Fuji GFX 50R Review: Excellent sensor in a more affordable & less comfortable medium-format body
posted Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 10:51 AM EST
Click here to read our Fuji GFX 50R Conclusion
While the latest Fujifilm GFX buzz is all about the new 102-megapixel GFX 100, there are two impressive 50-megapixel GFX cameras already on the market, both of which cost considerably less than the new GFX 100. Last October, Fujifilm released the GFX 50R, which took the same great imaging pipeline of the original GFX 50S and put it inside a brick-like camera body. This new design had multiple consequences, including a lower price tag (the GFX 50R can be yours for around $4,000 USD right now). Unfortunately, the different camera design also led to numerous issues with ergonomics and overall user experience. In short, the GFX 50R can be difficult to hold and lacks some of the nice physical controls of its 50S sibling.
Not a lot else has changed with the GFX 50R. The image sensor is the same 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor found in the 50S, which results in superb still image quality and some of the best print quality we have ever seen. The GFX 50R not only utilizes the same image sensor, but also the same processor and autofocus system. This means that autofocus speeds are definitely on the slower side, but the autofocus coverage is very good. Interestingly, the 50R delivered some improved performance in our lab when compared to the 50S. For example, it still shoots at up to 3 frames per second, but the 50R's JPEG buffer is unlimited whereas the 50S slowed down after capturing 40 frames. Raw buffer depth has also improved slightly, although overall performance remains mixed.
Like the GFX 50S and unlike the upcoming GFX 100, the 50R offers very little in terms of video features. It can record 1080/30p video, but the quality is not very good and the autofocus performance is poor. The GFX 50R is absolutely a stills camera and in terms of pure image quality, it shines. However, there are usability and performance concerns. To learn more and read our final thoughts on the Fujifilm GFX 50R, head to our GFX 50R Review Conclusion.