The Fujifilm GFX 50S ($6,499.95) isn't the first affordable medium format camera, but its mirrorless design means it's more compact than the Pentax 645Z, which has been on the market for a few years. It also feels more modern—its EVF is removable, and its tilting LCD is sensitive to touch. A 51MP image sensor delivers superb images, even in difficult light, though photographers that need high-speed flash sync will be turned off by a lack of native leaf-shutter lenses. Still, that's a weakness shared by the 645Z, our previous Editors' Choice. The GFX 50S is less expensive and a better camera, so it's our new top pick in the category. Design At 3.7 by 5.8 by 3.6 inches (HWD), the GFX 50S isn't that much larger than a typical full-frame SLR, but its image sensor is. In its body you'll find a 33-by-44mm chip, which is about 1.7 times the size of the 24-by-36mm sensor in Canon's take on the 50MP camera, the EOS 5DS R. An add-on vertical grip is available ($599.95) if you prefer a beefi...

The Fujifilm GFX 50S is an affordable medium format camera with superb image quality and a forward-thinking mirrorless design.

Medium format image sensor; 51MP resolution; Crisp, modular EVF; Tilting, touch LCD; Dust- and moisture-resistant design; Film Simulation modes; Dual UHS-II card slots; Wi-Fi; USB-tethered shooting

Quirky EV compensation control; Limited lens selection at launch; Modest 1/125-second flash sync

Fujifilm seems to be on quite the mission lately, having refreshed the majority of its mirrorless camera range in the past 12 months. Now it's turning its attention towards an even bigger prize. The GFX 50S is Fuji's first medium-format release since 2008's GF670.

Phenomenally good resolution and dynamic range; Intuitive layout of buttons and controls; More compact than you’d assume from medium format; Removable viewfinder with optional tilt adapter;

Autofocus performance; Touchscreen could be implemented further; Out of its comfort zone when shooting action and sport;

Well conceived and designed camera body especially for all the retro-grouches who learned to make pictures on film. Lenses are excellent quality especially the 120mm macro. The files that I have processed through Lighroom have been spectacular especially all my spring wildflower pics.

Unless you make your living from photography (or have a very big pot of savings), then there's no doubt this is a frightening amount to spend on a camera. On the other hand, most of the GFX 50S' rivals cost twice the amount, and it might just be the camera that pushes medium format towards the mainstream. It's a camera for professionals, but that doesn't mean it isn't user-friendly. You don’t need to be a technical master to take killer shots with this camera; anyone with a grasp of the photography basics will be shooting like Ansel Adams or Rankin in no time. The GFX 50S is also smaller than full frame DSLRs from the likes of Nikon and Canon, but packs in a larger sensor, and is arguably easier to use. Fuji’s fantastic control layout is easy enough for newcomers to learn, and instantly recognisable for anyone stepping up from an X-series camera. The massive number of autofocus points is unheard of in a medium format camera too, and really opens up what’s possible - both inside and outside a studio setting. One thing's for sure - we don't want to give ours back.

Richly detailed shots; Weatherproof build; User-friendly; More compact than many MF cameras;

That price tag; Limited video options and no 4K; Not built for speed;

Richly detailed shots; Weatherproof build; User-friendly; More compact than many MF cameras;

That price tag; Limited video options and no 4K; Not built for speed;

The lenses are the stars of this system. You can download RAWs here and process to your own tastes: https://app.box.com/s/ni6dw7pln19c61fvlth4igk1bwghb3ks You will find among these RAWs 3 focal lengths: 32mm, 49mm, 64mm. (I wanted 50mm but the zoom ring gave me 49mm.

While it might seem unusual that a camera can be both mirrorless and have a medium format size sensor, that's exactly what Fujifilm has created with their new GFX 50S. The 51.4MP CMOS sensor size is 43.8x32.9mm, 1.7x the size of the sensor in a full-frame DSLR; the body is decidedly mirrorless,...

Why have a mini when this costs the same and is better,

The Fujifilm GFX-50S is unlike any other digital camera reviewed here . It is a highly specialized product having its own Mirrorless System with a newly-designed all-electronic lens-mount and paired with a large 0.8X-Crop sensor.

Extremely sharp images; Class-leading dynamic-range; Very low image-noise; Nicely saturated colors; Highly reliable metering; Very accurate autofocus; Impressive throughput; Class-leading optional EVF and Tilting Adapter; Many external controls; Nine Function buttons; Highly customizable Status LCD,...

Sub-par AF speed; Frequent yellow cast with Auto WB; Long black-out; Slow shot-to-shot speed; Slow mode transitions; Dual-axis level hidden; Complex controls; Histogram disappears when applying EC; Poor ergonomics; Very bulky; Status LCD consumes power when Off; Very poor battery-life; Soft aperture...