Fujifilm GFX-50S

When we opened the package in our store full of anticipation and held the camera in our hands for the first time, we were delighted and excited. This small camera is supposed to have this much power? At first glance, the GFX-50S doesn't look like the classic medium format cameras from Hasselblad or PhaseOne. It is simply not big and heavy enough for that. The reason for this lies in the new mirrorless system, which Fujifilm has skillfully adapted from its system cameras. The classic viewfinder, which uses prisms to guide the image to the eye, has also given way to a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The highlight of the whole thing is that it is even detachable, giving you the chance to make the camera even more compact. The full performance of the viewfinder can be teased out with an optionally available angle adapter.
The camera measures 14.8 x 9.4 x 9.1 cm without lens, giving it dimensions comparable to a professional DSLR without integrated battery grip. This is a more than acceptable size for a medium format system camera, but compared to conventional system cameras, the size is again only relative. The weight is also quite similar at 825g. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, for example, weighs 895g. So anyone who has shied away from buying a medium format camera for weight reasons can stow the GFX-50S in their photo bag with a clear conscience. However, we should not fail to mention at this point that the suitable medium format lenses of the Fujifilm GF series are considerably larger than lenses designed for 35 mm cameras due to the image circle to be illuminated.

So while the camera itself is rather compact, the lenses are only partially so for physical reasons.
The camera body of the GFX-50S is not only reminiscent of an SLR camera in terms of its dimensions, but the controls have also been placed in an equally classic way. However, it is hard to miss the fact that this is a Fujifilm camera, as it also adopts the brand's classic retro style.
The top left-hand side is dominated by a large ISO dial, which can be used to set the sensor sensitivity very conveniently. In position "A", the ISO automatic takes over the setting, if you set the dial to position "C", you can make the ISO selection via the wheel integrated in the handle.
On the right upper side, the exposure time can be selected and the drive mode (single image, continuous image, bracketing, ...) can be set via a button.
The on/off switch combined with the shutter release is also located here. Right next to it is a small Fn button, which is used in the standard setting to correct the exposure time. A great feature is the locking of the setting dials to prevent unwanted changes.

The camera has an illuminated, monochrome control display so that the photographer can keep an eye on all settings at all times; Fujifilm was probably inspired by PhaseOne, which has a similar layout of elements. The display is very easy to read and the font is also quite large.

There is also a wide dial on the back, as well as a control pad and several Fn buttons. The function of several buttons can be freely configured. The focus mode is changed using a switch above the display, and the buttons for deleting and calling up playback mode are also located here. For further inputs, there is the joystick familiar from other Fujifilm X cameras and a quick menu.
While you are looking through the viewfinder and have your subject in view, it is difficult to change the focus point as the joystick is relatively small. Nevertheless, we like the operating concept of the GFX-50S throughout, it seems very intuitive and easy to understand. Nevertheless, in our opinion some of the buttons and dials could have been a little larger.

Unfortunately, this is where the compact body reaches its natural limits. While most of the controls are positioned logically and always within easy reach, this is not the case for the buttons for deleting photos or the playback mode. Nevertheless, and this is the most important thing, we liked the handling of the medium format camera very much in the first test, because the large hand grip on the front and the thumb rest on the back allow you to hold the GFX-50S comfortably and, above all, securely. The magnesium alloy body also has an anti-slip rubber coating in the necessary places. Professional use is rounded off by sealing against dust and splash water and protection against the cold (down to minus ten degrees Celsius). The two memory card slots, which can accommodate SD cards for an internal camera backup, also ensure safety.

May I now ask for your attention - let's talk a little about image quality, because this is where it gets really exciting. Fujifilm has already proven with its APS-C sensors in the X-series that you don't need a 35mm full-frame sensor to get great image results.
The advantages of a medium format sensor are actually obvious, because it can handle a much wider dynamic range, has a lower pixel density and makes cropping much easier in post-processing.
In our test, we had the camera save the photos both as RAW files and in JPEG format, because we wanted to try out an "unaltered" file on the one hand and the many built-in film presets on the other. What impressed us most about the image quality was the incredible dynamic range of the resulting photos. The colors were incredibly clear and rich, and the bokeh was a dream. Of course, this is not least due to a much larger sensor, but also to the interplay of the GFX's internal image processing.

The film simulations, which can also be called up via the quick menu, are particularly suitable for nature and landscape shots.
During our test, the sky was mostly very cloudy and we decided to give the whole mood more drama with a black and white filter and the result was impressive.
We controlled the image directly via the built-in touchscreen display and were thus able to experience what it means to take photos with over 51 megapixels; an almost endless zoom process down to the smallest details of the photos that we had never noticed was suddenly possible. That really impressed us.
(You have the possibility to open all our photos in original size, but be careful, the richness of detail can blow your mind)

The Fujifilm GFX-50S impresses with its outstanding image quality, and not only when we shoot at ISO 100 and aperture 11. In our first test, we had partly cloudy skies and little sunshine. We mostly photographed at ISO 400. But even higher ISO ranges hardly cause any problems for the camera. Noise is only noticeable from ISO 1,600. Apart from a few minor details, the operating concept is very successful and very intuitive. Many buttons can be freely configured and, in combination with the control dials, you can work very purposefully. The medium format camera fits very well in the hand, the body is sealed and not only looks high quality, but almost robust. Of course, this also applies to the Fujinon GF lenses.
We were also more than satisfied with the fast autofocus. The use of a tripod can often be an advantage, but this is absolutely not a must with the GFX. In addition, the camera scores with a very high working speed, not only when recording the large amounts of data, but also during playback and when zooming in, where there was hardly any waiting time.

The display is very appealing due to its many functions, whether it is a swivel or a touchscreen display. The detachable electronic viewfinder was unusual for me at first, as I'm not really a fan of electronic viewfinders and prefer classic viewfinders. However, after a short period of getting used to it, I was also able to get excited about it, as the image was very clear and the colors looked really great. The film presets were also transferred to the viewfinder image.
The dimensions can be described as compact for a medium format camera, but compact designs are difficult to achieve with lenses. Anyone who has previously photographed with a DSLR in the professional class will hardly have anything to complain about in terms of size and weight.
Fairness aside, it has to be said that we only spent one day with the camera in D?sseldorf, but we still had the chance to see for ourselves what it means to experience the myth of medium format. The question, can the Fujifilm GFX-50S revolutionize or change the medium format, can confidently be answered with yes, because you get a very compact camera that delivers the best image quality and still remains as versatile as an SLR camera.