Big test
PERFORMANCE: ISO Fujifilm’s medium format GFX cameras use Bayer 2x2 array sensors, not the X-Trans 6x6 array seen in its X Series cameras. The GFX 50S II’s sensor and image processor have been deployed in other Fujifilm GFX models.
With some care in editing, you would find very impressive deep blacks and a low level of digital grain. I worked on several high ISO Raws, and fine detail looks amazing – digital noise is not much of an issue.
Essentially, high ISO performance was excellent. If lighting demanded it, I’d be happy shooting at the highest native speed of ISO 12,800. And while there is digital noise and some detail loss, the drop-off in quality was surprisingly minimal.
MISSION CONTROL The GFX 50S II’s top-plate bristles with controls, dials and function buttons, most of which can be dedicated to a host of commands other than the default. The visual centrepiece is the LCD panel, which can show a histogram, virtual dials, or information about camera settings – in the latter, you can choose the specific data on show
but it may also be adjusted to suit waist-level or overhead portrait- format shooting, too. On the left, there is a PASM dial with six custom positions. There’s also a still/movie selector – a simple, effective and elegant solution to swapping between shooting methods – which changes the menu also. The rear panel is as neatly laid out and functional as the top-plate. The dimpled focus lever joystick is large and usable, as are the other buttons – with the exception of the AF ON. Personally, as a back-button focus fan, I’d prefer this to be bigger or more raised – or both – for a more positive feel. It works fine, but a larger size would make it more user- friendly. The Q button positioned on the top of the thumb grip is not ideal for me, and I would like that control where the AEL button sits. However, typically Fujifilm, most of the GFX 50S II controls can be customised, so these points are readily resolved. The function, AF ON, AEL, Q buttons and the rear input dial can all be altered with
switching it on at the same time, it is ready to shoot. Close by is a small exposure compensation button that needs pushing in, and this is then set using an input dial. On the right-side top-plate, there are two large, unmarked programmable function buttons and a big LCD info panel. At its default setting, pushing the rearmost top button (Fn 3) scrolls through three display options. You can bring up a large histogram, two virtual dials (ISO and shutter speed) with an exposure scale, or a full-info readout tailored to suit your preferences. A backlight is available for this display. The low-profile bump that houses the EVF has a view-mode button and dioptre adjustment dial. The finder is fixed, not swappable like that of the GFX 50S. The OLED EVF has a resolution of 3.69m dots, so it provides a very detailed image, even when magnified to check focus or for detailed playback. I liked the touch monitor that can be angled for waist-level or overhead capture when shooting horizontally,
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THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
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TWILIGHT SCENE Caernarfon Castle with the tide out. Taken with a handheld combination of the GFX 50S II and GF35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at 35mm, an exposure of 1/4sec at f/5.6 and ISO 800. IBIS helped get a pin-sharp result
Issue 94 | Photography News 45
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