Fuji has announced a new GFX system, introducing the medium format GFX 50S – price tag with a lens and viewfinder thought be well under $10k – at Photokina 2016.
The new Fuji medium format camera boasts a 51.4-megapixel sensor that Fujifilm says is 75% larger than 35mm full-frame image sensors.
JUMP TO: Hands-on Fuji GFX 50S review
Fuji designed the new G-format sensor, which measures 43.8mm x 32.9mm and boasts 8256 x 6192 pixels.
The the G-format sensor’s 51.4 million effective pixels can be adapted to various aspect ratios, including 4:3 (default), 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17, which were available in large- and medium-format film cameras.
Fuji says the camera delivers superior sharpness and image quality and is aimed at professional photographers shooting commercial, fashion or fine-art landscapes.
Powering the GFX 50S is an X-Processor Pro image processor, which aids colour rendition and tone reproduction.
Fuji says the larger format will allow photographers to capture “texture quality,” “stereoscopic effects” and an “aerial feeling,” which cannot be achieved simply by increasing a traditional sensor’s pixel count.
Fuji says the launch of the GFX system is a direct result of feedback from professional users of its X Series, who expressed a desire for such a format.
Fuji’s GFX is an all-new mirrorless camera system that employs concepts of medium-format cameras, yet compared to conventional medium-format digital SLR cameras, the GFX is lighter in weight and compact in design.
Like Fuji’s X Series cameras, the Fuji GFX 50S features traditional buttons and dials on the top plate, as well as an enhanced ergonomic grip.
The Fuji GFX 50S also becomes Fujifilm’s first camera to feature a detachable electronic viewfinder, which you can remove when using an external monitor or if you simply want to make the camera even lighter.
You can also buy an optional adapter that allows you to mount the EVF to fit any angle, allowing you more freedom to compose images.
Also part of the new Fuji GFX system is a new Fuji G Mount. Fuji says three GF lenses will be launched at the Fuji GFX 50S release date in early 2017, with three more due out by the end of the year.
The new lineup of FUJINON GF lenses, designed specifically for the GFX, supports the new G Mount. Taking advantage of the mirrorless system’s structure, the G Mount has the short flange back distance of just 26.7mm to shorten the back focus distance as much as possible. This prevents vignetting to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness of the world’s highest level.
New Fujinon GF lenses will include:
1. Standard prime “GF63mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format)
2. Wide-angle standard zoom “GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 25-51mm in the 35mm format)
3. Mid-telephoto macro 1:0.5 “GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR” (equivalent to 95mm in the 35mm format)
4. Fast aperture mid-telephoto “GF110mmF2 R LM WR” (equivalent to 87mm in the 35mm format)
5. Ultra wide “GF23mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 18mm in the 35mm format)
6. Wide “GF45mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format)
The Fuji GFX 50S also boasts a tilting screen and supports tethered shooting. Fuji says it will also be compatible with various raw conversion application software.
Other optional Fuji GFX 50S accessories that will be released at the same time, include the Vertical Battery Grip, which enhances functionality when shooting in the portrait orientation.
Fuji GFX 50S Price & Release Date
Pricing information has yet to be confirmed, but it is thought that a Fuji GFX price tag with a lens and viewfinder will be well under $10,000.
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