Canon EOS M5 vs Fujifilm GFX 50S II: A Mirrorless Showdown from APS-C to Medium Format

When stepping into the world of mirrorless cameras, the sheer variety can sometimes stop you in your tracks. Today, we're taking a deep dive into an intriguing face-off: the Canon EOS M5 versus the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. At first glance, this might seem like an apples-to-oranges comparison - one is a compact, enthusiast-level APS-C mirrorless; the other, a hefty, pro-grade medium format monster. Yet, both represent compelling options for photographers who favor modern features, serious image quality, and the benefits of mirrorless system design.

Having extensively tested both, often under demanding real-world conditions, I’ll walk you through their respective strengths, compromises, and who should consider each. Suspension of brand loyalty encouraged; let’s explore this tale of two cameras through the lenses of technology, ergonomics, and artistry.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: Compact Agility Meets Medium Format Majesty

Before you snap on a lens, there's the all-important first impression: How does the camera feel in your hands? Comfort affects creativity more than you'd think.

The Canon EOS M5, with dimensions of approximately 116 x 89 x 61 mm and weighing a modest 427 grams, is clearly designed for nimble use. It combines SLR-style ergonomics with a compact footprint that invites spontaneous shooting and fits easily in day bags or even large pockets. Canon's tried-and-true Canon EF-M mount offers a growing lineup of 23 lenses, lending versatility without weighty bulk.

Contrast this with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II’s imposing frame - 150 x 104 x 87 mm and tipping the scales at 900 grams, more than double the M5’s heft. This is a medium format camera built for serious studio or landscape work, where weight is a tradeoff for image fidelity. Despite its size, Fuji’s thoughtful design does ease handling; the deep grip and shoulder-like body contours give confidence during long shoots.

Which brings us to: how do these cameras stack up physically?

In side-by-side comparison, the Canon M5 feels like a confident street shooter’s tool - light and quiet without flashing pro-level complexity. The GFX 50S II commands presence, reminding you this is a precision instrument rather than a casual companion.

Ergonomically, the M5 sports a classic Canon layout with clean, accessible controls but no illuminated buttons - handy in low light but not essential. The GFX, meanwhile, boasts a top screen (useful for quick info checks without pulling the camera away from your eye) and a robust build with weather sealing to keep dust and light rain at bay - features the M5 lacks.

The autofocus lever, dials, and buttons on the GFX feel substantial - intended for professional reliability rather than lightweight portability. For some, that tactile feedback and robustness trump size.

If portability and nimbleness are your top priorities, the Canon M5 wins hands down. Fashioning it as a travel buddy or daily shooter is effortless. But if your work gravitates towards controlled environments, landscape expeditions, or portrait sessions where durability and weather resistance matter, the GFX 50S II delivers that pro-level assurance.

Sensors & Image Quality: From APS-C Solid to Medium Format Splendor

Now for the heart of the matter - image quality. The Canon EOS M5 sports a 24MP APS-C sensor (22.3 x 14.9 mm) paired with Canon's Digic 7 processor. It’s a sensor size most enthusiasts are familiar with, offering a good balance of resolution, dynamic range, and noise handling. The pixel pitch and sensor area (about 332 mm²) allow capturing crisp details with relatively manageable noise at higher ISOs.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II, however, boasts a strikingly large medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44 x 33 mm with 51MP resolution - the definition so high it challenges even seasoned pixel peepers. Medium format sensors shine by capturing more light, reducing noise, and delivering rich tonal gradations. That's an area where the GFX 50S II truly stands apart.

Let’s see their sensor specs visually:

Testing these with my standard methodology - shooting carefully controlled dynamic range test charts at base ISOs - confirms the Fuji’s immense advantage. The color depth and dynamic range of the GFX sensor outclass the M5, enabling recoveries from shadows and highlights that are a bit of a stretch for Canon's APS-C.

To give concrete numbers, while DxOMark hasn’t tested the GFX 50S II formally, historic data on similar Fujifilm GFX sensors shows around 100+ dB dynamic range, compared to the M5’s documented 12.4 EV (approximately 74 dB). Color depth and low light ISO capabilities also favor the medium format sensor with its higher signal-to-noise ratio.

Still, for real-world journaling or street photography, the Canon’s 24MP slot is more than adequate - and I never found its image quality to be a limiting factor during casual or professional use. It hits the sweet spot of manageable file size and solid detail.

Viewing Experience: EVFs and Screens That Make or Break Your Shot

Both cameras favor electronic viewfinders (EVFs) over optical, but there's a world of difference in their quality and usefulness.

The Canon M5’s EVF has a resolution of 2.36 million dots, affording a crisp preview with nearly 100% coverage. Its 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen has a lower resolution of 1620k dots but is still responsive and intuitive - great for composing unusual angles or navigating menus swiftly.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II outshines the M5 here: its EVF packs 3.69 million dots with 0.77x magnification, making it easier to judge fine focus and exposure before shooting. The rear 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen has 2.36 million dots, ensuring live view feedback is sharp even on bright days.

These differences matter especially in precise focus work like macro, studio portraits, or landscapes - critical when pixel-level sharpness counts.

After hundreds of hours comparing EVFs and screens from cameras of various classes, I say Fuji’s offering, with its higher-res displays, elevates confidence in framing, accuracy of focus, and reviewing images in the field. Canon’s remains friendly and effective for everyday snaps and travel, but more demanding shooters will appreciate the fidelity of the GFX system.

Autofocus: Speed vs. Coverage and Accuracy

Autofocus systems can make or break your photo outings - especially when chasing children, wildlife, or fast-paced sports moments.

The Canon EOS M5 employs a hybrid AF system with 49 focus points combining phase-detection and contrast-detection. It supports face detection, touch-to-focus, and offers tracking modes. The AF speed is reasonably quick with good accuracy for stills and moderate action.

Fujifilm’s GFX 50S II takes a different approach, relying solely on contrast-detection autofocus with an impressive 425 focus points spread broadly. Without phase-detection, the AF can be a bit slower in low light though very precise once locked. It also supports face detection and touch AF but currently lacks animal eye autofocus - a feature that’s slowly creeping into newer models.

Here comes the nuance: Canon's hybrid AF generally outperforms in tracking fast-moving subjects like wildlife and sports, thanks to phase-detect sensors. Fuji’s system excels in deliberate, careful composition settings (portraits, landscapes) where autofocus speed is less critical than accuracy.

In burst shooting:

• Canon M5 offers 9 frames per second - a nice speed for moderately fast subjects.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II delivers about 3 frames per second, leaning toward quality over speed for professional applications.

If your shooting primarily involves dynamic subjects (sports, wildlife), the Canon M5 autofocus system is likely to deliver more satisfying results. For deliberate studio or landscape work, the GFX’s autofocus excels at precision focusing.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choices That Matter

A camera is only as good as the glass you put in front of it. Both Canon and Fujifilm have their ecosystems firmly rooted in their mounts.

The Canon EF-M mount caters essentially to the mirrorless APS-C segment with 23 native lenses - from budget primes to zooms, including some versatile macro and telephoto options. However, the lens lineup is more limited and less robust than Canon’s EF/EF-S DSLR lens stalwarts, though adapters can bring in those DSLR lenses at the cost of added bulk.

Fujifilm’s medium format G-mount is newer and more specialized, currently offering 14 high-quality lenses, many optimized for ultimate sharpness and color fidelity. These lenses tend toward the pro-grade, featuring wide apertures and exceptional build quality. They cover focal lengths well-suited for portraiture, landscapes, and studio work but less geared toward casual or extreme telephoto needs.

If you rely heavily on an extensive lens variety or love adapting legacy lenses, Canon’s system may offer more flexibility and affordability. On the flip side, Fuji’s glass is a long-term investment into uncompromising image quality.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Juice and Memory on Your Side

No photographer enjoys being tethered to a charger mid-shoot.

The Canon M5 uses a relatively small battery delivering about 295 shots per charge (CIPA standard). That’s typical for a compact mirrorless and often enough for half a day of casual shooting, but you'll want spares for all-day intensive sessions.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II uses the NP-W235 battery, offering a better endurance at around 440 shots per charge. While this isn’t extraordinary for a professional body, the GFX’s medium format sensor and bigger EVF consume substantial power.

On storage, the Canon M5 carries a single SD slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - standard fare but lacking redundancy.

The GFX 50S II doubles down with dual SD card slots supporting the faster UHS-II standard. This setup is a boon for professional workflows requiring backup or overflow recording.

Video Capabilities: When Motion Matters

Neither of these cameras is a serious video powerhouse, but both allow helpful features for casual videographers.

Canon EOS M5 can record Full HD 1080p at up to 60 frames per second using MP4 format with H.264 encoding. It offers an external mic port but no headphone jack, limiting audio monitoring.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II sticks to Full HD 1080p recording but only at up to 30 fps, with MOV format and 200 Mbps bitrate - indicative of high-quality codec usage but limited frame rate options. It features both microphone and headphone ports, catering better to serious audio control.

Neither supports 4K or higher resolutions, so if video is a major component of your workflow, these cameras might feel limiting compared to hybrid models.

Real-World Use Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down performance and suitability for major genres to give you some actionable guidance.

Portrait Photography

• Canon M5: Eye and face detection results in pleasing skin tone rendition, with bokeh quality relying heavily on your choice of fast EF-M lenses and aperture control. The lighter body and articulated touchscreen ease working in intimate conditions.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Stellar image quality with rich tonal gradations and shallower depth of field from the larger sensor enhances portraits dramatically. The build and stability favor studio use. Weather sealing adds confidence outdoors.

Landscape Photography

• Canon M5: Decent dynamic range and 24MP details serve well on clear days. Lack of weather sealing is a consideration for rugged conditions.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Medium format brilliance shines here with expansive dynamic range and 51MP for huge print sizes. Weather sealing and robust build make it a natural choice for outdoor explorers.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Canon M5: Fast autofocus with phase detection and 9 fps burst lets you capture action reasonably well, especially when paired with telephoto lenses. It’s lightweight for mobile shooting.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Slower 3 fps burst and contrast-detection autofocus make it less ideal for wildlife or sports action.

Street Photography

• Canon M5: Its compact size, light weight, and discreet operation suit street shooters perfectly.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Large size and weight, plus slower AF, put it at a disadvantage here.

Macro Photography

• Canon M5: Supports macro lenses well but lacks in-body image stabilization, so careful handling or a tripod is recommended.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Includes 5-axis sensor stabilization, enhancing handheld macro work especially with slower glass.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon M5: Usable up to ISO 25600, but limited by smaller sensor size in noise control.
• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: Massive sensor area aids noise reduction. ISO extends up to 12800 native, plus boosted modes.

Video

As discussed, neither excels with 4K or higher frame rates. The Canon shoots Full HD at 60p, the Fuji sticks to 30p. Audio monitoring favors Fuji.

Travel Photography

With the Canon M5, portability and decent battery life come first - perfect for cityscapes and casual travel shooting. The Fuji’s size and battery life require more deliberate packing and planning.

Professional Workflow

Fujifilm’s dual card slots, high-res files, and weather sealing naturally position it in pro environments, compatible with heavy-duty tethered workflows. Canon M5 suits enthusiasts and semi-pros working lightly on the go.

Summary of Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

Here’s a visual overview encapsulating the detailed points above.

Canon M5 front Canon M5 screen back Fujifilm GFX 50S II front Fujifilm GFX 50S II screen back

The 24MP Canon delivers vibrant, contrasty images - perfect for social and online content. The GFX 50S II’s 51MP sensor captures sublime detail and tonal depth suitable for galleries and large prints.

Technical Breakdown: How They Work Behind the Scenes

• Processor: Canon’s Digic 7 offers solid image processing with swift AF and continuous shooting. Fujifilm uses its own X-Processor 4 (unspecified here), powering high-res capture and advanced image stabilization.
• Stabilization: Canon M5 has no in-body stabilization; relies on optical stabilization from lenses if available. Fuji sports sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, hugely beneficial especially with medium format’s shallower depth of field.
• Connectivity: Both have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Canon adds NFC for quick pairing.
• Ports: Canon has HDMI and mic port but no headphone jack. Fuji has full mic and headphone jacks plus HDMI.
• Storage: Single SD slot M5 vs Dual UHS-II slots Fuji.
• Build: Canon lacks weather sealing; Fuji is weather sealed for dust and light moisture.

Value Proposition: Price Meets Performance

The Canon EOS M5 retails around $680, a compact package well suited for enthusiasts seeking solid image quality without breaking the bank. Its feature set and handling are excellent for street, travel, and casual portraiture.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II starts near $4000, clearly a professional tool. With its medium format sensor, advanced stabilization, weather sealing, and superior ergonomics, it’s designed for photographers whose budgets align with mission-critical image quality and robust workflow needs.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Canon EOS M5 if:

  • You want a versatile, lightweight mirrorless camera for travel, street, or general use.
  • You desire respectable image quality with fast, dependable autofocus for everyday shooting.
  • Your budget is under $1000 and you prioritize ease of use and portability.
  • Video shooting occasionally complements your stills (up to 1080p 60fps).

• Opt for the Fujifilm GFX 50S II if:

  • Ultimate image quality and medium format detail are your artistic priorities.
  • You work primarily in controlled environments, studios, or serious landscape settings.
  • Robust build and weather sealing are important for your workflow.
  • You require dual card slots and solid professional connectivity.
  • Budget permits a significant investment in camera and lenses.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Different Worlds, Both Capable

My time shooting with both the Canon EOS M5 and Fujifilm GFX 50S II proves they serve distinct niches extremely well. The M5 celebrates portability and speed without sacrificing image quality for most enthusiast needs. The GFX 50S II embodies medium format’s mesmerizing image fidelity and rugged professionalism, for photographers who want the very best on their terms.

Think of the Canon M5 as your trusty urban scout - fast, light, and unassuming. Meanwhile, the GFX 50S II is the heavyweight medium format workhorse patiently waiting to immortalize stillness with breathtaking detail.

Choose based on your vision - not just specs - and both will inspire great photographs.

In closing, whether you’re chasing fleeting city moments or crafting fine art landscapes, this duo represents mirrorless camera technology tailored to different aspirations - but neither compromises core photographic values.

If you’re curious how a hands-on test compares them further or want sample RAW files to explore, drop me a line. Until then - happy shooting!

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