Why I changed to Medium Format. Fujifilm GFX50S first look and example photos.

I recently made the move to shooting medium format digital. Here's a first look at the Fujifilm GFX50S with some example images. This is a fabulous camera and I'm glad I made the move. You can see the camera body here: geni.us/4U3gaqA and the lens here: geni.us/xdPt (affiliate links).
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[@jean-michelargentin5465]

I love every video you done of the Fuji GFX system especially the GFX 100s. You are brilliant my friend. What I also like about you is you communicate clearly with thoughts and honest that allows me to understand the craftsmanship of the GFX 100s…I only do inn studio Portraits.

[@jean-michelargentin5465]

Every time I watch your video I get excited and motivated. Even though I saw it many times I still get motivated. You shoot my style

[@DavidShoukry]

Too kind, thank you 🙏🏼

[@amangrayfilms1538]

Amazing photographs. Good work there.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you so much 😊

[@glennsak]

Hi David - I can't tell you how helpful and inspiring your videos have become for me. I was so inspired I purchased a used GFX50S and 63mm lens. I'm super stoked on creating wonderful portraits in the future. Your Instagram portfolio is beautiful, too.

[@joshuadrilon3832]

The way you shoot and portray is so much like a painting. Just beautiful mate. Great work! Also a Fujifim lover here haha.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks for your lovely feedback!

[@donnlowel2387]

I already started using fujifilm sytem... but on crop sensor and all i can say is they are awesome. Color and sharpness that you can produce with this cameras are comparable to fullframe cameras. Editing with the photos are very easy, you don’t have to do much. So my plan was i am going into gfx 50s soon. But not too soon, i will wait what the second version of this medium format can offer and i can’t wait, but not in a hurry.

[@kevinparkes417]

I love the style of these portraits. To me they seem reminiscient of late 19th/early 20th century portraits and some of the colours have that hand touched look which started to appear at that time. Does the 50S add to this effect over the Canon?

[@DavidShoukry]

Ah that’s so kind of you to say, thank you. The colours from the 50S are hugely superior to Canon, in my opinion, and I think that’s the real benefit of these cameras. I’m not sure about the hand-retouching thing as I’m certainly no expert!

[@carrieannkouri2151]

I recently started using it in my studio work. I'm so happy I did.

[@DavidShoukry]

It's a great camera!

[@jessestarks3128]

Excellent work. Glad you mentioned the importance of ergonomics. I prefer a slightly meaty camera as well. It's a great feeling when you are "one" with your camera.

[@grahamcoia5505]

I used to love and shoot almost exclusively on the Fujichrome family of film and adored the colour. This is as close to that as I have ever seen. Fuji have done an amazing job of keeping the tradition alive. Now I have to decide whether (when?) to swap back from my Sony family!

[@DavidShoukry]

The film emulations are really beautiful!

[@TheAdamMalcolm]

Damn right about canon being boring, it hit me many years ago that their cameras are like holding up a flatbed scanner to the world. Which was great for technical imagery but Fuji just have a proper photographic vibe. I barely spend any time editing since switching over, I almost feel lazy.

[@DavidShoukry]

Absolutely. Although Fuji usage across our community is good, it still surprises me that more people aren’t using their cameras. Of course people can use whatever they want, but I don’t think any of the other brands come close to the creative/aesthetic joy of Fuji.

[@Hybridvanguard]

Phenomenal work Sir. May I ask which preset were you using in the photo at 5:03 please?

[@DavidShoukry]

To be honest, most of this look is from the lighting and I edit everything manually.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Great Review! I own two of them. Dynamic range is jaw dropping amazing as is the output!

[@donnlowel2387]

Benjamin the X fujifilm master of photographers.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

@@donnlowel2387 Stop it...I am blushing! 😇

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks for watching, Benjamin - I love the 50S too! Sorry for the very late reply - I only just saw this!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

@@DavidShoukry no problem...I agree with everything you have to say about this amazing tool and still do especially with the new firmware update!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you 😊

[@Shmyrk]

Wow, your portrait work is very inspiring. Phenomenal work! You’ll build a big following on here, just keep making this beautiful content and its only a matter of time.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that 🙏🏼

[@lensman5762]

@@DavidShoukry I follow a very talented fellow Brit from the NW of England who does beautiful landscape work, very much like what I used to do. He is a photographer rather than a video man but his videos are witty, entertaining and very informative for those who may not be familiar with classic film and landscape photography. He uses all formats, MFT all the way up to 8X10. He gets views that are in the low thousand or just above. In comparison a young lady in the US waving a digital camera and shooting other young ladies gets views in the 100,000s and has over 50000 subscribers. In one video she decided to try a 4X5 and needed the help of a seasoned photographer to set the camera up and get it to focus!!! Something is not right IMHO but that is probably just my naivety about how to manipulate the social media. I guess I am just too old and old fashioned for all this.

[@RayLombardi]

Hi David, came to your channel by chance and have noticed you haven't uploaded any videos for over a year. I'd be interested to learn your thoughts about the new GFX 100 II. Fujifilm has brought medium format very close to what full frame can offer in terms of usability, AF speed and accuracy, etc. To the point that in can practically and realistically be used for wedding, street photography, and such genres that require a bit more speed and reaction. I'm not promoting it by the way! I'd be curious to find out if you've used it and your thought on it. On a side note, amazing pictures! Love your style mate. Cheers, Ray.

[@michellephoto1]

Hi David. Thank you for your review on the GFX50S. I was actually awarded this camera and a 50mm 3.5 lens at 2020 WPPI conference for my body of work that the fuji representatives reviewed the attendees. I would love to see a video on your workflow for shooting tethered using GFX50S. I would love to use this camera for my headshot portraits, which I usually use tethered on my Nikon Z6

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy your GFX. I’ll try to do a video on tethering workflow!

[@deroux]

Beautiful Portraits.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks very much!

[@seanfshannon]

Those b&w images are just ridiculously good!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks so much, Sean!

[@yashwinning]

Can you check out the Mitakon 65mm 1.4? I just found out about it yesterday and I'm still blown away that there's actually an F1.4 Medium Format lens

[@GabrielScindian]

Did you upgrade to v4.0 firmware on the 50s. They added new features and the autofocus is waaay more snapier

[@rodsilva80]

i found out the autofocus is about...the same. have the gfx50r.

[@DavidShoukry]

Yeah I have upgraded but haven’t shot properly with it yet!

[@GabrielScindian]

@@DavidShoukry Cool beans!!! I do find it faster than 3.30 but the accuracy still needs to be tested

[@rubbernun66]

This guy is out of control. Awesome channel.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks so much!

[@rumorscameras]

Is it mkre the size of the 5d ir 1d canon?

[@mauricioflores7999]

your work is amazing david

[@DavidShoukry]

I really appreciate that: thank you, Mauricio.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Your portraits style is astonishing ! Congrats . May I ask you the lens you use? Thanks

[@DavidShoukry]

Hi there, thank you. I use the GFX 63mm and 110mm lenses (all the GFX images in this video were taken with the 63).

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@DavidShoukry yeah I saw another video on your channel where you say you use the 63. The result is very nice. I’m considering switching from Leica SL2 + 50 1.4 do you think this 63 is at least as good as the Leica 50mm Summilux 1.4 SL? For the 110 I know it’s better than the 90mm APO SL as I tested it earlier this year.

[@DavidShoukry]

I love the 63: it gives excellent results but the build quality is less good than other GFX lenses. I can’t compare it directly to a Summilux as I’ve never used it before.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@DavidShoukry yes I agree regarding the build quality. It looks like a very hold lens at a time where focusing made the lens change its length. This « breathing » makes me wonder about dust getting inside. Is it weather sealed? Thanks for your honest answer regarding the Leica comparison.

[@DavidShoukry]

Yes the 63 is weather sealed.

[@FayyazAhmed]

Would have been great if you showed more examples of 5D vs GFX. There was just one.

[@KW86.]

Ok, great pictures, how about printers? Paper for printers? Thank you

[@emptyskullify]

How would you compare this to the Leica SL?

[@DavidShoukry]

The SL is a great camera but I have never used it, unfortunately!

[@Tripleb6036]

Beautiful portraits and please believe me when I say that I don’t say that lightly. They are truly stunning. I’ve just picked up a 50R after having one on loan for a couple of weeks. Couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve shot every Canon , Nikon and Sony but while I appreciate their various strengths they don’t inspire me. The Fuji’s do. Ergonomically the 50R is so intuitive. I’ll be taking it with me to South East Asia in a few weeks for some projects I have lined up.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks so much for your comment! Yes the 50S and 50R are amazing cameras :)

[@Zainphotography]

I jumped from Nikon D5100 to Fuji Medium Format and its day and night kind of difference.

[@Zainphotography]

Wasn't medium but apsc.

[@fabrizio-6172]

I have a NX1 and yesterday crossing to get the S1R but... I guess it is the real change.

[@teerawattang5071]

If you can have only one lens, what would you recommend ?

[@DavidShoukry]

For just one, the 110mm.

[@petermarsden4720]

Didn’t know you were on U-Tube. I will be following you.Regards Peter.

[@DavidShoukry]

Hi Peter - thanks so much! I hope you're well.

[@marc6652]

"Being inspired by your gear." I wonder if it doesn't mean : to have a kind of special affection for my gear and mentally the relationship looks like the one you could have with a muse : first you love, secondly you're inspired. It means this body is for you the mean to be a craftsman again. Thanks for sharing.

[@veteq101]

Very good video. Beautiful photos.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you :-)

[@rohithrao648]

I've been reading and going through a lot KZbin content lately as am deciding to jumping ship from sony to Fuji MF. Although I've been really happy with sony A7RII files for last 4 years, the usb 2.0 transfer is super slow and am slowly growing tired of the latency. Thinking to upgrade to A7RIV or Fuji and keep the old sony A7RII as a secondary camera. I shoot 90% of the times on tripod, food, products mostly. Would you recommend going with Fuji 50r as I prefer the smaller size or 50s if there are any drawback going with 50r for workflow. Apart from MF sensor and image quality, my biggest point is the automated focus stacking on Fuji, which I use often. Would love to hear your comment on the choice, thank you.

[@DavidShoukry]

The main reason for choosing the 50S is because it has a vertical grip, and I shoot most of my work in vertical format. If the 50R had a grip then I would have gone for that, because to me the design is much nicer and there's quite a big price difference.

[@rohithrao648]

@@DavidShoukry thank you, that answers my question. I have to try both soon and see for myself I suppose :)

[@michaelhofmann6579]

Dear David, be aware, that your videos on behalf the GFX 50S let me decide for the purchase of this camera! It's not in the same kind made as any other marketing video. It's the essence of much professional experience with all essential pros and cons to know. Thank you for your very good introduction into this camera system! Best wishes from München. Michael

[@DavidShoukry]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for saying that! I’m glad the video was useful to you and I hope you enjoy this excellent camera!

[@michaelhofmann6579]

@@DavidShoukry I just do so!

[@MrDro1128]

Opinion on the autofocus since the recent firmware update?

[@DavidShoukry]

I haven't noticed any difference, to be honest. It's okay but obviously nowhere near a fast DSLR autofocus.

[@That_Bimmer_Guy]

Im gonna pickup a GFX 50R for street, portrait, and landscape.

[@DavidShoukry]

I haven't shot with the 50R but it has the same insides as the 50S so you'll get some great images!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Great video very informative, If I had the client’s that would pay real money I would get one as my workhorse I used Hasselblad but now I’m using cannon as my major workhorse! Don’t your just love to take time when shooting I think it help with creativity in your thinking, not just bang it out! Nice work!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you so much, Andre 🙏🏼

[@nickchenstudio1]

Are you able to shoot in RAW with Fuji’s presets? Thanks

[@DavidShoukry]

Yes.

[@erikzonasas4460]

Do you use the smallest point focus or the second to the smallest?

[@DavidShoukry]

I use the face/eye recognition autofocus.

[@erikzonasas4460]

David Shoukry thank you! I had been using the smallest point focus to focus on the eye in studio and it would constantly hunt. I will try it this way.

[@eliaspap8708]

Thanks for sharing! As a studio camera do u find the need to use a tripod? Or is the sync shutter speed of 1/125 just enough to avoid camera blur.

[@DavidShoukry]

I shoot it without a tripod, and it’s fine at 1/125.

[@joseandressanchez3588]

Gracias por compartir tu experiencia, tienes unas fotos impresionantes!!

[@DavidShoukry]

De nada :-)

[@laurasierraphotography9550]

Hi David, what lenses did you use for the portraits you showed please?

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks Laura. I use the GF 63mm f2.8.

[@diegopalma5123]

Hi! Can you please tell me what lens is on the camera in the video? What lens or lenses do you use? Thanks!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks Diego. The video was shot using a Sigma Art 20mm f1.4.

[@diegopalma5123]

David Shoukry i mean for the pictures! Thanks!!

[@DavidShoukry]

@@diegopalma5123 haha sorry! For the images I used the GF 63mm f2.8.

[@diegopalma5123]

David Shoukry they look amazing. Thanks!!

[@michaelbell75]

Nice work, Dont really see much difference between it and the 5D III in this video though. Also, the Hasselblad X1D II is only a few hundred more than this camera and arguably better. You didnt check that one out?

[@DavidShoukry]

Hey Michael, thanks for your comment. It’s possible that I didn’t highlight the differences with the 5D3 clearly enough! But in use it’s very clear: the resolution is the most obvious difference I guess, but it’s not the most significant one. The Fuji colour is just astounding, and I feel that in every shoot. The images as a whole have a refined and dynamic quality straight from the camera. Yes, I’ve tried out the Hasselblad on several occasions, and of course it produces great images. The ergonomics of the Hasselblad are not great though: it’s extremely slow, I mean very noticeably so. And although the build of the thing looks very beautiful, it lacks quick control. The Fuji film simulations are also not to be sniffed at, in fact I think they’re beautiful and they give a range of beautiful colour looks straight from camera. In an ideal world I think I’d have gone for the 50R, but it lacks a vertical grip and I do so much vertical shooting that this is a real shortcoming for me. With MF, especially for professional photographers, I think you’re going for the ‘least worst’ user experience! They all produce great photos but not all feel great to use.

[@RiceCubeTech]

David Shoukry yessir I agree, the only issue is, he probably can’t see the difference with the youtube compression. Resolution and dynamic range get destroyed by KZbin :/. I’d love to get my hands on a GFC one day! For now my a7iii will have to suffice!

[@jensruckert4763]

Great shots… but there is so much praise in your feature that it is nearly unbelievable that you are not paid by any company. And still I would like to compare the Fuji to hasselblad and pentax cameras esp. outside “in the wild”;-)

[@DavidShoukry]

I haven’t been paid by any company: if you hear of anyone that wants to pay me, let me know 😄

[@jensruckert4763]

@@DavidShoukry alright! I will!!

[@Kbeautyeating]

Great video thank you ☺️

[@DavidShoukry]

My pleasure 😊

[@rembeadgc]

Great work!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks so much :-)

[@gregoryhamilton6161]

mate have you used the Pentax 645z, any comments please?

[@DavidShoukry]

It's a great camera, similar to the Fuji for sure. To be honest all MF cameras have similar pros and cons - the pros are obviously the insane image quality and colour rendition. They are all slow to focus with not great low light performance but if you accept that they are specialist cameras and just don't think about the fact that they're not shooting at 10 fps or whatever, you'll be golden. The Pentax is an excellent system and is very good value. There's not much to choose between Hasselblad, Phase One Pentax, Fuji MF in their image quality, but only Fuji and Pentax are available without remortgaging!

[@rodsilva80]

same sensor as the gfx50, way more expensive, dead system.

[@lensman5762]

I know what you mean about Canons not being ' exciting '. I have a 5D MKii and a couple of Nikons, D800 and D7200. Although the Canon has the better range of L lenses and works perfectly, I am usually drawn to the Nikon for serious work. It is just designed more like a work horse than a Canon. All the necessary buttons and controls are readily at hand. It is by no means perfect and I wish that Nikon had not abandoned the blue print they set all those years back with F4s. I have two of them and they are just about perfect.

[@ГрушаОгурцова]

I am shocked that you have such a limited number of subscribers, you do great work!

[@DavidShoukry]

I’ve only just started here really! Hopefully I’ll pick up a few more subscribers 😊

[@ГрушаОгурцова]

@@DavidShoukry good luck to you! I have already subscribed :)

[@DavidShoukry]

Груша Огурцова thanks!

[@grantgauvreau2744]

Your images are absolutely stunning! How would you say it compares to a D850?

[@DavidShoukry]

I haven't actually shot with a D850 personally but this thing smokes any other DSLR I have used.

[@marcoliver5390]

I’ve used both. If you use high quality prime lenses on the D850, then you can come close, otherwise there’s an immediate, and obvious difference. One thing that I did notice is that despite the relatively small megapixel difference, the RAW files are huge! Budget for computer upgrades if you get this beast or the GFX100.

[@DavidShoukry]

Marc Oliver you’re right about the storage and computer power, it eats up resources! 👍🏼

You got me right in the beginning when you mentioned that the Canon cameras are great and phenomenal but not inspiring. So true when using them for a couple of years. Great Video and great points there, thank you for the video and insight! Greetings from Germany, Dirksón!

[@DavidShoukry]

My pleasure, thank you for watching.

[@SD_Alias]

Thank you for pointing out that having a big camera is good. Everyone on the internet is screaming for small cameras. They have never spent a day in the studio or even outside with an ergonomically bad camera ...

[@DavidShoukry]

It's a significant feature for me, and if you spend all day with a product then the ergonomics have to be just right!

[@SD_Alias]

@@DavidShoukry Yes that is so correct! A camera has to fit the Hand not a shirts pocket…

[@lsamoa]

@@SD_Alias Well quite a few of us do have small hands... ;)

[@larsgibbon3327]

Nice review but the real masterpiece are your photos. Fantastic work!

[@DavidShoukry]

That's a lovely thing to say, thank you :-)

[@anderswraae6283]

Hi David Beautiful images, love your suttle lighting and colours. Which lens have you used for the images? Kind regards Anders Wraae

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you. I have the GF 63mm f2.8.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Wonderful images! Nice review.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thank you, glad it was useful for you!

[@RickMentore]

The demo images are stunning! But that is because of the camera, should I get a GFX my images would be just as stunning? Just being smart, fantastic video.

[@romiemiller3093]

I started photography over 6 decades ago with film. And, money was limited, so I learned to take good photos as I saw them. No spray and pray lile is popular today. If many modern photographers bought a gun it'd probably be a submachine gun.

[@GregVidua]

Sir, does the method matter if results are good?

[@romiemiller3093]

@@GregVidua Not really. Multiple exposure mode works well if there's model movement and you want to catch the precise moment when everything is perfect. And, it may take several shots to get it unless it's news. But I can't see many exposures when neither the subject or the photographer changes at all.

[@denniswilliams4789]

The image of the pink outfit and the white outfit with black shoes look corrupted when viewing the video. The faces very soft.

[@DavidShoukry]

dennis williams just checked over these again and they look fine at this end.

[@iaincphotography6051]

It does feel good in the hand and feels much better to use than the GFX100. Great images and good to see you're putting it to fine use indeed.

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks, Iain :-)

[@alexandrosel1131]

I end app with different conclusion. We try in weddings parallel with Nikon D800 and the different is negligible - if any. Colour from Nikon is way better than Fuji which have always magenta cast. For me is not worth the extra money, weight and heavy file handling.

[@DavidShoukry]

Everyone s different and you should work with the system that's best for you.

[@gltzddonut]

Small disclaimer here: I found that fuji cameras are great to play with, but they're not as durable as the canons sadly. They have corrosion issues and dials go missing. I did use to own one. I use the stitching method for all of my portrait work with the 5D and use color checkers to get rich and accurate colors from eos standard and due to this I've not yet seen the benefit of medium format. Surprisingly enough I've tried lots of different stuff but come back to canons. My next investment would be an interprid camera, especially now that lomography will be introducing instant 4x5 film backs.

[@DavidShoukry]

That's fair enough! Because I work as a photographer I don't think I'd have time to do all of that stitching stuff but it sounds very interesting. I think with medium format there is definitely a 'look' that kind of goes beyond the sensor size, and which I like. I'm definitely not defending my investments - cameras are just tools to me and if they don't deliver the goods then they have to leave!

[@CryptoJones]

I got mine for 1750 USD from MPB in Feb of 2024.

[@ucevrim]

wait till you try gfx 100

[@chloescanlon1107]

But can he shoot with just one kidney?

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

Hello. Lovely photographs. I've just bought GFX 50r. 32-64mm and 100-200mm lenses. I'm absolutely amazed at the quality of the images. I'm thinking of using Capture One as recommended for fuji. Just wondered your thoughts. I do like to blend exposures which can't be done in C1. I suppose I can still export to ps. But it just seems a little limited. Regards Barrie

[@DavidShoukry]

I love Capture One. Although I do most of my work in PS, initial processing is always done in C1 and images look subjectively better (especially colour).

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

@@DavidShoukry Thanks David, I'll likely purchase C1 Regards Barrie

[@davefaulkner6302]

Sorry ... but I don't think that digital MF has yet approached the beauty and quality of the MF film cameras of 25 years ago. Give me a 6x7 Portra negative any day over a MF digital. Too bad the film process has been made so difficult ... or maybe it's too bad digital is so easy.

[@DavidShoukry]

6x7 certainly looks great! To me, digital MF is on par. They're different of course, but just as good as each other in my view.

[@ubacow7109]

I think everyone's end game should be medium format

[@DavidShoukry]

It has its pros and cons, but I love it!

[@stefanpop6091]

Pretty nice camera pretty decent photographer.

[@patryk2700]

great quality until you shoot with Phase One...

[@DavidShoukry]

Great quality regardless of whatever other cameras you shoot with.

[@eddybax1]

Your work is way more interesting than your camera!

[@DavidShoukry]

Thanks!

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Why does the girls look so suspicious, at the photographer? XD