Intro


As an experienced wedding and portrait photographer, avid camera collector, I have tested a few different camera systems over the course of 10+ years. I've shot with Canon 5D series, Nikon 700s and 800s series, and the Fujifilm X series; but my favorite system to use has been the GFX series cameras. The GFX50s II is a great camera for wedding photography because it gives you amazing image quality while still being portable enough to carry around all day. The autofocus system is also very good, which is important for capturing sharp images of fast-moving subjects. Overall, I highly recommend it for wedding photographers who want to get the best image quality possible.


I would like to share my thoughts and feelings for using the GFX50s in this blog to give new buyers insights, photo samples, putting them to the test in the harshest conditions as well as what ideal situations are the best for the system.


Buying the GFX system was a huge investment, not only financially but also emotionally. I remember being so excited when I first opened the box and started using the camera. The image quality is incredible, and it's been a joy to use for wedding photography. However, there are a few things that I wish I had known before buying the system, which I will share in this blog post.


1) Image Quality: The image quality from the camera is amazing. The detail and dynamic range are both incredible, and the files are very easy to work with in post-processing. Overall, I am extremely happy with the image quality from the GFX50s. I have some samples images that I've photographed with real weddings.


I've concluded that despite how much dynamic range this camera offers, if the image is completely blown out, there is no way to recover the image.


2) Autofocus: The autofocus system on the camera is very good, but it is not perfect. There have been a few times where I have missed a shot because the autofocus didn't quite lock onto the subject. This is something to be aware of, but it's not a deal-breaker for me. I've tested that the X series cameras are much faster in grabbing autofocus which somewhat a bit surprising despite its price. I get that its a medium format camera but the focusing is up to its software and the motors of the lenses. While my GF 50mm F3.5 is a pancake lens with smaller sized internal glass, it should lend itself as a flagship camera with capable focusing abilities.


My theory is that the autofocus was reserved to its bigger and better 100MP GFX100 and GFX100s.


3) Portability: The GFX50s is a large camera, and it can be difficult to carry around all day. I often use a camera strap or hand grip to help with this, but it's still something to keep in mind. Also, in comparison to other medium format cameras on the market, this camera is tinier compared to Pentax 645, Hasselblads, Leaf Aptus medium format cameras.


4) Price: The camera is a very expensive camera, and it is not for everyone. If you are serious about your photography and want the best image quality possible, then the GFX50s is a great option. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are other cameras that will give you similar image quality for less money.


5) Editing Style: My editing style has changed after purchasing the camera because the camera can capture and retain a ton of rich and natural tones of my client's skin. I now spend a lot more time on each image in Lightroom to really perfect the skin tones.


Overall, I am extremely happy with the GFX50s and would recommend it to any serious photographer who is looking for the best image quality

Lighting Conditions:


I want to push my camera deliberately so that way I would know what settings I need to be in to make sure that my subjects are properly balanced. I have a specific style in mind when it comes to my editing, as well as my photography. I find that the GFX50s really excels in low light situations, as well as high ISO settings. The image quality is incredible, and the files are very easy to work with.


Here are some samples of harsh sunlight at 11:00 AM during the wedding season in Wrightsville Beach, NC, where it is one of the hardest lighting conditions to deal with. The GFX system handled it very well. I was able to get great image quality with minimal post-processing.


Here's an overexposed photo (insert here)

Here's what it can't do when trying to correct it. (insert here)

If my client chooses to have their wedding during the day, this is how the photos most likely will turn out with my style of editing.


Low light is another area where the GFX system shines. I was able to get great images in dark reception halls and even outside at night. Overall, I am very impressed with the low light performance of the GFX50s.


The autofocus of the GFX does vary depending on the lighting styles. I've found it to work best in low-light situations, but there have been a few times where I've missed a shot because the autofocus didn't quite lock onto the subject.


This is something to be aware of, but it's not a deal-breaker for me.


Here are some examples of low light photos that I've taken with the GFX system.


Image Samples:


These were all shot in RAW and edited in Lightroom.


In my honest opinion, I think my 6-year-old Canon 5D MKiii Camera focuses much faster and than this camera. It's not a deal breaker for me, but for someone who is coming from another system, it might be something to take note of.


Ok so the thing is...

Medium format cameras aren't the fastest cameras in the market. The Fujifilm GFX series is no exception to that rule. However, the image quality that you get from this camera is second to none.


If you are a professional photographer who is looking for the best image quality possible, then the Fujifilm GFX system is a great option for you. However, if you are someone who is just getting started in photography or are on a tight budget, other cameras will give you similar image quality for less money.


Back in the day, medium format cameras such as the Hasselblad 500cm, Pentax 67, Mamiya RZ67 or RB67, or any TLR cameras back I shot back in the day are absolute beasts. They're heavy, not very ergonomic, and they are hard and time-consuming changing film.


The GFX sensor doesn't come anywhere near from film back then. In some instances, the film is almost superior to digital sensors now.


I wonder if we're ever going to go retro but with Inbody image stabilization.



Conclusion


Overall, I am very happy with the GFX50s and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-end camera system. The image quality is incredible, and it is a joy to use. There are a few things that I wish I had known before buying it, but overall I am extremely happy with my purchase.