Fujifilm GFX-50S Review: Part II
In Fujifilm GFX 50S Review: Part 1, we looked at everything that makes the 50S a great camera. But no camera is perfect. In the second and final part of my 50S review, I’ll talk about some of its less favourable points.
Although I feel that most of the drawbacks of the 50S become minor inconveniences eventually, there are a few things that I still do not like about the camera — even after using it for more than a year.
Figure 01: The back of the camera is surprisingly minimalistic.
Ergonomics and design
First of all, the strap feels like it was more of an afterthought for Fujifilm. Perhaps, the strap position adds to the ergonomics for the camera, but it is not ideal. Additionally, the strap mechanism, though better than its APS-C sibling, could be better. I tried using several straps with the 50S and then gave up — the strap position simply feels unbalanced. Now, I have gotten used to using this camera without a strap.
When it comes to the camera design overall, especially where the LCD is housed, I do feel it could have been less bulky. The 50S does not have the in body image stabilization to justify the bulk.
Camera inputs
The opening for the remote trigger is annoying when you use L-brackets (I tend to use them a lot and find it doesn't open to the full 90° angle I’d like). It would have been ideal if the camera was equipped with a remote trigger. Having a built-in radio remote trigger option that doesn’t drain as much of the 50S’ battery would have made the 50S better suited for outdoor photography during harsh weather (you do not want to open the weather sealing during harsh conditions). An additional drawback of the camera’s design is that if you are using a remote trigger, you won’t be able to tether to another device, as the USB port will already be occupied. Having to make a choice between remote functionality and tethering can be frustrating.
Figure 02: The battery and other connectivity options are on the left hand side
Focus
The overall slowness of the camera was not an issue until Fuji’s GFX 100 came out. Faster processors like the one in the 100 could have added a bit more faster response to the 50S overall. This isn’t a deal breaker but it’s hard not to compare the two once you know a quicker response is possible.
Rolling Shutter
Rolling shutter is always an issue when you use a fully electronic shutter, making the image distorted at times.This is due to the amount of time it takes the camera to read such a large sensor. However, Fuji has come up with some alternatives, such as Electronic Front Curtain Shutter (EFCS), which automatically changes the electronic shutter to a mechanical one after 1/500th of specific shutter speed.
Figure 03: An example of rolling shutter.
Shooting Video
Video is another afterthought which could have been discarded completely. It appears to be included with the camera to tick another feature to justify the price. You will encounter some line skipping and distortion when using the video due to the sensor size readout time. That being said, it is not horrible, but you cannot expect it to rival the GFX 100’s video shooting experience. The maximum supported video resolution on the 50S is only 1920x1080.
Battery life
While the battery in general is not bad (approximately 400 shots), it could have been better, providing CPA rated 400+ shots. However, I use multiple batteries and so this is not a deal breaker.
Conclusion
For many photographers, medium format is a territory they wish to tread, due to its overall romanticisation in the camera industry. Medium format cameras were not financially viable for most photographers, until Fuji released the GFX 50S and its sibling GFX 50R. Even if the 50S appears to be expensive from the APS-C and full frame price point, it is one of the cheapest medium format cameras you can buy right now.
Shooting in medium format is a very different experience compared to smaller formats. However, if you are not into architectural photography, studio fashion photography or product photography, or don’t print your images much, you may not fully appreciate the benefits of this format. For posting on social media or viewing the images on a computer screen, the GFX 50S is an overkill and probably a waste of your money.
Despite all the drawbacks listed above, shooting medium format is a worthwhile endeavour for photographers who need a significant upgrade in image size, depth of field, dynamic range and field of view. And the GFX 50S is a great camera for the job.