The X Summit 2021 event also marks the launch of Fujifilm’s next big sensor: the GFX 50S Mark II. Considered a complete upgrade from the 5-year-old GFX 50S, the next version brings many improved enhancements, more modern features, as well as an extremely attractive price point for a mid-format machine. This is seen as Fujifilm’s most obvious step in its intention to bring a large sensor to market at a more affordable price that is easily accessible to users.
Fujifilm’s GFX series in recent years has been a hot topic, as well as the X series which is also very popular and loved by many people. When previous medium format cameras were very expensive, difficult for ordinary users to own, outdated performance and only suitable for studio operating environments – Fujifilm did something unexpected by bringing it to market. of medium format camera have superior features compared to competitors, more compact in size while the price is only 1 piece. Starting with the GFX 50S, the GFX 50R, then the GFX 100, the GFX 100S, and now the GFX 50S Mark II.
In terms of design, compared to the GFX 50S version, the GFX 50S Mark II has a relatively different design. Fujifilm used the GFX 100S body design for the GFX50S Mark II, giving the camera a similar appearance to full-frame DSLRs and some full-frame mirrorless cameras despite having a larger image sensor. It will help users familiar with DSLR system to operate Fujifilm GFX50S Mark II easily and quickly.
Unlike the Fujifilm GFX 50S, the top of the GFX 50S Mark II features a basic mode dial and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 1.8-inch LCD screen. While the GFX 50S’s viewfinder can be removed and replaced with an optional tilting EVF, the Fujifilm GFX 50S Mark II’s viewfinder is integrated. Fixed design with a resolution of 3.69 million pixels like the GFX 100S.
The machine is also equipped with a 3.2-inch touchscreen to additionally support the viewfinder. The function buttons on the back of the GFX50S Mark II have a more intuitive design that allows users to operate them easily. Like the GFX 100S body, the GFX50S Mark II is comfortable in the hand with a sturdy grip that balances the weight of the camera even when using it with a heavy lens. At 900g you might feel a bit heavy in the hand during prolonged use, however, compared to the weight of medium format cameras, it’s still an ideal number. The Fujifilm GFX50S II also uses an NP-W235 battery, which takes around 460 shots per full charge.
In terms of memory card slots and ports, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II includes a pair of UHS-II SD card slots on the right side. The left side of the camera also incorporates microphone and headphone inputs, USB-C, HDMI (mini) and remote control inputs.
Fujifilm decided to use the same sensor on the GFX 50S in the GFX50S Mark II. With this sensor, you will always have impeccable image quality, with shallow depth of field at all focal lengths. The GFX 50S II uses a 51.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor. This sensor measures 43.8 x 32.9 mm, which is 1.7 times the size of full-frame image sensors but smaller than medium-format image sensors from other brands. The sensor has a native ISO range of 100-12,800 and is expandable to 50-102,400. The larger pixel size of the image sensor provides excellent tone and image performance.
Compared to full frame or APS-C mirrorless cameras, the autofocus performance of the Fujifilm GFX50S II may be slower, but with other medium format cameras the focusing ability of the GFX50S II is totally superior. When used with the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR lens, the GFX50S Mark II’s autofocus speed can work well even in low light conditions. The camera quickly locks focus on a moving subject and tracks the subject in focus.
Although the GFX50S Mark II is equipped with the latest 4th Gen X-Processor, it still can only shoot continuous 3fps images due to the much greater amount of information obtained from the sensor. Although the continuous shooting speed is low, Fujifilm has overcome this problem by improving the in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The GFX 50S Mark II has the same IBIS system as the GFX 100S, but stabilization performance is improved thanks to the larger pixel size of the GFX 50S II’s 51.4 MP image sensor. The GFX 50S II promises IBIS up to 6.5 stops (versus up to 6 stops on the GFX 100S). Additionally, Fujifilm has also integrated the Pixel Shift Multi-shot function on the GFX50S II to help create 200MP images by capturing 16 RAW images when the sensor is shifted by 0.5 pixels. To support the creativity of price photographers when using the device, the camera is available with 19 Film Simulation modes, including the Nostalgic Neg mode which first appeared in the GFX 100S.
Fujifilm GFX50S II with GF23mm f/4 R LM WR, 1/40 sec at f/4, ISO 100
Like the GFX 50S, the GFX 50S Mark II can record Full HD video at 30 fps. Although it cannot record 4K video like the GFX 100S, Fujifilm has also improved video capture on the new camera with the ability to capture 4:2:0 8-bit video using the full width of the sensor allowing to capture video. .certain depth. In addition, the machine also has many functions to facilitate video recording, such as shutter speed adjustment, built-in microphone and has microphone and headphone inputs, impressive recording time of up to at 2 o’clock. ,…
At launch, Fujifilm applied a price tag of $3,999 / £3,499 / AU$6,499 for the body alone. An accessory kit that comes with the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR will also be available for $4,499 / £3,899 / AU$7,299. It’s a lower starting price than the Fujifilm GFX 50S which sold for $6,500 / £6,199 in early 2017 and it’s also a fair price for a medium format camera, cheaper than some products headlights.Fullframe from other brands like Sony Alpha 1 or Canon 1Dx Mark III
By comparing Fujifilm GFX 50S and GFX 50S Mark II, users can easily see many differences between the two machines, from body design to some new features. Having an IBIS would make the GFX 50S Mark II a much better portable camera than the GFX 50S. Meanwhile, compared to the GFX 100S, the GFX 50S Mark II has a lot in common, from the body design to the function button layout. However, the Fujifilm GFX 100S has a sensor with a higher resolution of up to 102MP and the ability to record 4K30p video. If you don’t need such high resolution or don’t mind the best autofocus and video features the GFX system has to offer, the Fujifilm GFX 50S Mark II promises to be a go-to camera. decent for the price easily accessible in the medium format. camera system.