Reviews |Fujifilm GFX 100 firmware adds raw video output, 50S, 50R improves AF, expands functionality

Fujifilm GFX 100 firmware adds raw video output, 50S, 50R improves AF, expands functionality

News

Fujfilm has announced a major firmware update for its medium format GFX 100, which adds the support for raw video output. New firmware for the the GFX 50S and GFX 50R cameras that enhances the AF performance, adds support for gimbals and drones and expands the cameras’ functionality.

According to Fujifilm, the new firmware updates add the following features and functionality:

Enhanced image reproduction

The number of Film Simulation modes for all three models have been increased. The new firmware will add“CLASSIC Neg” mode, simulating color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots, to all three cameras. The GFX 100 will also receive the “ETERNA Bleach Bypass” mode, which simulates the film processing technique of the same name, and the GFX 50S and GFX 50R will receive the “ETERNA” mode, which replicates the colors and tonality of Fujifilm’s motion picture film.

The “Smooth Skin Effect,” featured on the GFX 100, will be added to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, smoothing the appearance of human skin, ideal for portraiture.

The “Color Chrome Blue,” which adds depth to color and tonal reproduction in blue skies and other primarily blue subjects, will be added to the GFX 100.

Improving autofocus performance

The GFX 100 will now be able to quickly and accurately use phase-detection AF in low-light conditions down to -5EV. The new firmware will also add Low Light Priority AF-S mode to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, which increases the time the autofocus has to work, improving AF accuracy in low light.

The firmware will enhance Face / Eye AF performance for all three models. Face / eye detection accuracy and stability are improved when shooting groups of people, which makes portrait photography easier than ever before.

The Auto mode will be added to focus bracketing in all three models. You can now specify the start and end points and shooting interval, and the camera will automatically determine the number of frames and steps required.

Expanding functionality

In all three models, the new firmware will allow users to adjust exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation) from a computer when shooting stills and using software that supports some tether-shooting functions.

In all three models, more photo-editing applications will support the import of rating information, assigned in camera.

For the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, the maximum number of photos that can be saved in each folder on an SD card will increase 10 fold from 999 to 9,999.

Gimbal / Drone compatibility

When using the GFX 100 with compatible Gimbal / Drone that supports these functions, users will be able to start / stop video recording, specify exposure settings for video (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation), and make manual focus adjustments.2 Guilin FeiYu Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.3, Shenzhen Gudsen Technology Co., Ltd.4, SZ DJI Technology Co.,Ltd.5 and ZHIYUN (alphabetical order) have announced their plans to offer compatible products.

ProRes RAW video output

GFX100 will be able to output maximum 4K/29.97P 12bit RAW video data using HDMI to an ATOMOS NINJA V, in Apple ProRes RAW. New firmware for NINJA V will be released by ATOMOS in July 2020. RAW video data gives maximum flexibility for exposure adjustment or color grading in post-production for professional videographers.

Also, simultaneous output of RAW with Film Simulation / F-Log / Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) is also available.

You can download the new Fujifilm GFX firmware from Fujifilm’s support page.

The new firmware versions are:

  • FUJIFILM GFX 50S(Ver. 4.00)
  • FUJIFILM GFX 50R(Ver. 2.00)
  • FUJIFILM GFX 100(Ver. 2.00)