Fujifilm has announced a new medium format camera. However, unlike the company’s previous models, the Fujifilm GFX100RF is a compact camera with a fixed prime lens.
Medium format or large format?
Fujifilm calls its new camera a large format camera. However, it’s technically a medium format camera, with a true large format camera having a film frame that measures four inches by five inches, or greater. Whatever you want to call it, the GFX100RF has a sensor that is larger than a full-frame sensor. As such it has a crop factor of 0.8x compared to a full-frame camera.
102 MP sensor
The Fujifilm GFX100RF has a 102 MP CMOS II sensor. This is the same sensor as found on the company’s GFX100 II mirrorless camera. Fujifilm says that the redesigned pixel structure and microlens layout of the sensor provide a wide dynamic range. It also delivers low noise, improved sharpness and autofocus accuracy from edge to edge. Also, the new camera features Fujifilm’s high-speed X Processor image processor.
35 mm lens
Due to its larger sensor, the 35 mm F4 lens on the Fujifilm GFX100RF has the same field of view as a 28 mm lens on a full-frame camera. The lens is also fixed, so you can’t swap it out for any other focal length.
It’s constructed with 10 lens elements in eight groups and includes two aspherical elements. Interestingly, it also features a built-in four-stop ND filter. In addition, you can focus as close as 7.9 inches (20 cm) from the front of the lens for great close-up images.
Video filming
The Fujifilm GFX100RF can shoot 4K DCI and 4K UHD video up to 29.97 fps in a 4:2:2 10-bit file format. You can also record at up to 59.94 fps if you drop the resolution to 17:9 HD or 16:9 HD. The GFX100RF offers a wealth of internal recording options including Apple ProRes, H.265 and H.264.
Fujifilm says that the camera delivers more than 13 stops of dynamic range if you use F-Log2. With a base ISO of 100, the GFX100RF promises low-noise images as well.
Fast and accurate AF
Fujifilm says that the GFX100RF uses improved algorithms for its predictive autofocus and face/eye detection. The camera also features AI subject detection AF, which utilizes deep-learning technology. This can recognize a wide range of subjects such as animals, vehicles and birds. Additionally, the GFX100RF offers enhanced tracking AF for video, enabling easy subject tracking with touch controls.
Still photography features
The Fujifilm GFX100RF offers nine aspect ratios for still photography. These include 4:3. 3:2. 16:9, 5:4, and 1:1. You can also frame your photos in 65:24, 17:6, 3:4 and 7:6 formats. In addition, the GFX100RF gives you twenty different film simulation options to color your images. The choices include Provia, Velvia, Reala Ace, Eterna and a number of black-and-white options.
Other features
The Fujifilm GFX100RF features a 0.5-inch, 5.76 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder. There’s also a 3.15-inch tilting 2.10 million dots LCD touchscreen monitor on the back of the camera.
The GFX100RF offers digital image stabilization in movie mode to help keep your videos stable. There are sockets for an external microphone and headphones to monitor your audio as well.
What we think
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is an intriguing camera. For still photography, it’s unique in delivering medium format images from a compact camera design. As such it would be a fabulous camera to carry around with you at all times. However, if you are primarily a video shooter, the GFX100RF has less to offer. It’s also impossible to ignore that price tag. For the same price, you could pick up a RED Komodo, or a Sony FX3 along with a lens or two. Ultimately, the Fujifilm GFX100RF is a beautiful luxury that will be outside the budget of many video makers.
Pricing and availability
The Fujifilm GFX100RF compact digital camera will be available in April priced at $4,899. You can choose between black or silver color options.
