Canon 10D vs Fujifilm GFX 50R

The Canon EOS 10D and the Fujifilm GFX 50R are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2003 and September 2018. The 10D is a DSLR, while the GFX 50R is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (10D) and a medium format (GFX 50R) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 6.3 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 51.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 10D		Fujifilm GFX 50R
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Fujifilm G mount lenses
6.3 MP, APS-C Sensor		51.1 MP, Medium Format Sensor
no Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-3200		ISO 100-12800 (50-102400)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
1.8" LCD, 118k dots		3.2" LCD, 2360k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
500 shots per battery charge		400 shots per battery charge
150 x 107 x 75 mm, 850 g		161 x 97 x 66 mm, 775 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 10D and the Fujifilm GFX 50R? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 10D and the Fujifilm GFX 50R are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm GFX 50R is somewhat smaller (3 percent) than the Canon 10D. Moreover, the GFX 50R is markedly lighter (9 percent) than the 10D. It is noteworthy in this context that the GFX 50R is splash and dust-proof, while the 10D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the 10D gets 500 shots out of its BP-511 battery, while the GFX 50R can take 400 images on a single charge of its NP-T125 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 10D»	150 mm	107 mm	75 mm	850 g	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Fujifilm GFX 50R«	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499			Fujifilm GFX 50R
	Canon 5DS« »	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 7D II« »	149 mm	112 mm	78 mm	910 g	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 70D« »	139 mm	104 mm	79 mm	755 g	920	Y	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon 60D« »	145 mm	106 mm	79 mm	755 g	1100	Y	Aug 2010	1,399	-		Canon 60D
	Canon 7D« »	148 mm	111 mm	74 mm	860 g	800	Y	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 40D« »	146 mm	108 mm	74 mm	822 g	750	n	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	144 mm	106 mm	74 mm	785 g	750	n	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon 20D« »	144 mm	106 mm	72 mm	770 g	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon 300D« »	142 mm	99 mm	72 mm	649 g	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon 300D
	Canon D60« »	150 mm	107 mm	75 mm	855 g	620	n	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Fujifilm GFX 50S« »	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499			Fujifilm GFX 50S
	Hasselblad X1D II« »	148 mm	97 mm	70 mm	766 g	..	Y	Jun 2019	5,750			Hasselblad X1D II
	Leica Q2« »	130 mm	80 mm	92 mm	718 g	370	Y	Mar 2019	4,995			Leica Q2
	Nikon D100« »	144 mm	116 mm	81 mm	780 g	370	n	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 10D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 56 percent) than the GFX 50R, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 10D features an APS-C sensor and the Fujifilm GFX 50R a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the GFX 50R is 323 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 0.79. The sensor in the 10D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GFX 50R offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 51.1MP, the GFX 50R offers a higher resolution than the 10D (6.3MP), but the GFX 50R has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.33μm versus 7.38μm for the 10D). Yet, the GFX 50R is a much more recent model (by 15 years and 7 months) than the 10D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the GFX 50R has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm GFX 50R implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GFX 50R for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 31 inch or 104.9 x 78.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 24.8 inch or 83.9 x 62.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 20.6 inch or 69.9 x 52.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 10D are 15.4 x 10.2 inch or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inch or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inch or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 10D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm GFX 50R are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The GFX 50R indeed provides for movie recording, while the 10D does not. The highest resolution format that the GFX 50R can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GFX 50R has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the 10D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the GFX 50R offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 10D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the GFX 50R has a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.55x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 10D and Fujifilm GFX 50R along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 10D has one, while the GFX 50R does not. While the built-in flash of the 10D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the GFX 50R is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm GFX 50R has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 10D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the GFX 50R uses SDXC cards. The GFX 50R features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 10D only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 10D and Fujifilm GFX 50R and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the GFX 50R offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 10D does not offer wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The GFX 50R is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the 10D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 10D was succeeded by the Canon 20D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 10D better than the Fujifilm GFX 50R or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon EOS 10D:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (56 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2003).

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm GFX 50R:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (51.1 vs 6.3MP), which boosts linear resolution by 180%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/30p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.55x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 118k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 1.1).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More modern: Reflects 15 years and 7 months of technical progress since the 10D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GFX 50R is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 10D and the Fujifilm GFX 50R place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 10D or the GFX 50R perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 10D»	-	+ +	-	o	-	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Fujifilm GFX 50R«	-	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499			Fujifilm GFX 50R
	Canon 5DS« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	+	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 7D II« »	+	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 70D« »	+ +	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon 60D« »	+	79/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	1,399	-		Canon 60D
	Canon 7D« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 40D« »	+ +	+ +	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	+ +	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon 20D« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon 300D« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon 300D
	Canon D60« »	-	+ +	o	-	-	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Fujifilm GFX 50S« »	-	85/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499			Fujifilm GFX 50S
	Hasselblad X1D II« »	-	-	-	-	-	Jun 2019	5,750			Hasselblad X1D II
	Leica Q2« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	-	4/5	Mar 2019	4,995			Leica Q2
	Nikon D100« »	-	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Canon 10D vs Fujifilm GFX 50R

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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