Guide to Fujifilm GFX-series Medium Format Cameras

Since its debut in 2017, the Fujifilm GFX series has revolutionised digital medium format photography. These Fujifilm medium format cameras offer an innovative approach, empowering users to capture images and videos with unparalleled clarity and detail.

Fujifilm GFX cameras feature a larger sensor, offering exceptional image quality and flexibility for cropping in post-production. Many GFX-series cameras have in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), so you can shoot hand-held and in low-light conditions.

In this guide, MPB’s Alice Penney will look at the GFX series from the initial release in 2017 to the latest models. This article will summarise the complete Fujifilm GFX series lineup:

• Fujifilm GFX 100RF (2025)

• Fujifilm GFX 100S II (2024)

• Fujifilm GFX 100 II (2023)

• Fujifilm GFX 50S II (2021)

• Fujifilm GFX 100S (2021)

• Fujifilm GFX 100 IR (2021)

• Fujifilm GFX 100 (2019)

• Fujifilm GFX 50R (2018)

• Fujifilm GFX 50S (2017)

Fujifilm GFX100RF (2025) 

Announced in March 2025, the Fujifilm GFX100RF is Fujifilm’s first of its kind, medium-format compact camera.

The GFX 100RF combines the power of large-format photography with a compact, lightweight body, making its impressive 102-megapixel resolution accessible for photographers on the go.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF takes a distinct step away from previous GFX series cameras by omitting IBIS, a feature that has become a standard across the GFX lineup. Instead, the GFX100RF embraces a more streamlined design paired with a fixed 35mm (28mm full-frame equivalent) f/4 lens. This shift prioritises portability and simplicity, appealing to photographers who value a compact, all-in-one medium format experience without sacrificing image quality.

Read our full Fujifilm GFX100RF review.

Fujifilm GFX 100S II (2024)

Released in 2024, the digital medium-format Fujifilm GFX 100S II is a mirrorless camera featuring a 102-megapixel sensor (a slight upgrade from the 100 megapixels of the GFX 100), refined autofocus and upgraded video performance. Building on the foundation of the 2021 GFX 100S, the GFX 100S II introduces enhancements such as the 8-stop IBIS, 8 frames per second burst shooting (an upgrade to the 5fps of the GFX100) and advanced video options, including internal 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit recording.

Fujifilm GFX 100 II (2023)

Released in September 2023, the Fujifilm GFX 100 II stands out as a versatile medium-format camera. Its enhancements make it a compelling choice for professionals seeking high-end image quality without compromising speed or functionality.

The GFX100 II has significant upgrades in usability over its predecessor, the GFX100. The GFX100 II achieves up to 8 frames per second (fps) compared to the GFX100's 5 fps. The GFX100 II also features a new CMOS II HS sensor with faster readout speeds, paired with the X-Processor 5 (an upgrade from the GFX 100’s X-Processor 4).

Building upon the foundation of the GFX100, the GFX 100 II has introduced enhancements in speed, autofocus, video capabilities and overall usability, catering to photographers and videographers seeking top-tier performance.

Read our Fujifilm GFX 100 II review.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II (2021) 

The 2021 Fujifilm GFX 50S II is the third release in the GFX lineup.

Predominantly aimed at portrait, fine art and studio photography, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II builds on the success of the original GFX 50S. The 50S II offers improved autofocus, better IBIS and faster overall performance, while maintaining the same 51.4-megapixel medium format sensor as the 50S.

The GFX 50S II uses a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is improved over the original GFX 50S thanks to the newer X-Processor 4. While it doesn’t have phase-detection autofocus like the GFX100S or GFX100, the updated processor gives it faster and more responsive focusing performance than its predecessor, the Fujifilm GFX 50.

Fujifilm GFX 100S (2021)

Released in 2021, the Fujifilm GFX 100S takes the core technology of the GFX100, including the 102-megapixel medium format sensor, IBIS and phase-detection autofocus, and packs it into a smaller and lighter body. 

Unlike the GFX100, the 100S removes the built-in vertical grip, resulting in a much more compact design.

The GFX100S also features a simplified control layout and a smaller (but still sharp) 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder (compared to the GFX100’s 5.76 million). Despite its size reduction, it maintains exceptional image quality and performance, making high-resolution medium format photography more accessible for both studio and location work. For example, Kyle McDougal used the Fujifilm GFX100S for landscapes in Snowdonia. 

The Fujifilm GFX100S is best suited for photography styles that demand extremely high resolution, rich detail and wide dynamic range.

Read our Fujifilm GFX 100S review.

Fujifilm GFX 100 IR (2021)

The 2021 Fujifilm GFX 100 IR is a modified version of the GFX100. The IR features a 102-megapixel sensor adapted with a special filter system to capture infrared and ultraviolet light.

Designed for forensics, scientific research, cultural preservation and fine art, the Fujifilm GFX 100 IR delivers ultra-high-resolution images beyond the visible spectrum. Physically, it remains almost identical to the standard GFX100.

Though niche, the GFX 100 IR  highlights the flexibility of the Fujifilm GFX series in addressing professional imaging needs.

Fujifilm GFX 100 (2019)

Released in 2019, the Fujifilm GFX 100 marked a significant leap forward compared to the earlier released GFX 50S. The medium format camera features a groundbreaking 102-megapixel sensor, double the resolution of the GFX 50S. Alongside the massive resolution boost, the GFX100 introduced a much higher-resolution electronic viewfinder, delivering a sharper, more immersive shooting experience. It also brought IBIS, a tool especially helpful with shooting hand-held and for low-light photography.

The GFX100 also introduced phase detection autofocus to Fujifilm's medium-format lineup for the first time, pushing performance closer to that of full-frame mirrorless systems.

Read our Fujifilm GFX 100 review.

Fujifilm GFX 50R (2018)

Released in 2018, the Fujifilm GFX 50R uses the same 51.4-megapixel medium format sensor found in the GFX 50S but in a more compact, lighter body.

Compared to its predecessor, the 50R is notably slimmer, making it more portable and a better option for photographers who prefer a more mobile setup, especially for street, travel or documentary work. The design shifts the electronic viewfinder to the left side of the body, rather than keeping it centred like on the 50S. However, the 50R’s viewfinder is smaller and only tilts upward, while the GFX 50S tilts in three directions.

The 50R also features a different control layout, simplifying the ergonomics to match its more streamlined, compact design. While it trades some of the flexibility and handling of the 50S, the 50R makes up for it with better portability and a more straightforward shooting experience.

Sports photographer Dan King shot the Tour of Britain with the GFX 50R. While not an obvious choice for sports photography, the medium-format 50-megapixel sensor can capture great sporting images.

Read our Fujifilm GFX 50R review.

Fujifilm GFX 50S (2017)

The model that started it all, the GFX 50S brought medium format to a broader mirrorless market. The GFX 50S featured a 51.4-megapixel sensor housed in a relatively compact body, introduced Fujifilm G lenses and laid the foundation for the entire Fujifilm GFX series. Its design incorporated several ergonomic elements inspired by DSLRs, in terms of grip, controls layout and viewfinder positioning.

Read Del Francis’ Fujifilm GFX 50S review.

FAQs

What is the Fujifilm GFX series?

The Fujifilm GFX series represents Fujifilm's line of medium format digital cameras, introduced in 2017. Renowned for their high image resolution, these cameras excel in portrait, studio, and professional print work.

What does Fujifilm GFX stand for?

The larger format Fujifilm GFX range is named the GFX as it uses a GF mount lens.  Additionally, "GFX" is commonly associated with "graphics.

Is the Fujifilm GFX 50R discontinued?

Yes, the Fujifilm GFX 50R was discontinued in September 2021, following the release of the upgraded Fujifilm GFX 50S II.

How much bigger is GFX than full-frame?

Fujifilm GFX sensors measure 44 x 33mm, approximately 1.7 times larger than standard full-frame sensors (36 x 24mm). This larger sensor size is a key advantage of Fujifilm medium format cameras.

What is the difference between the Fujifilm GFX and X series?

Fujifilm GFX cameras have larger sensors, aimed at professionals, shooting studio and commercial work. Fujifilm X-series and Fujifilm X100 series cameras are more portable, lightweight cameras with smaller APS-C sensors, aimed more for street/travel photography. Both are mirrorless cameras, but have differing specifications, including sensor sizes and image resolution.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.