GFX 50S IIvs Leica M11vs Lumix S5
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.
Rangefinder Enthusiasts & Collectors — Leica M11 (2022): 60MP of full-frame resolution in the thinnest digital M ever made — the M11 is the definitive expression of Leica's rangefinder tradition.
Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
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
Leica M11 (2022)
- You shoot street, documentary, or reportage and prefer manual focus discipline
- You value a discreet, minimal camera that doesn't draw attention in public
- You're willing to invest time in the rangefinder learning curve for a uniquely rewarding experience
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
Quick take: The leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the lumix s5 is the most affordable; only the gfx 50s ii, lumix s5 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GFX 50S II (2021) | Leica M11 (2022) | Lumix S5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,999 | £7,999 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 51.4MP Medium Format GFX 44×33mm BSI CMOS | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 51.4MP | 60.0MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (cropped) | None | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops | None | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 3fps | 4.5fps | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 700 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 900g body only | 530g body only | 714g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 150.0 × 104.2 × 87.2mm | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.77× magnification | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm G-mount (medium format) | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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