I agree with your overall assessment. I choose to invest in this medium format camera system in the past 2 weeks. The (literally) selling point was that Fuji were offering very big discounts on the lenses. I was thus able to get the 50R with the 23mm, 32-64mm, 45mm, 63mm and 110mm with a combined saving on the lenses of over £4000. When I weighed this up against for eg the Nikon Z7 and the lenses that may match the Fuji. It made this system very compelling. As a once in a lifetime (lens wise) buy. Yes other factors ergonomics and video were considered. I have the XT3 so for me (and as with everything it is always personal choice) - I have a good balance in all departments.

@Forthejoyofphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Foto4Max Yep. Here in UK up until January 10th you could get the 63mm for only £450 and the 45mm for only £650 if you bought the GFX 50R at the same time. The other lenses had a hefty £500-600 stand alone discount each. There was also a Fuji trade-in your old camera offer as well. These offers seem to have ended now. But if Fuji have done this once. They may well do it again. It was only because of the offers/deals that made buying into medium format a reality. For me it was right place right time (and selling most of my previous camera gear!)

I love my gfx50r. I am finding I have to change my shooting technique though when hand held. The sensor really does show up any movement. 😊

@ all those complainers here: Obviously you don't know Nigel and his work yet. Otherwise you would know that he is a HELL of a landscape photographer and that that's the reason DPReview chose him to make a video. Granted, others perhaps do more professional videos in the one or another respect, but everyone with a sense of a) photography / art and b) human decency MUST simply like Nigel!

Hello Nigel, I am one of your subscribers, thought I was watching your channel at first. Anyway, look what you have gone and done now. You have stumbled into the same mess Thomas Heaton is in, and interestingly with the same camera. I really don't understand all the hate, is it because it's Fuji, or medium format? We (your channel subscribers) all know your capabilities and talent, so ignore the haters. I enjoyed the review. I currently shoot with a Pentax 645a and I feel that Ricoh has abandoned us, so I am considering a switch to Fuji. I would say 99% of the negative comments are from folks that have never held a medium format camera let alone used one.

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Dale Robinson I don’t read it Dale. I love looking at new gear. But as Thomas said it is all about getting out and taking photos 👍

Excellent review. And, as several people have mentioned, it is nice to see a true professional with real visual talent discuss a camera, and produce stunning images doing it.

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Nick Devlin thanks Nick

@nigelbradbury4162

3 жыл бұрын

@@NigelDanson Now get off Chrome Hill ! :D

What is with all the hate on this video? We're you expecting a Michael Bay movie? It's a landscape photographer talking in detail about the pros and cons of a camera, and I thought a fairly well-made one, at that. Maybe we can all save our negative energy for something more deserving.

@stevec3526

5 жыл бұрын

Easy to answer this one, DPR is the "Land of the trolls".

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Sean Cook I am thinking of hiring a camera crew, a fog machine and arriving by helicopter next time... 😉

@earlrogersjr3026

3 жыл бұрын

I believe peoples are tired of photographers who should know better buying a the camera such as the GFX50R a medium format camera and then complaining all the time what it’s is not.

@5stardave

3 жыл бұрын

He was complaining about the layout without mentioning the 50S that has the ISO dial.

Thank you for you review. Love your photos, your printouts, and all the details in the photo. I only take photos, not for sports or birding. So 50R suits me a lot.

Thanks for your very balanced review of this camera. I still want one ;) But I'm very happy with what I've already got, so...

The conclusion that if you can't hand-hold it for landscape images, its not worth going to medium format, seems wildly misplaced. Most landscape photographers would almost always use a tripod for sharpness, and wouldn't reject the camera on that criteria. I have to agree with him however, the 50R looks like a very good tool for landscape images, understanding its a bigger camera. Comparing it to the Z7 doesn't make much sense.

Really nice job Nigel! Come shoot some mountains in Alberta with us!

Any updates with the GFX100s? That has IBIS .... almost a DSLR / mirrorless size.

I enjoyed the video, thanks.

what if you want medium formate resolution and picture clarity but most of your work is going to be hand held action shots?

Great review Nigel. I hadn't seen your videos until this one and the one on print sizes vs 3 cameras with different sensors. I'm not a pixel peeper, but I do want sharp prints at large sizes. Ken Rockwell said, in an email to me, that really, just like you've pointed out, there are far more important aspects to making a great, sharp, large print than merely the size of a camera's sensor. Lenses, for sure, but also contrast, colour -- and of course, a tripod for landscapes-- are all factors which determine how a print will hold up at 50" wide. I was considering a GFX 50S, which you can find lightly used, but as you note, the lenses are a budget-killer. I'll stick with the X-T3 for now and work on getting the best I can from that camera and the lenses. One thing I've done is buy a Metabones Nikon to Fuji adapter, and another one that adapts Leica thread-mount to Fuji X.

The negativity is absolutely nonsense. The review was very concise and beautifully executed, as always, by Nigel. I'm looking very much indeed until the next time.

What printer are you using? I need one

1. It is very simple, but anyway, I think, if you use a camera for landscapes/architecture, you should use tripod. in that case ergonomics is not an issue. if it still is, get the GFX 50s. there is a reason, why Fujifilm makes two technically similar (mostly) but ergonomically different cameras. 2. You can take amazing landscape pictures with MFT too, however bigger sensor gives you greater flexibility overall. 3. if there is no difference between Full frame and medium format pictures, why professionals (who does) use MF? maybe they all are snobs, or have not heard about FF ? maybe there is a neat thing called medium format/large format look? or they seek for best possible results? I do not know, but I think those people, who pixel peep MF and FF pictures back and forth, know.

A great review honest thank you for that...

"you gotta be able to get as good a shot handheld as you have on your tripod, otherwise there is no point (in) having a medium format camera" Nigel seems to be a really nice guy, but that is just nonsense. By the same token, you would not get a Nikon D850 or a Canon 5DSR, or any high resolution camera that lacked stabilization. Medium format cameras have bigger sensors, bigger bodies and slower focus, and yet, short of getting a large format camera, it is the best image quality that you can possibly get. And that ALONE is why you get a MF camera.

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Klaus Enrique completely misunderstood. What I was trying to say is that sometimes you shoot handheld and 50MP is unforgiving.

@dimitristsagdis7340

3 жыл бұрын

@@NigelDanson I didn't get that, you said the z7 is OK to handhold - you only have 3MPs difference. So why is the z7 more forgiving handheld?

@amaitra

3 жыл бұрын

@@dimitristsagdis7340 because it has built in IBIS? GFX100s has solved that issue. And very well it seems.

@dimitristsagdis7340

3 жыл бұрын

@Amit Tnx I didn’t know/forgot the key distinction about the Zs having IBIS and the 850D not. @klaus GFX 100 image quality is a cut above today’s 35mm. And it’s IBIS certainly helps in achieving it handheld.

I literally gasped when I saw the photo at 10:49! Do you have another video that explains how you took that underexposed/overexposed photo and turned it into such a masterpiece?!

I'm coming over from the X1D and the 50R beats it in several ways. I had a lot of issues with the firmware in the X1D. It was very laggy and crashed quite often. It took forever to turn on, and the time between shots was ridiculous (1.5-3 seconds before it would let you shoot a second shot). The ergonomics of the X1D are certainly better, but there are a number of aftermarket grips for the 50R that work quite well. The lenses on the 50R are noticeably better both in build quality and in performance. The 45mm X lens was particularly bad with distortion, which is odd since it's not super wide. But compared with the Fuji lenses, the X lenses feel like toys.

Thank you for the review Nigel. I own the camera myself with two lenses, 45 and 120 macro. No regret, I will use it for landscape mostly. My intention was to buy the Z7 at first but Fuji had a good introduction deal with this one and couldn't resist the offer. For me this is a camera system that best fit for my style and need. I don't need IBIS, don't need 5+ lenses, don't need video I have my iPhone 8+ and don't need complicated menu system and a bunch of dial and button. In fact I still haven't assigned any functions to any of the button on the GFX. I just shoot with it and it's good enough.

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Bernard Brunet great to hear. It certainly is the sharpest camera I have ever used.

@ucevrim

4 жыл бұрын

i'm trying to decide between z7 and 50r (coming from d850) are you happy with 50r still?

Great video

I was confused what channel I was working. :P Good review...

limestone outcrop - good to see someone who knows his rocks

Nigel, spot on rendition of the three key qualities which make these larger sensor cameras yield a different result to the best of FF cameras as of 2019. Instead of just a platitudinous declaration that there is a 'medium format' look to the files ( which there is) you have adroitly pointed out where these files look so different - the example of how detail and subtle tones on gritstone are rendered is apposite. Fuji have shown what is technically possible in the GFX 100 with its IBIS and inspired, dampened shutter ( it is way more advanced than the shutter in the 50s/R). The 100 can be used as a walk around landscape camera with the 110mm on and, owing to the IBIS, the results at 1/30s are something to behold. In my view it is highly likely that the next development is to squash IBIS and the dampened shutter into a body housing a 50MP sensor. Ideal would be something along the lines of the 50R with a better grip. They will do it in a bid to continue staking out their territory in the market.

Great point of view and well presented my dear. I'm about switching for my landscape/cityscape to gfx 50R and was thinking the same. Simple and informative

I agree with 50R having less buttons, dials but then it is more of a street camera. For landscapes (which I don't do at all) I would look at GFX50s. Yes little bigger but still lighter than typical dSLR which most folks used less than a yr ago (specially Canon/Nikon as they didn't have any mirrorless options). Hand held I don't know but I get better results with my GFX50s compared to my now sold 5dmk3. Price wise yes lenses are expensive but they very very good. Buy them when they are on sale. You will save a lot.

I initially thought this was an ad for the 50R but thankfully it's an actual review. Not like that Z6/Z7 music video ad.

I enjoyed hearing your perspective on using the camera. We can read a spec sheet ourselves, this was great!

I enjoyed this review by a true photographer offering real world insights. As an owner and user of Z7, XT-3, and GFX 50R, it is easy to say all have their strengths and uses where they shine. But the image quality from the GFX 50R and lenses is unbeatable!

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Jim Bean what a camera collection!!!

@jamescook5931

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jim, which is your favorite camera to shoot videos with?

@jimbean532

5 жыл бұрын

@@jamescook5931 Sorry, I really don't shoot videos.

All other things being equal, a wider angle lens gives you GREATER depth of field.

If you like the electronic viewfinder on the side aka "rangefinder style" why don't you use the xpro serie?

What is he doing here on dpreview?

@_o__o_

Жыл бұрын

talking bs, like always

Not sure why the missing dedicated ISO button felt like a negative for you though.. I've the 50R and one of the buttons is always assigned for ISO control.. I guess I could get some ISO sticker next to it as well :D with the ergonomic grip addition which doubles up as a tripod quick release plate it's just phenomenal.. love shooting with it! got 23mm, 32-64mm, 110mm, 50mm, 250mm - all of them slightly used but LIKE NEW!! and of course nicely discounted prices.. also have the AF adapter for Canon and I can use my 50mm & 85mm f1.2 lenses :) the quality is just frikkin awesome.. I had a spanking new 645z I traded to get this one... was fully worth it!! but I did lose some money in the process because the 645z was spotless and sold at half the price I bought :(

@dimitristsagdis7340

3 жыл бұрын

Can we see your photos with the adapted Canon glass on the 50R on some site cause I'm interested in this as I have L glass and considering a GFX migration.

@anandk199

3 жыл бұрын

@@dimitristsagdis7340 Older pictures I took with those are personal family photos but here’s a couple that I just took.. one at f1.2 and another at f1.6.. I don’t have a 50r anymore.. this is with the gfx100 www.amazon.com/photos/shared/5VmbPIGbQ16hS4-zO65RyA.J90LioMixxtjHXRdyqI5mk www.amazon.com/photos/shared/cNKxAtjWRwKMjokbMgzrhg.wuwR9DUQ8AavRR4ymGbPc5

@dimitristsagdis7340

3 жыл бұрын

@@anandk199 tnx, unsure what's the story but when I click either link I get to the same place which requires login to amazon photos which I do not have as I do not have Amazon prime. If you have photos elsewhere let me know. Are you have with the Canon EF lenses and the GFX100? What kind of adaptor do you use? Can it AF successfully? Maybe I could afford a GFX body but not lenses. So for a long time after buying a GFX body my Canon glass will have to do.

@anandk199

3 жыл бұрын

@@dimitristsagdis7340 oh ok.. let me see if I can message you privately with image attachments.. I have the techart adapter. AF works just fine.. I use it sparingly.. I just sold the 50mm f1.2, still have the 85mm f1.2 and intend to keep it.. the quality is pretty good although it is not like using native glass.. native glass is definitely sharper.. i.e. compared to the 110 f2, also the crop factor must be kept in mind as well.. makes my gfx about 44MP? I have not tried all canon glasses though.. I do have a canon 400mm f4 DO IS first version and the sharpness and AF are not great with that adapted to GFX.. I have a Canon 11-24 as well.. that works just fine too.. AF and image quality both.. Again, not comparable to native glass because of the full use of the sensor

@dimitristsagdis7340

3 жыл бұрын

@@anandk199 thank you. I was hoping the circle of projection would be larger so to have some acceptable vignetting at the corners instead of loosing actual MPs. Maybe I should reconsider (wait for used prices to come down). For sharing photos one way is to upload them to google drive (this is in a private to you folder) and throw me the link.

The GFX pixels are larger than the Z7 pixels. It’s math: there are 50 MP on each sensor. The Medium format sensor is larger than the Full Frame format sensor. Therefore, the pixel is bigger on the GFX. Large pixel means more dynamic range and better low level light shooting. I am going to start weight lifting to prep to buy the GFX50S Mk II that is due out in September 2021 hopefully. Can’t wait….

Great review!

Been buying medium format film lenses for peanuts over last few years - noticed they've shot up in cost lately. Maybe this and the return of film is the reason.

@ItsFritzDaCat

5 жыл бұрын

o.O the return of film?!! ...don't let mirrorless shooters hear this ;) ...playing with a D850 here..

Most people don’t realize what Fuji has accomplished here with this system. In the medium format film world, a 645 rangefinder would have a vertical orientation. It’s a phenomenal system although ‘technically’ not 645.

So happy to see my favourite landscape photographer, Nigel Danson on DPReview. Great collaboration, well done!

Stunning images

I can get the same detail out of the shadow with my D750. That’s great fun🙂

@mrsusan893

4 жыл бұрын

No your can't lol

@rodsilva80

4 жыл бұрын

no, you can't. no. no.

I've always had pause when considering a Fuji X-trans sensor camera because of well noted weakness of foliage and rock blurring with strange artifacting or lack of detail that conventional Bayer sensors don't have. If this is true, wouldn't this kill the very thing that a landscape photographer would want for this use? Or is this concern unjustified? I've never owned a Fuji camera but I have read and seen many examples of X-trans sensor tendencies such as worms when sharpening and color bleeding. Thanks for the great video. Thumbs up.

@jeffhalebopp

5 жыл бұрын

No kidding? Wow. That's a game changer. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

@Loopsrainforest

5 жыл бұрын

worms are only an Adobe issue for some reason. The X-trans sensor without an antialiasing filter & with Fuji lenses is what allowed me to go from a 5dii & L lenses to an apsc & actually get better results.

@russellbaston974

5 жыл бұрын

This- like the gfs uses a Sony sensor, same as used in Pentax 645z and Hasselblad XD-1, it’s not an Xtrans.

@Loopsrainforest

5 жыл бұрын

Russell Baston Sony also manufactures the Xtrans sensors for Fuji. I believe only Canon, Sony, Tower Jazz & Panasonic produce advanced consumer camera sensors currently. That could change as Panasonic & Fuji have begun working on a global shutter project but that could be years away.

@russellbaston974

5 жыл бұрын

Loopsrainforest If you read all I put, “the same as used in the Pentax 645d --- it’s not an Xtran”. So by definition would not have the ‘issues’ you have with the Fuji Xtrans.

I think that to achieve the full potential of this camera regarding IQ, it just goes with the territory that the tripod needs to become your friend. The money is buying incomparable image quality. A long with that one needs to buy in to the reality of weight, or bulk and compared to film camera medium format, this really isn't an issue with the 50R thats why the camera exists in the first place. Personally, or in my view and as a landscape enthusiast, medium format is the landscapes home. I don't understand why this camera ends up in the hands of reviewers in the street, other than they are just pressing a point of versatility and I dig that, but who needs 50MP for the street? Big cameras, big pictures, small cameras, smaller pictures nothing much has changed. I'm interested in this camera and the review here has offered value in my decision and as I comment as of today, the GFX 50R is on sale at B&H for $3,499.99! Seems like a no brainer. New!

The 50S is a better camera for Landscapes, it has the same sensor and processor but is more flexible with it's 3 way tilting screen and the additional tilt adaptor for the viewfinder. Plus when on the tripod you can still change tour battery.

@GaabrielArchAngel

5 жыл бұрын

I have never used GFX R or S but I had X-T and I used my phone and tablet to shoot tethered: I put the Fuji on a tripod, sat down with my portrait subject and I could take photos of her during our conversation.

@jimbean532

5 жыл бұрын

You can change the battery on the 50R while on tripod. Agree about the 3 way tilting LCD. Loving the 50R though!

Xpro1 X ever

sorry generally enjoy your reviews and work but that little whine on the ergonomics ....really silly, that iso can be allocated to so much and so easy pfff

Wobbly video footage - could it be the combination of tripod, wind and stabilizer not off on 10-24?

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Dave X bloody windy!

@garnel66

5 жыл бұрын

No excuse for a paid premium channel :-(@@NigelDanson

@zomgonzo

5 жыл бұрын

@@garnel66 This is a paid channel?

@garnel66

5 жыл бұрын

What I mean is that Nigel would have been paid by DP Review to do the video. Professionalism; Chris & Jordan left the camera store to make professional videos i.e.they get paid to do them. With professionalism certain standards are expected. Look at WEX's, B&H, Adorarma videos they are examples of professionalism. @@zomgonzo

@zomgonzo

5 жыл бұрын

@@garnel66 I guess that is to be expected when one man does the video instead of a team. But you need to ask yourself: what did DPreview actually pay for in this case? I think the main item is Nigel's knowledge and experience that translates into an interesting perspective he can provide on the subject of this camera. There's no need to bash the material because it's not perfect. It delivers the most important points.

Geaux Giants!

100R. 50R is soon to be comprised already

@mistermadsen

5 жыл бұрын

No, 100S is coming.

@russellbaston974

5 жыл бұрын

That doesn’t make the 50R any less of a camera.

Tripod and nature is the way to go with this camera

Can you not get the same results with a 45mp full frame camera, and for a lot less money?

@tommihommi1

5 жыл бұрын

since the sensor is larger, you get more sharpness and theoretically more dynamic range.

@Kolomy24

5 жыл бұрын

Where is a thing such as field of view of a lens and how it affects scene scale due to the crop factor. So images of the same focal range in 35 equivalent from various sensor format looks different. And than is medium format look as I interpreting it

@Kolomy24

5 жыл бұрын

@@tommihommi1 there did you get what from?

@tommihommi1

5 жыл бұрын

@@Kolomy24 it's the same with APS-C vs full frame. Lower pixel density makes for better noise figures, dynamic range, and sharpness (if the lens matches the sensor, and the gfx lenses are just insane)

@Kolomy24

5 жыл бұрын

@@tommihommi1 now it sounds right, thx

Such wobbly video! Watching on a large screen makes you woozy.

@tekguyphoto

5 жыл бұрын

Yes that was terrible. Strange the wobble was coming from the XT3 which is known to exhibit less rolling shutter.

I've learned you have to take the good with the bad. The perfect camera doesn't exist and making compromises comes with the territory of buying a new camera. When the cons outweigh the pros, it's no longer worth it. Personally, I want it bad

Sometime you just don’t have time to setup a tripod... for landscape photography! Really?

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

Jack Frost yep - actually lots of times when the light is fleeting

It would be nice to view a video on the Fuji medium format camera by someone who have made a complete evaluation on the camera for their use and then do a video that way maybe you would not have to hear all the BS about what they don’t like or what the camera should have. Why would you spend that kind of money for a camera with so many false in it when you did not have to buy it in the first place.

tha lil nippoul?! kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6B4prSSkdaaY7Q.html

Give it some structure next time ;)

@5tahlin

5 жыл бұрын

I think there was structure and I liked it

@GLAXxan

5 жыл бұрын

There were video segments, but no structure/script to what was he actually saying

@Deltic7

5 жыл бұрын

That is absolutely nonsense. It was a very concise review and beautifully executed, as always. Are you a native English speaker, if I may ask ?

@GLAXxan

5 жыл бұрын

Language is not the issue. Just one example: In the handling segment, he talks a bit too much about megapixels and iq comparisons to nikon. Then a bit about handheld shooting, then right back to iq and prints. What gives?

honest review.

The lenses are expensive because they are of such high quality. As thy say, you pay for what you get and as for the size, the GFX R with lenses is a similar to a DSLR. You are spoilt by mirrorless cameras!

Come on DPReview, give us Nigel's channel URL.

@dpreview

5 жыл бұрын

Our bad! We added it to the description.

I bought gfx 50r with 63mm for $3000. I'm sure your Nikon costs more than my set up lol

@pj_co

4 жыл бұрын

Where’d u buy?

@SeanKimStyle

4 жыл бұрын

@@pj_co from a friend of mine who is a journalist

@anandk199

4 жыл бұрын

lol.. that's a steal price.. you have a nice friend!!

Im sorry to say, but this is just not as good as the videos of Chris and Jordan, it's really falling behind... Chris should have hosted Nigel as a guest on the show, I suppose it would have gotten a more fluid and better entertaining and still very informative video.

@NigelDanson

5 жыл бұрын

michawilke sorry you feel that way. Chris lives about 3000 miles away.

@michawilke

5 жыл бұрын

@@NigelDanson Thanks, for your laconic answer. For sure it's no fun to get compared like this.

worst review ever

GFX 50S over 50R all day,. The 50R is a hideous looking camera and doesn't look to fun to use, the 50S looks more intuitive to use like a xt2/3.

Great video