FujiFilm GFX 50R vs Panasonic GH5: A Story of Two Very Different Pro Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing between cameras is rarely about picking a winner on paper - it's a nuanced dance of technical specs, real-world use, and personal preference. After years of hands-on experience testing everything from entry-level compacts to flagship full-frame beasts, I’ve come to appreciate that the “best” camera is the one that fits your creative ambitions, shooting style, and budget. Today, I’m diving deep into two intriguing professional mirrorless cameras that couldn’t be more different in DNA or target users: the Fujifilm GFX 50R medium format rangefinder-style and the Panasonic Lumix GH5, an SLR-style powerhouse in the micro four thirds system.

Let’s unpack how these cameras stack up across a host of critical aspects, from sensor chemistry to autofocus finesse, and more importantly, what that means when you’re out in the field shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video. Is the GFX’s big sensor worth its price jump? Does the GH5 still hold court for video and sports? Stay with me - this will be a lively tour, blending numbers, real shooting impressions, and the occasional sideways glance at marketing hype.

First Impressions: Body and Ergonomics - Rangefinder Charm vs. SLR Muscle

Right out of the box, these two cameras feel worlds apart. The Fujifilm GFX 50R sports a sleek, retro-ish rangefinder style that Fuji has embraced with admirable consistency. It’s solid but elegant, designed to feel balanced with Fujifilm’s G-mount medium format lenses - notably, the camera weighs in at 775 grams and measures around 161 x 97 x 66 mm. The body favors tactile dated charm with a minimalistic top layout and that lovely, quiet shutter sound built for contemplative shooting.

In contrast, the Panasonic GH5 embodies the classic robust DSLR form but condensed into mirrorless slimness. At 725 grams and 139 x 98 x 87 mm, it’s slightly lighter but chunkier in depth, crammed with buttons, dials, and a built-in five-axis sensor stabilization system ideal for active shooting. For me, the GH5 feels like a Swiss Army knife - every control is within reach, which is great when you need to switch settings on the fly.

Both cameras feature weather sealing for durability, though neither is fully “ruggedized” against shocks or crushes. Also, Fuji’s tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen offers a crisp 2.36M dot resolution, contrasting with Panasonic’s fully articulated 3.2-inch screen at 1.62M dots - making the GH5 more versatile for vlogging or low-angle filming.

I found the Fuji’s physical size and ergonomic balance excellently suited for street or studio work where handling finesse matters, while the GH5’s more pronounced grip and button spread favored prolonged shooting or handheld video.

Here’s a side-by-side view showing their distinct designs and measurements to help visualize what you’re getting:

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size, Resolution & Image Quality

Arguably the most defining difference here is the sensor format - medium format CMOS versus Micro Four Thirds (MFT). Fuji’s GFX 50R boasts a whopping 51.4 megapixels on a 44 x 33 mm sensor. This sensor size is nearly three times larger in area than the GH5’s 17.3 x 13 mm sensor, which weighs in at 20.3 megapixels. So, on paper, Fuji's sensor practically gobbles light and detail.

The massive Fujifilm sensor means pixel pitch is larger, yielding greater dynamic range, superior color depth, and enhanced low-light performance compared to smaller sensors. Shooting landscapes or portraits on the GFX, you get files that wow with their tonal subtlety and bokeh separation thanks to the shallow depth of field capability inherent in medium format systems.

The GH5, although equipped with a smaller sensor, still punches well above its weight. It lacks an anti-aliasing filter, which can yield sharper images at the expense of minor moiré in certain patterns - this is a classic Micro Four Thirds tradeoff. Panasonic's sensor excels in delivering balanced dynamic range, color accuracy, and noise performance, particularly impressive given the MFT’s size constraints.

I ran side-by-side tests in diverse lighting, and the GFX files had a clear advantage in resolving fine detail and a luxurious smoothness in shadow gradation, especially when optimized raw developed. The GH5 shone in daylight and moderate ISO settings but understandably exhibited more noise at ISO over 3200.

Here is a handy visualization comparing sensor dimensions and specifications:

Autofocus & Speed: Tracking the Subject

Autofocus is a make-or-break feature for many photographers, and here the GH5 flexes its muscles with 225 contrast-detection AF points distributed across the frame, accompanied by advanced face and eye detection algorithms. While lacking phase detection AF, its system is fast and reliable, particularly for video autofocus during continuous shooting and tracking moving subjects. Its burst shooting speed hits 12 fps, excellent for sports and wildlife.

The GFX 50R offers 117 AF points centered mainly on contrast detection, and while not as fast - capped at 3 fps continuous shooting - its autofocus system accurately acquits itself in studio portraiture and landscapes where absolute speed is less critical. Face and eye detection are present but less advanced, and animal eye AF is absent.

From my experience testing these models, the GH5’s autofocus responsiveness and tracking capabilities are superior for dynamic scenes - think children’s sports games or bird-in-flight shoots. In contrast, the GFX 50R shines in deliberate, composed work where image quality and texture detail trump the need for rapid AF lock.

Shooting Experience: Viewfinder, Screen, and Controls

The electronic viewfinders (EVF) on both cameras offer 100% coverage and similar resolutions (~3.7 million dots), but the magnification favors the Fuji slightly (0.97x vs 0.76x on GH5). For critical focus and manual adjustments, the GFX viewfinder delivers a crisp and immersive experience reminiscent of optical rangefinder clarity, conducive to static shooting.

The Panasonic’s GH5 EVF is responsive but with less magnification, which can take some adjusting if you’re used to larger sensors or optical finders.

Rear LCDs feature touchscreen capabilities, but as mentioned, the GH5’s fully articulating design stands out for videographers or macro shooters needing flexible angles.

Controls on the GFX 50R lean towards minimalism with essential dials for shutter speed and ISO, which Fuji purists appreciate for immersion in the craft. The GH5, by comparison, is packed with customizable buttons, an AF joystick, and dedicated video controls - a boon for shooters toggling settings on the fly.

Here’s a direct look at their rear screens and interface layouts:

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Now, how do these differences translate into practical shooting?

Portrait Photography

• GFX 50R: The 51MP sensor combined with Fujifilm’s G lenses - which offer superb sharpness and buttery bokeh - makes it ideal for portrait sessions demanding exquisite skin tone rendition and subtle highlight handling. The rangefinder style encourages a slower, thoughtful approach. Eye detection AF is reliable but not cutting-edge; still, the image quality more than compensates.

• GH5: While capable, the smaller sensor restricts extreme background blur, but ample AF points and eye detection boost keeper rates. Good for casual portraits, event work, or where mobility matters more than sheer image resolution.

Landscape Photography

• GFX 50R: A titan for landscapes given its massive sensor area, dynamic range, and native medium format advantages. The camera’s shutter sound and build feel reassuring in the field, though Fuji’s lens selection - while high quality - is more limited and expensive.

• GH5: Offers flexibility with a huge lens ecosystem (107 lenses!) and in-body stabilization that helps hand-held landscapes. Dynamic range is solid but won’t rival the medium format shadows.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• GH5: The clear winner here. Fast burst shooting, comprehensive AF system, and lighter, speed-oriented ergonomics make it suited for action.

• GFX 50R: Serious slowpoke at 3 fps and no advanced tracking - better left to posed wildlife or still nature.

Street Photography

• GFX 50R: Its size and styling lend a classic street vibe, but the weight and slow frame rate may hinder spontaneous shooting.

• GH5: Smaller, faster, and quieter, it’s easier to carry and shoot candidly.

Macro Photography

• GH5 reigns with articulating screen and stabilization. Fuji lacks in-body stabilization, making hand-held macro shots more challenging.

Night and Astro Photography

• GFX 50R benefits from superior high-ISO capability and dynamic range for stars and long exposures.

• GH5 can be pushed, but noise rises more quickly.

Video Capabilities

Here, Panasonic’s GH5 commandingly steals the stage. Offering up to 4K60p video with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, full HDMI output, and robust in-body stabilization, it’s a cinephile’s dream. The GFX 50R is limited to Full HD 1080p at 30p with H.264 codecs - adequate for basic video but not a creative priority.

Both cameras provide microphone and headphone ports for audio monitoring - appreciated by videographers.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

The GH5 leverages the extensive Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, boasting over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties, including fast primes, zooms, and specialty optics. This variety allows flexibility in budgets and focal lengths, from fisheye to super-telephoto, which is a key advantage for diverse photographic fields from sports to macro.

Conversely, the Fujifilm GFX system has a curated but smaller catalog - about a dozen native G-mount lenses crafted for medium format sharpness. These are mostly premium optics with few budget options, but the optical quality and rendering are exceptional. For portrait and studio shooters, the lens investment pays off in pure image quality, but the initial outlay can be steep.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras offer dual UHS-II SD card slots, supporting ample storage and redundancy - a professional must-have. The batteries are comparable, around 400-410 shots per charge, reflecting their mirrorless nature. Neither camera has GPS, but both feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and tethering.

The GH5’s USB 3.1 supports fast offloads and potential power charging (depending on model), while the Fuji uses USB 3.0. HDMI ports on both allow external recording devices, vital for high-end workflows.

Fujifilm GFX 50R front Fujifilm GFX 50R screen back Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back

Prices and Value: Investing Based on Needs and Budgets

At the time of this writing, the Fujifilm GFX 50R commands a hefty price around $4,500 body-only, reflective of its medium format sensor pedigree and niche positioning. It’s an investment worth considering if ultimate image quality and medium format characteristics are your priority - especially for portrait, commercial, or fine art photography where print size and tonal gradation matter.

The Panasonic GH5 retails significantly lower at about $1,300 body-only, representing outstanding value for professional build, video capabilities, and a broad lens lineup. It’s a camera that fits best with hybrid shooters needing both high-quality stills and professional video without breaking the bank.

Breaking Down Strengths by Photography Discipline

Here’s a concise summary to clarify who might prefer which camera:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

I’ve logged hundreds of hours behind both viewfinders, and it’s clear these cameras cater to very different creative workflows.

Choose the Fujifilm GFX 50R if:

• You demand medium format image quality and resolution for commercial, portrait, or fine art photography.
• You prefer a tactile rangefinder-style camera encouraging deliberate, composed shooting.
• You have a budget accommodating premium medium format lenses.
• Video is not your primary concern.
• You value exceptional dynamic range and color depth, especially for large print or gallery work.

Go with the Panasonic GH5 if:

• You want fast, reliable autofocus for active subjects like wildlife, sports, or street photography.
• You shoot a mix of professional video and stills, taking advantage of 4K60p 10-bit internal recording.
• You prefer versatile handling with extensive lens and accessory options.
• Budget and portability are significant factors.
• You want built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting in any environment.

A Personal Perspective: More Than Just Specs

In the end, the FujiFilm GFX 50R and Panasonic GH5 remind me that the camera world isn’t a race to have the most megapixels or features. Each tool excels within its niche. I recall shooting a Fuji GFX series camera in a sun-dappled forest landscape; the sheer detail captured in leaves and bark was stunning, a zen experience that made me slow down and appreciate craft. Contrast that with a recent wildlife trek handheld with the GH5, where rapid autofocus and lens flexibility saved the day capturing erratic creatures in motion.

For many enthusiasts and professionals, the choice boils down to how you shoot and what matters most - ultimate image fidelity or speed and video versatility.

The full technical spec dialogs and real-world testing points above should give you confidence in picking the camera that resonates with your creative goals. Whichever you choose, both cameras will reward you with images and videos bearing your unmistakable vision.

Happy shooting!

Please note all imagery in this article is provided for contextual reference and visual comparison.

References

• FujiFilm GFX 50R official specs
• Panasonic Lumix GH5 official specs
• My personal tests and shooting reports spanning portrait studios to wilderness
• DxOMark sensor benchmarks and reviews

Image credits: Camera product shots and sample images courtesy of brand press kits and in-house testing.