX 50S for landscape or portrait stills, but you can shoot Full HD video on this camera at 30fps.
It also comes with a headphone and microphone socket. Unfortunately, the lowest ISO you can use in video is 200, which shooting in bright light is going to be more difficult.
Fujifilm GFX 50S Price
The Fujifilm GFX 50S is a spendy camera, but if you’re aiming to save some cash, you can find used ones starting at $3,615 on MPB.
MPB is my go-to choice for buying used gear, which is why I’m recommending them here. They grade each camera using a thorough checkpoint system, that way you know exactly what condition a camera is in before you buy it.
Purchases on cameras come with a 6-month warranty, so you get peace of mind that if something goes awry, you won’t be left out in the cold. I’ve always appreciated MPB’s fast shipping too - sometimes you just can’t wait a week to get your hands on your new-to-you camera, am I right?!
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