Back in the summer, there were rumors that Fuji engineers were developing a camera that would provide “excellent image quality.” And now the company has officially unveiled the 51.4-megapixel Fujifilm GFX 50S medium format mirrorless camera.
Image processing in the GFX 50S will be handled by the X-Processor Pro processor, which is highly praised for its color rendering quality and tonal elaboration. The camera has a new Fujifilm G format sensor measuring 43.8×32.9 mm and a resolution of 51.4 megapixels. The sensor supports a 4:3 aspect ratio by default, as well as a choice of 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17. These formats were previously implemented in large and medium format cameras.
However, the GFX 50S is lighter and more compact than traditional medium format cameras. In addition, like the X series, the new product will offer a wide range of buttons and dials, while maintaining an ergonomic design.
There is no built-in viewfinder, but there is a removable electronic viewfinder that can be removed if you want to shoot through the monitor or if you want to make the camera lighter and more compact.
With an optional adapter, the electronic viewfinder can be used at any angle. And the auxiliary battery grip will improve the ergonomics of the camera when shooting in vertical orientation.
For the GFX 50S, we developed a line of Fujinon GF lenses that are designed specifically for the new G Mount. Fuji designed this mount with a short flange, reducing the working distance to 26.7mm to minimize back focal length, prevent vignetting and achieve edge-to-edge sharpness.
Initially, six lenses will be released for the system: 63 mm F/2.8 (50 mm in 35 mm equivalent), 32-64 mm F/4 (25-51 mm equivalent), 120 mm F/4 (95 mm equivalent) , 110 mm F/2 (87 mm equivalent), 23 mm F/4 (18 mm equivalent) and 45 mm F/2.8 (35 mm equivalent).
All new lenses will be protected from dust and moisture, as well as an aperture ring with a “C” (Command) position, which allows you to adjust the aperture from the dial on the camera body.
The new Fujifilm GFX system camera will go on sale in early 2017. The exact release date and prices have not yet been announced. The lenses will also be released in early 2017, Fuji reports.
We continue our comparative test of medium format cameras: mirrorless Fujifilm GFX 50S And SLR Pentax 645Z. In our first test, when shooting subject matter, they performed equally well. This time we will test them on a model shoot and, as last time, under identical conditions.
We will try to shoot in such a way as to appreciate the large dynamic range of medium format. Again we use two lenses with the same focal lengths, 125 mm.
We set the light in a so-called T-shaped pattern: we place a strip on top, above the model’s head, and use the same strip as a backlight source.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Let's put a black background
This concludes testing of our Fujifilm GFX 50S and Pentax 645Z cameras. We tested them on product and model shooting in a studio environment. In my opinion, the cameras are equal in terms of image quality. Both have excellent dynamic range, excellent shadow and highlight detail, stunning contrast and sharpness. The matrices in the cameras are the same, only the processors and image processing algorithms are different.
Of course, there are differences. The Pentax 645Z is a DSLR, and when shooting models, I liked the picture in the viewfinder more. Fujifilm GFX 50S is a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder, and when I turn the model, when a shadow falls, for example, on the cheek, I don’t see this shadow, because this viewfinder contains various “improvers” that highlight this shadow, but I need to see a reliable picture .
The weight of the cameras turned out to be almost identical, since due to the higher power consumption of the Fujifilm GFX 50S, we used it in conjunction with a battery grip.
I tested cameras in studio conditions and, since this is a professional shooting, I always want the highest possible quality result already during shooting, without post-processing. Both cameras meet these requirements perfectly, for which many thanks to the developers of both companies.
It's worth noting that the Pentax 645Z has slower autofocus, while the Fujifilm GFX 50S has faster autofocus.
With the Pentax 645Z you can use optics from film cameras, since the mount remains the same.
To date, only 3 lenses have been released for the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera, but the company assures that the line will expand. But, most importantly, the GFX 50S has a short flange distance and, through various adapters, you can install any medium format optics on the camera, including those from Pentax. And this is a very significant plus.
23.09.2016 6884 Tests and reviews 0
There were a lot of rumors. Everyone expected Fujifilm to make a splash at Photokina 2016 with its digital medium format camera. And it happened. “It’s just that the world around us doesn’t fit well into a 35mm camera format,” in the words of famous American photojournalist William Eugene Smith, Fujifilm introduced its new professional-grade GFX system.
This year, Photokina has moved away from the stereotypes of high-profile announcements of new cameras, presenting its new developments that have not yet been developed into an industrial model. Perhaps it was all due to the impact of the Kumamoto earthquake in April. And among all these officially presented, but not actually announced cameras, the heroine of our review is the Fujifilm GFX 50S, which still exists in prototype form. With the announcement of the GFX 50S, the Hasselblad X1D has moved up the Olympus, and the latter is no longer the only medium format mirrorless camera on the market, Fujifilm is invading the space where Hasselblad has been collecting whists of exclusivity. Let's see why the GFX 50S is so good.
Let's start with perhaps the most attractive part of the camera - its equipment. Sensor. Fuji is not its manufacturer, but used a 51.4 MP Sony sensor. You can take photos with a resolution of up to 8256 × 6192 pixels. The matrix does not have a low-frequency optical filter, but this is not a traditional X-Trans CMOS sensor; it has a traditional Bayer structure. It is also important to note here that although the new sensor is larger than the full-frame format by about 70%, it is still smaller than the usual medium film format: 43.8 x 32.9 mm, crop factor 0.79x.
The most compact medium format film cameras were much larger and heavier than the new products from Fujifilm, so from this point of view this decision was probably justified. The main emphasis is on the compactness of the camera, and the camera turned out to be no larger than the average digital SLR, but a little heavier - its weight is approximately 800 grams.
Fuji designed the G-mount with a short flange, reducing the working distance to 26.7mm to minimize back focal length, prevent vignetting and achieve edge-to-edge sharpness. The short flange distance makes it possible to simplify the design of the optics, meaning they will be cheaper than competitors. The camera will allow you to take pictures with aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17. The X-Processor Pro GPU provides the camera with the highest quality tonal quality and color reproduction typical of Fujifilm cameras.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S has a focal length shutter, which is a first for a medium format camera - it can shoot at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 s and flash synchronize up to 1/125 of a second. The camera does not have a mirror, so it does not cause blurring of the image when shooting when it is raised. The shutter sound is almost impossible to hear, it is very quiet and pleasant.
Case design. It is dust- and moisture-proof, and in many ways resembles the X-T2, which is not surprising - the company’s designers do not want to deviate from already proven solutions. The camera has a fairly large handle and a developed grip surface, which will allow you to comfortably work even with large lenses. On the top panel there are two dial selectors, one of which sets the sensitivity, the second - the shutter speed. On top there is a small monochrome display that displays the current shooting parameters: shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, white balance, and so on. None of the previous Fujifilm cameras had this element, but the designers did an excellent job - such a display looks very harmonious with the camera.
The rear panel has the usual navigation element, an eight-way joystick (similar to that used in Canon DSLRs), and a scroller. The interface and menu are almost completely inherited from the X-T2 and X-Pro 2. The GFX 50S does not have a built-in viewfinder; it can be aimed using a 3-inch diagonal tilt-and-turn display with a resolution of 1,040,000 pixels. All camera compartments are accessible even when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Let's note a very unusual place for the battery - on the side.
The kit includes a rotating electronic viewfinder, which is installed in the interface connector on the top panel. This makes the camera even lighter and more compact. You can also install a flash there. You can use both the viewfinder and flash at the same time. Along with the camera, a battery grip will also be available for sale, which will make portrait photography even more convenient.
Preliminary conclusions
With the GFX 50S, Fujifilm shook up the digital camera market and set high standards in the mirrorless niche. The camera will be able to perform a fairly wide range of tasks, with the exception of sports and reportage photography. The reason is simple: the camera has rather slow autofocus, and the burst shooting speed, at best, will be 2-3 frames per second. But now the main question is whether the new product will be cheaper than the Hasselblad X1D and by how much.
Specifications Fujifilm GFX 50S
| Price | |
| Recommended retail price | $6499 |
| Frame | |
| Style | Medium format mirrorless |
| Housing material | Magnesium alloy |
| Image sensor | |
| Maximum resolution | 8256 x 6192 |
| Image aspect ratio | 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 |
| Number of effective pixels | 51 megapixel |
| Sensor size | Medium format (44 x 33 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| CPU | X Pro |
| Color space | SRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-12800 (expandable to 102400) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance settings | 7 |
| Custom White Balance | Eat |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW+TIFF |
| JPEG quality levels | Super good, good, ok |
| File format |
|
| Optics and focusing | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Manual focus | Eat |
| Number of focus points | 117 |
| Focal length multiplier | 0.79x |
| Screen and viewfinder | |
| Screen mount | Incline |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen resolution | 2360000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | OLED |
| Live View | Eat |
| Viewfinder | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.85x |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3690000 |
| Features of photography | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 360 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Shooting modes |
|
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync terminal) |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Standard, Slow Sync, Manual, Off |
| X-sync speed | 1/125 sec |
| Shutter Modes |
|
| Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 fps |
| Timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering Modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ± 5 (1/3 step) |
| Exposure bracketing | ± 5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| White balance bracketing | Eat |
| Video recording features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264, |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Data storage | |
| Types of memory cards | SD/SDHC/SDXC (two slots, UHS-II supported) |
| Connection | |
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) |
| HDMI | Yes (Micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Eat |
| Headphone jack | Eat |
| Wireless connection | Built-in |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (via cable or smartphone) |
| physical characteristics | |
| Environmental protection | Eat |
| Battery | Accumulator battery |
| Battery Description | NP-T125 Li-ion battery and charger |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 400 frames per charge |
| Weight including battery | 740 grams |
| dimensions | 148 x 94 x 91 mm |
| Other Features | |
| Orientation sensor | Eat |
| Timelapse recording | Eat |
| GPS | No |
Let's start with a brief introduction and talk about each camera individually, and then we'll move on to talking about the differences between the HS50EXR and SX50 HS models.
FujiFilm FinePix HS50EXR
The HS50EXR was announced on January 7, 2013. The camera belongs to the FinePix S series, which also includes models such as HS30EXR, HS25EXR, SL1000, S8500, etc. The design of the camera follows the style of SLR cameras, in fact, the HS50EXR is even larger than the Nikon D3200. The camera is equipped with a 1/2-inch CMOS EXR architecture sensor with a resolution of 16 megapixels and a Fujifilm EXR Processor II image processor.
How big is a 1/2 inch sensor you ask? – This is approximately 6.4 x 4.8 mm, which is slightly larger than the 1/2.3 sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) found on many superzooms. The SX50 HS uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor.
Sensor size comparison between HS50EXR (1/2-inch) and SX50HS (1/2.3-inch)
The matrix is equipped with special autofocus phase detection sensors, thanks to which, according to Fujifilm (as of November 2012), the model has the fastest autofocus in the world (0.05 sec.)
Using Hybrid AF will help you capture a subject in motion. Superzooms are known to be quite slow and take too long to focus, which is very annoying. However, as the manufacturers promise, all this has nothing to do with the fast and accurate HS50 EXR. We will talk about the matrix in more detail later.
HS50EXR can shoot 11 fps in burst mode at full resolution, but up to a maximum of 5 pictures. This means that, despite the high shooting speed, the camera is only capable of processing 5 frames from a series. Fujifilm also promises us a very fast turn on of the camera, namely in just 0.5 seconds.
The most interesting part of this camera is the lens. The HS50EXR features a Fujinon lens with 42x zoom (41.7x to be exact), 24 - 1000mm f/2.8-5.6 focal length and image stabilization. This is a good lens with which you can create both wide-angle shots and photographs with a telescopic lens position. The zoom capabilities are amazing. To achieve similar results with a DSLR, you would most likely have to use the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM lens and teleconverters. But even with this option, the wide angle would be much less attractive, and when using teleconverters, as you know, the image quality deteriorates. In addition, the superzoom lens is much more compact, as can be seen especially in the image below.
Telescopic DSLR and superzoom HS50EXR
As you can see, you have virtually no chance of getting the same focal length with a DSLR camera and interchangeable lenses. If you still decide to enjoy the 1000mm focal length, then you will have to buy a very expensive (I mean, unrealistically expensive) lens and a teleconverter for it.
Another undeniable advantage of the lens is that you can use it while recording video. Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR is capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second and stereo sound. The camera also supports high-speed video recording modes of 480fps (320 × 112 pixels), 160 frames per second (320 × 240 pixels) and 80fps (640x480pixels). Thus, you sacrifice resolution, and in return you get slow motion video footage. The higher the frame rate, the lower the image resolution.
On the back of the camera is 3-inch vari-angle display with 920K resolution and 0.26-inch electronic viewfinder with the same resolution. The viewfinder certainly helps you feel more connected to your subject and shoot in bright daylight.
The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR is packed with features and offers full manual exposure control. If you are an inexperienced photographer, don't worry. Fujifilm is known for its first-class automatic modes, which allow you to fully enjoy all the benefits of your camera.
Operating modes and sensor capabilities:
A high resolution - uses all the pixels on the sensor for optimal resolution and maximum detail.
Wide dynamic range - Captures two frames simultaneously and creates a high dynamic range image that shows more detail in the shadows. There is a “Dual Exposure Control” mode in which the camera creates two images with one click of the shutter, one with high sensitivity and the other with low sensitivity.
High sensitivity and low noise - used when shooting in low light conditions, when you need to create clear images with a minimum amount of noise. In this mode, two same-color pixels located next to each other are read as one pixel.
Other features include:
- The lens has a manual zoom ring and a manual focus ring
- Can shoot RAW (RAF format) and RAW + JPEG
- Stereo microphone for sound or video recording
- Continuous autofocus during video recording
- Backlight
- External microphone input Ø2.5mm
- Pop-up flash + hot shoe for connecting external flash
- HDMI connector
- Li-ion battery NP-W126, which is enough for 500 shots
- Comes with charger, USB cable, lens hood and cap, installation disk, user manual and battery
- Face recognition
- Exciting in-camera photo editing features, scene modes and filters including: Motion Panorama 360. Features histogram display, framing guide, silent mode and more.
- Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
- Tripod connector
- Command dial (changes settings such as aperture) and shooting mode dial
- A sensor that detects whether you are looking through the viewfinder or not. When using the viewfinder, the display turns off to save power and extend battery life.
The Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR is a stunning super zoom camera packed with impressive features and specifications.
Canon PowerShot SX50HS
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS superzoom
(module Yandex direct (7))
The Canon SX50 HS replaces the SX40 HS. Despite all the shortcomings of the old model - small display, tiny viewfinder, etc., it has proven itself well on the market. The same can be said about the SX50 HS, which many photographers associate with “Highest image quality.” Those who prefer cameras from Canon can be understood. Although, according to the specifications, the Fujiflm HS50EXR is an excellent superzoom with which you can create clear and bright photos even at maximum zoom.
SX50 HS features a 12.1 MP sensor and the latest DIGIC 5 image processor. Canon has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality sensors, and this cannot be taken away from it. Externally, the camera looks less impressive than the HS50EXR, but some may consider this an advantage. The SX50 HS is a much more compact and lightweight model.
The focal length of the SX50 HS lens is a fantastic 24-1200mm (35mm equivalent) f/3.4-6.5. The camera optics have image stabilization (lens shift) and 50x optical zoom. In addition to optical, the camera also has 4x digital zoom. Digital zoom works at the expense of image resolution, that is, in essence, the image is simply cropped. I wouldn't recommend you use this feature often. It would be much more useful to crop the image using software after shooting, during a detailed inspection of the frame.
The new design of the Canon camera is very pleasing. The camera looks compact and is very convenient to use.
Located on the back of the camera 2.8-inch vari-angle display with 461k dot resolution. Compared to a competing model, this resolution seems relatively small. There is information that Canon had to use a small display to maintain a compact size. If this is the reason, then Canon's decision may even be correct. The fact is that when shooting with superzoom, users use the viewfinder more often. As for the electronic viewfinder, its resolution is 202 thousand dots. On the other hand, for those photographers who are accustomed to frequently reviewing footage and focusing through the display, such restrictions will not be a joy.
When using the SX40 HS, many people complained about the low resolution of the display and its relatively small physical size. In general, this does not affect the camera's performance. The main advantage of this model is the quality of the photographs, and there were no complaints about it. As you understand, even the best and largest display will not help make photos brighter, clearer and more colorful, and considering the screen a priority criterion is, to say the least, stupid.
Canon has improved the speed SX50 HS and now the camera focuses not in 0.38 seconds, but in 0.19. Canon has equipped the new product with several extremely useful technologies, such as Framing Assist Seek and Framing Assist.
Here is a very good video that perfectly demonstrates the capabilities of the new model
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video at 24 frames per second and 720p at 30fps (up to 29.97 minutes).
Knowing the characteristics of cameras is very useful, but it is much more important to know about the advantages of a particular model compared to its competitor. Now we move on to a direct comparison of two excellent modern superzooms. We hope this information will help you make the right choice.
Comparison of Fuji HS50EXR and Canon Sx50HS
The comparison table presents all the information about each model that interests amateur photographers. First, look at the images showing the difference in size and design of the two cameras (based on camerasize.com), and then move on to the table data.
Comparison of Canon SX50 HS and Fujifilm HS50EXR cameras (via camerasize.com)
| Fujifilm HS50EXR | Canon SX50HS | Notes | |
| Announcement date | January 7, 2013 | September 17, 2012 | Fuji newer camera |
| Sensor | 16.0MP 1/2"(6.4x4.8mm) CMOS backlit |
12.1MP 1/2.3"(6.17x4.55mm) BSI-CMOS with backlight |
|
| Fuji has a larger sensor. The company uses various technologies to improve image quality in high dynamic range and low light situations. | |||
| ISO | 100 - 3200 (expandable to ISO 6400 at full resolution, and ISO 12800 at lower resolutions) | 80-6400 ISO | The SX50 HS has better ISO capabilities, however, Fuji allows you to extend the range to ISO 12800, but the result will be a lower image resolution |
| CPU | EXR Processor II | Digic 5 | Both cameras use new generation processors. The new EXR II processor is much faster than the HS30EXR |
| Exposition | Multizone/Spot | Evaluative/centre-weighted | |
| Lens | Fujinon 24-1000mm f/2.8-5.6 lens with 41.7x optical zoom and image stabilization + Manual focus. Macro: 0 cm | Canon 24-1200mm f/3.4-5.6 lens with 50x optical zoom with image stabilization + Manual focus. Macro (super macro mode): 1.0cm | Fuji focuses from a shorter distance |
| Both use very high quality optics. Both have the same 24mm wide-angle lenses. The SX50 HS has a larger zoom range. Fujifilm, on the other hand, has a brighter lens, which should result in better image quality in low-light conditions. Canon uses a more advanced image stabilization engine that allows the camera to choose between six image stabilization methods | |||
| LCD | 3-inch rotating display with resolution 920 thousand points |
2.8" rotating display with resolution 461 thousand points |
The screen can easily be used for taking self-portraits. |
 |
|||
| Viewfinder | 0.26-inch, 920k dot resolution, 100% visibility | 202 thousand points, 100% review | Fuji's viewfinder is much better. |
| Excerpt | 30 - 1/4000 sec | 15 - 1/2000 sec | Fuji's shutter speed capabilities are amazing. At this speed, you can easily shoot fast moving objects |
| Burst shooting | 11 fps (max. 5 fps) up to 16 fps at partial resolution | 2.2fps (P mode) up to 13fps during high speed shooting (max. 10fps) | |
| Continuous shooting of both cameras is impressive. Canon is capable of shooting up to 13 frames per second, if you don't mind the low frame resolution. At the same time, Fuji can increase the speed to 16 frames per second. At full resolution, the Canon will shoot 2.2 frames per second, although the Fuji will be able to capture 11 frames. Due to the HS50 EXR's limited buffer, you will only be able to capture 5 shots in a burst. | |||
| Video recording |
H.264 (MOV) 1080, 60fps 640x480@80fps, 320x240@160fps, 320x112, 480 fps Autofocus Stereo sound |
H.264 (MOV) 1080 24fps 720 @ 30fps 620x480@120fps 320x240@240fps continuous autofocus Stereo sound |
|
| Fuji lacks everyone's favorite cinematic frame rate of 24 frames per second. I'm glad that both cameras allow you to shoot in automatic mode with autofocus phase detection. | |||
| Autofocus | Contrast autofocus with phase detection time: 0.05 sec Shutter lag: 0.5s |
Contrast autofocus time: 0.19 sec |
|
| Fujifilm has the advantage of using hybrid autofocus and the ability to switch between modes depending on shooting conditions. Both cameras have very fast autofocus. | |||
| Battery life (CIPA) | 500 shots | 315 frames | Fujifilm has much better battery life. I was very impressed with this battery or so they say. |
| Dimensions | 134.9 x 101.3 x 145.9 mm / 5.3 x 4.0 x 5.7 inches | 4.82 x 3.44 x 4.15 inches / 122.5 x 87.3 x 105.5mm | Canon is much more compact |
| Weight | 808G / 28.5oz. (Including battery and memory card) | 21.0 oz. / 595g (with battery and memory card) | Canon weighs much less |
| Panoramic photography | Motion Panorama mode (360°, 180° and 120°). also known as "Sweep Panorama" | There is software for combining multiple frames into a panorama | Fuji's panoramic capabilities are much better |
| Autofocus illuminator | Eat | Eat | |
| Pop-up flash | Yes (8m) + hot shoe | Yes (5.5 m) + hot shoe | |
| RAW format | Eat (RAW/RAW+JPEG) |
Eat (RAW/RAW+JPEG) |
Both cameras can shoot in Raw format. |
| Full manual exposure control | Eat | Eat | |
(module Yandex direct (9))
As you can see, cameras in general have different technical features. In the next section, we will discuss in detail the quality of images taken with both cameras.
Advantages of FujiFilm HS50EXR:
- Big matrix
- Higher resolution (may be a disadvantage in some cases)
- Higher maximum ISO sensitivity (but at reduced resolution)
- Unique sensor design that allows the camera to use pixels in three different ways (HDR, etc.)
- Bright wide-angle lens and shorter minimum focusing distance
- Large screen with good resolution
- The best indicators for exposure
- High continuous shooting speed (with continuous autofocus)
- Electronic viewfinder is better than the competitor's
- Hybrid phase detection AF and AF for video
- Long battery life
- An intuitive and easy way to capture panoramic images
- Dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and burst shooting
- Quality zoom ring and good manual focusing
- Best autofocus speed.
The list of features and benefits of the HS50EXR does not end there.
Advantages of Canon SX50 HS:
- Resolution (low display resolution may be an advantage in some cases)
- Larger zoom range
- Impressive Image Stabilization Engine with Intelligent IS,
- 24p video recording capability, high frame rate slow motion video at 480p resolution
- Slow shutter lag
- Much more compact body
- Less weight
- Cheaper model (about $50 - $90 less, as of April 22, 2013 on Amazon)
- Very fast work
Now you know the main differences between the SX50 HS and HS50EXR. Canon SX50 HS costs about $50 - $90 less than Fujifilm. Fujifilm certainly has the best overall performance, but we can't deny Canon's advantages. The strengths of this camera include its small size. Yes, a superzoom won't fit in your pocket anyway, but many would prefer a Canon for its compactness. If camera size is not a concern for you, then you may find the Fuji to be more user-friendly. This camera is a pleasure to hold in your hands.
When the Canon SX50 first appeared, it had no equal. Since then, many new models have been introduced to the market, and today, the SX50 HS is not the only viable option. The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS has a longer focal length, but the difference is not as significant as you might think. The most important thing is that the camera can take high-quality photos even when the lens is telescopic.
This brings us to talk about image quality and high ISO performance. So now it's time to compare the quality of photos and videos taken with the SX50 HS and HS50 EXR.
Image quality and ISO sensitivity performance
Image quality is probably the most important aspect of any superzoom. The SX40 HS showed amazing image quality in its time, thanks to its high ISO performance. There is a common stereotype that superzooms produce poor quality photos, especially when the subject is zoomed in very close. This is due to the complex design of lenses in the optical system. With many cameras of this type, you simply won't be able to get clear, colorful photos. However, none of this applies to the SX50 HS.
Let's summarize the quality of photographs taken with each camera:
- The Canon SX50 HS produces sharper images at lower ISOs.
- Up to ISO 400, both cameras produce impressive results. Photos are not grainy and clear.
- Quality deteriorates at ISO 800. The SX50 HS still produces decent results, while the Fuji's images are grainier. This can be explained by the fact that Canon's superzoom sensor has a much lower resolution, and this is known to affect the noise level in photography.
- ISO 1600 is still usable on the Canon, but the HS50EXR's images are already too grainy. I would not recommend using a sensitivity value higher than ISO 800 with a Fuji camera.
- Photos taken at sensitivity values of ISO 3200. I would recommend using ISO 3200 only in the most urgent cases, as the image quality drops greatly. If in the future you plan to reduce the resolution of the frame, or simply post it online, then that’s okay, but if this is a professional job, then such a picture is no good.
- Fujifilm HS50EXR photos do have visible artifacts even at the lowest ISO settings, which is not the case with the SX50HS
- Fujifilm is capable of creating stunning, vibrant and colorful photographs (JPEG)
The Canon SX50 HS, in many ways, has undeniable advantages over Fujifilm. If you are really picky when it comes to high ISO image quality, then the Canon SX50 HS is the best option for you. The quality of images created with the SX50 turned out to be much higher.
So, as you can see, Canon lacks many features that Fujifilm has, but when it comes to image quality, the SX50 HS performs better. This is one of the reasons why many people prefer Canon ultrazoom. Photo quality is the main indicator of camera performance. There are other cameras that can produce decent images, but none yet can compare to the Canon SX50 HS.
Canon SX50 test video
Conclusion
It's time to sum up our informative conversation. The good news is that both cameras have great technical and functional capabilities. If we talk in more detail about the functions, then in this regard few can compare with the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR. A lot of original and interesting features can make Fuji preferable to Canon. For some, the large viewfinder and LCD display, bright lens and long battery life may convince the HS50EXR to be superior, and understandably so. On the other hand, it is also wrong to remain silent about the advantages of Canon. This camera is more compact and lightweight, although it lacks some interesting features. If the size and resolution of the electronic viewfinder and display are not important to you, then go ahead and buy the SX50HS and you won't regret it. The image quality is very impressive, and that's what matters most.
My impressions of working with a medium format camera FUJIFILM GFX50s, which I received for testing literally for 10 days and after which I decided to switch to this system. In the video I will tell you about what and how I managed to shoot and below you can see pictures and crop fragments of 100% of the photos that were shown in the video. I wish you pleasant viewing and positive emotions)
Technical characteristics of the camera, which I did not talk about in detail in the video:
Fujifilm GFX 50S is a compact medium format mirrorless system camera, Fujifilm GFX 50S is equipped with a 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS sensor with a resolution of 51.4 megapixels, which provides an image size of 8256 x 6192 pixels. The medium format sensor on this camera is 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame camera, and 3.7 times larger than the APS-C size sensors found in X-series cameras from Fujifilm and Sony and Nikon.
Unlike the X-series cameras, the Fujifilm GFX 50S has a traditional Bayer sensor. The number of pixels is not much higher than that of a 35mm high-resolution full-frame DSLR, but the pixel pitch due to the large sensor is larger and therefore the dynamic range and detail are richer and better.
The GFX 50S's weather-resistant body allows you to shoot even in difficult conditions, which is very useful for travel lovers! Raw files from the Fujifilm GFX 50S are called RAF (as in lower-end cameras) with 14-bit color depth and 14 stops of dynamic range.
ISO 50-102400, the camera is also capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. Continuous shooting - 3 frames per second, contrast detection autofocus system with 117 points across the entire frame. Shutter speeds range from 60 minutes to 1/4000 second with the mechanical shutter or up to 1/16000 second with the electronic shutter!
The camera comes with a detachable electronic viewfinder and has an excellent 3.2-inch touchscreen (OLED) LCD display. Dual UHS-II SD card slots, built-in Wi-Fi for remote connectivity, time-lapse photography and multiple exposure modes. The camera received a new line of lenses under the GF brand.
Friends, more detailed information is available on the official Fujifilm website and if you are interested in studying the camera in more detail, you can download the instructions in any language in PDF format and also study all the details. I want to go to the photos that I talked about in the video review and show the 100% crop from some frames.
(photos are clickable - if you want to look at the real 100% crop, be sure to click on the photo to view in a separate window))
Boston Airport USA ISO2500, 64mm (32-64) f/8, 1/100s
Lake Tahoe, sunset
ISO100 32mm (32-64) f/11, 210sec (Lee filter Big stopper)
Lake Tahoe
ISO100 64mm (32-64) f/11 20sec (Lee filter Big stopper)
Panorama of San Francisco 3 frames
ISO100 120mm macro f/13, 25sec
Pier 4, San Francisco
ISO100 32mm (32-64) f/10, 28sec (Lee filter Big stopper)
ISO400 120mm macro f/5.6 - 1/30s
Conclusion.
The FUJIFILM GFX50s is the most affordable medium format camera on the market today. Yes, the cost compared to DSLRs and 35mm and crop-format mirrorless cameras is much higher, but comparable to the price level of top-end DSLRs for reporters and definitely lower than any medium format competitor.
Let's look at prices in the USA for fun?
In any case, for every professional, a camera is a tool. And depending on his tasks and business needs, the photographer makes a decision about what to invest in and what system to switch to to obtain maximum quality.
Thank you for your attention and comments! Sincerely yours, Eduard Kraft.
