15.09.2021 Seigi Takakuwa

GFX50S II: "More than Full Frame" x Seigi Takakuwa

GFX50S II Impression

The GFX50S II opens up new possibilities of expression in a “casual” way

While specializing in the Beauty and Portrait genres, I also shoot a variety of subjects and content as a commercial photographer.
Currently, I use GFX100, GFX 50R, X-T4, and X-Pro3 depending on my work, situation, and medium.

Fujifilm cameras allow me to flexibly choose the camera that best suits my concept, as I can match the finished color without any discomfort no matter which model I use. One of the appeals of Fujifilm’s cameras is that you can flexibly choose a camera that fits your concept.

If you want to move around and take more responsive photos, use the X series. If you want high quality, high definition, high dynamic range color expression and a sense of three-dimensionality, you can use the GFX series.
The GFX 50S II has both of these features.

The GFX 50S II is a camera that combines the best of both worlds.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

The GFX 50S II uses the same body as the GFX100S, making it compact, lightweight and easy to handle.It is the first camera in the GFX 50 series to be equipped with X-Processor 4, which makes it a great contrast AF model, but not inferior to the GFX100S.

As shown above, face detection/pupil AF worked well to obtain good results even in scenes where the face was hidden by a cloth.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

And because the sensor-shift image stabilization mechanism is contained in the small body, you can take pictures without worrying about blur even in a variety of harsh environments, such as moving pictures and low-light shooting.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

Attractive operability and good handling

In this shoot, I wanted to capture many variations in a simple and beautiful portrait, so I didn’t spend a lot of time shooting in one place, but rather crisply handheld and moving around. When shooting for variations in a hurry, it is very easy to see how easy the body is to operate and how good the data handling is.

The GFX 50S II has 50 megapixels, a data size that is relatively easy to handle, so I was able to finish shooting using only two 128GB SD cards.
The body is well thought out, with easy access to each button and the ability to customize settings.

The deep grip allowed me to hold the camera in good balance even with a large aperture lens attached, and even with 50 megapixels, I was able to shoot many variations without stress without being overly severe. In particular, the focus lever has a flatter shape than before, which was very useful while shooting.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

When shooting in an unreasonable position such as overhead shooting, it was difficult to shoot hand-held with other companies’ large and heavy cameras or a large setup was required, but the GFX 50S II can be easily shot hand-held. With this weight and size, photographers can try shooting with a high degree of freedom without difficulty, which is very much appreciated by photographers.

Changing batteries frequently can be a hassle. The GFX 50S II uses the same NP-W235 battery as the GFX100S and X-T4, and considering that I only had to change the battery once during a full day of shooting, the battery life was sufficient.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

The appeal of the large format

The merits of a high-pixel large-format camera are high image quality, high definition, high dynamic range color expression, and a sense of three-dimensionality. Some people think that high pixels make it difficult to retouch skin, but with low pixels, areas that look squashed and dirty are rendered clearly, and the skin texture is conveyed, eliminating the need for retouching. In addition, the smooth skin effect function in the GFX can be used to portray smooth skin while utilizing the skin texture.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

Description of the focus surface and the beauty of bokeh

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

One of the most appealing features of the large format is its ability to enhance the main subject and the beauty of the bokeh.
A beautiful, gentle bokeh can lead the eye to the focus plane and help convey the intention of what you want to show.

Smooth tonal expression

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

This is a shot of a model walking along the beach, feeling the sea breeze and the light colors of the magic hour. The high-performance face detection and pupil AF of the latest processor came into play to create a stress-free, responsive image with smooth tonal expression and a sense of depth. Needless to say, it is the wide tonal range that brings back memories of being there.

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

Resolving power to capture every detail

GFX50S II & GF110mmF2 R LM WR

The details of various materials such as eyes, skin, hair, lace of costumes, walls, and cloth are so well resolved that you feel as if they exist right in front of your eyes. This is another feature of the large format.

Conclusion

The GFX 50S II is a camera that can “casually” open up new possibilities for expression.
The GFX 50S II offers the charm of the large format: incredibly detailed imaging, rich color reproduction, and beautifully smooth bokeh expression. The camera’s compact and lightweight body offers smooth gradation and descriptive performance, easy handling of 50-megapixel data, and face detection and pupil AF performance thanks to the improved processing speed of X-Processor 4. Very good image stabilization.

The result is a camera that combines high resolution and image quality with excellent handling.
The result is a camera that makes you feel that the time has come for large-format cameras to become the norm.

GFX50S II & GF80mmF1.7 R WR