The Future of Digital Medium Format | FUJIFILM GFX100 II Photo Review

The new Fujifilm GFX100 II Is the pinnacle of digital medium format photography, but how does it compare to the top-end 35mm cameras, and what really is the difference from the previous GFX lineups?
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TImestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:47 Disclosures
1:02 Support & Subscribe
1:19 Body & Feel
1:56 Con #1
2:24 Con #2
4:25 GFX50S vs GFX100II
5:15 Read LCD
5:32 EVF
8:02 Autofocus Samples
9:23 Image Samples
10:25 Thoughts on Autofocus
11:25 Image & Color Depth
13:08 Should You Buy This?
15:25 Thanks & Subscribe
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps to support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this.

[@wv_]

Also thought the music was coming from another app or a bug in KZbin, paused the video. Couldn’t hear what you were saying.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Maybe the closest thing to a digital Pentax 67, minus the giga-chad weight. (Also ben you're so freakin good at this. Good work.)

[@lackoliver55]

Gotta say, I've seen almost all your videos and I'm always impressed at how you're able to take a new camera to a wedding or paid shoot. Your confidence and skill level to work out the kinks on a new system under the stress of a shoot and still produce results a client would love, is truly commendable.

[@Snapit551]

Great video! The best lens for wedding photographers with a gfx camera is the pancake 50mm lens because it’s got a versatile focal length and that LM motors tracks moving subjects easily

[@vnilla1579]

I also have focus issues with the 55mm f/1.7 lens. The 30mm f/3.5 autofocus is fantastic... It even does a pretty good job in continual autofocus mode! When I first received the camera, I put the 55mm on first and I was wondering if I had a broken camera or lens or something. Coming from Sony autofocus (fx3 / fx6) it was such a shell-shock experience that I almost sent it back. For anybody looking at this camera primarily for video, don't expect to make the 55mm lens your daily driver if you rely on autofocus.

[@andrei0525]

when the music started at 9:08 i thought it was coming from another tab...bit loud and overwhelmed your voice...

[@benjhaisch]

Ah weird, thanks for the heads up

[@nvrumi]

@@benjhaisch I noticed it here too, Benj... made me look to see if Music had started spontaneously. ;)

[@benjhaisch]

@@nvrumi haha yeah, I realized now that my fade in transition had gone from the full section to just the default few frames 😬

[@ziggy149]

Same

[@tyroneshoelace4872]

Every review of this camera concludes the same way; very nice images and I wouldn't but it.

[@nvrumi]

Thank for the review, Benj. I appreciate you skipping all the technical details (I can read) and provide more of your user experience.

[@DonaldHawk]

Got mine a little over a week ago with just the 35-70mm to start out. Nice to get some confirmation on choice

[@doogieham]

Great video, Benj. What was it about the GFX100 II VF that you found so special when compared to the A7RV’s VF? The reason I’m asking is that I’m seriously thinking about replacing my A7RV with the GFX 100 II because I miss the whole Fuji experience even though I’d be giving up faster AF on the Sony. I do appreciate learning about your experience with MF using the Fuji VF because I’m planning on using some medium format MF lenses on it.

[@borromine]

One of the comments mentioned Pentax 67. When I started to use the 50S it felt like I made most of what I liked in Pentax MLU and the Pentax67 II. But the GFX 100 II really does even exceed them user operability of the Pentax and its Siblings. The pro cameras of the 1970 (again THE 1970s) had detachable view finders. They were designed for complex and varied usage. The GFX 100ii is now matching that systems approach. It’s very nice to have auto focus and digital files rather than film. (I love film but….) Maybe f4 does not work for you but I find the 45-100 very snappy and the 110mm too. Anyway, Cartier Bresson photographed moving people all the time. As to who this camera is for my take is as follows: Architecture. Landscape Museum and other archiving. Product work. Portraits. Macro and still life Weddings for people who want LARGE images. Great review. My advice: buy the camera!

[@xyse247]

The new IBIS on the 100 II is simply just amazing.

[@daviesluo]

i found it amazing that Benj has tested so many super high-level gears, still can hold the temptation of purchasing them, and manage to stick with the gears that are actually useful to him. Meanwhile I couldnt resist myself after watching his videos and ended up with so many gears while im not even a full-time photographer...

[@CianMcsweeney]

Well I mean, even for a pro he has quite an expensive set of gear already

[@daviesluo]

@@CianMcsweeney for his level and experience? And after testing and heavily using all the GFX systems, still satisfied using GFX50S which is a camera from almost 10 yrs ago. Tell me that’s not something else.

[@CianMcsweeney]

@@daviesluo I mean, he has two Leica m10's, a few Fuji APSC cameras along with the 50s, multiple high end Sony's plus lenses for every system. I don't begrudge him, I'd do the same if I could afford to (I also own multiple cameras from many systems), but it's inaccurate to say he's some kind of miser when it comes to gear

[@benjhaisch]

Haha I mean, I do have a GFX, two Leicas, a Sony A7RV, X100V… so it’s true. If I wasn’t doing KZbin stuff there would be less cameras for sure.

[@robertjburns9206]

You produce some lovely photos man, and I still have my 50s and yes it's slow but is still a fantastic image quality machine, but having said that the gfx100ii feels like the true successor to my beloved 50s and yes, Woody will definitely being joined by Buzz Lightyear for 2024. Enjoying the Channel dude, sorry about the ToyStory reference 😊

[@henryk6979]

just bought this system for weddings but also pairing it with the lighter 35-70mm lens.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

If you are right which I think you are because you know your stuff one thing I found interesting and I've used a few different Fujifilm cameras and I'll be purchasing a GFX 50 S2 is the auto focus is never been a strength of any Fujifilm camera. It is something you're going to have to accept if you buy a Fujifilm if you are expecting Sony like lock on auto focus with a Fujifilm camera, you are going to be disappointed. But if you want beautiful colours, beautiful rendering gorgeous sharpness and a photography experience. That can't be replicated with any other camera, then buy a Fuji it is that simple. I've said it all along and I've shot Nikon cameras and they produce great images, but the experience isn't the same and the colours aren't the same. And I think it's something that the GFX cameras while they're brilliant cameras. They never gonna compete with Sony auto focus ever and I think we have to be mindful of that and I do think that $12,000 for a camera is ridiculous, but that's what it is

[@enshongmiranda]

This is true. It's always either the lens motors or the camera AF system. There's always seems to be a disconnect no matter how many times Fujifilm marketing says "it's the fastest." It's not just a speed issue, but it's a reliability issue. The files are lovely. The X-Series has that 35mm film "grittiness" to the files while the GFX files (50MP on mine) has a very malleable tonality and colors. I treat the GFX as a manual focus only "film" camera while the X-Series as a compact P&S 35mm film camera. If there's a bit of action, I reach for my Nikon.

[@douglascarrphotography]

Hi Benj thx for the video but be nice to hear your thoughts on how the 100ii compare to the 100Sii for photography thx

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

How is the 50sii using manual focus lenses, does it have the larger EVF to see the focus peaking better?

[@AnthonyJGianotti]

From an engineering point of view, it seems to me like Fuji is struggling to incorporate linear motors in medium format lenses. The plane of focus is so thin compared to the movement required that they’re probably having problems achieving the precise stop/corrections needed without adding 4 or more motors per lens. Stepping motors are slower and jerkier but can easily be stopped at very precise points making them great for medium format lenses that already contain double or more glass vs equivalent full frame and apsc lenses. So unless Fuji is able to shrink linear motors to be able to fit 4-6 of them in the same sized housing or dramatically increase the accuracy of individual lm’s I’d be surprised to see them in gf primes any time soon. My guess is Fuji tried and using LM’s doubled the weight and increased volume by 30% or more.

[@aeskellion]

Would you recommend the 50 S/R as an entry to the medium format world ?

[@GavinCatoPhotography]

i shoot weddings and used to use the 100s but the AF was frustrating. I bought the gfx100 ii and it's wonderful. I still use canon r5's for most of the day but use the gfx for couple shots - it's incredible.

[@beyondthecutworldwide1]

I am a canon r5 user myself, and I am intrigued by this GFX. Resolution is paramount for my line of work, but also is the hybrid aspect of the camera. How do you find the video aspect of it compared to your R5? Would you say dynamic range and IBIS is similar? Having the ability to shoot prores is a serious draw...

[@GavinCatoPhotography]

I've never used it to shoot video (my gfx or r5). I'm stills only.@@beyondthecutworldwide1

[@bobeldijk2000]

Love the review. Only had an issue with the background you are using (example: 9:30). I think the compression made it very funky and was really distracting from the images you are showing. Watching at 1080p and 4K

[@benjhaisch]

Thanks for the heads up

[@hauxon]

I would like to hear why the don't put a proper focus motor into many of their lenses. Rather strange putting a good motor into the GF100 but a dud into the 55 and 80. I'll probably buy the 55 but it somehow seems wrong putting a slow focus motor into it.

[@strippedlist]

Please review Thypoch Simera lenses for Leica when you can

[@bangim0307]

O my goodness. If I could buy this.... but I cant afford. Tqsm 4 d review

[@DSG0805]

Want this camera but my computer has a hard enough time with the d850 45 megapixel raw files haha. Getting it entails a computer upgrade too $$$$

[@legendaryblood1937]

Is Mitakon 65 f1.4 compatible to this one? Kinda curious about it

[@benjhaisch]

Yes

[@simarock]

change lightroom to capture one for Fuji, your raws will get a lot more clear & better. great camera, got mine 3 days ago with 55 lens

[@JacobChristiansen1]

That's true for x-trans and lightroom even fixed that with their enhance detail.

[@FranciscoAlvarezTV]

Benj, you're messin' with my head when you review MF cameras but they're overkill for the weddings that you and I do. I love my X100V and just got started binging Fuji bodies. I don't see myself going back to crop (X) that's for sure and it kills me these guys don't make FF cameras but...coming from a lifetime of Canon shooting there's NO WAY I'll settle for anything less than their AF capabilities. I just don't see myself making the switch as great as their sensors and film simulations are. Great video though!

[@gregpantelides1355]

Thank you, Benj. BTW, I would love to hear your thoughts on the new Thypoch Simera 35mm F1.4 for M mount. It looks like it may hit the sweet spot between size, weight, and image quality. I would love to see you review one :-). Thank you again for all your excellent work!

[@benjhaisch]

It looks promising for sure! I haven’t been in contact with them though and don’t really know how to get my hands on one, but I’m intrigued.

[@gregpantelides1355]

@@benjhaisch, They haven't been in contact with you?! Don't they know you're one of the best photography channels on KZbin! Keep up the great work, Benj! :-)

[@benjhaisch]

@gregpantelides1355 haha thanks :)

[@josebrivera1716]

The problem with manual focus is that one has to depend on one’s eye seeing to see clearly and in focus.

[@Duartephotographer]

I am portrait travel photographer and I am thinking 8n changing my Sony A7R5 for this baby. You have both. What do you think? Thanks so much

[@benjhaisch]

The “travel” part is the thing that would make me hesitant. I think the GFX100II is the *better* tool from how I work because I would like the outcome slightly more. But carrying around a camera all day, I’d probably stick with the A7RV+50/1.4 and 95% of people wouldn’t know the difference. But yeah, I *do* think this would be an amazing setup for that if you’re good with carrying it

[@Duartephotographer]

@@benjhaisch thanks a lot. I am very happy with my r5 but I would like to come back to medium format

[@zblsk]

Yep! AF performance in GF55 was a big disappointment for me as well. GFX100 II works way better with the LM lenses

[@ziggy149]

The X2D Hasselblad has me more intrigued still.

[@nelsonclub7722]

For colour reproduction- with Hass you do nothing - not so with the Fuji - lens lineup not so strong with Hass -Hass is lighter/simpler - we use both systems for different things - also Fuji can be used outdoors in the rain - we love the Hass but the Fuji is a Landrover Defender compared to a Rolls Royce.

[@camerondavis731]

In short: “love it, but it ain’t worth selling my kidney, and that’s the only way I’m affording this.” 😅

[@cameraprepper7938]

I just do not know why camera makers use those rubber things, they should make a proper "door" (do you hear this Sony !?). I do not like fully articulating backside screens, the one on the new Fuji looks good. The biggest issue with the Fuji GF system is their Lens road map, there does not seem to be any new very good Lenses on the way !

[@ThoughtFission]

Beautiful thing! But if this is the future price tag of digital photography, it leaves 99% of photographers behind. 2 or 3 grand is bad enough but 7k?!?! One question. Is the toneality different from the previous GFXs?

[@benjhaisch]

Fwiw, this is definitely at the high end of the market segment for sure. As a “professional” high resolution camera it’s still relatively affordable. Of course I’d love to see it at $4k, but I understand why it isn’t. Tonality is similar from my limited use. GFX100II seemed to have more flexibility though.

[@ldmndz4652]

Appreciate the insight and info...oh Benj..did you hear Fuji is discontinuing the GFX 50SII?..wonder if they are considering another integration of the a GFX 50 line?..like these improvements from this GFX100II into that new body in the future?..

[@doogieham]

I’m really hoping that is the plan. I’d love to have that tiltable VF and an updated 50 mp sensor married with an updated 50Siii body.

[@ldmndz4652]

@@doogieham that 50R was something else though..for form factor..its the best looking "GFX 50"..that I would wish they would update..lol

[@doogieham]

@@ldmndz4652 Yeah, I know what you mean. I can see Fuji updating it, maybe perhaps before the 50Sii because it is such a favourite of a lot of people.

[@icogicog8287]

A 50mp stacked more than FF sensor in a 100II body (with all the whistles and bells) would definitely give FF a good run for their money

[@doogieham]

@@icogicog8287 Yup! When can I order it?😀

[@POVwithRC]

Very hot for this. I'm also hot for a chalet in the alps, a fleet of exotic heavy metal, a sex life, and a pony for Christmas. But as always, reality tempers expectation. I'll have to settle for a used one a decade from now and good luck on the rest 😅

[@nvrumi]

Nice bit wordsmithing... made me laugh.

[@1nnerr]

GF45-100 might change your mind ;)

[@aawonnewton]

Looks like you barely have to mess with the files to get a good look. Medium format is getting close for sure.

[@benjhaisch]

The files are almost more smooth than others. Sort of feels like they have an easier curve to them in terms of flexibility.

[@datdudeinred]

I hate how fuji misinformed it's customers & the whole world about the "new sensor" it's literally the same sensor & they just used a different mode for higher fps shooting & hence reduced the dynamic range(the main reason for medium format in the first place) to 12 bits from 16bits & the files mislead you because fuji made them to still read 16bit in continuous shooting even though they are 12bit. Highly disgraceful especially for the asking price.

[@alvch]

I thought the 100ii was cheaper than the original

[@nevvanclarke9225]

What's interesting about this camera is how many people will actually use it for its full capability. I would suggest that not very many but that's okay but I don't really understand the criticism of the auto focus because it's not that sort of camera it's a set up camera for studio work or a static object like a landscape or something else it is not designed to be walked around with a No people will argue that it is but it's not that kind of camera you would grab a Fujifilm XT3 or an extra two for that kind of thing. You're not going to buy this camera just to take photos for social media. It's a waste of time you can do that with a 10 megapixel camera. But there will be people that will buy this camera just for social media purposes which hey that's fine if you've got the money, but it's overkill PHILL as I say

[@benjhaisch]

I think the thing is that yes, for a studio camera, 100%. All of the marketing around this camera is how fast it is, so to me that means things like tracking and AF performance. For studio stuff this really isn’t an upgrade over the original 100S.

[@ThomazMartinez]

fix your white background

[@benjhaisch]

ok

[@slothsarecool]

x2d looks muchhhh better to me, wish Fuji would step up their design a bit

[@strippedlist]

Yeah the looks matter, not the speed, not everything else or lens choice

[@slothsarecool]

@@strippedlist well the entire experience. If you only care about image then literally any camera in the past decade is already fantastic, neither is going to make you a good photographer. IMO design and build is one of the few things left to compete with

[@florislok]

That 50S looks much better!

[@_o__o_]

all cameras suck.

[@gothamindembaum]

If you're a fine artist who uses cameras in your work, you will get this camera. If you are a wedding photographer, I have no clue but probably this is overkill unless you are shooting weddings for the next Queen of England, the average American will not appreciate the aesthetics achieved in this camera. Speaking as someone who has the A7CR, been shooting the GFX 50S/R since 2018/19, and has shot Leica Q2 and M10-M. The look you can get and the bit depth allowing for grading abuse it on another level.