Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Panasonic GH5s

The Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2016 and January 2018. Both the GFX 50S and the GH5s are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a medium format (GFX 50S) and a Four Thirds (GH5s) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 51.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 9.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm GFX 50S		Panasonic GH5s
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm G mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
51.1 MP, Medium Format Sensor		9.9 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 160-51,200 (80 - 204,800)
Viewfinder optional		Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.2 LCD, 2360k dots		3.2 LCD, 1620k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge		440 shots per battery charge
148 x 94 x 91 mm, 740 g		139 x 98 x 87 mm, 660 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s? 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 Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Panasonic GH5s 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 Panasonic GH5s is somewhat smaller (2 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 50S. Moreover, the GH5s is markedly lighter (11 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 NP-T125 battery, while the GH5s can take 440 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLF19 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Fujifilm GFX 50S	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499
	Panasonic GH5s	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	660 g	440	Y	Jan 2018	2,499
	Canon 6D Mark II	144 mm	111 mm	75 mm	765 g	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999
	Canon 1D X Mark II	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999
	Canon 5D Mark IV	151 mm	116 mm	76 mm	890 g	900	Y	Aug 2016	3,499
	Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
	Hasselblad X1D II	148 mm	97 mm	70 mm	766 g	..	Y	Jun 2019	5,750
	Hasselblad X1D	150 mm	98 mm	71 mm	725 g	..	Y	Jun 2016	8,995
	Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica SL	147 mm	104 mm	39 mm	847 g	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450
	Nikon D7500	136 mm	104 mm	73 mm	720 g	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299
	Panasonic G9	137 mm	97 mm	92 mm	658 g	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699
	Panasonic GH5	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	725 g	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999
	Panasonic FZ330	132 mm	92 mm	117 mm	691 g	380	Y	Jul 2015	599
	Panasonic GH4	133 mm	93 mm	84 mm	560 g	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499
	Panasonic GH3	133 mm	93 mm	82 mm	550 g	540	Y	Sep 2012	1,299
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

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 GH5s was launched at a markedly lower price (by 62 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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 Fujifilm GFX 50S features a medium format sensor and the Panasonic GH5s a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH5s is 85 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

With 51.1MP, the GFX 50S offers a higher resolution than the GH5s (9.9MP), but the GFX 50S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.33μm versus 4.77μm for the GH5s) due to its larger sensor. However, the GH5s is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the GFX 50S, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 resolution advantage of the Fujifilm GFX 50S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GFX 50S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 31 inches or 104.9 x 78.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 24.8 inches or 83.9 x 62.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 20.6 inches or 69.9 x 52.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH5s are 18.4 x 13.5 inches or 46.7 x 34.3 cm for good quality, 14.7 x 10.8 inches or 37.4 x 27.4 cm for very good quality, and 12.3 x 9 inches or 31.2 x 22.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s are ISO 160 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-204800.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Fujifilm GFX 50S	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
	Panasonic GH5s	Four Thirds	9.9	3680	2700	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
	Canon 6D Mark II	Full Frame	26.0	6240	4160	1080/60p	24.4	11.9	2862	85
	Canon 1D X Mark II	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.1	13.5	3207	88
	Canon 5D Mark IV	Full Frame	30.1	6720	4480	4K/30p	24.8	13.6	2995	91
	Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135	79
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
	Hasselblad X1D II	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	none	..	..	..	..
	Hasselblad X1D	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	1080/25p	26.2	14.8	4489	102
	Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
	Leica SL	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	13.4	1821	88
	Nikon D7500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.3	14.0	1483	86
	Panasonic G9	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
	Panasonic GH5	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	23.9	13.0	807	77
	Panasonic FZ330	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	4K/30p	19.3	11.0	97	38
	Panasonic GH4	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	4K/30p	23.2	12.8	791	74
	Panasonic GH3	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	22.7	12.4	812	71

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GH5s provides a better video resolution than the GFX 50S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH5s has an electronic viewfinder (3680k 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 Panasonic GH5s, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Fujifilm GFX 50S	optional	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
	Panasonic GH5s	3680	n	3.2	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
	Canon 6D Mark II	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.5	n	n
	Canon 1D X Mark II	optical	Y	3.2	1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	16.0	n	n
	Canon 5D Mark IV	optical	Y	3.2	1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	7.0	n	n
	Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
	Hasselblad X1D II	3690	n	3.6	2360	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.7	n	n
	Hasselblad X1D	2360	n	3.0	920	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.3	n	n
	Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
	Leica SL	4400	Y	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/8000s	11.0	n	n
	Nikon D7500	optical	Y	3.2	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	8.0	Y	n
	Panasonic G9	3680	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
	Panasonic GH5	3680	n	3.2	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
	Panasonic FZ330	1440	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Panasonic GH4	2359	n	3.0	1036	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	Y	n
	Panasonic GH3	1746	n	3.0	614	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n

One feature that is present on the GFX 50S, but is missing on the GH5s 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 50S and the Panasonic GH5s 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 GH5s 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 GH5s support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s, on both slots.

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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

	Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Fujifilm GFX 50S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
	Panasonic GH5s	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
	Canon 6D Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
	Canon 1D X Mark II	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
	Canon 5D Mark IV	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
	Hasselblad X1D II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	-	3.0	Y	-	-
	Hasselblad X1D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
	Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
	Leica SL	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	-
	Nikon D7500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
	Panasonic G9	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	Y
	Panasonic GH5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
	Panasonic FZ330	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Panasonic GH4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Panasonic GH3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	-

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

Both the GFX 50S and the GH5s are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. Neither of the two has a direct predecessor, so perhaps they will constitute the origins of new camera lines for Fujifilm and Panasonic. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm GFX 50S or the Panasonic GH5s – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm GFX 50S:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (51.1 vs 9.9MP) with a 126% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 1620k dots).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2016).

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/30p).
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 80g or 11 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (62 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 3 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5s emerges as the winner of the match-up (10 : 8 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Panasonic GH5s 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GFX 50S and the GH5s 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 (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   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Fujifilm GFX 50S	..	85/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499
	Panasonic GH5s	..	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2018	2,499
	Canon 6D Mark II	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999
	Canon 1D X Mark II	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999
	Canon 5D Mark IV	+ +	87/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	3,499
	Canon 80D	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
	Hasselblad X1D II	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Jun 2019	5,750
	Hasselblad X1D	o	81/100	..	..	4/5	Jun 2016	8,995
	Leica M10	..	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica SL	..	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450
	Nikon D7500	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299
	Panasonic G9	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699
	Panasonic GH5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999
	Panasonic FZ330	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	599
	Panasonic GH4	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499
	Panasonic GH3	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	1,299
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, 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.

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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Panasonic GH5s

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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