Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Fujifilm X-T2: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right camera is a foundational decision for photographers that shapes creative possibilities, workflow efficiencies, and ultimately the quality of one’s final images. With a diverse lineup spanning advanced APS-C models to high-resolution medium format systems, Fujifilm offers options that excel at specific photographic disciplines and use cases. This in-depth comparison will dissect the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Fujifilm X-T2, two mirrorless cameras that cater to different segments yet share brand DNA. Through rigorous hands-on evaluation, we examine their core technologies, ergonomic designs, and performance across genres to help you make an informed choice rooted in practical considerations.

Visualizing Size and Ergonomics: Handling at a Glance

Ergonomics and physical dimensions impact usability profoundly, especially during long shoots or diverse environment use.

• Fujifilm GFX 100S: This medium format camera measures 150mm wide, 104mm tall, and 87mm deep, weighing 900g with battery. It offers a substantial grip and robust body, engineered for stability and durability. The heft correlates with its medium format sensor and complex internal mechanisms, notably the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system.

• Fujifilm X-T2: More compact at 133mm x 92mm x 49mm and 507g, its APS-C sensor format allows a lighter, more portable build without sacrificing control access. The camera features a classic SLR-style design with prominent dials, appealing to photographers who prioritize quick manual adjustments and travel-friendly form factors.

Takeaway: If portability and weight are paramount, especially for travel or street shooting, the X-T2’s smaller footprint is advantageous. For studio or landscape work where stability and sensor size dominate, the GFX 100S’s ergonomics serve to enhance precision despite the increased bulk.

Control Layout and Usability: Finding a Balance Between Simplicity and Complexity

The ability to access key settings efficiently influences responsiveness, especially in fast-paced environments.

• GFX 100S: Sporting a top LCD panel alongside multifunction dials, it emphasizes professional-level customization. While it lacks illuminated buttons, its large viewfinder resolution (3690k dots) and touch-sensitive rear tilting screen (3.2” with 2360k resolution) facilitate precise framing and menu navigation. The electronic shutter supports speeds up to 1/16000s, valuable for controlling exposures in bright conditions.

• X-T2: Uses physical dials heavily, with dedicated shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation controls. The smaller rear screen (3.2” with 1040k resolution) is tilting but not touch-sensitive. This camera also supports an electronic shutter maxing at 1/32000s, the highest here, benefiting ultra-fast shutter applications. Unlike the GFX 100S, it includes no top LCD screen.

Takeaway: Photographers who favor tactile, manual control will appreciate the X-T2’s dedicated dials and minimalist feedback surfaces. Conversely, the GFX 100S’s high-res displays and touchscreen interface cater to users needing precision and quick menu access, especially under studio or landscape shooting conditions.

Exploring Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera’s imaging prowess lies the sensor. Comparing these cameras’ sensor specs illuminates their core capabilities and intended applications.

• Fujifilm GFX 100S: A standout medium format 102MP BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 44 x 33mm (~1452mm² sensor area), approximately 3.94 times larger than full-frame and more than 4x larger than APS-C sensors. This expanse results in superior dynamic range, color depth, and noise performance, particularly at base ISO 100. The camera supports ISO from 50 (boosted) to 102400 (boosted), accommodating various lighting scenarios.

• Fujifilm X-T2: Equipped with a 24MP APS-C X-Trans III CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.6mm, 368mm² area), notable for its unique color filter array that minimizes moiré without an anti-aliasing filter. The ISO range starts at 200 native, extending up to 51200 (boosted). Despite being smaller, it produces sharp images with good dynamic range for its class.

Hands-On Insights: Testing both cameras under controlled studio lighting reveals the GFX 100S produces incredibly detailed files with smooth gradations in shadows and highlights, offering superior tonality for landscape and commercial work. The X-T2’s sensor, while smaller, excels in color rendition and noise control for an APS-C sensor, making it versatile for a range of applications.

Practical Caveat: The large files from the GFX 100S demand higher storage and more robust post-processing workflows. The X-T2 offers more manageable file sizes, beneficial for quicker turnaround and casual shooting.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Adaptability

Autofocus (AF) is critical for capturing decisive moments, especially in genres like wildlife and sports.

• GFX 100S: Employs a hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detect focus points covering a wide area of the frame. It offers continuous, single, face detection, and contrast detection autofocus modes but lacks animal eye AF. The in-body image stabilization complements autofocus accuracy during handheld shooting.

• X-T2: Features 325 focus points, combining phase-detect and contrast-detect AF, supporting face detection and focus bracketing. It has a reputation for fast acquisition and accurate tracking, aided by its faster continuous shooting (14 fps vs. 5 fps on GFX 100S).

Real-World Performance: The X-T2’s autofocus is noticeably faster and more reliable in fast-moving scenarios, making it better suited for wildlife, action, and sports photography. The GFX 100S, while slower at 5 fps burst shooting, excels in static or slow-moving subjects where precision AF and stabilization reduce blur and sharpen details.

Primary Drawback: The lack of animal eye AF on both models may be a limitation for wildlife specialists seeking ultra-precise focus on moving animals' eyes.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Reliability

Durability significantly influences professional use, particularly in demanding environments.

• Both cameras offer weather-sealed bodies resistant to dust and moisture but are not fully waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof. This makes them suited for outdoor use in rain or dusty conditions but necessitates caution in extreme climates.

• The GFX 100S benefits from a robust medium format build specifically designed for professional studio and field use. Its sealed magnesium alloy body and sensor-shift IBIS combine durability with advanced stabilization.

• The X-T2, while lighter and smaller, also features a magnesium alloy chassis with weather resistance, offering excellent robustness in a compact form factor.

Viewfinder and Rear Screen Usability

Composition and feedback rely heavily on electronic viewfinder (EVF) resolution and rear LCD quality.

• GFX 100S: Offers a high-resolution EVF with 3,690k dots, delivering sharp, clear previews with 100% coverage and 0.77x magnification. The tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD is similarly high resolution, enabling touch focus and intuitive menu navigation.

• X-T2: Features a 2,360k dot EVF with identical coverage and magnification but lower resolution than the GFX 100S. Its rear tilting 3.2-inch LCD lacks touchscreen functionality and has a notably lower 1,040k-dot resolution, potentially impacting fine focus confirmation and menu navigation speed.

Practical Impact: The GFX 100S’s superior EVF and touchscreen LCD enhance accuracy, especially for critical focusing and image review in varied environments. The X-T2’s lower resolution displays may require more effort in bright outdoor conditions and rapid focus adjustments.

Storage, Connectivity, and Workflow Integration

Reliable storage and connectivity impact professional workflows and image safeguarding.

• Both cameras support dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II cards, enabling simultaneous recording or overflow functionality - critical for professional reliability.

• GFX 100S supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), HDMI output, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; headphone and microphone ports facilitate advanced audio recording.

• X-T2 offers USB 3.0 (5 Gbps), HDMI out, built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth), and a microphone port but lacks headphone jacks, which limits monitoring audio during video shoots.

Workflow Consideration: The newer USB 3.2 on the GFX 100S enables faster tethering and file transfer, highly beneficial in studio environments, whereas the X-T2’s slightly older USB 3.0 is still adequate for everyday usage.

Battery Performance: Longevity in the Field

Battery life influences session duration and user convenience.

• GFX 100S: Rated for approximately 460 shots per charge using the NP-W235 battery, which balances power consumption against the large sensor and IBIS system.

• X-T2: Rated for around 340 shots per charge on the smaller NP-W126S battery, which is efficient given the compact design and less power-hungry sensor.

Summary: Both cameras provide reasonably strong endurance, but the GFX 100S offers marginally longer battery life despite its larger sensor and complex components.

Video Capabilities: Specifications and Practical Use

Video shooting is important even for primarily still photographers today.

• GFX 100S: Supports 4K DCI (4096 x 2160) up to 30p in H.265 codec at 400 Mbps - remarkable for a medium format camera. It includes advanced audio input/output options (mic and headphone ports) enabling professional sound control.

• X-T2: Offers UHD 4K (3840x2160) up to 30p in H.264 at lower bitrate (variable), with mic input but no headphone output. The camera supports various framerates at HD resolutions including 60p.

Assessment: The GFX 100S excels in video quality with superior bit depth and codec, aligning with professional needs, while the X-T2 is capable for casual and run-and-gun video but lacks advanced audio monitoring features.

Shooting Speeds and Burst Performance

Continuous shooting rates impact the ability to capture decisive moments.

• GFX 100S: Limited to 5 fps continuous shooting, reflecting the trade-off for handling very large image files and sensor readout limitations inherent to medium format.

• X-T2: Capable of 14 fps mechanical shutter shooting (via boosted mode), suitable for action, wildlife, or sports photography demanding high frame rates.

Field Testing Across Photography Disciplines

Portraiture

• GFX 100S: Exceptional skin tone rendition, superb bokeh due to medium format sensor and lens options. Eye detection AF is effective but not as rapidly responsive as smaller format hybrids in moving portraits.

• X-T2: Excellent color science and skin tone reproduction, faster eye AF focus (face detection). Smaller sensor can make creating shallow depth of field easier with longer lenses.

Landscape Photography

• GFX 100S: Dominates with high absolute resolution and dynamic range. Weather-sealed body and sensor stabilization enhance hand-held landscape shooting. Medium format’s detail retention excels in large-format printing or commercial applications.

• X-T2: Very capable APS-C sensor with good dynamic range and versatility. Smaller form factor aids portability on long treks but trades off chromatic fidelity and resolution.

Wildlife and Sports

• GFX 100S: The 5 fps pace and heavier setup limit fast action capture. Autofocus is precise but slower in tracking moving subjects.

• X-T2: Faster AF acquisition, higher burst speeds, and lighter body make it better tuned for wildlife and sports.

Street and Travel Photography

• GFX 100S: Bulk and weight reduce discretion and portability.

• X-T2: Compact, fast, and less conspicuous, gaining the edge for street photographers and travelers who prioritize mobility.

Macro and Close-Up

• Both cameras can use compatible macro lenses, but stabilization on GFX 100S supports sharper handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

• GFX 100S: Larger sensor improves high ISO performance; longer exposures aided by stabilization.

• X-T2: Smaller sensor performs well but noise is more present at higher ISOs.

Image Samples

Fujifilm GFX 100S front Fujifilm GFX 100S screen back Fujifilm X T2 front

Evaluating Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• GFX 100S: Uses Fujifilm G-mount lenses (13 native lenses), known for exceptional sharpness and designed specifically for medium format sensor. Lens selection is smaller and more specialized with higher price points.

• X-T2: Fujifilm X-mount boasts over 54 native lenses, covering a wide aperture and focal range spectrum at varied price points, from primes to zooms and macro lenses, offering expansive creative control.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

• GFX 100S: Approx. $6,000 USD body only, reflecting its medium format status and professional targeting.

• X-T2: About $1,600 USD (used/market prices may vary), appealing to advanced amateurs and pros looking for budget-friendly APS-C options.

Final Recommendations: Choosing the Right Tool For Your Needs

Closing Thoughts

The Fujifilm GFX 100S and X-T2 represent distinct philosophies: the former pushes the limits of medium format imaging and professional visual quality, while the latter offers nimble, versatile APS-C performance with more accessible pricing and faster operation. Both cameras excel within their intended use frameworks but require users to weigh priorities such as resolution versus speed, size versus ergonomics, and investment versus affordability.

Careful consideration of photographic genre, shooting style, and post-processing demands should drive the final choice. Our evaluation - grounded in extensive hands-on testing and methodology calibrated against industry benchmarks - provides a thorough, impartial perspective to assist photographers at all levels in making a rational, experience-informed decision.

Images used throughout this article are from direct comparative test sessions under controlled and real-world conditions to facilitate objective assessment.