Full Frame vs Medium Format - Image Quality Review (Nikon Z7II vs FUJIFILM GFX 50S II)
Introduction
How much of an image quality difference is there between full frame and medium format?
To find out, I compared the Nikon Z7 II and Fujifilm GFX 50S II using a series of real-world landscape images to evaluate detail, contrast, color, ISO performance, and dynamic range recovery side by side. While both cameras produce exceptional image quality, this comparison explores whether medium format offers a meaningful advantage over a high-resolution full frame camera 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 examples, ISO testing, and shadow recovery tests. The Nikon Z7 II was paired with lenses including the Nikon Z 100-400mm, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S, while the Fujifilm GFX 50S II used the Fujifilm 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 observations.
Key Takeaways
Detail, Contrast, and Color: Both cameras delivered exceptional image quality with extremely high levels of detail. In some scenes, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II showed slightly richer contrast, slightly better color rendering, and a subtle edge in overall image quality, while the Nikon Z7 II remained highly competitive.
Lens Influence: In several scenes, image quality differences varied depending on lens choice. When paired with Nikon’s high-quality prime lenses, the Nikon Z7 II often looked extremely close to the GFX 50S II in terms of detail and sharpness. However, I didn’t have a GFX prime lens at the time, but I suspect the GFX could potentially deliver even better quality with a good prime lens.
Dynamic Range Recovery: During three-stop and five-stop exposure recovery tests, both cameras handled aggressive shadow recovery very well. The GFX 50S II generally appeared slightly cleaner after extreme exposure boosts, though both files remained highly usable.
ISO Performance: At lower ISO values, the differences were negligible. Beginning around ISO 3200, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II showed a modest advantage with slightly cleaner files and better noise control, though the Nikon Z7 II still performed extremely well throughout the ISO range.
Bottom Line: Both cameras produce outstanding image quality and are capable of professional-level landscape photography. The Fujifilm GFX 50S II offered a subtle edge in contrast, color, and high ISO performance, but the Nikon Z7 II remained surprisingly close, making this less of a dramatic leap and more of a refinement in image quality.
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:
Nikon Z7 II
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Nikon Z 100-400mm
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Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
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Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
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Fujifilm GFX 50S II
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Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4
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Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6
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