GFX50Sii First Impressions: Is It Worth the Price Tag?

I finally let go of my GFX50R and traded up for a GFX50SII. It's already proving to be a major improvement and I'm super happy with the decision. Looking forward to creating more images and YT videos on it! Please let me know if you have any questions about the 50R, 50SII or even the 100s!
Follow me on Instagram: davecapote
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
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[@jean-michelargentin5465]

I truly enjoyed your review of the Fuji gfx 50sii. You had explained it very well. The other day I went down a rental camera shop to test the 50sii but they didn’t have available so I look at the next best thing-50s and that MF images was extraordinary the files blow my mind away. Fuji had put a lot of engineering and craftsmanship to this gfx. I’m getting one soon.

[@jean-michelargentin5465]

Gi David, excellent review on the GFX 50sii I like the fact that you are very honest that really help others to understand the output of a medium format, like the GFX’s system compared to a full frame camera. They are actually no comparison. It’s like night and day. I know because back in my days I shot Mamiya’s 4X5 & Bronica’s 4X5 for weddings and portrait studio for my clients..The images was professional even at a 4X5 prints it stood out.. Clients new they got what they paid for. It’s was normal to me. I want to get that feeling again with a digital medium format and I think the Fuji GFX 50sii make a sweet spot to start. I have a rule if I get something that works I don’t look back and lust after another. I use it till it’s dead.

[@marcglaudemans637]

great video. I just got the GFX50SII as well. Still waiting to really use it and have some product and lifestyle shoots planned and a trip to norther Norway upcoming. I think the medium format will be great for landscapes. I have the 32-64mm lens and think I will rent the 100-200 for the Norway trip. If I can afford it I think the 80mm or 110mm would be great next lenses, mostly for portraits and fashion

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Just picked up the 50S II myself and I echo your thoughts on how spectacular it is. Even comparing it to my R5 it performs exceptionally well. The 35-70mm is a nice lens too. Very clear, compact, and light. It doesn't have a fast aperture or a ton of zoom range, but it's a great starting point if someone chooses to go the zoom route vs. primes.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Hey Bryan, I saw your comment here as well. I'm definitely leaning towards this camera big time I think I'm gonna pull the trigger at some point probably after Christmas easier a few sales on 2 and I'll grab one cheap in Australia. I really like what everyone saying about this camera

[@brianbeattyphotography]

@@nevvanclarke9225 nice! yeah keep your eyes open - there's definitely some great Fuji deals from time to time around the holidays. I've seen the 50s II and kit lens for as low as 2999 USD

[@geofflongford2008]

Great stuff. I have to say that admitting a mistake is very professional. Better than letting it go and paying later.

[@DanThomas1161]

This is not only fun to watch and listen, but it’s really helpful for us photographers. Gear is a very important part of why we are doing what we are doing. I have lots of Canon dslr cameras and lenses. I’m thinking a lot between going into RF Canon mirrorless or in going into medium format. This video is very interesting and useful info.

[@davecapote]

This is really refreshing to hear. KZbin can be such a toxic place. Honestly I just make these videos for 1) people like you that I wish I could’ve gotten more info instead of just seeing some good photographer walk around and take some photos but she’d no light on what makes the camera good and 2) just for fun. Thanks for watching and the nice comment

[@sdhute]

How is the kit lens? I love 28mm for street and city scape. I don’t see a prime with a 28mm focal length

[@edisonvuong]

Great video. I’ve been thinking about picking up this camera as I want to do medium format individual portraits. What’s your go to portraits lens for this beast?

[@davecapote]

Thanks! I think the 80 1.7 or the 110 f2 would be my two go to’s

[@brandonj1468]

Thanks for the review. I was worried about the AF.

[@davecapote]

Thanks! Don’t be worried it’s pretty great

[@brandonj1468]

@@davecapote Any thoughts on the low light capabilities of the camera?

[@BenjaminKanarek]

The GFX50 has twice the pixel pitch as the GFX100S, as the sensor is identical in size. So greater DR and less noise. The GFX sensor is 1.7 times larger than FF. That is a lot!

[@jonasbg]

You should do a office tour. That looks like a nice place to work.

[@davecapote]

thanks man! Yeah it really is a great space and nice enough looking that my wife doesnt complain about 100 cameras being the first thing people see when they walk into the door. Good suggestion though, maybe ill throw a video up on it soon.

[@JackieSemple]

Excellent video.

[@gligorhoria]

Hello and thanks for the super informative video. I do have a small question. You said that when you are doing product photography you need to make everything look as real as possible and match the colors from the photo with the product. Is that easier to do on a 50s II than on a Fuji XT3 or 4 for example ? Or you were only talking about other brands against Fuji?

[@davecapote]

Hey! Thanks for that. I think for coloring purposes fuji has the same color science in all of their cameras that makes it super easy to color correct even without a color card (I suggest getting one if you dont have one already). But as far as 50sii vs xt4 etc., there wont be a difference in color but obviously just resolution. If your clients are making billboards, large prints, store signage, I wouldnt go for the xt4. But social media purposes/web design its a very capable camera. Hope that helped!

[@richardbierman9856]

Get a colour checker passport!

[@MikeLikesChannel]

Just a hobbyist, but I shoot my 50Sii with the 50mm 3.5 glued to the front. $2000 all-in. It's kinda like a Fuji GA645 without paying $1/click for Portra 400.

[@davecapote]

Its an amazing camera with unbelievable color! when you get it just right in post it really is. Glad to hear it!

[@jasonlamarking]

Couple of questions. How is that viewfinder to use? It scares me that it won't be accurate enough. Also where did you rent a GFX from? I'm in north Texas.

[@davecapote]

viewfinder has been great so far. pretty sure the 100s has the same viewfinder. If your ever finding yourself in the Austin area, Precision Camera rents out these cameras and all lenses for a pretty affordable rate. There are also rental websites like borrowlenses that have all of the GFX lineup. but is pricier than a smaller shop like precision camera

[@jamesdavis9987]

Great video. I shoot Canon 5d4 and Sony A7r4. I mainly shoot portraits. I don’t think there is a need to upgrade yet. I don’t know what it is, but I am not completely sold on Sony. The Fujifilm GFX 50 ii may be a better grab than a Canon r5. Would love to see more portrait work with this camera. Thank you.

[@davecapote]

Hey James. Portraiture isn’t my strong suit but I do take them every once in a while. I wouldn’t say the r5 vs 50sii is a debate when it comes to it. It’s more about the feel of when you take the photos. If you’re slowed down like that, it truly just matters how the color science and images look to you in post. Sorry I couldn’t be much help but I think ya just got to rent each and see

[@brahmantia9428]

Great review. I just bought one. And i have question. Why gfx50sii is not good for low light ? I use 3570mm lens. Thank youu

[@davecapote]

High megapixel cameras usually struggle with low light in general. Don’t really have more helpful advice unfortunately. If most of your work is low light it might not be the best camera for that use. Either stay close to native iso or invest in a good denoiser or editing

[@wazlght5884]

Is it worth switch from a canon R5 for when it comes for photography? And also are the Fuji film recipes all hype or they legit? Thanks I'm advance

[@davecapote]

I think the r5 is probably the top of the food chain as far as capability. I had a friend tell me recently that he has the r5 and it isn’t as fun of an experience for him because everything is just too perfect. I’m actually laughing writing that because it sounds ridiculous. That being said, I think the only way to truly figure out what’s best for you is to rent one, and shoot both cameras at the same time to compare what you like and don’t like. But just make sure you go through all situations: fast moving objects, low light, scenes with high dynamic range, etc.

[@davecapote]

Also, I shot my entire honeymoon on jpeg with a portra400 recipe. Yes, they’re amazing and require very minimal work to just post on Instagram. I still shoot raw and no simulations for my commercial work though to give me flexibility

[@Ezel21love]

I think 50s II good option for me.

[@davecapote]

🫡

[@geofflongford2008]

Maybe you got a bad 50mm copy. Mine seems sharp enough to me. Even at f4 at the edges.

[@OfAngeline]

Doesn’t the 50r and 50sii have the same AF?

[@davecapote]

they both have the same Contrast Detection AF system but from using the 50R for years, I definitely noticed a difference in how it picks up objects and drives the lens motors. The 100s has the Phase Detection system that is way faster but I feel like the 50Sii has some kind of programming improvements that make it faster than the 50R. Hope that helps

[@PaulCypert]

The sii has an updated processor and autofocus algorithms that improve the focus compared to 50r. It's not as much as the 100s, but it is a boost on top of the added ibis.

[@davecapote]

@@PaulCypert thanks for the assistance!

[@davecapote]

@@ankr_bio although I haven't tested them side by side (cause I sold one to get the other) but from using them for so long I could say that the color output is exactly the same to me. Nothing stands out in my memory

[@bbones3318]

the 50 is a character lens tho

[@hunterchadwic]

Looking to switch from sony and I think you sold me.

[@davecapote]

Personally the best decision I made. Hope it works for you too

[@ampm7906]

Not everyone is the same. I consider the tilting screen as absolutely essential and it is also important to be 3-axis (thank you Fuji for making it 3-axis in the 50SII, was only 2-axis in the R model). It is absolutely essential because this feature enables using the tilt screen as a waist level finder in both horizontal and vertical orientations. I know many photographers like our presenter like to look through an eye-level viewfinder, however some prefer waist level finders. I compose much better using a waist level finder and also hold the camera steadier, I cannot work without it.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

7:05 Fuji has been using that screen design for a decade. It didn’t come from Sony…

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Sub $2k. I dont think so. BTW I had multiple Fujis and switched to Canon last year....the AF was like leveling up 1000%. I found it easier to edit Canon as well.

[@ashok5591]

Again Fujifilm, strange. Whenever I look up for photography or want to listen some commentary on camera, Fujifilm anyhow comes at the top. That means this camera is the world's most popular and beautiful camera for the professionals.

[@MrSolidair]

the background music is so damn annoying...

[@hollowaysteve]

Me too. Only made it half way through.

[@OfAngeline]

Doesn’t the 50r and 50sii have the same AF?

[@Bajaja59]

Hello, the answer is yes and no at the same time. They share same sensor so AF is only contrast based but 50 S II have new processor so its AF should be faster/more precise. I only had 50R so cant judge by personal experience.