Fujifilm GFX-50R in 2022?

After a year of use, is the Fujifilm GFX-50R still my main shooter? Is it the best affordable Medium Format Digital Camera on the market?
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Follow me on Instagram: davecapote
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
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[@chrisxglass]

Recently sold my entire Sony inventory and switched to a GFX100S... Couldn't be happier. Just rebuilding my lens collection now...

[@davecapote]

Best move I’ve ever made gear-wise. Glad your feeling the same!

[@Birdisthename]

Friendly suggestion balance the audio a bit better. The music was overpowering your narration

[@davecapote]

Hey, thanks for that! I’ll pay more attention next time. Don’t really have the best hearing anymore but I’ll keep a close look on the levels

[@user-lh4hm7uj5o]

I’d say maybe a mic is necessary:)

[@BrianBoycePhotography]

Thanks for the video on the GFX 50R, mine is arriving today :D and the 45mm f2.8 is on its way,. Been a fuji shooter since the X-Pro1 and have longed for a camera that can natively shoot in the XPan 65:24 ratio so to say that Im excited is an understatement. Its great to see a follow up video like this that shows that you are still as delighted with the camera after several months.

[@SlowTVTexas]

Your past video helped convince me to get the 50R myself this weekend. So pumped.

[@davecapote]

Glad it helped! Have fun with it!

[@julianschulz157]

Videos are great man, keep it up!

[@realjg95]

Congrats on all the life achievements Dave! Thanks for sharing this video, would you mind going into what settings/recipes/simulations you use to get those fantastic images out of camera? I’m sure lots of people would like to know (there’s a big community of JPEG-only Fuji shooters)

[@littlefungii]

Thank you for good insights!

[@mattodomphoto]

Absolutely love my 50s II just picked up a 45-100 yesterday, The files out of this thing are amazing

[@davecapote]

Really want to get my hands on one. Played with the 100s and loved it. Looking forward to it

[@ruaangrobler3035]

Congrats on all the life moves mate! This video helped me to decide 'yes' on a used GFX50s - just saw one going for the same price as a used d850 in my country (South Africa) where access to this kind of gear is immensely rare (second one I've seen selling used since it launched). It's a big investment for me as someone who doesn't shoot professionally (but would like to and I am a huge quality geek because I come from a 3D art background and the fidelity of an image makes me very happy). I'll keep my XT3 for when I need speed/video, and for now I'll be adapting my Nikon mount lenses until I can find used GF lenses. PS. I actually subscribed because you don't have new content every week - I'd much rather have quality over quantity. Thanks.

[@davecapote]

wow, thanks Ruaan! Really glad I can help out in any way possible. You are going to have a blast with that 50s. Quality is going to spike through the roof! Thanks for that last bit too. Really trying to make more videos but don't want to make videos just to make videos. Would much rather be as informative and useful as possible.

[@Elazarko]

Why did you choose the gfx 50S over the R?

[@ruaangrobler3035]

@@Elazarko Largely availability initially. In South Africa the market is dominated by Canon and Nikon (with sony only starting to penetrate and Fuji only really featuring in the crop-frame market). As such, finding any used GFX is a once-a-year thing. That said, I have no regrets whatsoever. I adore my 50S - so many miles ahead of anything I've ever had (and yes, if you are new to the 'digital medium format' vs crop or fullframe sensors, the difference is very real. Still now, after thousands of photos, I find my jaw dropping everytime I start editing. But specifically the 50s? I love how it sits in my hand. I don't even have a strap on it (a first for me), that's how well it moulds to my palm. I love the controls too. I love it, love it, love it. And the viewfinder is great - I haven't ever used a 50R so can't compare, but I would think that's a difference to consider. I don't even have the premium gfx lenses yet. I have the 50mm, and adapt an old zeiss 85 f1.4. The combination of the latter just...honestly...offers me a look I've never been able to achieve, and the depth of the files is unreal. If you like to edit, value DR and significant cropability, honetly, it's amazing. I've often heard people say that 50mp on the MF sensor is different to 50mp on a FF - and I see it. It makes the FF equivalent 'look' like a 24mp image upressed to 50. Everything is just so clean, and so deep. whether S or R, I'm sure you'll be incredibly happy if high quality image fidelity is important to you. If you shoot for insta, don't bother, though. I was shooting fireworks the other night - With a single exposure I can pull back the brights enough to avoid clipping even at the centre of the explosion, and recover enough in the night-light shadows to see a decent amount of detail. Never, ever, have I found this possible with anything else, and that includes a Nikon d750 which was an incredible stills machine.

[@simfishsho]

If you had to do it again, would you take a little more time say 2 months more and save up and buy the 50s ii?

[@marcglaudemans637]

Hi Dave, love your videos! I just made the jump from the Fujifilm X series to GFX50SII. I mostly shoot editorial portraits and fashion and also landscapes. That’s why I started with the 32-64mm zoom, but next up - after I have saved enough money - I want to add a fast prime. All of the options you mention are on my wishlist: 45, 80 and 110. Given that I have the 32-64 focla range perhaps the 80 or 110 makes the most sense. What would you recommend?

[@davecapote]

Hey mark. I’d say the 110 probably makes most sense. Gives you a nice 85 mm equivalent on a 35mm sensor. I personally prefer that for all my portraits. Gives a nice separation to the background

[@jaapkamstra9343]

Congratulation on all your life moves! Sounds like exciting times! And great review of the 50r. I am wondering: How good is it in low light? For example with low light concerts with slow moving people. Would it be able to handle that? I currently use my x-t3 for that. Which is great. But it looks like the dynamic range of the 50r could look awesome as well!

[@davecapote]

Hey Jaap, Sorry for the late reply. I think the Dynamic range is amazing but for slow shutter speeds the lack of Image stabilization might be an issue handheld. I may not be the best person to ask since I am not constantly using it in that situation but I would be interested to see what someone else would say. But like I said IMO I dont think its your best option for that. Hope that helps!

[@qdogg290]

I picked up the 50S II w/ the 35-70 kit lens back in November. Your last video was one of many things to push me over the edge to MF. The 50R is an insane value right now and, of all the GFX cameras, I dig its aesthetics the most. However, the $4500 price tag for the GFX 50S II with a "surprisingly" good lens included is a heck of a bargain as well. What don't you like about the photos from your XT-4? I upgraded from an XT-3 to GFX. Still have the XT-3 for the applications for which it is more optimal.

[@davecapote]

Wow! Glad I could help ya make that decision. Looking forward to the 50sii. As far as the xt4 just something about the sensor even with the 50-140 glass has some weird softness and artifacts. But it’s just me being picky

[@qdogg290]

@@davecapote Yeah, once the rumors for the 50S II started to churn out, I imbibed so much GFX content from like June onward. Yours was one of the more persuasive videos I took in. The 35-70 has a "vanilla" zoom range but it's definitely a good lens optically-speaking and ultra portable. Stupid not to get it at the bundle price. The 110mm makes me salivate -- I'll use it some day. I keep thinking it's an adapted Canon lens bc of the red L-series-looking ring. Surprised you're having issues with the XT-4 and 50-140. I own the 50-140 and find it to be a great lens, but Dustin Abbott's findings seem to be aligned with yours.

[@davecapote]

@@qdogg290 that’s exactly it. Wow thanks for showing me his video. That’s exactly what I’m complaining about. Gotta figure out a fix somehow

[@youami77]

I can relate to working in a product studio with canon 5d iii's as well! Did this for several years about 4 years ago. It's soul destroying 😅 Still shoot on a 2013 pro canon camera - 1ds mk iii for my freelance work. Purchased a 50r 6 months ago and am just starting to use it after saving money to buying a 45-100mm and a canon tilt shift.

[@davecapote]

Hurts my soul just a little more each day knowing I have thousands of dollars worth of medium format sitting at home waiting to be used haha

[@M.Redsky]

I have bought the GFX 50R for $900 used and it has less than 1500 actuations on it -- a good deal, by my estimation. However, I need a lens for it but don't have too much cheddar. Any suggestions? I'm thinking it's going to be between the 35-70mm and the 63mm. Please advise!

[@drc4563]

Adding to my prior comment. But I just love the dials on the 50R…is a big negative for me about the 50S II and 100S. IBIS is the one factor I am worried about not having on 50R. (I shoot remote landscapes in extreme locations - taking a tripod is out of the question for me given extra weight).

[@A1000Truths]

Dude just the review I was looking for. I just ordered a brand new GFX 50R open box (basically brand new) from Adorama for $2600. You’re absolutely right. At this point it’s a more affordable buy. Thinking of pairing it with the 50mm 3.5. I think it’s a nice in between compared to the 45 & 63mm lens. Have you shot with the 50mm?

[@davecapote]

Hey Domingo, thanks for that! Glad to hear I can help. The 50 is the only lens I don’t suggest buying hahaha. It’s soft. I would definitely go for the 45

[@joebeta]

I sold all of my Fuji X gear because the GFX 50R is all I use. I still take mine everywhere I go. BTW, where can I find that keyboard?

[@davecapote]

If i didnt use the xt-4 for video or youtube I would probably do the same haha. Oh and the Keyboard is a Keychron K2!

[@joebeta]

@@davecapote Awesome. Thanks for the keyboard info.

[@brocktonsss]

you got me hyped to pick this up, great video man

[@drc4563]

What lenses would you recommend for GFX system. (One wide and one fast tele prime that as they are not cheap!)

[@davecapote]

45 not the 50. The 50 is cheaper but it’s extremely soft and I just personally think every other piece of glass is leaps and bounds ahead. I personally really love my 110f2 but the 80 1.7 is so enticing that if I didn’t have the 110 I would buy it!

[@aznoy]

I have an a7riii and invested in the gear and lighting. Should I switch if in the end the colors of Fuji is what I want? Also how’s editing with the RAW?

[@davecapote]

For me, I spend 1/10th of the time editing because the colors are always right. That to me is worth it. A7riii is a good camera though. Its what I switched from. Let’s just say I haven’t switched back

[@aznoy]

@@davecapote I appreciate it. The GFX 50 S II is looking good in the right price range. Thank you!

[@prestonmoore9070]

Are you shooting hand held?

[@jdpst20]

I currently have a XT3 with 16-55mm 2.8 and 50-140mm 2.8 and It is a great camera because of the size and decent AF for travel and what I shoot. I have contemplated getting rid of it and looking at a used GFX50s or R and at least a starter lens for it like the 45 or 63mm 2.8 to start with for what I shoot. I wouldn't mind a zoom like the 45-100m. to have that flexibility. I'm not a huge Video shooter as I shoot SOME video with my XT3 but never really end up using it to make "video" specific projects. Mainly just don't have the time or feel like it when I'm say traveling or hiking ect to dedicated the time to actually make a video about what I'm doing... I would rather just capture it in photo. HOWEVER I'm not sure if I would regret that or "miss" out on some video here and there and it's why I would consider spending a bit more and getting a GFX100s for the 4k video capture and F-log and better AF and of course resolution. I'm expecting my first child in Aug and of course I want to document everything about them but at the same time do I want to lug around a GFX100 or like an R5/c with me to take photos or video.... probably not. But the GFX100s or 50s ii, or used R would be pretty sweet I think. I'm also trying to hold out till MAY when supposedly the XT5 or XH2 comes out. I'm mainly looking for a bit more resolution than the 26mp of the XT3, and I already have the Fuji glass so well see. In the event I wanted to shoot fast moving subjects or automotive or sports of some kind... I do have a Canon 1n film camera and Im sure I can source a well priced 70-200 2.8 or even f4 non IS for those moments.

[@davecapote]

Hey Josh! Yeah, I would say ultimately it’s a great camera for what your needing. I actually just watched a Kyle mcdougal video yesterday about the 100s that talks about the video capability and things like that. You should definitely take a look at his video. Congrats on your first child. That’s awesome! So many options for you and I hope you figure out what you want soon!

[@jdpst20]

@@davecapote yeah it’s a weird thought but lately when I’m out hiking or on a trip like I said I’m not taking crazy amounts of video. I do love the video that comes out of the XT3 and it’s nice to have but I even really just shoot the XT3 on single shot. Part of it is I could save a ton of money just getting a pre owned GFX50s or something with a starter lens since I’m not really making money off of photos. But the 4k and even phase detect AF seems like a nice feature to have

[@marcglaudemans637]

Hi Josh, I also loved the X-T3 and used it with the same lenses (16-55 // 50-140) even though the 35mm1.4 and 56mm1.2 were my favorites for portrait work. I upgraded to X-T4 for the IBIS and it defintely made me use the 16-55 much more. But in the end I never liked the X-T4 somehow. That’s one of the reasons that I have sold my complete X-series kit and bougth the GFX50SII with the 32-64mm zoom lens. Both can be purchased now with a steep discount. The 32-64 to the GFX system is a bit like the 16-55 to the X-T series; a big, unstabilized, but pro grade zoom lens. The IBIS on the GFX body compensates for the lack of OIS. I do plan to add the 80 or 110 as my fast prime for portraits; en perhaps also the 45mm as a lighter kit. But the GFX glass is expensive so I will have to expand my kit step by step

[@jordanrubinfilm]

What clicky keyboard is that?

[@bbones3318]

i have been sooting with some cameras decade or two. it's about finding the tool that says something.

[@drc4563]

Your images are amazing. I get the medium format look. Just wondering why you haven’t upgraded to 50s II (not so much more) and has IBIS so much more flexible. Or 100s if you could spend more…

[@davecapote]

Hey! Thank you for that! So at the time of purchase only the 50R 50S, and 100(the $10,000 one) we’re the only cameras out. definitely going to upgrade in the next few months. Unfortunately for my day job I shoot on a canon 5d. So I haven’t had a huge need to switch to the 100s recently but I will soon. The lack of ibis is not as noticeable as you would think. I have pretty steady hands so stopped down you don’t notice it a lot. I would suggest if your printing huge or something like that to put the camera on a tripod for sure. But I’ve printed 30x40” images handheld and not had an issue.

[@prestonmoore9070]

What lens do you use

[@davecapote]

Hey Preston, Yes I do shoot handheld on a 110mm f2 for most of these shots

[@wazlght5884]

facts

[@davecapote]

The people need to hear it

[@wazlght5884]

I’m stacking for one. To me it just stands out.

[@davecapote]

@@wazlght5884 worth every penny bro. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll help you out

[@duskateru]

Great video! I fast forward 90% of it, listened carefully 10% of it and was enough. Maybe you could go more like straight to the point. This is the very first video that watch in your channel, I’ll give a try for couple more of the ones with the GFX system… I’m sorry I felt like to much blablabla and not a good straight to “each” key factor point…

[@Dan-jg7zl]

Anyone who questions if the gfx50r, which is only 4 years old, is worth it in 2022 shouldn't be doing photography. Do people really think cameras become redundant in 4 years jeez! Stop chasing better photos by constantly wasting money on the latest gear because it won't make you guys any better. Gfx50r will be good in 10 years. That's when I plan to upgrade.

[@nicktoft6308]

Sooo true!😂

[@mikkirurk1]

Instagram kids. My friend printed 6m long picture made on 5DMIII, and it looked gorgeous, because it was artistic and full of spirit. What do you print? You like to buy stuff more than taking pictures. I bet Ansel Adams or Cartier Bresson would not care about their gear in 2023 if they were around these technical marvels you dethrone that easy.

[@TheDavveponken]

Would you consider ditching the background music? I can't stand it. It really detracts from your voice.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

It's up too high is the issue.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Why does every single KZbin camera channel use the same lame lo-fi super loud music in their videos? I don't get it guys, who started this awful trend? It's like all of the Hollywood movies and how they put that stupid yellow tint all over it.

[@nandavenkat]

So boring

[@davecapote]

Sweet. Thanks