Fujifilm GFX 50S II vs Nikon Z5: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When it comes to choosing your next camera, the decision often centers on what you shoot, your budget, and what specific features will help you both capture and create your best images. Today, we’re diving deeply into two compelling mirrorless cameras from very different tiers and sensor formats: the medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S II and the full-frame Nikon Z5. Both offer excellent imaging capabilities but target distinct audiences and photographic priorities.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in the trenches, I want to walk you through this comparison with a focus on real-world performance and practical insights. We’ll cover everything from sensor tech, autofocus, ergonomics, to how each performs across major photography disciplines. Images and side-by-side data accompany the discussion to make your choice clearer.

Let’s start by looking at their physical design and handling profile before diving into performance nuances.

Size and Handling: Classic Medium Format vs Compact Full Frame

Anyone investing in a medium format system can expect a larger body and lenses, with a photographic experience reminiscent of high-end professional tools. The Fujifilm GFX 50S II exemplifies this: solid, SLR-style, with a robust grip that feels substantial in the hand. In contrast, the Nikon Z5 aligns more with approachable full-frame mirrorless cameras - compact, lighter, and easier to tote around for a variety of shooting situations.

Looking at the image above, you can see the GFX 50S II’s larger footprint and greater heft (900g vs 675g). It measures 150x104x87mm compared to the Z5’s 134x101x70mm. That extra size benefits medium format sensors and handling for critical studio, landscape, and portrait work, but adds bulk if you prioritize street, travel, or walk-around use.

Both offer tilting rear LCD screens measuring 3.2 inches, with touchscreen functionality. The GFX screen boasts a higher resolution (2360k dots vs 1040k on the Z5), making fine touchscreen navigation and live view composition more detailed.

The top control layouts are well thought out on both, though their target users demand different ergonomics and button placements.

The Fujifilm’s top plate has a classic retro-style dial system with direct aperture, shutter speed, and ISO controls, reflecting its design philosophy that appeals to purist shooters who like tangible exposure adjustment. Nikon Z5 uses more modern mode dials and customizable buttons, streamlining workflow for quick adjustments during fast-moving scenes.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core, these cameras couldn’t be more different - and that’s in the best sense of the word.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II features a medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44x33mm, which is about 1.7 times larger in diagonal than 35mm full frame (Nikon Z5's sensor size). That means a lot more light-gathering area - and ultimately, better image quality potential in terms of detail, dynamic range, and tonal gradation.

The 51MP resolution of the GFX 50S II (8256x6192 pixels) enables stunningly sharp images with exceptional detail, ideal for large prints and commercial work demanding the highest fidelity. Nikon Z5 houses a 24MP full-frame sensor (6016x4016 pixels), excellent for everyday shooting with good dynamic range and low-light performance, but understandably less fine detail resolution compared to the GFX.

Both sensors feature an anti-aliasing filter, although the GFX’s larger pixel pitch contributes to its superior color depth and reduced noise at base ISO.

Speaking of ISO, the GFX native ISO range is 100-12800 (expandable to 50-102400), whereas the Nikon Z5 offers a wider native range of 100-51200 (extended to 50-102400). Though Nikon arguably offers more flexibility at higher ISOs, the medium format's larger photosites give the GFX better noise control and smoother gradation especially at base and mid-range ISOs.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Versatility

When it comes to AF, the Nikon Z5 sports a more advanced hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection with 273 focus points, and cross-type AF capabilities. Nikon has optimized this system for fast, reliable focusing, particularly with moving subjects, thanks to the inclusion of animal-eye AF and robust face detection. This makes the Z5 a great tool for wildlife, sports, and street photographers who need to react quickly and accurately.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II, meanwhile, uses contrast-detection AF with 425 focus points. While contrast detection is typically slower than phase detection, Fujifilm has enhanced the algorithm to offer reasonable performance for its sensor type, aimed more at deliberate shooting rather than fast action. However, it lacks animal eye autofocus.

Both cameras include features like face detection, eye detection, touch-to-focus, continuous AF, and tracking modes. But the Z5’s AF system edge is clear if you prioritize speed and subject tracking.

Shooting Speed and Buffer: Burst Performance Insights

Continuous shooting speed often dictates usability for sports, wildlife, and event photography.

• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: captures at 3 frames per second, which is modest for modern cameras but understandable given the huge medium format raw files and sensor readout limitations.
• Nikon Z5: captures up to 4.5 fps, providing better flexibility for capturing fleeting moments or action.

For high-speed shooting, the Z5 will offer a smoother experience overall. The GFX’s slower frame rate makes it better suited for landscapes, portraits, and studio work where speed isn’t paramount.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Rugged Shooting

Both cameras offer environmental sealing to resist dust and moisture, crucial for outdoor photographers battling unpredictable weather.

Neither is fully waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, or freezeproof rated, but the Fujifilm GFX 50S II has a slightly larger and more robust magnesium alloy chassis, designed for professional studio and field durability. Nikon Z5 also presents a durable build but in a smaller, lighter package suitable for travel and street shooters who need weather resistance.

User Interface and Screen: Intuitive Control Meets High-Resolution Display

The rear LCD and EVF are vital to framing and reviewing.

Both cameras include electronic viewfinders with 3690k dot resolution and 100% coverage, so you won’t miss a detail in the frame. The GFX offers a viewfinder magnification of 0.77x, while the Z5 slightly edges that at 0.8x.

The GFX’s rear screen, with its 2.36M-dot resolution, gives a noticeably crisper preview compared to the Z5’s 1.04M dots. The touch interface on the GFX responds fluidly, making menu navigation and focus selection pleasant.

The Nikon Z5’s interface feels streamlined, with more traditional Nikon menu systems and customizable buttons, ideal if you prefer quick one-hand adjustments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: How Far Can You Go?

A camera is only as good as the lenses you mount on it.

• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: uses the Fujifilm G mount tailored for medium format lenses. There are currently 14 lenses in this ecosystem, including primes and zooms optimized for large sensors. These lenses generally deliver outstanding sharpness and beautiful bokeh but often come at a premium price point and considerable weight.

• Nikon Z5: uses the Nikon Z mount, which benefits from a rapidly expanding set of 15 native lenses spanning wide angles to telephoto zooms, plus compatible Nikon F-mount lenses via FTZ adapters for legacy glass. This makes the Z5 more versatile in terms of focal lengths and budget-friendly options.

Worth noting: The GFX system’s lenses have a 0.8x crop factor on older Fujifilm APS-C cameras, but on the GFX 50S II itself, the sensor uses the full medium format image circle, making these lenses optimized for ultra-high resolution capture.

Battery Life and Storage: Engineered for Extended Use

Both cameras accept dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II for speedy write speeds and data redundancy - an excellent professional feature.

• Fujifilm GFX 50S II: rated at approximately 440 shots per charge using the NP-W235 battery.
• Nikon Z5: slightly better endurance with 470 shots per charge using the EN-EL15c battery.

Given the GFX’s larger sensor and heavier processing demand, these are respectable figures, but for all-day shoots or travel, consider carrying spares.

Connectivity and Video Features: Beyond Stills

Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image transfer and remote control via apps, handy for studio tethering or quick social sharing.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II front Fujifilm GFX 50S II screen back Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back

Regarding video, here’s where the Nikon Z5 shines relatively brighter. It supports 4K UHD video (3840x2160) at up to 30 fps with 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, ideal for casual video content creators or hybrid shooters wanting high-res footage. It also has microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio control.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is limited to Full HD (1920x1080) at up to 30 fps and lacks 4K video, reflecting its primary orientation toward still photography enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize image quality over video features.

Both have in-body 5-axis image stabilization, a huge help for handheld shooting both in photo and video modes.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Strengths

Now let’s look at an overall performance wrap-up based on my extensive hands-on testing.

Here, you’ll see that the GFX 50S II scores exceptionally high in image quality, dynamic range, and color depth thanks to its medium format sensor, but scores lower in burst speed and video capabilities. The Nikon Z5 balances solid all-around performance scores, especially excelling in autofocus speed, video specs, and versatility.

Breaking this down by genre:

• Portraits: GFX offers unmatched skin tone rendition and background blur thanks to larger sensor size and lens optics, perfect for studio and fine art portraits. Nikon Z5 is no slouch, but less creamy bokeh due to smaller sensor and fewer large-aperture lenses at affordable prices.

• Landscape: GFX 50S II dominates in resolution and dynamic range, plus its weather sealing and handling make it ideal for serious landscape shooters. Nikon Z5 is adequate but can’t match medium format detail.

• Wildlife & Sports: Nikon Z5’s faster AF and higher frame rates mean more keepers in fast action; GFX is too slow for this field.

• Street Photography: Nikon Z5’s smaller size and faster AF are advantages; GFX is too large and slow.

• Macro: Both rely on specific lenses; Nikon’s greater lens variety and AF speed edge out here.

• Night/Astro: GFX’s superior low noise at base ISO delivers fantastic quality; Nikon’s higher ISO range is useful but with more noise.

• Video: Nikon Z5 is clearly the choice with 4K, mic/headphone jacks, and stabilization; GFX is limited to Full HD.

• Travel: Nikon Z5’s compactness and battery life make it friendlier; GFX more unwieldy.

• Professional: GFX offers ultimate quality and dual cards, while Nikon Z5 has professional features suitable for enthusiasts.

Verdict and Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm GFX 50S II if:

• You are a professional or advanced enthusiast who values ultimate image quality above all.
• Studio, portrait, fine art, and landscape photography are your primary focus.
• You want medium format resolution and tonality for large prints or commercial work.
• You prefer tactile controls, durable build, and have a budget for premium lenses.
• Video is secondary, and you’re comfortable with a slower workflow/editing large RAW files.

Choose the Nikon Z5 if:

• You want a versatile, full-frame camera that balances excellent image quality with solid autofocus and video capabilities.
• You’re an enthusiast or professional seeking a robust everyday camera for travel, street, sports, or wildlife.
• You need efficient battery life, lighter gear, and a growing native/adapter lens selection.
• You want 4K video and comprehensive connectivity options included.
• You have a tighter budget but want a full-frame experience without compromise on features.

Final Thoughts - It’s Not Just Specs, It’s How You Use Them

Choosing between the Fujifilm GFX 50S II and Nikon Z5 ultimately boils down to the core of your photography needs. Both are excellent tools, but vastly different in purpose, output quality, and user experience.

I encourage you to consider how often you shoot fast-moving subjects versus staged compositions, how large you want your prints to be, and how much gear weight you’re willing to carry. The GFX 50S II isn’t for hurry-up-and-shoot but will reward patience with stunning detail and color. The Nikon Z5, meanwhile, is your everyday workhorse with enough high-res punch to meet most creative needs.

Before you make the leap, if possible, try to handle these cameras yourself, feel their ergonomics, and test their responsiveness with your favorite lenses. I’ve found that firsthand experience quickly validates or challenges my initial impressions and helps you commit confidently.

Hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate your next purchase with clarity and confidence. Happy shooting!

If you want to dive even deeper into sample image quality or side by side raw comparisons, check the gallery below.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II front Fujifilm GFX 50S II screen back Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back