Today Fujifilm has announced its most affordable medium format digital camera yet, the Fuji GFX 50S II. Its $3,999 price tag might be the most impressive thing about it! This mirrorless camera is, essentially, the sensor of a Fuji GFX 50 in the body of their most cutting-edge camera, the Fuji GFX 100s.
Yes, that means this camera has the new ergonomics, plus in-body stabilization, and of course, truly impressive image quality that matches or beats similar high-megapixel full-frame sensors.
This is a milestone for digital cameras because, at just under $4K, it actually costs less than the top flagship full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A1, and (most likely) the A1’s impending competitors from Canon and Nikon, the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9.
The Fuji GFX 50S II has the same sensor as its predecessor, which means it will have contrast-detect autofocus, however, according to Fujifilm, the AF speed and tracking capability have been improved.
To go with it, Fuji has also announced a relatively affordable kit lens for its GFX medium format system, the 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6. (Equivalent to 28-55mm on full-frame) As a kit, you can get the GFX 50S II and the 35-70mm lens for about $4.5K.
All in all, this is an exciting step in Fuji’s overall GFX lineup, simply because it makes medium format digital cameras more accessible to anyone who wants to get access to that enormous (44x33mm) sensor format.
Fuji has also announced a few exciting new high-end prime lenses for its APSC X-mount, a 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR and a 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR, as well as a new roadmap that includes both GFX and X-mount lenses.
Last but not least, we have the X-T30 II, which we will have to cover/review in a different post! Suffice it to say, Fujifilm’s “X Summit” event is a very exciting one this year.
The following is Fuji’s official press release, with a few abbreviations to highlight the key features of the GFX 50S II.
Fujifilm Announces New FUJIFILM GFX50S II Mirrorless Digital Camera
“GFX50S II offers the perfect mix of accessibility and flexibility,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product development for FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division. “With professional features that include 19 Film Simulation modes, advanced autofocusing, and a vast range of exposure controls, GFX50S II provides limitless opportunities for creativity.”
Product features:
Superior image quality delivered with the use of a unique 51.4MP large format sensor
● GFX50S II uses a specialized design with uniquely small, light-collecting micro lenses on the sensor which create a wide gap between adjacent pixels, thereby maximizing light resolution per pixel for exceptional image sharpness.
● Having a large, light-receiving area per pixel results in excellent ISO sensitivity, dynamic range and tonality, controlling highlight/shadow clipping while conveying the subject’s texture, definitions and even the atmosphere of the scene in precise detail.
● The ability of the large format sensor to produce a very shallow depth-of-field renders background out of focus beautifully, adding definition to the subject and drawing attention to the particular area on the image that the photographer intended.
Variety of Film Simulations
● GFX50S II comes with 19 Film Simulation modes, including “Nostalgic Neg.,” originally launched in Fujifilm’s GFX100S, and characterized by high saturation and soft tonality. Photographers can use Film Simulation presets, designed for various subject types and scenes, while checking how they affect the final image in Live View.
Compact 5-axis In-Body Stabilization delivering up to 6.5-stops of Vibration
Reduction
● GFX50S II features a five-axis image stabilization mechanism that provides up to 6.5 stops *3, the highest in the GFX System. Made possible with the use of a high-performance gyro sensor and accelerometer that can detect motions at high accuracy, the gyro sensor has been structured for detection accuracy and precise image stabilization.
● This camera presents new opportunities in the way conventional mediumformat digital cameras are used. Rather than being mounted on a tripod for slow and careful shooting, GFX50S II can produce superior image quality even when shooting hand-held, thanks to its image stabilization capabilities.
Fast and high-precision autofocus (AF) from the high-speed processing engine
and latest algorithm
● GFX50S II’s fast and high-precision AF system is assisted by the powerful large
format high resolution sensor, Fujifilm’s high-speed image processing engine
“X-Processor 4”, and an image stabilization mechanism, operated with Fujifilm’s
latest algorithm. During the contrast detection process for AF, the built-in
powerful image stabilization mechanism controls sensor motion blur to provide
speed and accuracy to the AF performance.
● GFX50S II features more accurate AF in Face / Eye Detection compared to a
previous model (GFX50S). The ability to quickly attain focus despite using the
large format sensor with a shallow depth of field assists users greatly when
shooting portraits with movement.
Innovative compact and lightweight body for advanced mobility
● The use of the compact and powerful in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
mechanism and shutter unit has been combined with optimized layout of
various devices to achieve a logic-defying compact body for a large format
camera, weighing approximately 37.1 ounces (900g) and measuring 4.1 inches
(104.2mm) high and 3.4 inches (87.2mm) deep.
● The grip has been shaped so that the camera sits comfortably in the hand,
ensuring comfort by significantly reducing the hand strain commonly
experienced when using a large zoom lens.
● The casing is made of highly rigid magnesium alloy. Provided thickness around
the base of the lens mount has made the camera body highly durable. GFX50S
II is also weather-resistant at 60 locations, offering dust and moisture-resistance
and the ability to operate in temperatures as low as 14F (-10°C) when used with
a weather-resistant FUJIFILM XF or GF lens.
Easy operability for a smooth shooting experience
● The top panel features the Mode dial, typically seen in many digital cameras, so
that users can handle the camera in a familiar fashion. It offers six customizable
positions, C1 – C6, allowing users to register their choice of functions to each of
the positions and activate them quickly for a smooth photo shoot, with the ability
to instantly switch between the still and video modes for added convenience.
● The use of a flat-shaped Focus Lever reduces physical discomfort even after
extended use. It responds with enhanced sensitivity when moving the focus
point, allowing users to attain focus at the intended location quickly.
● For exceptional visibility, the customizable 1.8-inch sub LCD monitor is found
on the top panel, displaying key EXIF settings such as shutter speed, aperture,
ISO sensitivity and exposure. Additional information displayed includes the
number of frames remaining when shooting stills and the remaining filming
duration when recording video. On the rear panel is a 3.2-inch main LCD
monitor with 100% coverage. It can tilt in three directions to enable high- and
low-angle shooting, in situations in which the electronic viewfinder (EVF) cannot
be easily used.
“Pixel Shift Multi-Shot” function to capture and generate 200MP images free of
false color
● GFX50S II features the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, capable of creating
200MP images almost entirely free of false color presentation. The ability to
reproduce a photo’s colors, texture and even its atmosphere in the finest of
details makes the camera a perfect choice for archiving. Large artworks and
historical artifacts, previously difficult to photograph in detail because of their
size, can be captured in precise details in edge-to-edge clarity.
● This function uses the camera’s IBIS to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixel to
incrementally record 16 RAW images and combine them into a single Digital
Negative (DNG) RAW file in the software “Pixel Shift Combiner,” producing an
ultra-high-definition 200MP image. The high pixel count leads to an astonishing
level of tonality and three-dimensional definitions for edge-to-edge clarity.
● The image sensor is shifted in high precision to ensure that each pixel records
image data in red, green and blue, almost completely eliminating false color and
recording the subject in accurate color.
● The function can be configured to produce 51.4MP images, which are easier to
handle, free of false color.
GFX50S II is expected to be available in late October, 2021, at a manufacturer’s
suggested retail price of $3,999 USD ($5,000 CDN). A GFX50S II camera/lens kit
featuring the GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR lens is expected to be available as well at a
manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,499 USD ($5,625 CDN). For more
information, visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/gfx50s-ii/.
*1 An image sensor that measures 55mm diagonally (43.8 mm x 32.9 mm) and is approx. 1.7 times bigger than a 35 mm full-frame sensor
*2 When compared to a 50-megapixel full-frame camera
*3 When mounted with the FUJINON Lens GF63mmF2.8 R WR
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings
America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company.
The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and
services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service
and support; personalized photo products; film; one-time-use cameras; and the popular
INSTAX® line of instant cameras and accessories. The Electronic Imaging Division
markets consumer digital cameras, lenses, and content creation solutions, and the
Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing
industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast,
cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also
markets binoculars and other optical imaging solutions. The Industrial and Corporate
New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm
technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products
and services in Canada.
