Quick Verdict
The Fujifilm GFX 50R offers one of the most affordable routes into medium format shooting. The GFX system also adds a level of "ease of use" that makes it easy and straightforward for anyone who is used to Fujifilm X series cameras to simply pick up the camera and start shooting. If you're looking for the next step up in image quality, and want an extra edge, and you've reached the limits of what you're currently shooting with, then the Fujifilm GFX 50R system can deliver exceptional image quality. For this reason, it's Highly Recommended.
The Fujifilm GFX 50R is a more compact version of the GFX 50S, with the same 50mp medium format sensor, a built-in electronic viewfinder, and a more affordable price tag, of £3999 body only, making the GFX 50R the most affordable "medium format" digital camera available.
Fujifilm GFX 50R Features
The medium format sensor offers larger pixels than most smaller sensors, with pixels that are 5.3 microns in size, which should mean better dynamic range, as well as better low light performance (than a sensor with smaller pixels). The sensor does not feature an anti-aliasing filter, which means that the sensor will deliver the sharpest possible images, with the potential risk of moire.
Priced at £3999 body only, the GFX 50R is £1000 cheaper than any other medium format digital camera, with the Fujifilm GFX 50S the closest in price, at £4999 body only. Other options include the Hasselblad X1D-50c at £5649 or the Pentax 645Z at £5499. And that's about it for the more affordable medium format cameras. A Hasselblad H6D-50c will cost you in the region of £13999, and a Phase One is on a "need to know" only basis, whereby you phone up to check the price, and if you have to ask...
Fujifilm GFX-50R Vs 50S - How do they compare?
- Smaller camera body
- Lighter camera body
- Bluetooth has been added
- No headphone jack (available on 50S)
- 0.77x magnification on 50R, compared to 0.85x magnification (detachable) viewfinder with 50S
- No top LCD screen on 50R
- 2-way tilting touchscreen, compared to 3-way tilt on 50S
Despite the GFX-50R being a smaller camera, it's still a large camera.
Despite the GFX-50R being a smaller camera, it's still a large camera, and until you see the camera in person you may not be aware of how large the camera is. You also have the fact that a larger sensor, needs larger lenses. So there is a range of lenses available for the camera, and for the most part, Fujifilm has produced a number of fairly compact (for medium format) lenses. There are also a number of large lenses, as you would expect when dealing with a medium format system. Here's a photo of the Fujifilm GFX 50R, with the 110mm f/2 lens.
Fujifilm GFX 50R With 110mm
Here's a picture of the GFX 50R next to the entry-level Canon EOS 600D (APS-C) DSLR, with the 50mm f/1.4 (full-frame) lens, just as a size reference.
Canon EOS 600D Next To Fujifilm GFX 50R.
When we look at what the GFX 50R is up against, the Hasselblad X1D is lighter and similar in some measurements. A mirrorless medium format camera gives you a much smaller camera compact to medium format DSLRs, as you can see in the following table.
| Fujifilm GFX 50R | Fujifilm GFX 50S | Hasselblad X1D | Hasselblad H6D-50c | Pentax 645Z |
| 160.7 x 96.5 x 66.4mm (1029cm3) | 147.5 x 94.2 x 91.4mm (1269cm3) | 150.4 x 98.1 x 71.4mm (1053cm3) | 153 x 131 x 205mm (4108cm3) | 156 x 117 x 123mm (2244cm3) |
| 775g | 825g/920g* | 725g | 1640g | 1480g |
* 825g with battery and memory card, 920g with battery, memory card and EVF
Compared to a full-frame DSLR, such as the Nikon D850 you're looking at a weight saving (in body only, ignoring the lens), of around 225g, as the Nikon D850 weighs 1005g, and you're also looking at a smaller camera body, as the D850 measures 146 x 124 x 78.5mm (1421cm3).
Fujifilm has produced a smaller, lighter camera body than a full-frame DSLR camera.
The camera gives direct control over aperture and shutter speeds, or you can set these to A (for Auto). You can use exposure compensation. The front dial is used to change the ISO speed, however, the dial and button setup can be customised.
The 3.2inch touch-screen on the back can tilt up, and down. The screen has a high resolution of 2.36m dots. Swiping the touch screen lets you access additional settings, and these can also be customised or switched off. You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point, adjust Q-menu settings, but you can't use the touch-screen to change menu options.
The drive button lets you switch between the drive modes, including single, continuous, AE / ISO / Film simulation / WB / Dynamic Range / Focus bracketing, multiple exposure, as well as the video recording mode.
There's a range of G Mount lenses available, and Fujifilm regularly announce new lenses. There's even 3rd party (manual focus) lenses available from Laowa., and Mitakon Zhongyi. You can use an H to G adapter to use other medium format H mount lenses as well.
Fujfilm film simulations are available, with all your favourites available including Provia/standard, Velvia/vivid, Astia/soft, Classic Chrome, Pro Neg Hi, Pro Neg Standard, Acros (Monochrome), Monochrome, and Sepia. The Acros and Monochrome modes give the option of a Yellow, Green or Red filter. Grain effect and colour chrome effect are also available (with weak or strong settings available).
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in-letting you remotely control the camera from your smartphone, as well as transfer images via Bluetooth, for improved battery performance. (Bluetooth uses less battery than Wi-Fi).
FullHD 1080p video recording uses the full width of the sensor, cropping to 16:9 aspect ratio. There are options for 29.97P, 25p, 24p and 23.98p. Stereo microphones are built-in, and there's a 2.5mm microphone socket / remote socket.
Key Features
- 51.4-megapixel medium format CMOS sensor
- 43.8 × 32.9mm sensor, 5.3micron pixel size
- X Processor Pro image processor
- Fujifilm G lens mount
- ISO50 to ISO102400 (Extended)
- 1/4000s shutter speed, 1/16000s electronic shutter, 1/125s flash sync
- 425 focus points available
- 3fps continuous shooting
- Flash hot-shoe
- Multiple aspect ratio options: 4:3 (default, 51.4mp), 3:2 45.4mp, 1:1 38.3mp, 5:4 48mp, 7:6 48mp, 16:9 38.3mp, and 6:17
- Weather and dust resistant system
- 3.2inch touch-screen, 2.36m dots, tilts up/down
- Electronic viewfinder (EVF), 3.69m dots, 0.77x magnification
- FullHD video recording, stereo mics
Fujifilm GFX 50R Handling
The camera feels extremely solid, and with a magnesium alloy construction, it should survive many years of use. The camera is weather-sealed to make it weather and dust resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use in less than ideal conditions.
The front grip could be considered as being a little small, and perhaps not as deep as you would like, considering the weight and size of the camera, and an extra millimetre or two wouldn't go amiss, although it's understandable, considering the design aim or providing a more compact rangefinder style camera. The rear thumb grip provides a reasonably large protrusion for your thumb. There's no optional battery grip available, so if you were hoping to extend the battery life, I'm afraid you're out of luck, and you'd be better off looking at the GFX 50S.
Controls / Ergonomics - There are numerous external function buttons that can be customised. They are unlabelled, and to begin with, this can be a little confusing, as it will take you time to get used to what each button is used for. However, it's a great idea in terms of letting you customise what each button is for, and once you've got the camera set up how you like it, it becomes easy to remember what each button is for.
The top shutter speed dial can be locked/unlocked. The aperture control on the lens can be set to A (auto) or C (custom) and this then lets you control the aperture from the camera body.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a high resolution of 3.69m dots and eye-detection. The edge of the eye-surround is made from a tough rubber, with some flex, but not much. This is most likely to give the surround extra durability as it is quite exposed on the corner of the camera. However, it doesn't look great, and the main surround is made of black plastic. On the side is the dioptre correction, and this is pulled out to change, pushing it back in locks it in place.
The screen tilts up and down and for most situations, this provides ample flexibility, however, if you want more, then the GFX 50S can tilt 3-ways. The screen looks great, with a high-resolution, and the only time it doesn't look good, is when you've covered it with fingerprints, from using the touch screen, or from your nose touching the screen (if you use the EVF with your left eye). You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point and adjust Q-menu settings.
The memory card compartment features two SD card slots, and there is ample rubber sealing, as well as two latches to lock the cover in place.
There are 117 / 425 focus points, and there are wide AF-S and tracking AF-C options.
Menus – The menus follow the same design and layout as other Fujifilm X series cameras, with everything neatly organised into sections. There's a MyMenu section so that you can keep your favourite settings for quicker access. Unfortunately, you can't use the touch-screen to change menu options or to scroll through the menus.
There's built-in raw conversion, letting you adjust settings, and produce a JPEG image from the raw photo, however the changes you make to the image aren't shown while you change settings, but instead you have to wait until you've created or saved the JPEG image, and then you can view the changes. It would be nice if a quick preview of changes was shown while making changes.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 400 shots according to Fujifilm / CIPA test results, which is the same as the GFX-50S. We'd recommend a spare battery just in case.
Underneath the camera is where you'll find the battery compartment (with rubber seal), as well as a second flap which covers the USB Type C connection, and a DC in socket. This may be an area where you want to show extra care, as regular use of this cover may see it bend or stretch making it more difficult to fit entirely flush with the camera (as in our example).
Fujifilm GFX 50R Performance
The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.
| Shutter Response | <0.05secs |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.5secs |
| 63mm - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.4secs |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.4secs |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 1.0secs (MF) |
| Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down) |
3fps (~ shots) |
| Continuous Shooting - RAW | 3fps (14 shots) |
Focus isn't the fastest. Continuous shooting is fairly typical for medium format, but better than some others.
Fujifilm GFX 50R Sample Photos
Sample Photos - Exposure is reliable, with only occasional use of exposure compensation needed. Dynamic range captured is good, with the camera offering Auto DR and customisable DR options, although the difference between the settings is very subtle.
Colour reproduction is a strong point of Fujifilm, with the GFX 50S delivering Fujifilm's excellent colour reproduction, with saturated, and deep colours. You can also choose the film simulation of your own preference.
Whilst the camera has been suggested as suitable for street photography by some (perhaps due to the rangefinder style of the camera?), it's not going to be a particularly good choice, due to the camera's size (did we mention it's big?), and the camera also has fairly slow focus speeds, which means while you hold the camera up to someone, they've plenty of time to notice you while the camera focuses.
Fujifilm GFX 50R Lens test images
Lens Performance - The Fujinon 63mm f/2.8 lens gives a 50mm equivalent - focus is loud, and you can clearly hear the aperture blades as they adjust. Luckily the 45mm f/2.8 and 110mm f/2 lenses are much quieter. The 110mm lens is equivalent to 87mm, whilst the 45mm is equivalent to 35mm.
The camera produces some large files, with an average Super Fine JPEG being around 26-30MB, and an uncompressed raw file is 114MB. 150 photos shot as Super Fine JPEG and RAW (Uncompressed) use 10GB, so a large memory card is recommended. You may also want to check your computer is up to the task of dealing with such large files.
If you're impressed by the levels of detail captured in JPEG images from the camera, then you'll definitely want to have a look at the raw files, as you can get even more detail out of the files. Although, it's worth noting that the level of fine detail captured drops as the ISO speed increases.
All of the prime lenses we used produced exceptional image quality from centre to edge, and lens flare was rarely an issue. Purple fringing was occasionally noticed, particularly with the 63mm lens, in areas with high levels of contrast.
For portrait shots, the face and eye detection helps ensure that your focus is where you want it.
Vignetting was not an issue, and bokeh (background blur) is very pleasing.
Fujifilm GFX 50R ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - Noise is very well controlled from ISO50 to ISO6400, with even ISO12800 producing good JPEG results with no further editing required. ISO25600 gives usable results (depending on your intended use), although noise is more noticeable at this setting. ISO51200 is best avoided, unless you're going to process the images. ISO102400 is where noise becomes high and image quality suffers. There's a drop in dynamic range when shooting at ISO50. Noise reduction options available include +4 and -4, with the default option 0. As expected, the GFX 50R gives the same noise performance as the GFX 50S.
Fujifilm GFX 50R White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) gives warm results under tungsten (incandescent) lighting, with the tungsten preset giving a slightly more neutral result. AWB gives warm results under mixed lighting. Under fluorescent lighting, the AWB performs very well, with a very white result. There are a number of fluorescent presets available, however, these tend to give a colour cast.
Fujifilm GFX 50R Digital filters
Digital Filters - There are a number of film modes available including: Provia (Standard), Velvia (Vivid), Astia (Soft), Classic Chrome, Pro Neg Hi, Pro Neg Standard, Black and White, Black and White (+ Yellow/Red/Green filter), Sepia, Acros, Acros (+ Yellow/Red/Green filter). There are also Grain and Colour Chrome effects with options of strong, weak and off. In-camera raw conversion makes it quick and easy to make changes in camera as well. There is no automatic panoramic shooting mode.
Video - As the camera does not offer 4K video, it is perhaps not something you'd primarily be interested in using for video. However, FullHD (1080p) video recording is reasonable, with a number of different frame rates available, up to 30fps. The video records using the full width of the sensor, and there are stereo microphones built-in, as well as a 2.5mm microphone socket. With a large sensor, there is noticeable "Jello" effect when you quickly pan from side to side. It's most likely that you'll want to use manual or fixed focus to avoid lens noise while recording video.
Value For Money
The Fujifilm GFX 50R is available for £3999 body only. This makes it the most affordable medium format digital camera available. You'll also need to look at a lens (or lenses) to go with the system, these start at £1359 for the GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR lens, or the GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR is £2149. Alternative medium format cameras to look at, include the following:
Fujifilm GFX 50S, £4999 body only
Hasselblad X1D-50c, £5649 body only
Pentax 645Z (DSLR), £5499 body only
The alternative is to have a look at full-frame DSLRs, and full-frame mirrorless cameras. You'll also need to buy a large memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Fujifilm GFX 50R Verdict
The Fujifilm GFX 50R offers one of the most affordable routes into medium format shooting. There really is very little difference in the results possible from both the GFX 50R and 50S, meaning you are getting excellent value for money.
The GFX system also adds a level of "ease of use" that makes it easy and straightforward for anyone who is used to Fujifilm X series cameras to simply pick up the camera and start shooting. With a control system and menu system that is very similar to other Fujifilm X series cameras, the GFX 50R is easy to use and easy to understand.
Delivering medium format image quality, the camera is a step up in performance compared to a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, with excellent noise control, and exceptional levels of detail possible. With that comes the added weight and size of medium format lenses, however, the GFX 50R is one of the smallest medium format cameras available, so whilst it is big, it is relatively compact, and portable, making it suitable for everyday use.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for the next step up in image quality, and want an extra edge, and you've perhaps reached the limits of what you're currently shooting with, then the Fujifilm GFX 50R system can deliver exceptional image quality. For this reason, it's Highly Recommended.
| The Fujifilm GFX 50R offers one of the most affordable routes into medium format shooting, and delivers exceptional image quality and noise performance. |