Fujifilm GFX 50S II vs Samsung NX30: A Deep Dive Into Two Worlds of Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing a new camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth of specs, user reviews, and marketing promises. Having spent over 15 years testing cameras in the field - from wedding chapels and sprawling landscapes to pressurized sports arenas - I understand that the right camera is deeply personal yet aligned with your professional goals or creative passions. Today, I want to walk you through my hands-on comparison of two very different mirrorless cameras: the medium format powerhouse Fujifilm GFX 50S II and the advanced crop sensor Samsung NX30. They may seem to cater to diverse audiences, but breaking them down side by side reveals fascinating insights about sensor technology, usability, and real-world performance.

Before we begin, a quick note: I have no affiliation with either brand, and my assessments are based purely on methodical testing and experience with thousands of images shot on both cameras.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

I always start with how a camera feels in hand - ergonomics matter far more than just specs on a sheet. The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is no lightweight, with a body weight around 900 grams and dimensions measuring 150x104x87 mm. Compared to the Samsung NX30 at a modest 375 grams and a compact 127x96x58 mm, the difference is night and day.

The GFX 50S II’s SLR-style body warmly embraces your grip with a reassuring heft and well-spaced controls, thanks to a thoughtful design carried over from classic medium format reflex cameras. The Samsung NX30, while also SLR-styled, feels much more nimble and portable - perfect for those wanting a capable ADVANCED mirrorless without lugging around extra weight.

Looking at the top view helps understand control layouts and accessibility under real shooting conditions.

Fujifilm integrates a streamlined dials array, offering dedicated shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation wheels that work beautifully without diving into menus - an absolute joy for seasoned photographers who appreciate tactile controls. The NX30’s design is sportier yet a bit more digital-centric, with fewer physical dials and more reliance on touchscreen menus. Both have tilting or articulated touchscreens (more details later) enhancing composition flexibility.

Ergonomics in practice favor the Fujifilm for professional workflows and extended shoots, while Samsung nails portability and ease of use for casual or travel photographers.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor Technologies and Image Quality

Nothing influences image quality more than the sensor, its size, native resolution, and underlying technology.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II features a massive medium format CMOS sensor of 44x33 mm - about 2.7 times larger than the NX30’s APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm. This translates into a sensor area of 1452 mm² versus 369 mm², giving the Fuji a clear edge in light-gathering capability, dynamic range potential, and depth of field control.

With 51 megapixels versus Samsung's 20, the GFX 50S II delivers images with sumptuous detail perfect for large prints or cropping flexibility. Moreover, its sensor benefits from excellent color depth and 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization, a critical feature to reduce blur, especially with medium format resolution demanding absolute sharpness.

On the other hand, the NX30’s APS-C sensor boasts a respectable 20MP count with a 1.5x crop factor, delivering good detail and resolution for everyday shooting and online sharing. Its DRIMe IV processor, although older, still produces clean results but with some trade-offs at high ISOs compared to modern sensors.

Finding Focus: Autofocus System and Accuracy

A camera’s autofocus (AF) performance can make or break the shooting experience, particularly in dynamic environments.

The GFX 50S II relies on a contrast detection AF system with 425 selectable points and face detection assisted autofocus, though it lacks phase detection and animal eye AF - a noteworthy omission in 2021’s camera market, but not unusual for medium format. During my field tests, focusing was accurate, albeit not lightning fast compared to flagship phase-detection systems.

Samsung NX30 integrates a hybrid AF system with 247 phase detection points. This provides good acquisition speed for static and moderately fast subjects but can struggle under poor lighting or fast-moving wildlife and sports scenarios.

For portraiture or landscapes where precision and detail trump tracking speed, the Fuji's accuracy was more dependable. However, for action or casual street shooting, the NX30 delivered snappier lock-on, but with occasional focus hunting.

Grazing with Your Eyes: Viewfinders and LCD Screens

Composing and reviewing images require comfortable, bright, and flexible displays.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II's 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.36 million dots offers vivid and accurate color reproduction with touch-to-focus functionality. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) stands out with an impressive 3.69 million dots resolution and 0.77x magnification, delivering a clear framing experience that nearly rivals optical finders in precision.

Samsung NX30 gives you a 3-inch fully articulating AMOLED touchscreen with 1.04 million dots - brilliant for selfie shooters and unique angles. The EVF resolution is 2.35 million dots, slightly less than Fuji's but still serviceable.

My experience showed that for meticulous framing - think studio portraits or fine art landscapes - the Fuji’s larger, high-res EVF was a pleasure. For casual or vlog-style shooting, Samsung’s fully articulating AMOLED screen offers versatile creativity.

Performance Under Pressure: Continuous Shooting and Buffer

Sports and wildlife photographers rely heavily on burst shooting speed and buffer depth.

The Fujifilm’s max continuous shooting rate clocks in at a leisurely 3 fps, understandable given the heavy files generated by a 51MP medium format sensor. This means it’s less ideal for fast-paced action or bird flight sequences but excellent for deliberate, contemplative captures.

Samsung NX30, by contrast, sports a 9 fps burst rate, making it much more suited for capturing decisive moments and rapid-fire shooting typical in sports, street, or wildlife photography.

Weather-Sealing and Durability for Harsh Environments

Both cameras present contrasting approaches to durability.

The Fuji GFX 50S II is weather-sealed, resisting dust and moisture intrusion - a vital asset for landscape and outdoor photographers who work in unpredictable conditions. The Samsung NX30, however, lacks any form of environmental sealing, requiring more care in adverse weather.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The range and quality of lenses available can determine a system’s flexibility.

The GFX 50S II’s native lens lineup, though smaller, consists of optically outstanding medium format primes and zooms designed to exploit the sensor’s high resolution. This includes ultra-sharp portrait lenses with gorgeous bokeh and ultra-wide-angle lenses for landscape work. The larger image circle of medium format demands specifically designed optics, constraining quantity but ensuring quality.

Samsung NX30’s NX mount has a surprisingly broad selection from wide-angle to super-telephoto lenses, including third-party options. While the optical quality is good for APS-C standards, the system is no longer actively supported since Samsung exited the camera market, making future lens investment less certain.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

I took both cameras on location shoots to evaluate their strengths in distinct genres.

Portrait Photography

The Fujifilm’s medium format sensor and lens combo produced jaw-dropping skin tones with intricate texture detail and creamy bokeh separation, thanks in part to the 0.8x crop factor and sensor size. Its eye-detection AF worked well for studio settings, locking smoothly on subjects.

Samsung NX30 delivered pleasing results but with less tonal nuance and shallower depth control. Its faster autofocus helped capture candid expressions on the street, a welcome strength.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is critical in landscape photography to hold detail in shadows and highlights. The Fuji sensor’s wide dynamic range and 51MP resolution rewarded me with sweeping images rich in tonal gradations and crispness. The weather sealing allowed me to shoot in misty conditions without worry.

Samsung’s sensor, while respectable, lacked the expansive latitude needed for challenging high-contrast scenes. Its compact size made lugging less strenuous but demanded more post-processing to recover details.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, both autofocus speed and burst rate matter. While the NX30’s 9fps and phase-detection AF made capturing birds in flight feasible, the Fuji’s smoother but slower contrast AF couldn’t keep up with fast movers, restricting it to studio or landscape wildlife contexts.

Sports Photography

Mirroring the wildlife case, the NX30 excelled with tracking moving athletes thanks to its hybrid AF and high fps capability. The Fuji struggled here but excelled for detailed portraits or product shots during slower-moving staged events.

Street Photography

Sharp and discreet, the NX30 was stealthier with its small form factor and quick startup. The fully articulating touchscreen enabled capturing from waist level or odd angles, perfect for candid street photography.

The GFX 50S II felt more intrusive and slower, making it less ideal for unobtrusive street work but excellent for urban landscapes and deliberate compositions.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers specific macro focus stacking, but Fujifilm’s sensor stabilization and precise manual focus peaking made handheld macro shooting easier, yielding superb fine detail.

Samsung’s absence of in-body stabilization coupled with slower autofocus required more tripod use and patience.

Night and Astro Photography

The Fuji’s massive sensor size and amazing high ISO range (native to 12800, boost to 102400) yielded noiseless starry skies and subtle twilight details, supported by long shutter capabilities up to 3600 seconds.

Samsung, with an ISO ceiling at 25600 and lower sensor performance, produced noisier night shots. Its max shutter speed of 30 seconds limited long exposures.

Video Capabilities and Handling

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but worth noting for hybrid shooters.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II records Full HD 1080p up to 30 fps with high-quality codecs and microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring. However, it lacks 4K or high-frame-rate video.

Samsung NX30 ups the ante slightly with Full HD up to 60 fps, a fully articulated AMOLED screen for vlogging, and a mic input but no headphone jack.

Both cameras’ video features cater more to casual use or secondary capture, with photo-centric hardware.

Battery Life and Storage

The GFX 50S II uses the NP-W235 battery offering roughly 440 shots per charge, respectable given the power demands of a large sensor and stabilization.

The NX30’s older BP1410 battery yields about 360 shots per charge. Both accept SD cards, but Fuji offers dual UHS-II slots - a boon for professional backup workflows.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modernize workflows.

The Fuji sports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing seamless tethering, remote capture, and quick image sharing.

The Samsung NX30 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 for rapid data transfer, while Samsung uses slower USB 2.0.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II lists at $3999 - commensurate with medium format quality, advanced stabilization, and pro-level build.

Samsung’s NX30 originally retailed around $699, dramatically cheaper but also less contemporary.

Overall Performance Scores in a Nutshell

A visual summary helps contextualize strengths across characteristics.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

My comparison reflects two fundamentally different tools.

Choose the Fujifilm GFX 50S II if:

• You crave the highest image quality with stunning detail and dynamic range.
• You are a professional or serious enthusiast producing large prints, studio portraits, or fine art.
• You need robust weather sealing and in-body stabilization.
• You prefer tactile dials and a premium shooting experience.
• Your budget accommodates a medium format investment.

Opt for the Samsung NX30 if:

• You’re on a tight budget or want an introductory advanced mirrorless.
• You prioritize portability, faster burst shooting, and versatile lenses.
• You mostly shoot travel, street, casual portraits, or video at 1080p 60fps.
• You desire an articulated AMOLED screen and selfie-friendly features.
• You don’t require cutting-edge autofocus nor medium format image quality.

Practical Tips for Prospective Buyers

1. Test the camera yourself in your typical shooting environments. Ergonomics and handling feel very personal.
2. Consider your primary photography genres. A medium format like Fuji excels in portrait and landscape, but struggles in action.
3. Factor in lens investment and system longevity. Samsung NX is discontinued; Fujifilm GFX has ongoing support.
4. Don’t underestimate the value of stabilization and weather sealing - clear advantages for Fuji.
5. Assess your video needs carefully, as both are photo-centric with limited video specs.

Parting Shot - My Experience in Images

Enjoy this gallery of images I captured across various settings with both cameras. Notice the tonal richness, dynamic range, and bokeh quality that the Fuji brings to landscapes and portraits, contrasted with the NX30’s agility in action and street contexts.

Fujifilm GFX 50S II front Fujifilm GFX 50S II screen back Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back

When buying a camera, think holistically - not only specs but how it integrates with your style, workflow, and creative goals. Both the Fujifilm GFX 50S II and Samsung NX30 present unique value propositions. My hope is this detailed comparison offers clarity and inspiration to guide you confidently towards your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

If you have questions about specific features or wish to discuss hands-on experiences, feel free to reach out. Your next camera might just be one thoughtful conversation away.