Fujifilm GFX100S astounds

The fourth member in the brand’s GFX family is the Fujifilm GFX100S, a 102-megapixel, medium format camera that is portable, versatile and impressively featured.

The GFX system was introduced to bring medium format digital to a wider audience by offering more affordable and more portable cameras to quality-conscious photographers. There are currently three models in the GFX system: the GFX100, GFX 50R and GFX 50S, based on the 44x33mm format, which is 1.7x larger than 35mm full-frame and what Fujifilm calls large format.

The GFX100S has the same core imaging technology as the GFX100, thus it features the same 102-megapixel CMOS Bayer array sensor and quad core X-Processor 4, but in a body that’s 20% smaller and 10% lighter compared to the GFX100. It’s priced at £5499 body only, so it’s much cheaper, too.

The weight and size savings have been possible thanks to a new 22% smaller, 16% lighter shutter mechanism that is still extremely durable with a minimum of 150,000 actuations and a new 10% lighter, 20% more compact in-body image stabilisation mechanism with a claimed benefit of 6EV, which is better than the 5.5EV gain of the GFX100.

Autofocusing is handled by an on-sensor phase detection system, with pixels covering almost 100% of the imaging area and works down to light levels of -5.5EV, acquiring focus as quick as 0.18sec. An updated focus algorithm helps track subjects in Tracking AF and Face/Eye AF modes.

Fujifilm GFX100S key features

• £5499 body only
• Magnesium alloy body
• 44x33mm format
• 102 megapixel resolution
• Backside illuminated CMOS sensor
• Quad core X-Processor 4
• 3.78m PDAF pixels covering most of image sensor
• Weather-resistant
• New mode control dial
• Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation mode
• IBIS 6EV benefit
• Fixed 3.69M dot EVF
• 3.2in LCD monitor with 2.36K dots
• NP-W235 – gives 460 frames
• 400megapixel multi-shot HR mode
• 4K/30p video (in 12-bit Raw via HDMI) 4
• 900g body weight

 

The GFX100S body is weather-resistant and there have been some design innovations too, including a new style AF lever, a PASM dial and an EVF that is fixed – unlike the GFX 50S’s – and this has 3.69K-dot resolution.

Fujifilm’s range of Film Simulation modes has gained a new option called Nostalgia Neg., bringing the total on offer up to 19. The new setting gives a subtle desaturated look to images with warm highlights and boosted shadows to preserve detail, for a look reminiscent of colour films of the 1970s. Whether it’s used for stills or movies, the Film Simulation modes give stunning out-of-camera results.

The GFX100S’s design has updated with a PASM that has six programmable options, a restyled focus lever and stills/video control for fast switching between shooting methods.

Speaking of video, the GFX100S can record 4K/30p and DCI4K/30p movie footage at 100, 200 or 400mbps, with recording time up to 120mins. For pro video makers, the GFX100S can record 4k/30p in 12-bit Raw via HDMI. H.264 and H.265 compression modes are available, as well as F-Log and HLG settings.

Other headlines include dual SD card slots – both UHS II compatible – dust- and moisture-resistance and a high-resolution Multi-Shot Pixel Shift mode that gives the equivalent of a 400-megapixel resolution.

Sales of the Fujifilm GFX100S begin 4 March 2021.

Read more about Fujifilm’s new releases in our News section. For more information, please visit the Fujifilm website.