Although the Fujifilm GFX50S II looks considerably different from its before, it has the same big sensor as the original GFX 50S, which was one of the reasons we fell in love with the camera.
In the same way as its predecessor, the GFX50S II has not been designed for people obsessed with speed or video. Instead, it takes advantage of the power of a medium format sensor and combines it with some very stable in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to produce some stunning still images.
This IBIS, included in a GFX body for the first time, is rated for a remarkable 6.5 stops of correction for camera shake. That is a half stop more than what was offered by the GFX100S, which was recently introduced in March of 2021. As a result, it is a beneficial modification for anyone who shoots handheld, especially in low-light conditions with a camera that may grow hefty when equipped with specific GF lenses.
Although a full-frame mirrorless camera like the 65MP Sony A7R IV can produce results comparable to those of the GFX50S II, it does so with significantly higher features (including video, speed, and accuracy) and at a considerably lower price point. However, there are situations in which the sensor size makes a difference.
Because the sensor in the GFX50S II is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame chip, it has improved light-gathering capabilities. As a result, it has superior low-light performance and excellent dynamic range, which are characteristics that are difficult for full-frame cameras to match. As a result, you have a formula for some astonishingly high-quality photographs when you add the GF lenses’ razor-sharp glass.
Fujifilm GFX50S II Features
It’s not terrible that Fujifilm has opted to use the same 51.4-megapixel sensor that was utilized in this new camera’s first generation of the GFX 50S. As a result, regardless of your focal length, the image quality will remain outstanding, and the depth of field will be relatively shallow.
Nonetheless, this also means that you are still just receiving contrast-detect autofocus, which is significantly slower than phase-detect AF; however, Fujifilm claims that updates to its AF algorithms have made a difference in the speed of the focusing process.
Even while the GFX50S II has been updated with the newest X-Processor 4 image engine, which increases AF performance compared to the previous model, the Mark II cannot record 4K videos. This is a restriction of the older sensor, and you can still only maintain a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second, which was present in the Mark I.
Fujifilm GFX50S II Build Quality
The original GFX 50S and the GFX 50S Mark II are pretty different in their physical appearance. Fujifilm has given the new GFX50S II a control arrangement more similar to that of a DSLR using the body from the GFX 100S. Because of this, anyone transitioning to the GFX50S II from a different system would have an easier time getting used to it relatively quickly.
Only the conventional mode dial and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) are on the Mark II. To the right of the viewfinder, there is a 1.8-inch LCD. This contrasts with the original GFX 50S, which features dials slightly crammed together on the top plate.
You can configure the display to show a histogram, virtual dials, or shooting settings. There is even a button for the display’s illumination, which is a little light.
autofocus
When compared to other medium-format cameras, the GFX50S II performs quite well. It is simple to compare it to other mirrorless cameras now available on the market, the vast majority of which provide faster performance at lower prices; nevertheless, it is essential to remember that medium format cameras are entirely different creatures.
Fujifilm has harnessed the power of the X-Processor 4 engine and also updated the AF algorithm to speed things up a little bit. Although they are not recognized for having top-notch autofocus performance, this is one area in which they have improved.
The autofocus (AF) acquisition is slower than the 102MP GFX cameras since it utilizes the same contrast-detect AF as previously. However, the hybrid AF with phase detection benefits the 102MP GFX cameras over the contrast-detect AF.
Because of this, it is also noticeably slower than most other contemporary mirrorless cameras. Despite this, the GFX50S II is not a slouch regarding performance. The autofocus is still relatively speedy and precise in its operation.
Fujifilm GFX50S II Performance
Again, the temptation to compare the performance of the GFX50S II with that of other mirrorless cameras is quite strong, yet, doing so would be an unfair comparison.
However, despite inheriting the most up-to-date image processor from its 102MP sister, the GFX50S II did not receive an upgrade to support 4K video recording, which is a surprising omission.
The footage is still taken at a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second and a resolution of 1080p. However, one cannot find an issue with the quality.
You are also limited to the same continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second as its predecessor, which means that it will not be able to compete favorably in wildlife or sports photography categories.
The buffer memory in the camera, however, has been modified by Fujifilm. It has increased from 25 JPEGs in the Mark 50S to an “unlimited” capacity in the Mark II, and it can store up to 31 compressed RAW files (up from just 13). Additionally, while the camera records the photographs, it usually functions, enabling you to keep shooting if it becomes essential.
Fujifilm GFX50S II Image Quality
The results generated by a body designed for a medium-format camera are impossible to criticize in any way. However, due to its slower autofocus performance, the GFX50S II will likely be the domain of photographers specializing in portraiture, still life, architectural photography, and landscape photography. This is due to the many benefits of using a sensor with a medium format.
Combined with Fujifilm’s high-quality GF lenses, the incredible detail and tonality that the big sensor provides are made possible by combining these two factors. In addition, because the photocells on the sensor are more extensive, it has outstanding light-capturing capabilities, which translates into good low-light performance and a wide dynamic range.
We did a few test images with too low an exposure set, and there was significant room for creative expression. However, it was straightforward to bring out the subtleties in the shadows and highlights without adversely affecting the quality of the image.
Fujifilm GFX50S II Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 8256 x 6192 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 51 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Medium format (44 x 33 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | X-Processor 4 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-12800 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 6.5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (14 RAF) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 425 |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm G |
| Focal length multiplier | 0.79× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 2,360,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.61× (0.77× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,690,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 3600 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/125 sec |
| Continuous drive | 3.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11ac + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-W235 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 440 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 900 g (1.98 lb / 31.75 oz) |
| Dimensions | 150 x 104 x 87 mm (5.91 x 4.09 x 3.43″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Fujifilm GFX50S II Verdict
Fujifilm’s upgrade to its relatively inexpensive 50MP GFX camera doesn’t look very impressive on paper – there is no 4K video and only a 3fps continuous shooting speed – but significant changes both internally and externally have made this the first 50MP stabilized shooter from Fujifilm. It also has the cheapest price tag for a medium-format camera.
It’s not hard to fall in love with this camera, not only because the pictures it produces are so stunning. Some consumers may be put off by the camera’s slow focusing (especially compared to other mirrorless cameras), its low burst rate of only three frames per second, and its inability to record 4K video.
