Japanese Fujifilm presented its the new GFX 100 medium format system camera. This model will join the GFX 50S and GFX 50R launched in 2016 and 2018 respectively. The GFX 100 offers some important advantages over previous models, including much higher resolution, built-in mechanical image stabilization, and much higher performance. The device will be available from June 27 for $9999,95.
Unlike Fujifilm's medium format cameras, the GFX 100 features a full-size design, meaning it has a vertical mount. It is much closer in size to the Canon EOS-1D X than to the Fujifilm GFX 50R. Inside this huge body (156,2 × 163,6 × 102,9 mm) weighing more than 1,4 kilograms, including two batteries, is a new 102-megapixel sensor and a five-axis image stabilization system, which Fujifilm claims provides quality shake correction in 5,5 steps.
In addition, the GFX 100 is the first medium format camera to feature phase detection autofocus, a significant improvement over previous GFX models. Fujifilm claims a speed boost of up to 210% over contrast-based autofocus systems in the GFX 50S and 50R. The camera can track subjects at up to 5fps in continuous focus modes and is capable of focusing in lighting conditions as low as -2EV. The sensor measures 55mm diagonally (43,8 x 32,9mm), which is about 1,7 times the area of a typical full-frame 35mm sensor.
The sensor is also noticeably more light sensitive and is on par with higher end medium format cameras from Hasselblad or Phase One. This back-illuminated CMOS sensor, similar in design to Fujifilm's X-T3 consumer camera sensor, is capable of capturing 16-bit photos thanks to the X-Processor 4 image processing chip. The new sensor offers a base sensitivity of ISO 100 and a maximum of 12.
The video features of the GFX 100 are also very similar to those of the X-T3: the camera can shoot up to 4K resolution at 30fps using the entire sensor area. It is capable of outputting 10-bit 4:2:0 video to an SD card or 4:2:2 to an external recorder via HDMI.
Other hardware changes include a new 5,76M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, dual battery support (up to 800 shots offline), a swivel touchscreen, and water and dust resistance. Fujifilm has redesigned the top of the camera to make it more suitable for different modes, whether it's video, manual or auto. While the company has ditched separate ISO and shutter speed dials, the new LCD panel can display these values digitally, providing similar direct control.
All in all, the GFX 100 as a whole has the feel of a modern mirrorless camera without the extra compromises in terms of performance (as was the case with the GFX 50S and 50R), which can also offer a large sensor and huge resolution. Autofocus, according to press reviews, performs well on a variety of lenses and has all the same face and eye detection AF features found on the consumer X-T3.
All in all, this is a big step for both Fujifilm itself and the medium format camera market in general. It can offer the features of the most advanced professional cameras, but at a much more affordable price. Of course, the GFX 100 is not a camera for the average amateur or even semi-professional photographer, but professionals who rely on full-frame digital cameras to replace their medium format film models will certainly be interested in this model.
By the way, to emphasize the advanced video capabilities of the GFX 100, the company ten short films shot by various photographers.
Source: 3dnews.ru