FUJIFILM APS-C vs FUJIFILM Medium Format - Image Quality Test (X-T5 vs GFX 50S II)
Introduction
How much of an image quality difference is there between a modern Fujifilm APS-C camera and Fujifilm medium format?
To find out, I compared a series of real-world landscape images captured with the FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJIFILM GFX 50S II to evaluate detail, ISO performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality side by side. While this is far from an apples-to-apples comparison, it provides an interesting look at how a 40 megapixel APS-C camera stacks up against a 50 megapixel medium format system in real-world landscape photography.
For this comparison, all images were captured in RAW format and compared side by side in Lightroom using real-world landscape photography examples, ISO testing, and dynamic range recovery tests. I also included downscaled GFX files to compare image quality at similar resolution. The FUJIFILM X-T5 was paired with lenses including the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 and XF 70-300mm, while the GFX 50S II used the GF 45-100mm and GF 100-200mm lenses.
Watch the Full Comparison
Watch the full side-by-side comparison video below, including landscape image comparisons, ISO testing, and dynamic range recovery examples.
Key Takeaways
Detail and Tonality: The FUJIFILM GFX 50S II consistently delivered noticeably more fine detail, richer tonality, and cleaner rendering in landscape scenes. Rock textures, distant trees, and tonal transitions appeared more refined compared to the FUJIFILM X-T5, even when GFX files were downscaled to 40 megapixels.
Downscaled Comparison: Even when GFX files were exported at 40 megapixels to match the X-T5’s resolution, the medium format files still retained a noticeably richer and more detailed look. Resolution alone did not fully explain the difference in image quality.
ISO Performance: At lower ISO values both cameras performed very well, but as ISO increased the FUJIFILM GFX 50S II retained cleaner files with less visible noise and stronger color retention. By ISO 3200 and above, the difference became increasingly noticeable.
Dynamic Range Recovery: During heavy shadow recovery and underexposure tests, both cameras handled moderate adjustments surprisingly well. However, larger exposure pushes revealed substantially cleaner results from the GFX 50S II, while the X-T5 began to fall apart more noticeably under extreme recovery.
Bottom Line: The FUJIFILM X-T5 produces excellent image quality and looks fantastic on its own, but the FUJIFILM GFX 50S II clearly operates on another level for ultimate image quality, tonal richness, and high ISO performance. Whether the difference is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities and use case.
RAW Files
Download the original RAW files from this comparison to inspect the images yourself, test your own editing workflow, and inspect the files in Lightroom, Photoshop, or your preferred RAW editor.
Check Current Pricing
Check current pricing and availability below:
FUJIFILM X-T5
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
FUJIFILM GFX 50S II
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
FUJIFILM XF 70-300mm
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
FUJIFILM GF 45-100mm
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
FUJIFILM GF 100-200mm
View at B&H Photo | View at Amazon
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