Camera test 29
Photography News | Issue 62 | photographynews.co.uk
Performance: ISO
A variety of low light scenes were shot in Raw mode from ISO speeds 50 to 102,400 with in-camera high speed ISO reduction set to 0. Images were processed in Capture One Pro v12 and Lightroom with default noise reduction selected. The set shown here was processed through the Capture One software with default noise reduction. Images looked impressive and even at ISO 6400 you would be hard pressed to criticise any aspect of picture quality. Indeed, there’s no appreciable
noise at 12,800 and it is only when you venture into the expanded settings that you see signs of coloured mottling in the shadows. Fine details looked beautifully resolved, sharpness was top drawer and little sign of digital noise. I checked shots at 100% on-screen and I made a few large prints on my Epson SC-P800 printer. It’s when you see prints large like this that you appreciate how good high-resolution cameras are now, and the GFX 50R’s results, even those at high ISOs, are deeply impressive.
Original image
Finding key features is fairly straightforward although it does have its typically Fujifilm quirks
button, which sits above the thumb grip, is slightly more fiddly. Getting to the other rear mounted buttons and the focus lever is easy enough although I’d prefer a bigger, more obvious AF-ON button. It is too small and flat for me. Given the large empty acreage on the camera’s front fascia, I wonder if Fujifilm thought about giving the sole Fn2 button some company. Using the right middle finger to get at buttons on the front would be potentially more comfortable. We have what we have though; working with the GFX 50R is fine and there is wide scope for personalising the camera via the menu. There are five function buttons giving 45 options each, the drive button can be reassigned to 44 functions as well as drive and the rear command dial has the same 45 options. Finally, with the four swipe directions of the touchscreen, which each have 40 options, the biggest test is recalling what does what. If you prefer to keep it simple, all these function buttons have a ‘none’ option.
ISO 100
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
Top Southwold lighthouse at twilight was shot using the GFX 50R fitted with a 32-64mm lens, the exposure being 1.8secs at f/8 and ISO 1600. Above Two SD card slots are available on the GFX 50R.
ISO 6400
ISO 12,800
While we are talking about the menu, finding key features is fairly straightforward, although it does have its typically Fujifilm quirks. To format both cards means repeating the process for each card so that
couldbemore streamlined, andwhen you go into the menu it doesn’t go back to the last used item – it either goes to My Menu if you have items selected (there are 17 options) or to the image size option if you don’t. A very welcome menu item that Fujifilm has added is the Save Self- Timer setting, which means that the self-timer is not cancelled when the camera is switched off. I’m looking forward to this feature appearing in the next round of firmware updates. Of course, you don’t even need the menu for many items. Pushing the Q button brings up speedy access to up to 16 functions with the choice of 29 individual features. You can edit this palette of 16 functions down to one or two if you prefer. The rangefinder design – the GFX 50R looks like an oversized X-E3 – means the viewfinder
ISO 25,600
ISO 51,200
Images This low light scene was shot with the GFX 50R on a Gitzo Systematic series 4 tripod. The exposure for the ISO 100 shot was 12secs at f/8. Images were processed in Capture One Pro v12. Picture quality even at ISO 6400 was very good.
ISO 102,400
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