If you’re thinking about picking up an older option in 2025, the Fujifilm GFX 50R medium format mirrorless camera might catch your interest. Despite being seven years old, it still packs serious value, especially if you’re looking to balance portability with medium format image quality.

Coming to you from Samuel Elkins, this practical video walks you through Elkins’ impressions of the GFX 50R after a month spent traveling and testing its limits. He points out the appeal of a camera you don’t have to think twice about carrying, especially when the priority is experiencing the journey rather than obsessing over gear. What makes the GFX 50R particularly attractive to him is that it blends effortlessly into daily life, thanks largely to its relatively compact size and light weight. Elkins specifically appreciates how it aligns with the quality of his professional cameras, providing consistency between work and personal projects.

Key Specs

51.4 Megapixel medium format CMOS sensor

Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slots

3 fps continuous shooting (up to 13 raw frames, unlimited JPEG)

ISO range from 100–12,800 (extended 50–102,400)

Shutter speeds up to 1/16000 sec (electronic), 1/4000 sec (mechanical)

Built-in OLED electronic viewfinder (3.69 million dots, 0.77x magnification)

3.2″ tilting touchscreen LCD (2.36 million dots)

Full HD video recording at 1080p up to 30 minutes per clip

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Approx. 400 shots per battery charge (NP-T125 rechargeable battery)

Magnesium alloy body, weighs 1.7 lb (775 g) with battery

One intriguing point Elkins emphasizes is the advantage of intentionally limiting yourself to a single lens—like the compact 50mm pancake lens. He explains how this constraint actually enhances creativity rather than restricts it, prompting you to be more mindful about composition and storytelling. The slim lens profile makes the GFX 50R easy to manage, whether it’s tossed casually in a backpack, duffel bag, or worn on a strap for long hikes. For anyone accustomed to hauling around heavy kits, this lightweight combination might offer genuine relief without compromising quality.

Admittedly, the GFX 50R isn’t flawless. Elkins points out its sluggish autofocus and modest burst speed compared to modern competitors. But he’s clear that this isn’t a dealbreaker given his priorities: capturing deliberate, meaningful images from everyday life and travel. Rather than speed and responsiveness, the camera’s standout quality is the distinctive look provided by its medium format sensor, something smaller mirrorless or DSLR cameras can’t easily match. He also appreciates the rangefinder design, which offers a different experience compared to typical viewfinder placements, giving photography sessions a fresh feel.

Throughout the video, Elkins highlights the benefit of a personal camera that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle. His approach underscores the value of gear that makes photography enjoyable rather than cumbersome, emphasizing the camera’s strengths without glossing over its limitations. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Elkins.