Fujifilm GFX 50S II Camera

[Martin Vronsky]

Press release:

Fujifilm Announces New FUJIFILM GFX50S II Mirrorless Digital Camera

Valhalla, N.Y. – September 2, 2021 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is
pleased to announce the introduction of “FUJIFILM GFX50S II” (GFX50S II), the latest
addition to the GFX System of mirrorless digital cameras equipped with a large format*1 sensor.

GFX50S II is equipped with a 51.4MP large format sensor with incredible image- resolving power, capturing every detail in sharpness across the frame. Light is recorded to the pixel which is 1.7 times that of a full-frame sensor*2 to achieve a wide dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting image reproduces deep tonality and texture from shadows to highlights, and delivers image clarity with minimal noise even when taken in low light. One of the strengths of the large format sensor is its ability to produce a very shallow depth of field, which, when complemented by the edge-to-edge sharpness of Fujifilm’s GF lenses, accentuate the main subject against a blurred background for added three-dimensional definition.

“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

• GFX 50S 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 aII features a five-axis image stabilization mechanism that provides up 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 medium- format 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 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. II is also weather-resistant at 60 locations, offering dust and moisture-resistance and the ability to operate in temperatures as low as 14 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

 

Fujifilm GFX 50S II specifications

Price

MSRP - $3999

Body type

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 spaces - RGB, 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-area
• Center
• Selective single-point
• Tracking
• Single
• Continuous
• Touch
• Face Detection
• Live 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

• Program
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual

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

• Multi
• Center-weighted
• Average
• Spot

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 PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 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

[Martin Vronsky]

Quote

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is the most affordable digital medium format camera yet. We compare it to the higher resolution Fujifilm GFX 100s and explain how the differences go beyond resolution.

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:07 - Sample images
• 1:36 - GF 35-70mm kit lens
• 2:40 - Design 
• 2:56 - Displays
• 3:34 - Stabilization
• 4:16 - Media and battery
• 4:58 - Processor
• 5:35 - Sensor and image quality
• 8:18 - Video performance
• 9:30 - Price
• 10:13 - Who is it for?

 

[Martin Vronsky]

 

[Martin Vronsky]

Quote

My full review of the improved GFX50SII, an amazing medium format digital camera with IBIS for $4k! I explain what I love and don't love about it specifically for wedding and portrait photographers.

 

[Martin Vronsky]