It hasn’t even been a year ever since FUJIFILM announced the GFX100S, and now it has a new, yet more affordable, medium format sibling. Just a refresher, the GFX50S II (read as GFX50S Mark II) is the successor to 2017’s GFX50S.

Medium format camera for less

The FUJIFILM GFX50 S II has a 51.4-megapixel large-format sensor that’s 1.7 times bigger than a 50-megapixel 35mm full-frame sensor you’ll find on most high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras nowadays. This means you get better image quality whenever you take photographs.

What makes this different is its specialized design. This camera uses smaller light-collecting micro lenses on the image sensor in order to create wider gaps between pixels. Not only does this result to sharper images, it also brings better ISO sensitivity, dynamic range, and better post-processing flexibility.

With a new Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, the FUJIFILM GFX50S II can capture and generate 200-megapixel images without lapses in color presentation. This works by recording and combining 16 RAW images into one DNG (Digital Negative) RAW file via its “Pixel Shift Combiner” software.

A GFX100S minus the 102-megapixel image sensor

Some things stay the same though — but it’s not a bad thing. Just like the GFX100S, it weighs at just 900g (1.9lb). It also has a magnesium alloy body for utmost robustness and durability without sacrificing heft. The camera is also weather-sealed, dust and moisture-resistant, and most of all, can work in cooler places under -10ºC (or 14ºF). It even has the same 3.2-inch LCD monitor with support for tilting that an EVF (electronic viewfinder) cannot always shoot in high and low-angle shooting.

Moreover, the FUJIFILM GFX50S II is powered by the similar X-Processor 4 quad-core processor which fusions its high-speed image processing together with ultra-fast and high-precision Auto Focus (AF) system. The latest algorithm brings more life to the photos captured by this camera.

Stable, sharp shots

It even has the same 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) but unlike the GFX100S, the GFX50S II is able to bring up to 6.5-stops of Vibration Reduction — which is the highest in the history of its kind. This became possible with a high-performance gyro sensor and accelerometer that can both detect motions with high accuracy rate. This just means you’ll get less-blurred shots with sharp details and more precise Face / Eye Detection as well as subject tracking.

For easier operability, it has six customizable C1-C6 controls that can be modified and assigned depending on your liking. There’s even a switch between shooting Stills and Videos for added convenience so you don’t have to rotate the Mode dial all the way. There’s even a 1.8-inch sub LCD monitor at the top for better control of the EXIF settings.

Lastly, FUJIFILM’s signature Film Simulation is still here and were not left behind. You can choose between 19 different presets designed for different types of subjects and scenes. An effect can be seen directly an image through Live View.

A new FUJINON lens

The FUJINON GF35-70mm F/4.5-5.6 WR is FUJIFILM’s new interchangeable zoom lens for their large-format GFX cameras. It weighs just around 390g, making it a total of only 1300g when paired with the GFX100S or the GFX50S II. Despite it being lightweight, it’s great lens that delivers high-resolution images with fast AF performance as well.

This is an 11-elements lens with one aspherical element and two ED elements in nine groups. Paired with a stepping motor, operability is silent when shooting fast subjects while still being able to retain focus and sharpness. Just like the new FUJIFILM GFX50S II, the lens is also dust and moisture-resistant that works in sandy deserts or tropical rainforests and can withstand temperatures below -10ºC or 14ºF.

Two new XF lenses, too

Other than the new GF lens, FUJIFILM also brings two new lenses for the X Series: the FUJINON XF 23mm and XF 33mm f/1.4 II LM WR. While they’re different in the size of focal lengths, they actually share the same aperture of f/1.4 with nine aperture blades. This not only provides brighter shots with less noise at night, it also brings the best of shallow Depth of Field while still being able to preserve sharper images.

Both of these lenses consist of 15 lens elements with two aspherical and three ED elements in 10 groups that reduces chromatic and spherical aberration when shooting. They even possess a silent yet fast and highly-accurate AF system. This is meant for photographers who love to capture fast-moving subjects.

Best of all? They’re also dust and moisture-resistant at 11 locations. The ability to withstand cold temperatures is still here so you can shoot astrophotography shots even in colder nights.

More lenses to come

If you’re a heavy FUJIFILM user, there are a total of 17 G-mount lenses being developed for the GFX series. One of them is a tilt and shift lens that can correct image distortions to produce undistorted photographs — more helpful in architecture shots.

For the X-Series, the current 2021 lens roadmap will bring a total of 40 interchangeable X-mount lenses. There’s the XF 18-120mm catered for videographers who rely on versatile zoom lenses. There’s also the XF150-600mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens ideal for wildlife and sports photography. Despite the long focal distance, it will actually be compact and lightweight lens meant for the XF camera line.

Pricing and Availability

A body-only FUJIFILM GFX50S II retails for PhP 223,990 and goes up to PhP 251,990 if you’ll buy it with its GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR kit lens. Both of these will be available by the end of September 2021. Practically speaking, it costs just like the usual full-frame cameras out there.

If you’ll compare it with FUJIFILM’s recent medium format camera releases, you’ll get a price cut of more than PhP 200,000 to 400,000. This makes it the cheapest medium-format camera available so far.

Meanwhile, you can grab it as early as September 9 until the 25th and enjoy their exclusive pre-order perks including:

• Free 1-piece NP-W235 (worth PhP 3,990)
• Free 1-piece BC-W235 Dual Battery CHarger (worth PhP 3,990)
• Exclusive GFX workshop with FUJIFILM X-Photographer

For more details, just look at the pre-order mechanics below.

FUJINON Lenses

If you just want the lenses, you have to wait a little bit before you get your hands on them. The pricing and availability of the new FUJINON lenses (plus one lens hood) are as follows:

• GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR – PhP 55,990 (Late November 2021 release)
• XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR – PhP 45,990 (Late September 2021 release)
• XF 23mm f/1.4R LM WR – PhP 55,990 (November 2021 release)
• LH-XF23 II Lens Hood – PhP 3,990 (November 2021 release)