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Fujifilm GFX 50R vs GFX 50S

The Fujifilm GFX 50R and the Fujifilm GFX 50S are two professional cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2018 and September 2016. Both the GFX 50R and the GFX 50S are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a medium format sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 51.1 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm GFX 50R
versus
Fujifilm GFX 50S
Fujifilm GFX 50R   Fujifilm GFX 50S
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm G mount lenses Fujifilm G mount lenses
51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor 51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 2360k dots 3.2" LCD – 2360k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fully flexible touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
161 x 97 x 66 mm, 775 g 148 x 94 x 91 mm, 740 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 50R and the Fujifilm GFX 50S? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm GFX 50R and the Fujifilm GFX 50S. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Fujifilm GFX 50R vs Fujifilm GFX 50S
Compare GFX 50R versus GFX 50S top
Comparison GFX 50R or GFX 50S rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 50R. Moreover, the GFX 50S is markedly lighter (5 percent) than the GFX 50R. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R 161 mm 97 mm 66 mm 775 g 400 Y Sep 2018 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S 148 mm 94 mm 91 mm 740 g 400 Y Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S 150 mm 104 mm 87 mm 900 g 460 Y Jan 2021 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II 150 mm 104 mm 87 mm 900 g 440 Y Sep 2021 3,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 156 mm 144 mm 75 mm 1320 g 800 Y May 2019 9,999ebay.com
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D II 148 mm 97 mm 70 mm 766 g .. Y Jun 2019 5,750ebay.com
9.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
10.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
13.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GFX 50R was launched at a markedly lower price (by 31 percent) than the GFX 50S, 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 tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a medium format sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 0.79. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Fujifilm GFX 50R and Fujifilm GFX 50S sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 51.1 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the GFX 50R and the GFX 50S have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the GFX 50R is much more recent (by 2 years) than the GFX 50S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm GFX 50R has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The Fujifilm GFX 50S offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

GFX 50R versus GFX 50S MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.714.4316998
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.414.1297796
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format 101.8 11648 87364K/30p25.814.73391100
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.914.83456100
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 Medium Format 101.8 11648 87364K/30p25.714.5322799
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D II Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p25.714.5323499
9.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
10.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
11.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
12.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
13.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GFX 50R has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GFX 50S relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the GFX 50S can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-TL1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm GFX 50R and Fujifilm GFX 50S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R3690 n3.2 / 2360 tilting Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50Soptional Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S3690 Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n Y
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II3690 Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100optional Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n Y
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D II3690 n3.6 / 2360 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.7/s n n
9.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
10.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
12.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the GFX 50S, but is missing on the GFX 50R is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 and the Fujifilm GFX 50S both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GFX 50R and the GFX 50S write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Moreover, both the GFX 50R and the GFX 50S support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s, on both slots.

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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 Fujifilm GFX 50R and Fujifilm GFX 50S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50RYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50SYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100SYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
9.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
10.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
11.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
12.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
13.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
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Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the GFX 50R and the GFX 50S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GFX 50S was replaced by the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, while the GFX 50R does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the GFX 50R and GFX 50S can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm GFX 50R Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm GFX 50S Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Fujifilm GFX 50R better than the Fujifilm GFX 50S or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Fujifilm GFX 50R:

  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (31 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the GFX 50S launch.


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm GFX 50S:

  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More compact: Is smaller (148x94mm vs 161x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2016).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (4 points each). 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.

GFX 50R 04:04 GFX 50S

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

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the GFX 50R or the GFX 50S perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R5/5..5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2018 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S....4.5/585/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jan 2021 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II5/5..5/587/100..5/5 Sep 2021 3,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 1004.5/5+ +4.8/590/1005/54.5/5 May 2019 9,999ebay.com
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D II....4/5..4/54/5 Jun 2019 5,750ebay.com
9.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
10.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
13.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 50R vs Fujifilm GFX 50S

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm G mount lenses Fujifilm G mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2018 September 2016
    Launch Price USD 4,499 USD 6,499
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 44.0 x 33.0 mm 44.0 x 33.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1452 mm2 1452 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 55 mm 55 mm
    Crop Factor 0.79x 0.79x
    Sensor Resolution 51.1 Megapixels 51.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 6192 pixels 8256 x 6192 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.33 μm 5.33 μm
    Pixel Density 3.52 MP/cm2 3.52 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor X Processor Pro X Processor Pro
    Screen Specs Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.77x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2360k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-T125 Fujifilm NP-T125
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 161 x 97 x 66 mm
    (6.3 x 3.8 x 2.6 in)
    148 x 94 x 91 mm
    (5.8 x 3.7 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 775 g (27.3 oz) 740 g (26.1 oz)
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