Fujifilm has announced its latest medium format camera, the Fujifilm GFX100S II. It’s the follow-up to its popular GFX100S launched in 2021.
Medium format sensor
The Fujifilm GFX100S II features a newly developed GFX 102MP CMOS II medium format sensor. The sensor is nearly 70% larger than a full-frame sensor, measuring 43.8 mm by 32.9 mm. As a result, the sensor has a crop factor of around 0.79 compared to a full-frame camera. This means that a 50 mm lens on a full-frame camera would effectively become a 40 mm lens on the GFX100S II.
Improved sensor performance
Fujifilm says that the new sensor has a 30% extended capacity of the photo diodes. The sensor also features micro lenses to deliver improved shading and better PDAF (phase detection autofocus) information at the corners. In addition, the upgraded performance means you can now shoot at ISO 80 for stills with 16-bit RAW output and ISO 100 for movies. The GFX100S II is powered by Fujifilm’s X-Processor 5 with AI.
Video recording
The GFX100S II can shoot video at up to 4K 30P in 4K 16:9 or 17:9 DCI aspect ratios. You can record internally in H264 or H265 formats with a bit depth up to 4:2:2 10-bit. The camera also features Fujifilm’s F-Log2 to maximize the dynamic range of your footage. In addition, if you connect an external recorder, you can record RAW video in either ProRes RAW or Blackmagic’s BRAW formats.
Autofocus
The GFX100S II uses a 5th generation updated autofocus prediction algorithm. Fujifilm says that this delivers reliable performance in sports and other situations where accurate, high speed motion tracking is needed. The camera’s X-Processor 5 also features subject detection AF, built using deep-learning AI technology. This technology will track and detect human faces and eyes, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains.
Image stabilization
The GFX100S II features the same high performance in body image stabilization (IBIS) as Fujifilm’s flagship GFX100 II. It uses the X-Processor 5’s IBIS control and real-time data from live view and various sensors. As a result, the IBIS in the GF100S II delivers up to an incredible eight stops of image stabilization.
Film simulations
To enhance your images, the GFX100S II features 20 medium format and digital film simulations. These include the latest iteration of Fujifilm’s renowned color science, Reala Ace, which was first launched on the GFX100 II. Fujifilm says that this combines faithful color reproduction with hard tonality, making it suitable for all subjects and situations. Other film simulations on the GFX100S II include Provia Standard, Astia Soft, Velvia Vivid, Eterna Bleach Bypass and several monochrome options.
Other features
The GFX100S II has a 3.2 inch 4:3 tilting rear LCD screen with a resolution of 2.36 million dots. There is also a 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 5.76 million resolution. In addition, the camera includes both microphone and headphone jacks which are essential for video shooters. Despite all of these features, the GFX100S II is small and lightweight, tipping the scales at only 883 g.
What we think
It’s great to see that Fujifilm has incorporated so many enhancements from the GFX100 II in the new GFX100S II. Sadly, this doesn’t extend to the flagship’s 8K video, but the GFX100S II still has a lot to offer to filmmakers. The medium format sensor will also deliver a shallower depth of field than a full-frame camera. In addition, the large pixels can deliver smoother gradations of color and light. However, the real strength of medium format is the stunning still images it delivers.
Pricing and availability
Fujifilm says that the Fujifilm GFX100S II will start shipping in June 2024. Its listing price is $4,999.
