Fujifilm GFX50SII | Full Wedding & Portrait Photographer Review

[@markyfrencho]

I use a Nikon Z6 for weddings and I totally get what you're saying about grabbing those moments. When you see something, you need to catch it right then, you can't be waiting for autofocus. I wish my eyes were good enough to see focus so I could use some of the manual lenses available.

[@markyfrencho]

If I could see focus quickly I would use my Hasselblad 500CM more often.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thanks for this. I prefer the pixel pitch of the 51.4 MP sensors. More dynamic range and latitude, even more so than the 102 MP ones.

[@David-ug3jy]

I've got the 50S and I said the same thing you said! I want a 50mp version of the 100S. I want the phase detect AF system. I may just stick with my original 50S until the 50S mark III comes out. I imagine the wait won't be as long as it was for the 50S II, since the 50S II is just a dumbed down version of the 100S.

[@janadillon7911]

Thank you for your commitment towards all of the video reviews you create for us! I just ordered the 50S II and also wish that it was with an upgraded sensor but with 50 mp files. There is something really unappealing about having to handle such large files as an event photographer who has to capture so many moments and want to avoid the storage and computer processing nightmares that come with it for editing large batches of photos. Hope they come out with a better option soon, but in the meantime I am still looking forward to receiving my camera and giving it a whirl!

[@markyfrencho]

My perfect camera would be a medium format Xtrans 30-36Mpix with phase detect autofocus and IBIS in a 50R type body. That would be my ideal.

[@blazeboy777]

and ibis :D

[@frankwieczorek5112]

That would be great, and a strong tripod mount baseplate please...

[@streetx4817]

Correct 😊

[@nunosantos8784]

Agree with you regarding the sensor. For this medium format sensor size, definitely the best resolution is the 50mp. You have better DLA, you should have even better ISO, supposing the same tech used on the 100s. The problem is, that sensor doesn´t exist. Unfortunately, Sony is the only company producing sensors of this size, and if you look to their roadmap, there is nothing related to a new 50mp sensor. Happened the same with the 100mp (53x40mm). Some people using the H6D or the previous P1 IQ3, were eager to get the latest tech, but keeping the same 100mp. Some, like Karl Taylor, even would prefer lower res (around 80mp) on the 53x40 sensor. What´s the point of having 100mp (or 150mp), if after f6.0 the DLA starts to have an impact on the image quality?? Especially for landscape photography, is nonsense... well, at least for me. The only solution is really to get this or the P645z or the X1D. In fact, for 7 years old, the sensor is still amazing, far superior of any full frame sensor with similar res.

[@andrewbrooks2001]

Late to the party, but thanks for your video and professional opinions. I was looking at fujifilm gfx cameras for a second body for slower paced photography like landscapes.

[@mvl3464]

Thanks for your videos ! Hope to have in 2024 GFX50S III with AF detection phase and New sensor like 100 II but in 50Mp

[@benjhaisch]

I’d love that. Sadly I think the 50mp range is probably dead but I’d love for Fujifilm to prove me wrong!

[@connora88]

i love my original 50s 🌟

[@BenjaminKanarek]

me too

[@Shebshady763]

i have one and the first 50s. its the best investment i've ever done. it might sound crazy but.. it's up there with hasselblad to me it is..

[@AliA-we2uu]

Thank you Benj for the helpful and informative review! God bless and good luck!

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

My wish list about the 50S2 is as yours. A bit disappointed about this. Only the IBIS is relevant but still contrast focus only. Don’t need 100Mpx but don’t want a 50Mpx with contrast détection Focus Only. I keep my SL2 for now

[@JackieSemple]

A year or so later but I found this review helpful, and the opinions appear sincere and honest . I've not handled this camera but I have handled the 100S. Not bought but it was impressive. Too much cost for me. The 50SII seems a great camera , a great value camera coming with the 35-70 lens but not a camera for those that love the slick mobility offered by FF cameras. Medium format or large format cameras are indeed good for weddings. I would like to add the 50SII to my arsenal. I'm still thinking about the financial justification.. And I'm interested in that affordable Manual Focus Mitakon 65/1.4 lens.

[@k.o.7405]

Thank you Benj, I wanted this as a substitute to shooting my Contax 645 paired to my A7R4 Sonys and I’m contemplating of buying this but pointing out the black shutter throws me off

[@benjhaisch]

Fwiw, the Contax 645 also has “blackout” in a way too, but the GFX100S might be the better option if you’re relying on it in faster situations often. Just depends on how you view that function of the camera.

[@yirbeeltalbertotorresgarci9927]

Soooo cool, can give me the brand of this strap ?

[@francois2538]

Hey Benj, thank you so much for this great review. I was wondering if you ever tried the Pentax 645z with newer 55mm 2.8 and 90mm 2.8 lenses. We can now find those for a very affordable price second hand... I would be stoked to have your input/comparison. Many thanks

[@sgroadie6367]

The sensor used in the 50S II is the only game in town for 44x33 CMOS sensors. No BSI sensor with PDAF is available in this size.

[@benjhaisch]

GFX100 and GFX100S

[@camerondriskill5997]

Hey I would love to see a video on Gfx lenses and third partys.

[@BartRos1980]

I mostly shoot interiors, architecture and cities. The GFX50Sii is amazing for that. On occasion I shoot portraits with it. And some street like images. Its good for it as well. I still have a xt4 also. But i want to trade to the gfx50R for it. Would the gfx system do (with 110 f2) for the 4-5 events I shoot a year? Those are generally dark. But not fast moving. And there is some artificial light.I feel the system is good up to 1600iso also.

[@bernios3446]

That 50MP sensor with Phase detection does not exist. Someone - probably Sony - had to build it. And as there are very good FF sensors with close to 50MP, that is not likely to happen.

[@coltfetters7149]

Benj - How do you feel about color correction while pairing this camera with other brands (say Canon R cameras) during a wedding day? I’ve had such difficulty in using different brands together (Canon and Sony) and getting similar looking files.

[@benjhaisch]

It’s a bit annoying for sure, but I’ve sort of gotten used to it. Having two identical camera bodies will always be easiest though.

[@scottejohnson83]

Love your work Benj... and that beast compliments your film work really well!

[@frankwieczorek5112]

BENJ, I'm just before purchasing a new cam, which one to buy? GFX 50 SII, slow sensor and slow AF GFX100S, better AF, faster sensor readout and lots of MP I don't need. Bought a ttartisan 90mm f1. 25 and a nikon 135mm f2DC plus adapter. My first AF lens will be the 50mm or the 32-64 haven't decided yet. Any recommendations? Waiting for the GFX 40S with BSI stacked sensor and native ISO UP to 51000 and D-pad?? Just dreaming.....

[@benjhaisch]

If you’re just adapting lenses, the 50S II would be fantastic. If you want faster tracking AF, go 100S. Almost every other feature is more than good enough on the 50S II IMO.

[@miam1074]

on the used market - actually even on as new these days - the 50sII is cheaper than the latest FF from Sony. I can get the 50mm G lens (no, not the 55mm sadly) and get superior results to any FF on the market. The lenses are also very good, and priced similarly for both systems. In addition, I have the option of using endless number of old manual - or with the proper adapter, even AF - lenses if I wish.

[@ArthurAbramovPhoto]

what medium format lenses are available for the gfx system? Besides GF lenses.

[@SupermanG17]

What do you think if it’s good to have this as a main camera for wedding photography? Thanks

[@benjhaisch]

totally, It all just depends on your shooting style and if you're relying heavily on AF or not and how fast-paced you're going. I'd either suggest two GFX100S bodies if you want all MF or you could get away with a 50SII and something like an XT-4 and be pretty solid for sure.

[@dalkapur]

Thank you. Very informative, but an expected conclusion. I use my 50S Mk1 for landscapes, portraits, product shoots. Static stuff. It's wonderful for those genres. And yes, without a sensor upgrade, I see little point in upgrading from my Mk1. Question. Part of the reason I love Fuji is the old school dials, and this new body has gone PASM. Are the graphic dials a useable alternative? Presumably you can change them with the front and rear physical dials. I can see that as a usable alternative, but would like to know if it works in practice.

[@benjhaisch]

Totally usable, I prefer the dials as well, but it’s just a little muscle memory. The biggest upgrade if you aren’t using AF imo is the IBIS and the body redesign. A case could be made that those alone could be worth it. Most people shooting AF would almost certainly be happier with it as well.

[@filibertkraxner305]

I prefer dials too. Not looking forward to this setup (and I shot plenty of Canon over the years so it's not new to me).

[@Photomeike]

Well said!

[@icogicog8287]

I don’t believe there is a “large format” 50MP sensor with phase detection at this time. I could be wrong?

[@christhomas5801]

Don’t the GFX100/100S and the 50S mkii have the same AF systems?

[@benjhaisch]

They don’t have the same sensor technology so while the 50SII has a new processor, it still is based off the AF from the original sensor.

[@christhomas5801]

@@benjhaisch Thanks for the info. Love the channel!

[@keithczechanski2625]

I’ve been looking for a medium format film camera, but they are just as expensive as this Fuji. Contax 645, Pentax 67, anything Hasselblad are so over priced now. Not to mention the price of film. I might have to look more into this Fuji instead and your presets of course.

[@jackofblades6736]

Tape means 1.4 or nothing heheh. I accidentally move the aperture ring too often also.

[@benjhaisch]

haha! I actually just have it to make things more difficult to move. I use f/1.4 most of the time, but f/2.8 and f/5.6 fairly often as well.

[@christhomas5801]

Also I’m pretty sure the GFX100/100S and the 50S mkii have phase and contrast detect AF

[@benjhaisch]

It sadly doesn’t :(

[@christhomas5801]

@@benjhaisch oh wow! That’s sad

[@Zarar5]

Hi @Benj, I purchased the 50Sii based on this review and your recommendation. I also purchased the kit lens as it’s a great value lens for me, but I am looking for a faster portrait/tele lens, I do not have the budget for the 110 F2 even though I love it (rented it), do you have a recommendation for a faster lens? (also tried the TTartisan 90 1.25 and did not like how soft it was). Thank you for all the amazing work you do! 👐🏾

[@game2572]

Auto focus for weddings really doesn't have to be super fast. Weddings generally don't move all that fast.

[@benjhaisch]

Fast? No. Consistent? Yes.

[@geneyoon11]

Per usual another great video, Benj 👊🏻

[@stanleyprendergast2133]

I have the XT3 and X100F that I use for street and small family events and was looking to get this.. but not looking like it’s worth the money.

[@benjhaisch]

All depends on your priorities in a camera

[@paulfrancisphotography]

Is the screen black out better or worse than 50S? Maybe I’m just used to it, but the 50S doesn’t seem so pronounced between shots

[@benjhaisch]

I recorded them side by side and they seem pretty similar although I'd expect the 50SII to be faster. Not sure what the issue may have been, but I didn't see a drastic difference.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Whats the name of the song at the beginning of the video? 0:07

[@benjhaisch]

Future Beginning - Utah via @musicbed

[@filibertkraxner305]

I shoot dance and portraits and I was hoping for exactly the same as you: give me better AF, especially in low(ish)light. Wouldn't even care about the other upgrades if it had that. I shoot a 50R now, and the AF is my biggest issue. Funny side note: for anything really fast, I use an M too ;-)

[@That_Bimmer_Guy]

I’m thinking about getting the 50R…the images will look the exact same. Not to mention if you use mostly manual lenses then there isn’t much benefit besides the IBIS.

[@ChuckKolyvas]

Great work - thank you. This is the first review where I've seen the black out and it's pretty slow! That's fine for landscape, but for portraiture this isn't great. Given you have Leica glass, did you ever consider the SL1/SL2?

[@benjhaisch]

I've used the original SL and while I enjoyed it, it just didn't seem worth the price for me. The SL2-S is pretty intriguing though

[@jordohayes]

@@benjhaisch Have you tried the SL2-S? I'm wondering if the GFX 50sII or 100S can keep up with it in low light.

[@benjhaisch]

The SL2-S crushes the 50SII in low light.

[@siennachen7386]

great video，thx for sharing. 👍

[@kurtcoppe5474]

Am I wrong I see a lot picture 3:2 I thought this camera is 4:3 ?

[@DonaldHawk]

Agree on sensor

[@cropcircle5693]

A 7K backup system makes sense if your Primary is a Leica, at 8-10 K. Scale and perspective I guess!

[@Being_Joe]

This is not for fast shooting. If you want that 50MP range just get a D850, but come on how often are you really going to need more than 16mp most of the time. GFX cameras output beautiful photos but that sensor is really not that much larger than FF and not even close to 645 let alone 6x6 or 67. If you get a GFX know what it is for and what it is not for. Even old school wedding photographers would only pull out their nice medium format cameras for those special portraits that counted.

[@earlrogersjr3026]

Just about every review I read on the 50 ll had the wrong camera ,they needed a DSRL and not a medium format camera. I sometimes wonder if they really know the difference as if Fuji doesn’t know the difference between a medium format camera and it’s purpose and a full frame camera and it’s purpose. It would be nice to read a review on the 50 S 2 where they talk only a bout a medium format camera and not how fast it is Compared to a Nikon or Canon are full camera because that is not the purpose of medium format.

[@benjhaisch]

What’s your purpose for a medium format camera, Earl?

[@chloescanlon1107]

I’m really confused. You say that the only lens you have used with this camera is the manual focus Mitakon. Then you move on to pan the AF and tell us it’s too slow and that you can focus quicker with your Leica. So, I ask why have you just spouted the blurb that the contrast AF is too slow and something you can’t rely on…. And then tell us we need the 100s. When in reality you actually haven’t a clue. Amazing 🙄

[@benjhaisch]

Hi Chloe, I’ve used the other lenses as well, I just didn’t for the image samples on this particular video. It’s all subjective, I guess, but that’s what my channel is. Also, you don’t seem to like my videos very much. 🫠

[@markm4263]

I completely disagree. You want a new sensor, go buy 100S. It has different colors.

[@benjhaisch]

I actually prefer the colors, would rather have 50mp over 100mp, and don't have unlimited funds for the upgrades that aren't necessary for me [like the larger MP sensor]. but oh well, can't have everything ;)

[@ChrisBoultonPhotography]

Thanks for this review Benji. I just wonder - is the af on the 100s substantially faster than the 50sll ? Also, I wondered what are the colours of the 50sll were like compared to the 100s? Colour is really important to me. I downloaded a gfx 50 file and a Canon R5 file recently and was blown away by the flexibility of the gfx file and the amount of colour information it had. The R5 was good but not on the same level. Obviously the R5 has its advantages but I’m now looking at the Gfx system. I currently shoot a 5D4 and looking at my next move…thanks in advance

[@shade599]

fuji gfx is the best if you looking for perfect dynamic range....canon r5 is the best if you looking for perfect and fast autofocus.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I love your videos, but your voice on this one sounded harsh, maybe on the edge of clipping. Kind of off topic, but I know you put a great deal of effort into these so I figured you wouldn’t mind some constructive feedback.

[@benjhaisch]

ah interesting, I did try something new with the workflow but didn't hear an issue in the headphones while editing or in my airpods when I tested it, but I'll give it a look, thanks!

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

@@benjhaisch Felt bad even mentioning it, after all it could be me, that said, your images are alive, wonderful and clearly made by someone who is seeking perfection, so without sounding cheesy, a super smooth sound would kind of match the images. BTW I am no one to talk here, any videos I've ever produced have been cheesy and cheap and I am in awe at anyone who puts themselves out there.

[@elimelart]

Found a used body for 2300€. What's better than 4000€

[@TopshelfJunior]

Those things are going used now, anywhere from $2300 - $3100 -way different situation and value, especially if they're in great condition.

[@karimnasser9226]

There is nothing more unnerving that hearing someone praise a camera using a negative voice tone. All I heard in this review are negatives, complaints, and a few positives but still with a negative spin or limitation. The GFX 50S II is a portrait studio, fashion, architecture, and landscape camera, it is not a wedding party camera, not a sports camera, and not a street photography camera. Why would you care if it exhibits blackout? Why do you need hyper speed autofocus? If you want a fast auto-focus, 10fps wedding camera, then get a full frame, any full frame will do just fine. Besides I'm not sure why you are mentioning autofocus in the first place since you paired it with a manual focus lens, and you are Leica M shooter, which is even a step more difficult than manual focus. Medium format cameras have never been used for weddings, ever. Wedding portraits yes, wedding parties and people running around, never. What would be the point? These large format cameras are used to make very large prints, not to view images on your computer screen which at best is probably a 12MP screen (and that's pushing it). Sorry amigo but this review was a real downer, and yes I do own a GFX 50S II, with a 50mm f/3.5 and have nothing but positive things to say about them both, why? Because I bought them for the right reasons, not a single disappointment, not waiting for an update, not waiting for more megapixels, not waiting for any enhancements. This is a perfect camera for what it was intended to be.

[@benjhaisch]

Hi, Karim, thanks for commenting. Honest question here: do you want me to respond to your questions or are the rhetorical because of your frustration with the video?

[@karimnasser9226]

@@benjhaisch My comment was rhetorical but of course would love to read a response.

[@benjhaisch]

Cool cool, I'll address each question mark specifically in case others find it valuable as well as a few things I feel should be responded to as well: First thing, is that I love the camera, but as someone who had it before it was officially released, I wanted to give people an idea of what to expect. Part of the job of reviewing something is to say the negatives as well in case that is helpful for others. I had high hopes for the 50SII as many others did as well and found some of the features to be disappointing. Gotta address it. The GFX 50S II is a portrait studio, fashion, architecture, and landscape camera, it is not a wedding party camera, not a sports camera, and not a street photography camera. -The GFX 50S II is whatever you want it to be, but I’m not sure I claimed it to be any of those things you mentioned. Why would you care if it exhibits blackout? -If you’re trying to track a moving subject at all or take photos of a moment, the blackout can be a hinderance that that process. Why do you need hyper speed autofocus? -Hyper speed? No, but capable of accurately and reliably focusing on small movements would be a huge plus. FPS and autofocus are different tools and I definitely am not one that has wanted 10fps other than when I photographed for the Seahawks. Medium format cameras have never been used for weddings, ever. -Probably the reason I’m responding to this because this is incredibly inaccurate as people have been using larger formats at weddings for a long long time and I know hundreds of photographers who only use medium format for full weddings days. Overall, I’m happy you have a system that works well for you, it’s a great camera for sure.

[@liviuivanov3508]

After getting past the Fidel Castro impersonation, I found the review kind of wishy washy. It did not sound like you'd buy the camera but did not come out and say that too clearly.

[@benjhaisch]

I mean, that’s how I felt though? I’m still on the fence on whether a direct upgrade from the original 50S is worth it or not for me.

[@liviuivanov3508]

@@benjhaisch Thank you for your comment. Besides other cameras, I have a Pentax 6x7 with nice lenses, which I hardly use anymore. I have gotten the Fujifilm GFX sII, with the default lens , hoping it would replace the Pentax 6x7, but am not getting too many good shots. I am leaning towards returning it. I did like your slide showing the the various sizes on the full frame, Fujifilm and other medium formats. The fujifilm is closer to the full frame than to the pentax 6x7. Also, I liked how you showed the time when you press the button and you get the black screen. That is slow and disconcerting.

[@kitar555]

You spent almost 5 mins in the beginning to say thousand of excuse.... nahh..

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

This camera is terrible. buying one was a very low point in my 38 years as a photographer.

[@benjhaisch]

Same question as earlier, I’m curious what your use case was and your issues?

[@BenjaminKanarek]

What????? You're kidding?

[@chloescanlon1107]

He’s a troll…. Or an idiot. Or both?

[@filmstudiojapanDOTcom]

I recently did a session with the Mitakon 85mm f/1.2 lens which no longer vignettes on GFX due to an unplanned customization. Search" F/0.95 on GFX 100s !? Ultimate Japan Photo Session w GF 250mm and Mitakon 85mm F/1.2 (F.95 FF Equiv) " if interested. It's primarily shot on Mitakon with a few 250mm shots.. I know many want to say "65mm is truly native so better" but the 85mm is more than meets the eye after some customization. More content with this lens is coming to my channel. Sorry for shameless plug, but it's worth the watch.

[@jaimeantidiesel]

Sorry, I don’t do Nikon… 🥸🤡