Fujifilm hits 100

Fujifilm has unveiled the GFX100, a 102-megapixel mirrorless medium format camera with a raft of world firsts

Fujifilm’s GFX medium format system has a new flagship, the GFX100. The GFX100 is the third model in the GFX medium format system and boasts a 102-megapixel resolution with a sensor 1.7x larger than 35mm.

It uses a Bayer pattern CMOS sensor with a back-side illuminated (BSI) design, the first of its kind for image sensors larger than the 35mm full-frame format. It features 3.76 million phase detection pixels across the surface, with approx. 100% coverage to give fast and accurate AF, regardless of where the subject is within the frame.

Autofocus with the new phase detect system and using an AF algorithm adopted from the X-T3 and X-T30 is said to be twice as fast as current GFX models, plus there is improved continuous AF, and tracking AF is available, too. The gain in AF speed is seen especially with GFX prime lenses.

Another benefit is the improvement in the accuracy of face and eye detection AF. Face detection now works at a greater shooting distance and is better when a person moves erratically within the frame.

The sensor’s BSI design and copper wiring, plus the use of Fujifilm’s renowned X-Processor 4, delivers a better high ISO performance – and greater dynamic range is promised.

The GFX100 is the first medium format camera with five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), giving a claimed benefit of up to 5.5EV (with the 63mm f/2.8 lens), enabling ultra-high resolution handheld shooting. The IBIS sensor shift mechanism deals with pitch and yaw movements (up /down, right/left tilting), but also combats horizontal shift and roll movements. Vibration is also reduced by the shutter uni, which is suspended by four springs to minimise shock.

Video capability is available and the GFX100 can shoot in 4K/30p, which means it is the world’s first mirrorless camera with a sensor of this size or greater to have this ability. There’s the option of 10-bit 4:2:2 externally and 10-bit 4:2:0 internally. The GFX100 also supports H.265/HEVC codec, as well as F-Log to help deal with wide dynamic range and the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for recording HDR footage. It also the first model in the GFX system to incorporate the ETERNA cinema Film Simulation mode.

The deep-bodied camera can accept two batteries, giving an approximately 800-frame capacity while the body itself is dust and weather sealed at 95 locations across the body.

In terms of control and body design, the GFX is designed with minimal dials and levers to provide simple and intuitive handling.

On the body’s left side is the drive mode dial, which allows you to change quickly from still, video and multiple exposure shooting. On the top-plate LCD monitor it shows a virtual mode dial and that can be altered with the front and rear command dials.

The GFX100 will retail for £9999 for body only and is on sale from late June.

Photography News editor Will Cheung caught up with Theo Georghiades, General Manager – Fujifilm Electronic Imaging UK at the GFX100 launch in Japan and found out what features he’s most excited about.