GFX 50S IIvs X-S20vs Z5 II
Which should you buy?
Studio & Portrait Specialists — GFX 50S II (2021): Medium format quality at the most accessible price ever — 51MP detail and tonal richness no APS-C or full-frame body can replicate.
Hybrid Photo & Video — X-S20 (2023): Fujifilm's most accessible X-series body — 7-stop IBIS, 6K video, 20 film simulations, and a user-friendly layout.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
GFX 50S II (2021)
- You want to experience medium format without a five-figure investment
- You shoot landscape, architecture, or portraits where resolution and tonal depth matter
- You're in the Fujifilm ecosystem and want to step up to a larger sensor
X-S20 (2023)
- You primarily create video content and want a capable but compact Fujifilm
- You're a vlogger, travel creator, or documentary shooter
- You want Fujifilm film simulations with strong, reliable video specs
Z5 II (2024)
- You want full-frame image quality at the lowest possible entry price
- You shoot stills primarily — portrait, landscape, or travel
- You're upgrading from a DSLR and want a familiar but thoroughly modern Nikon experience
Quick take: The gfx 50s ii has the highest resolution at 51mp; the x-s20 is the most affordable; only the gfx 50s ii, z5 ii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GFX 50S II (2021) | X-S20 (2023) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,999 | £849 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 51.4MP Medium Format GFX 44×33mm BSI CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 51.4MP | 26.1MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (cropped) | 6.2K/30p, 4K/60p, F-Log2, 10-bit | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points | Phase-detect, 425 points, subject tracking | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 3fps | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | ~750 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 900g body only | 491g body only | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 150.0 × 104.2 × 87.2mm | 126.0 × 85.1 × 65.4mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.77× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.62× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm G-mount (medium format) | Fujifilm X-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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