First views: the Fujifilm GFX 50R

I’ve been having fun recently with medium format, in the shape of the new(ish) Fujifilm GFX50R. Based on the same technology as the successful 50S, the 50R has the form of a rangefinder camera and is therefore more aligned to what street photographers expect. I used the camera on a recent trip to Venice and was blown away by the image quality and the amount of detail in the huge images.

Sure, it’s bulkier than your average digital camera but it’s really no bigger or heavier than a full-frame DSLR costing a similar amount. We often think of digital medium format cameras as being expensive but this camera puts 150mb files well within the reach of the serious amateur.

The image quality is just breathtaking, build quality is up there with the best, handling and ergonomics just ‘work’, it’s weather resistant and there’s a good range of superb glass available. What’s not to like? Well, from where I’m standing, not much: okay, there’s no 4k video, the AF is not the fastest and the burst mode is only 3fps. But does any of that really matter? No: street, documentary or travel photographers really shouldn’t be too troubled by any of this. It’s a superb camera which I’m finding hard to put down.