Fujifilm GFX100RF: A large-format dream for art photography

The Fujifilm GFX100RF large format fixed-lens camera offers a unique image-capturing experience that will draw some people in while pushing others away. We took it out for a spin to see how it would perform in the field, with a special emphasis on the camera’s video features.

Read on to find out how it went and whether or not the Fujifilm GFX100RF is worth the investment.

What is the Fujifilm GFX100RF?

The GFX100RF is outfitted with a F/4 35 mm prime lens. This is matched to a 102-megapixel CMOS II large format sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processor. 

The larger-than-full-frame sensor size means we get a slightly wider viewing angle equivalent to a 28mm lens. It’s a neutral field of view, a bit on the wide side. It’s perfect for meandering through your environment and capturing scenes as you see them. With a minimum focusing distance of just under 8 inches, or 20 cm, the camera is flexible enough to capture a variety of subjects while imposing specific restraints that force creative solutions.

For photographers, the camera delivers tactile functionality with dedicated exposure control, aspect ratio and digital teleconverter control dials. There are nine aspect ratios to choose from. These include familiar options like 4:3 and 16:9 as well as some more obscure options. For instance, the 65:24 option, inspired by the Fujifilm TX-1. With the digital teleconverter, also known as a crop zoom, you can crop in from 35 mm to 45 mm, 63 mm or 80 mm. 

For filmmakers, the GFX100RF shoots up to 10-bit 422 DCI4K video at up to 30 frames per second (fps), and it includes F-Log and F-Log2 picture profiles. Recording formats include H.264, H.265 and ProRes, and the camera can record internally to dual SD card slots and/or externally via HDMI.

In the field

To test the GFX100RF, we took it out to a local park to capture some nature imagery and other test shots. The camera is relatively small, considering it houses a 43.8 mm x 32.9 mm large-format sensor. It weighs just 1.62 pounds or 735 grams. This, along with the built-in lens, made it easy to carry around with us, even in this more casual setting.

Using the camera, we found that the buttons and dials — there are many — are all well placed and easy to reach. Along with the usual exposure dials, the camera also includes some unexpected external controls. It has dedicated dials for setting the focus mode and for selecting your aspect ratio when shooting stills. There is also a “Q” quick menu button for fast access to even more settings. The external controls, intuitive menu and plentiful tool tips made it easy to choose the right settings without feeling bogged down.

While out in the sun, we did spend some time fighting the glare on the rear display. It’s quite shiny and not super bright. However, because it tilts, we were usually able to find an angle that worked well enough. We sometimes had some trouble checking focus using the rear display. However, we found that the camera’s autofocus worked well enough for this not to really be an issue, despite some hunting while recording video. We also really appreciated the built-in ND filter in this bright, sunlit environment. The camera features digital image stabilization (DIS) to correct camera shake during video recording, but we opted to leave this off and use a small tripod instead. 

In our outdoor testing environment, in the hot, dry Northern California summer, we expected some possible overheating issues. While the camera did get warm to the touch, it endured more than 90 minutes of continuous shooting in temperatures over 90 F with no problem. A depleted battery is what ultimately ended the shoot.

Is the GFX100RF a video camera?

This is Videomaker, so we spent a lot of time in movie mode, but this camera truly shines when shooting stills. In fact, we found it pretty unintuitive to even get the camera into movie mode in the first place. Many cameras, even in Fujifilm’s own lineup, have a switch just for going between still mode and video mode. On the GFX100RF, this setting is hidden behind the “Drive/Del” button. This reviewer could not figure it out without referring to the manual. We bring this up to emphasize that this is not really a hybrid camera as we might expect. Rather, it’s a photography camera that happens to also shoot high-quality video.

And, the video is high quality. After all, it takes advantage of the same oversized sensor that makes still images out of the GFX100RF so sharp and rich. With it, the GFX100RF captures impressive, cinematic 10-bit 422 DCI 4K video. It’s just that the camera’s limitations make it impractical to use in any but the most niche, arthouse production environments.

Image quality

Overall, we were quite happy with the image straight out of the Fujifilm GFX100RF, and it wasn’t difficult to achieve. The medium format sensor captures clean, clear detail and rich colors. The result is outstanding image quality with little to no editing needed.

The GFX100RF offers 20 different film simulation modes designed to reproduce iconic film stocks from the analogue days. You even have the option to add a film grain effect for an even more analogue feel. All of the film simulation settings offer pleasing color and tonal gradation. We had fun testing out all of the various simulation modes and figuring out what we liked best for our subject matter, paying special attention to color reproduction and the overall affect of the image. We ended up liking the Astia/Soft film sim, as well as the classic Eternal simulation, but this is really a matter of preference. For black and white shooting, we liked Acros over the standard Monochrome look. 

We were also curious about the camera’s dynamic range capabilities. Fujifilm promotes the camera’s 13+ stop dynamic range. We framed up a dusty tree-lined path, dappled with shade and sun, to see how the camera would handle a mixed-light situation. Comparing our test shots in standard, FLog and FLog2, we found good detail retained in both the shadows and highlights. FLog2 was the most effective here.

Why buy a camera with just one focal length?

It may seem strange to invest in a high-end camera only to hamstring its functionality by restricting it to a single focal length. Many people see versatility as a selling point. They want a flexible solution that can serve them across multiple use cases. And yes, that’s often more economical if you are a career videographer. This isn’t that camera.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF will produce beautiful bridal portraits, but it will never be the go-to for the professional wedding videographer. It doesn’t have the range and flexibility needed to cover an event like that. A wedding photographer or videographer might include the GFX100RF in their kit, but not as their workhorse.

What this camera does offer is simplicity. The GFX100RF is a grab-and-go camera. No need to decide what lens to take on your outing; the camera made that decision for you. With fewer options, there are fewer distractions. Restricting the number of creative choices allows you to focus exclusively on what is in front of you. The only question left is, “What do I want to capture?”

Indeed, one of the advantages of the fixed-lens design is that the lens is perfectly matched to the sensor. This ensures precise imaging. The result is a camera with stunning image quality. The fixed-lens design also allows the lens to be integrated within the design of the camera body. This means the camera and lens together are more compact than what could be achieved with an interchangeable lens design. 

Lenses can add quite a bit of bulk to your kit. That’s especially true if you are traveling with more than one or if you’re using a zoom lens. Many photographers say it’s easier to capture more authentic interactions without the barrier of a large lens between you and your subject. This camera’s more approachable look can be appealing for photographers capturing candid or impromptu moments.

The competition

The Fujifilm GFX100RF isn’t the only fixed prime lens camera on the market, but it does stand out because of its large-fromat sensor. If this camera style is for you and your ready to invest, check out the Leica Q3. For a more affordable option, the Fujifilm X100VI is a strong contender in the APS-C class.

Who is the GFX100RF for?

This camera does one thing really well: capture beautiful images. It does not offer versatility, but for many, that is exactly the appeal. Most working videographers will turn their nose up at this camera, but those drawn to it are likely to fall in love. This lightweight camera’s discrete form factor, large pixel count and impressive image quality make it a good fit for street fashion, landscape and other high-end, of-the-moment photography.

In an era where anything you can imagine is infinitely producible thanks to AI, the intentional restraint of seeing the real world through a single point of view feels grounding. The Fujifilm GFX100RF is not designed for commercial image production; it’s designed for making art.

Fujifilm GFX100RF

$5,599.95 at B&H Video $5,599.99 at Best Buy

Tech specs