Fujifilm GFX50R Real World Review | Thoughts after a month of Landscape Photography

If you’ve been watching my latest videos you’ll know that I’ve been using the GFX 50R and 50S recently to shoot landscape images. In this video, I’m going share you my thoughts on using the GFX50R for landscape photography and I’ll make some comparisons with the GFX50S along the way.
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Fujifilm GFX50R
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THE IMAGES
Both cameras have the same 51.4Mp Medium format sensor, so the quality of the images from these cameras is the same. And the images are incredible. The files are big, clean, with lots of details.
THE BODY
Both cameras have weather sealing and look and feel solid. The 50R is a range finder format, which I’m not that used to, so I had to adjust. Having said that, after just the first session shooting with the 50R I was very comfortable with the design and how the button and dials were laid out.
Weight
I was expecting it to be heavy but the first time I picked it up, I can remember how surprised I was at how light it was. Both cameras are roughly the same weight, depending or not if the 50S has the EVF attached. Both coming in lighter than my D850.
Grip
The 50R really doesn’t have much of a grip to speak about, making it a little more awkward to hand-hold, particularly with larger lenses.
Top screen
The 50R doesn’t have a display screen on top of the camera like the 50S to show a range of information and camera setting.
DIALS
On the 50R the dials and controls have a different layout which was one of the things I had to get used to. Because of the viewfinder being on the left, all the dials on the top are on the right.
Customize Option
The layout of the dials on the 50R certainly feels more stripped back over the 50S. But it feels like plenty of thought has gone into balancing form, function and the cost of the camera.
SUMMARY
Both these cameras were a lot of fun to use and gave me results I was extremely happy with. I’d be a very happy landscape photographer carrying either camera around in my bag. So which one did I prefer? Well, I found myself picking up the 50R more than the 50S.
I know I want to explore medium format more in the future.
I’m really excited about the direction Fujifilm is taking and the impact they are having on the industry with these cameras. Things are really going to get interesting when the release the 100Mp camera that is currently being talked about.
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#Fujifilm #GFX50R #Review

[@nelsonclub7722]

Having been a Pro for 30 years and using every format there is from 10x8 all the way down to the humble 35mm I gave up film sold all my cameras and bought into this system. I can tell you it is the best camera I have ever used. The system is flawless whether on location or in the studio - lens choice is limited - but they are slowly coming - awesome review

[@jordannet]

actually no words can describe what job you do , and how amazing your videos , please keep going we are behind you .. greetings form Jordan

[@elmerdeloso594]

Very well done and focusing on how it performs in the field is the best way to review the gear. Thank you Sir!

[@superunderlined]

Great shot at 11:45, absolutely lovely colours and just the right speed on the water. (In my opinion!)

[@alanbrunelle1546]

Nice review - wonderful images, thanks for sharing you expertise!

[@Loopsrainforest]

Fantastic images Andrew! Stralia looks amazing.

[@frankb4483]

Great video Andrew. Very informative. I am still using my X-T1 but am considering the X-T3. I love the sharpness and rich details of the medium format. Great photo's. Thanks for sharing. Frank

[@robertstephens1868]

Andrew, I viewed your video with great interest. Your presentation was very clear to follow.

[@-grey]

Big tip for the R: Get a thumb grip. Changing the point of contact to move the centre of gravity makes a world if difference. The counter pivot point balances better when closer to the lens.

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Andrew. Thanks or taking the time to do such a thorough review. I prefer your style of reviews i.e. discussing the user experience rather than majoring on tech specs. There's no doubt that these two Fuji models will create a lot of interest. Many thanks for sharing.

[@mvisperas]

Gorgeous images you got there. Been thinking about the GFX 50R.

[@jeffhopkins8131]

Thanks Andrew, great review.

[@BrianHorsey]

Great practical reviews of the cameras Andrew, the insight into your thinking and some wonderful images. Thanks for the effort putting it all together.

[@leightonpaxton6504]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@nelsonneil6029]

@Leighton Paxton Instablaster ;)

[@leightonpaxton6504]

@Nelson Neil thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@leightonpaxton6504]

@Nelson Neil It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@nelsonneil6029]

@Leighton Paxton You are welcome :D

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Gorgeous results it’s astonishing. Congrats for this video

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks very much, I may have to return with a new review video for the GFX100S. It's amazing what Fujifilm are creating.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@Andrew_marr I just tested one for 3 days with the 110mm lens and the result is I sell all my Leica SL2 gear... just to confirm how good it is !!!!

[@MrMick560]

Really nice video, clearly described with some good tips, beautiful photos.

[@Andrew_marr]

Glad you liked it Michael! 👍 I appreciate the feedback mate, I'll have to look at putting together a similar video for the GFX100S.

[@MrMick560]

@@Andrew_marr You are welcome Andrew, a friend of mine got the 100 but wasn't very pleased with it, maybe he was just unlucky.

[@Honkus]

Wonderful video and images. Planning on picking up 50R + 23-64 f4 soon after I sell off some gear to cover it. A good companion to my X-T3. Looking forward to it.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks very much Michael, all the best for the switch. No doubt you'll love shooting with the medium format! 👍

[@RamazanKamari]

Your videaos are marvelous! Thanks so much.

[@nigelbradbury4162]

What a superb review , accurate , articulate and concise . Thank you !

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for that Nigel, really appreciate that feedback mate!

[@nigelbradbury4162]

@@Andrew_marr Can it rival the Sony A7r4 in low light ?

[@jameswright249]

I plan on renting one soon and I may take the plunge and purchase one. I own the XT2 and really Like the Fuji System.

[@harvgreenberg3031]

Your work is truly inspiring, Andrew! Curious to know if you think there's a significant improvement in landscape image quality when jumping from the Nikon D850 to the GFX 50S/R?

[@craigbyrne1441]

Hi Andrew, I worked for many years with Mamia & Bronica medium format cameras and loved them. I now own an XT2 and can understand how you feel about these two cameras. Very much enjoy your reviews and channel in general.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for sharing Craig. When ever I've had the opportunity to shoot with a Medium format camera, I've always been impressed with the results. Really appreciate your feedback on my review video and the channel. I must admit, it's been a while since I did a review video. I must be due one soon :)

[@webdesign6776]

very good review, great images, I value camera opinions when they are done by someone who really knows how to use them.

[@Necronomicon08]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the great review of this two great cameras and thanks for sharing your workflow at this nice view point. I think i will buy the GFX 50r very soon :-) greetings from Germany, Sven

[@Andrew_marr]

You're welcome Sven, these are both amazing cameras. The GFX100S has also peaked my interest. Plus there are rumours of a new GFX50R mkii to be released later in 2021.

[@mortenthorpe]

Just got a very lightly used 50R yesterday, the 32-64 lens is going to be the first for the GFX!

[@Necronomicon08]

@@Andrew_marr I've also heard the rumor about the new GFX, a good reason to wait a little longer.

[@domsalmon4496]

Cool review and glad I checked it out, so subscribed! Despite different sides of the professional coin, we seem in sync as I have twin D850s as my work cameras. In a way, my D850s seem like a "diamond bullet", delivering great results when under pressure (mostly location portraits, and i/they always seem to be in a hurry) So getting a 50R was an indulgence for me and more for personal than for "work". I wanted the flip side, something slow, that I had to almost 'fight' and not always rely on a system that could bail me out. Almost like its got me back to my film days, made me slow it down and think. Only got it this week, so it was very interesting to hear someone with very thoughtful approach to reviews, about actual shooting and the mindset the involves, so much more important than burst rates and video bitrates, and all backed up by some killer images. Anyway, keep up the great work, looking forward to where you go next - whatever you shoot it on, it aint the camera, its you ;-)

[@eltinjones4542]

Lovely images Andrew. Fantastic recovery in the poor light. As an amateur couldn't justify buying one, don't even have a full frame camera 😂

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

Great content Andrew as always. I got loan of a gfxr for a couple of days and was blown away! I moved from Nikon full frame to the X-T2/20 to cut down on weight and I was never sold on the sensor size difference anyway (that other people get excited about) and any other benefits of FF I never used. I still had my D810 to compare with the gfxr and the main thing that sold me ( as well as the obvious image quality) was the simplicity just like my X series. As I do mainly landscapes and stock the gfxr would be great for the future. I did some prints 36X24inch from the D810 X-T2 and the GFXr and the latter was way better as expected but I have heard the Canon 5d does a slightly better job although I have to say the X-T2 was really surprising. Like you I like the way Fuji is going.

[@EnterSpacebar]

How can the 5D possibly do a better job at IQ than a current medium format? It can't even match the D850 in IQ or dynamic range!

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

Ritesh Tripathy don’t ask me ask Adam @ first man photography he commented his 5dm4 was almost as good during his podcast 🤔

[@G0FUW]

Good balanced review Andrew. I have seen the results of the medium format by another great landscape photographer and there is no denying that the results are very very good. But for my own work, that never gets printed bigger than A3, I don't see enough benefit for the level of investment required. I am more interested in locations and techniques for making images than the technology involved. I saw another vlog dishing a camera because it was 4 years old and wondered how something could become 'bad' after such a short time. If my current camera breaks or I hit a point where it is stopping me doing something I want to do, then I may consider a better body but I don't see me changing from Nikon FX anytime soon.

[@bjoernsviewsbjornwolfmulle3295]

I am just about to get my hands on a GFX 50R and the GF 32-64, so I am very excited. I liked your video about the GFX-System very much.

[@Andrew_marr]

What a fantastic camera, are you borrowing the 50R or is it a purchase? I really enjoyed the experience of photographing with this camera and the results where so impressive. Hope you have lots of fun and enjoy! :)

[@bjoernsviewsbjornwolfmulle3295]

@@Andrew_marr I bought a used one and I am very satisfied. It is in perfect condition. I was out with it a couple of times now and I am very impressed with the details in the pics and the dynamic range when using it for night photography. 😁

[@Vikingdescendent]

11:51 Super shot! Fuji at it's best!

[@QuarkCharmed]

Thank you, very useful from the landscape photography perspective. How about the weather sealing though? It's utterly important in seascape photography. Did you feel the camera and lenses were sealed well enough? Thanks!

[@shamcarz]

Great review and images. Thank you for sharing. I thought the composition at 8:26 was different and could have been used for a still shot; not an angle commonly used by landscape photographers

[@robertmarr8991]

Beautiful photo's.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks very much Robert! 👍

[@WhittyPics]

Medium Format is great for landscape photography. It is made for the slow methodical type work.

[@RichardLefroy]

Can’t imagine I’ll be putting my order in for one of these bad boys any time soon :) Good vid though - swapping back and forth between location and ‘studio’ works well. Killer sky there too :)

[@philippeguichard5670]

You managed to capture some great photos, but that is what you always do! Great video too. I have been a bit intrigued about medium format as I am not sure how much of a print quality difference it has verse a print from a high mega pixel full frame like your Nikon D850. A Medium format sensor will produce more details because it has a larger sensor but at a premium cost (although Fuji does offer a "reasonable" cost option). I hope you plan to make some large prints of these photos and let us know what you think. Thank you for your user perspective review. Take care.

[@Andrew_marr]

Your very kind Philippe, thank you! I think if you were to print big and having some experience with image quality, you'd pick up the difference, but the average image admirer may not. Thanks for sharing your comment :)

[@runninblue9415]

Some of your best work imho

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks so much, you're very kind!

[@glennhunt3725]

Loved using medium format film cameras back in the day. That said, what are the advantages of using 50 mega-pixel medium format GFX50R vs say Sony R-III (or other full frame R series cameras)? I would like to see how they perform using A2 prints. Does it matter?

[@TarrelScot]

What a great review; plenty of kit detail backed up with some great illustrations of the camera's use in the field! Did you have a chance to use the 50s/50r for any night photography? If so, would be keen to know how you got on, especially with high ISO performance. Greetings from Scotland.

[@Andrew_marr]

Hi Mark, thanks for your comment and feedback. I didn't get the chance to do any night photography with either the 50S or 50R, but I would imagine with the 50mpx spread over the large medium format sensor, either camera would have done a great job capturing the stars. I hope you are keeping well in Scotland.

[@rogersmith1643]

Hi Andrew, great review. I recently acquired an A7RIII, and was wondering if you have experienced that camera. I would love to know how it compares with the Fuji MF cameras. The megapixel rating is near the Fuji, but obviously the individual pixels on the sensor would be bigger on the Fuji resulting in better performance. That being said I wonder how it compares with the Sony Pixel Shift capability. In other words, although it might be more work, would I get similar results using Sony Pixel Shift on an A7RIII? Which apparently significantly increases detail (not megapixels). I note the pricing on the Fuji lenses is very competitive too.

[@nickfanzo]

Very tempted. Very

[@Andrew_marr]

Haha, isn't it! I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but it's tempting! :)

[@Tbonyandsteak]

The slow focus time are proberly due to the high resolution and hardware used for lesser resolutions. Maybe it is time for finding solutions for cooling the sensors cold and ofc it is possible.

[@Andrew_marr]

I think they've improved the focus with firmware updates since I made the video. I know they've improved the focus of the GFX100 since it came out.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks, was it easy to bring up the dark shadows In LR in the last image you shot after sunset? A trivial question, were you using a shutter release or the timer? Geoff

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for your questions Geoff. The shadows were easy to bring up, those 50Mp are spread over a larger sensor (Medium Format) so the sensor captures light better, hence more detail in the shadows. I've done an editing video on one of those shots where I really push the edit to see how much detail I can get out of the RAW. For seascapes I tend you use a shutter release cable if I can, cheers!

[@ddolde]

You don't need a grad just adjust your exposure compensation so there's no clipping the highlights then bring up the shadows

[@Andrew_marr]

The approach you outline won’t work if the dynamic range of the scene is great than the dynamic range of the camera. Bringing up the shadows is fine to an extent, but if the shadows aren’t correctly exposured they’ll end up soft and lack detail.

[@jacobogden2688]

Is Fuji coming out with a new gfx 50r anytime soon?

[@flygaren40]

Beutiful pictures

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks so much Anders. :)

[@scotty4418]

great review Andrew and wow, those images. Colours and the contrasts were stunning. Can see why you envisage MF being a format for you in the future as it looked like you were getting fantastic results in the short time you had use of the cameras

[@ald71]

Did you end up buying one of these camera's?

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great video, very informative...clearly expressed, oh and fantastic shots..thank you for posting. I’m in WA too!😎🇦🇺👍 Subbed.

[@jordannet]

please could you post videos of image processing ? we need new one.. thank you

[@Andrew_marr]

Hi Maen, did you catch the editing video I posted last week?

[@mordenohare2550]

These are obviously great camera's for landscape photography. I feel compelled to point out the often forgotten manufacturer Pentax has been making 'affordable' MF camera's for many years. If you want to get into MF photography this is the cheapest option as there is plenty of used stuff available for purchase and they will have the same image quality as these new Fuji's as they use the same sony sensor. Of course Pentax cameras are not mirrorless so they are much larger and heavier which will put off many.

[@Andrew_marr]

This is an important point you make, I did a piece to camera talking about the balance of cost, image quality and weight. But I took it out in the end, one because the mirrorless factor was an extra complication and I wanted to cut the video down, it's over 20 minutes as it is. I'm glad you made the point here though. ​Thanks for sharing Morden!

[@davidmurray5926]

If you loved your D850 why did you get a GFX?

[@marc6652]

MF is a kind of old fashion way to shoot. It reminds me shooting with a Leica M camera. What's holding me back is lenses weight. I have the same reservation with many FF speed lenses as the 50 F/1.4 Panasonic (about 1kg) or the 90-280 Leica (roughly 2kg). I know that heavy lenses stay at home (with the camera). Only smaller sensors aloud you to cary lighter gear unfortunately.

[@trondhelgehie6771]

If you don’t have used Capture One on your files, try it! I could see the “Lightroom worms 🐛 “ in your pictures, and it’s not nice. If you want the full potential of your RAW files, it’s C1 all the way! That’s my experience any way! Nice review 👍

[@Andrew_marr]

Trond Helge Høie thanks for the feedback, I use both C1 and LR but I don't use LR for sharpening. If you are referring to the close up at the base of the rock I thought the same thing but it turns the algea at the base looked very worm like, besides I didn't zoom in close enough in the video to see the worm effect if it was there. Thanks again for your comment, I appreciate the support! 👍

[@trondhelgehie6771]

Hi I have the GFX 50S my self, and I don’t like the RAW converter in Lightroom. So I’m using C1 for that part. But I can take the files as tiff’s from C1 to Lightroom, and that is okay. C1 and Fujifilm has an collaboration, so Phase One is testing and testing the RAW files from Fujifilm cameras, and they’re getting data from Fujifilm. Lightroom is not doing this job, ore not so much anyway... Now I’m just looking forward to the GFX100 👍😊 Keep up the good work 👍

[@FabrizioZago]

Lots of details in those photos, the fethers of the heron are stunning.

[@derekmidgley]

I know this is just dreaming, but I would like a 100mp body with an integrated (i.e. not interchangeable) 23mm (equiv 18mm) lens. Weather-sealed. Compact as possible, but please let me have my ISO dial or a top screen so I can check / see at a glance. Of course it's not going to happen... but it's ok to dream. Thinking about it, though, Sony were brave enough to make the RX1Rii and that's an incredible camera. Come on Fujifilm!

[@tomassum8880]

Not being able to switch lenses or focal lenghts in case of landscape photography seems highly impractical. I see no reason to produce such a camera.

[@tallaganda83]

There is a 100 mp Fuji coming but it’s not fixed lens thankfully😂

[@_o__o_]

fifty ahhr

[@stevemcrae3307]

Would love to do Medium Format, but think my next step should be Full Frame :)

[@RuiMiguelDaSilvaPinto]

Why? I'm considering complementing my MFT/M43 with a Medium format and "skip" the full frame all together. Its a matter os saving more $$ 😁

[@bamulok]

Ddsa

[@fangxusun1723]

"It is a rangefinder format which I'm not used to. So I had to adjust." Come on, it is not a rangefinder camera, but just a camera that doesn't put its EVF in the middle.

[@itseli2475]

the evf can switch to a true optical rangefinder with the flick of a switch

[@denniswilliams4789]

A rectangle block with a RF. No thank you. I would not bother with a smaller rectangle block RF from Leica either. Neither price point or brand is justification to spend hours working with a body ill-suited to being held securely in my fist. Certainly not when the other GFX models (with identical sensor) and all the Mamiya, PhaseOnes and of course Pentax 645 and film 67s offer a viable grip.

[@Ivandotjpeg]

Fab review. Thanks for posting.