Reviews |Fujifilm GFX100: price, specs, release date revealed

Fujifilm GFX100: price, specs, release date revealed

Fujifilm GFX100: price, specs, release date revealed
News

Fujifilm has announced the arrival of the hotly anticipated, flagship medium format GFX100 – price tag just under $10,000 / £10,000 – which boasts a 100MP, 55mm large format sensor. You can pre-order the Fujifilm GFX100 at Adorama or B&H Photo in the US or Wex Photo Video in the UK.

This latest camera in the range also features fast and accurate AF phase detection, 4K video and in body image stabilisation.

The GFX100 is the first camera to include the newly developed 102-megapixel sensor and will be the flagship of the GFX series.

The GFX cameras feature the 43.8mm x 32.9mm large format sensors which are approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor.

Bigger is better right? The sensor of the GFX100 may be 1.7 times larger than a full frame sensor but Fujifilm has worked tirelessly to ensure that the camera body is as compact as possible.

It may be no compact camera but the GFX100’s physical size is 156.2mm (W) x 163.6mm (H) x 102.9mm (D) and weighs in a 1.4kg fully loaded with card and two batteries. That’s comparable with high-end DSLR’s.

The back-illuminated sensor and phase detection pixels enable AF speeds which are up to 2x faster than the existing range of GFX bodies when used in combination with the GF63mm f/2.8 lens.

The GFX will also be the first camera of this type, larger than 35mm, to feature in body image stabilisation (IBS). The IBS supplies five-axis stabilisation that will enable up to 5.5 stops.

The result of this stabilisation technology is that you’ll be able to shoot high-resolution images handheld.

Video with other mirrorless systems is big news, and here Fujifilm has enhanced the abilities already available in the GFX 50S and GFX 50R. The GFX 100 will be able to capture 4K30p (10bit 4:2:2).

The GFX100 may be large, but it’s been designed to feel equally at home in and out of the studio.

The design incorporates protection against dust, weather and the lightweight magnesium alloy body with an integrated grip make it easy to use and handle when out in the field.

As with pro-DSLRs Fujifilm has incorporated an integrated vertical grip on the GFX100 which has lead to a thinner form factor and more ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand.

This is a large format camera that is ready to break free from supports, a high-resolution camera that’s designed to be just as easily used away from the studio as it is in.

Packing this much technology into such a compact body is a challenge and Fujifilm has managed to maximise the capabilities of the core imaging unit; lens, IBS and sensor by isolating it from the main body panels.

This double structure to the design ensures robustness while minimizing and quality drop caused by external stresses to the body.

As the camera is designed for use inside and out, 95 weather seals have been applied across the body to ensure no ingress of dust or moisture.

Fujifilm GFX 100 on Video

Video is as ever big news and the Fujifilm GFX100 uses oversampling with a data equivalent of 50.5 megapixels to render video.

The camera will also support the latest h.265/HEVC codec. Pro video shooters will also be pleased to hear that the camera comes equiped with F-log which has a gamma curve with a wide dynamic range and the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for capturing HDR.

The GFX 100 is also the first model in the GFX range to feature ETERNA cinema film simulation mode.

Ease of use and visibility

Despite the big resolution, Fujifilm has aimed to keep the size down, housing the new G Format camera in a body more akin to a premium DSLR. The body has design features such as an integrated vertical grip and a magnesium alloy construction.

Getting feedback from the camera and being able to check the options and settings you’ve selected is an important feature of any camera. On the GFX100 a large 1.8-inch sub LCD screen is placed on the top panel and this is coupled with another 2.05-inch sub-screen of the rear panel. These screens have the function of showing EXIF data, histograms and camera settings in large text making them easy to see and read in any conditions. Information can be customised and allocated to each of the monitors, EVF, rear and top panel.

This all helps to keep the EVF clear so you can focus in on the subject. Taking on board user feedback the camera will also feature a Virtual Dial Mode which will show an image of a dial on the top screen that can then be adjusted with the front and back command dials.

Keeping things clean, Fujifilm have gone for a minimalistic look to the camera and reduced the number of buttons and dials. On the left shoulder of the body is the drive mode dial to switch between stills, video and multiple exposures. Each of these modes can be customised with your own prefered settings for your shooting style.

As you’d expect from a Pro level camera the EVF is something special with 5.76 million dots and 100% coverage. This is joined by 2.36 million dot tilting 3.2-inch LCD touch screen display on the back of the camera that can tilt through three axes. After the success of the GFX 50S’s removable EVF, the GFX100 features a similar system and offers plenty of options when attached.

GFX100 Main Specs

  • 102MP approx. 55mm diagonal length large format image sensor
  • Fourth generation “X-Processor 4” processor
  • Optimised for FUJINON GF lenses
  • 3.76 million phase detection pixels across the surface (approx. 100% coverage) of the sensor
  • Fast and accurate AF across the frame.
  • The sensor has lower noise, greater dynamic range and faster readout despite the higher pixel count.
  • World’s first five-axis IBIS in cameras featuring an image sensor larger than the 35mm format
  • The IBIS sensor shift mechanism ensures images are stabilized not only against pitch and yaw movements (up / down and right / left tilting) but also against shift (horizontal) and roll (rotational) movements.
  • The entire shutter unit is suspended using four springs to minimize the effect of shutter shock.
  • First 4K30p video recording capability among consumer mirrorless digital cameras with a sensor bigger than the 35mm format

Fujifilm GFX100 price and release date

The FUJIFILM GFX100 price tag will be £9,999 / $9,999 with a release date set for the end of June 2019.

The full Fujifilm GFX100 press announcement

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is delighted to announce the release of the GFX100 mirrorless digital camera featuring a newly developed 102 megapixels (approx. 55mm diagonal length) large format sensor. The new camera will be the flagship model of the GFX system of mirrorless digital cameras, which have consistently received strong praise from professional photographers and photo enthusiasts for their use of a 43.8mm x 32.9mm large format sensor, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm ‘full frame’ sensor.

The GFX100 features a “back illuminated sensor with phase detection pixels,” the first of its kind for image sensors larger than the 35mm full frame format. Autofocus speed is up to twice as fast as previous GFX models (when using the GF63mmF2.8 lens), whilst also offering Tracking AF on a moving subject as well as more accurate Continuous AF.

Another world’s first for larger than the 35mm full-frame format cameras is the in-body image stabilization (IBIS), delivering “five-axis image stabilisation” of up to 5.5 stops*1 As a result, ultra high resolution photography can even be achieved when shooting hand held. The video capability has also been greatly improved from the current GFX 50S and GFX 50R models, to become the world’s first mirrorless digital camera with an image sensor of this size or greater to offer 4K30p video recording capability (10bit 4:2:2).

With these three “world’s first” features, the GFX100 is a camera of unparalleled innovation and versatility, fulfilling its purpose of “capturing and recording precious moments that will never be repeated again” at the highest image quality possible in a mirrorless camera.

Main features

(1) 102MP approx. 55mm diagonal length large format image sensor

‧The new sensor, specifically developed for this camera, measures approx. 55mm diagonally and boasts an effective pixel count of approx. 102 million. When combined with the fourth generation “X-Processor 4” processor, it delivers the world’s highest level of image quality with exceptional colour reproduction unique to FUJIFILM and the ultra sharp “FUJINON GF lenses”.
‧The sensor has 3.76 million phase detection pixels across the surface (approx. 100% coverage) enabling fast and accurate AF regardless of where a subject is within the frame. This sets a completely new standard in the dynamic mobility of large format mirrorless digital cameras.
‧The sensor’s “back illuminated” structure receives a greater amount of light accurately whilst achieving better noise performance. The sensor has lower noise, greater dynamic range and faster readout despite the higher pixel count.

(2) The world’s first five-axis IBIS in a cameras featuring an image sensor larger than the 35mm format

‧Generally speaking, the higher the pixel count an image sensor has, the higher the likelihood of camera shake. To avoid this threat to image quality, FUJIFILM has designed an IBIS system specifically for the new 102MP large format sensor which gives up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization (when using the GF63mmF2.8 R WR).
‧The IBIS sensor shift mechanism ensures images are stabilized not only against pitch and yaw movements (up / down and right / left tilting) but also against shift (horizontal) and roll (rotational) movements.
‧The entire shutter unit is suspended using four springs to minimize the effect of shutter shock. This dramatically broadens the scope of situations where you can shoot hand held with the GFX100 and still enjoy exceptionally high resolution, to push the boundaries in photography.

(3) The world’s first 4K30p video recording capability among consumer mirrorless digital cameras with a sensor bigger than the 35mm format

‧The combination of the new image sensor with high speed readout and the high performance fourth generation “X-Processor 4” engine has given the camera the ability to record 4K30p video (10bit 4:2:2 externally and 10bit 4:2:0 internally), a world’s first amongst large-format consumer mirrorless digital cameras carrying a sensor bigger than the 35mm format.
‧When the standard digital cinema format (17:9) is selected, the GFX100 records video with a sensor area measuring 43.8mm (W) x 23.19mm (H) and 49.56mm diagonally. This is larger than many high end cinema cameras in recent years, making it easier than ever before to shoot high quality video with shallow depth of field, wide tonal range and high ISO sensitivity. The GFX100 produces footage with more detailed textures whilst reproducing three dimensional definitions and the very atmosphere of the scene.
‧The GFX100 uses oversampling with the data equivalent to approx. 50.5 megapixels to render video. It also supports the highly efficient H.265/HEVC codec, as well as “F-Log” which has a gamma curve with a wide dynamic range and the “Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)” for recording HDR footage with ease. The GFX100 is also the first model in the GFX System to incorporate the “ETERNA” cinema film simulation mode, delivering optimum solutions that reflect videographer’s intentions and facilitates a variety of creative expressions.

(4) Dust-resistant, weather-resistant, lightweight and highly robust magnesium alloy body with integrated vertical grip

‧Despite featuring a sensor which is 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full frame sensor, the GFX100’s body is equivalent to that of a flagship 35mm full frame DSLR camera in terms of dimensions (156.2mm (W) x 163.6mm (H) x 102.9mm (D), measuring 48.9mm at the thinnest part) and weight (approx. 1400g including two batteries, memory card and EVF).
‧The GFX100 is the first FUJIFILM mirrorless digital camera to incorporate an integrated vertical grip. This has led to a thinner form factor that is comfortable to hold in your hand, despite accommodating IBIS and two batteries in the body.
‧In order to maximize the capabilities of the 102MP image sensor, the GFX100’s “core imaging unit” which consists of the lens mount, image stabilization mechanism and image sensor, is as isolated from the main body panels as much as possible. This “double structure” design ensures a high level of precision and robustness while minimizing any loss in image quality caused by external stress to the body.
‧Weather sealing is applied to 95 locations across the camera body to achieve an advanced level of dust- and moisture-resistance, so that the camera maintains reliable operation even in the toughest conditions.

(5) Enhanced operability and versatile information displays

‧The GFX100 features a 1.80 inch sub LCD monitor on the top panel and a 2.05 inch sub monitor on the rear panel for even more versatile information display. They show EXIF data, histogram and camera settings in large text. Various information can be allocated to each of the monitors (EVF, rear-panel LCD displays and top-panel sub LCD display) to make the viewfinder less cluttered and easier to use. This ensures clear information visibility when tethered shooting or when the camera has to be placed in a position that makes it difficult to see the viewfinder or either monitors. Furthermore, for users who prefer dial based operations, a characteristic of previous GFX cameras, the GFX100 has a “Virtual Dial Mode,” which displays the image of a dial on the top panel sub LCD monitor that can be rotated and adjusted with the front and back Command Dials.
‧Buttons and levers for camera operations have been kept to a minimum for simple and easy to understand handling, whilst ensuring that you can hold the camera comfortably in the hand. On the left shoulder of the camera body is the Drive Mode Dial, which enables instantaneous switchover between Still Image, Video and Multiple Exposure modes. You can store camera settings for each of the modes (exposure settings, white balance, Film Simulation, etc.). Even when you need to shoot both stills and video in a single session, it only requires just a single dial movement to recall your preferred camera settings.

(6) 5.76 million dot EVF with 100% coverage and 2.36 million dot tilting 3.2-inch LCD display

‧The GFX100 inherits GFX 50S’s popular detachable EVF system that can be adjusted to various angles when using the EVF Tilting Adapter EVF-TL1. The world’s highest resolution 5.76 million dot OLED panel has been used to develop the GFX100 high definition EVF unit. The viewfinder has a magnification of 0.86x and contains five optical glass elements including aspherical elements and has been specifically designed for the 102MP sensor, which requires extreme focusing accuracy.
‧The EVF can be set to the “Frame Rate Priority,” “Resolution Priority” or “AF Speed Priority” mode according to subject characteristics and the needs of the photographer.
‧The rear panel monitor uses a 3.2 inch 2.36 million dot touchscreen LCD that can be tilted to three directions.

(7) High speed and high precision phase detection AF that sets a new standard for large-format cameras with a sensor larger than the 35mm format

‧The GFX100 is the first model in the GFX System that uses our phase detection AF algorithm, adopted from the fourth generation X Series cameras (X-T3 and X-T30), and which is praised for its precision and speed. The algorithm makes full use of 3.76 million phase detection pixels, placed across the entire sensor, to set a new standard in AF speed and precision for large format cameras performing the standard “Single Point” AF as well as “Zone” and “Wide Tracking” AF. The effect is particularly noticeable when using prime lenses with a heavy set of focus lens elements, achieving speed improvement of up to 210% over the conventional contrast AF system.
‧At the same time, the GFX100 boasts dramatic improvement in the accuracy of Face and Eye Detection AF, which has become an essential feature for fashion and portrait photographers. The Face Detection function now works at a greater shooting distance, and shows significant improvement in tracking the side profile of a person or when a person moves erratically within the frame, while also maintaining focus on a subject that goes behind an obstacle.

(8) Unique colour reproduction technology, developed through our history in photographic film to deliver astonishing quality in stills

‧The combination of the newly developed image sensor and the fourth generation “X-Processor 4” processing engine means the camera also supports “16-bit RAW” mode, requested by many professional photographers. The GFX100 also supports 16-bit TIFF in camera file conversion. The ultra high 100MP+ resolution and rich colour and tonal reproduction found in our “Film Simulation” modes, significantly boosts photo data’s post processing tolerance, meeting the diverse needs of professional photographers.
‧The GFX100 also features a “Smooth Skin Effect” function, which automatically smooths the skin tones, a function often performed in post processing when shooting portraiture.

(9) Various other new functions and features

‧The GFX100 can accommodate two NP-T125 batteries, extending the number of frames per charge to approx. 800 when the rear LCD is used.
‧The camera can be powered and charged through the USB-C connection. Connecting an external battery that supports USB Power Delivery enables even longer continuous shooting and simultaneous charging of the two batteries in the camera.
‧This is the first GFX Series model that has a supports IEEE802.11ac 5GHz, enabling even faster wireless image transfer.
‧Similarly to previous GFX models, the GFX100 is compatible with “Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®” and “Capture One Pro FUJIFILM” for RAW processing and tethered shooting to accommodate the workflow of any professional photographers.