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Fujifilm GFX 50S vs GFX 50S II

The Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujifilm GFX 50S II are two professional cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2016 and September 2021. Both the GFX 50S and the GFX 50S II 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 50S
versus
Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Fujifilm GFX 50S   Fujifilm GFX 50S II
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)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2360k dots 3.2" LCD – 2360k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Fully flexible touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
148 x 94 x 91 mm, 740 g 150 x 104 x 87 mm, 900 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujifilm GFX 50S II? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujifilm GFX 50S II is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Compare GFX 50S versus GFX 50S II top
Comparison GFX 50S or GFX 50S II 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 II is notably larger (12 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 50S. Moreover, the GFX 50S II is markedly heavier (22 percent) than the GFX 50S. 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.

Concerning battery life, the GFX 50S gets 400 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-T125 battery, while the GFX 50S II can take 440 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-W235 power pack. The power pack in the GFX 50S II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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 50S 148 mm 94 mm 91 mm 740 g 400 Y Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II 150 mm 104 mm 87 mm 900 g 440 Y Sep 2021 3,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 II 152 mm 117 mm 99 mm 1030 g 540 Y Sep 2023 7,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S 150 mm 104 mm 87 mm 900 g 460 Y Jan 2021 5,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R 161 mm 97 mm 66 mm 775 g 400 Y Sep 2018 4,499ebay.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 Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 5,995 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
12.
 
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 obviously take relative prices into account. 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 50S II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the GFX 50S, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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.

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.

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 50S and Fujifilm GFX 50S II 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 50S and the GFX 50S II have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the GFX 50S II is much more recent (by 4 years and 11 months) 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.

Unlike the GFX 50S, the GFX 50S II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (205MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Fujifilm GFX 50S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The Fujifilm GFX 50S II 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 50S versus GFX 50S II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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 50S Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.414.1297796
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.914.83456100
3.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 II Medium Format 101.8 11648 87368K/30p25.915.03651101
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format 101.8 11648 87364K/30p25.814.73391100
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.714.4316998
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 Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
11.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
12.
 
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 cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. 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

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GFX 50S II 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm GFX 50S, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, and comparable cameras.

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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 50Soptional Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II3690 Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 II9440 Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S3690 Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n Y
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R3690 n3.2 / 2360 tilting Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
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 Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
11.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
12.
 
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 differentiates the GFX 50S II and the GFX 50S is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The GFX 50S II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the GFX 50S offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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 50S and the Fujifilm GFX 50S II 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 50S and the GFX 50S II 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 50S and the GFX 50S II 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 50S and Fujifilm GFX 50S II 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 50SYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y--
3.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100SYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50RYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
8.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
9.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
10.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
12.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
padding

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

The GFX 50S II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the GFX 50S has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GFX 50S was succeeded by the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. Further information on the features and operation of the GFX 50S and GFX 50S II can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm GFX 50S Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm GFX 50S II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm GFX 50S better than the Fujifilm GFX 50S II or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm GFX 50S:

  • More compact: Is smaller (148x94mm vs 150x104mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 160g or 18 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2016).


Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm GFX 50S II:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 11 months of technical progress since the GFX 50S launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the GFX 50S II emerges as the winner of the match-up (6 : 3 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. 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 50S 03:06 GFX 50S II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujifilm GFX 50S II 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GFX 50S and the GFX 50S II in practical situations. 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 table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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 50S....4.5/585/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S II5/5..5/587/100..5/5 Sep 2021 3,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100 II5/5+5/5....4.5/5 Sep 2023 7,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm GFX 100S5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jan 2021 5,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R5/5..5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2018 4,499ebay.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 Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 5,995 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
12.
 
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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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. 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? 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.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Fujifilm GFX 50S II

    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 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm G mount lenses Fujifilm G mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2016 September 2021
    Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 3,999
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm GFX 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    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 4
    Screen Specs Fujifilm GFX 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.77x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2360k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm GFX 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    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
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    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 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.2
    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
    Body Specs Fujifilm GFX 50S Fujifilm GFX 50S II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-T125 Fujifilm NP-W235
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge440 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 148 x 94 x 91 mm
    (5.8 x 3.7 x 3.6 in)
    150 x 104 x 87 mm
    (5.9 x 4.1 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 740 g (26.1 oz) 900 g (31.7 oz)
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