The Fujifilm GFX100RF giant format fixed-lens digital camera presents a singular image-capturing expertise that can draw some folks in whereas pushing others away. We took it out for a spin to see how it will carry out within the discipline, with a particular emphasis on the digital camera’s video options.
Learn on to learn the way it went and whether or not or not the Fujifilm GFX100RF is definitely worth the funding.
What’s the Fujifilm GFX100RF?
The GFX100RF is outfitted with a F/4 35 mm prime lens. That is matched to a 102-megapixel CMOS II giant format sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 picture processor.
The larger-than-full-frame sensor measurement means we get a barely wider viewing angle equal to a 28mm lens. It’s a impartial discipline of view, a bit on the broad aspect. It’s good for meandering by way of your setting and capturing scenes as you see them. With a minimal focusing distance of just below 8 inches, or 20 cm, the digital camera is versatile sufficient to seize quite a lot of topics whereas imposing particular restraints that pressure inventive options.
For photographers, the digital camera delivers tactile performance with devoted publicity management, side ratio and digital teleconverter management dials. There are 9 side ratios to select from. These embrace acquainted choices like 4:3 and 16:9 in addition to some extra obscure choices. As an illustration, the 65:24 possibility, impressed by the Fujifilm TX-1. With the digital teleconverter, also called a crop zoom, you may crop in from 35 mm to 45 mm, 63 mm or 80 mm.
For filmmakers, the GFX100RF shoots as much as 10-bit 422 DCI4K video at as much as 30 frames per second (fps), and it contains F-Log and F-Log2 image profiles. Recording codecs embrace H.264, H.265 and ProRes, and the digital camera can document internally to twin SD card slots and/or externally through HDMI.
Within the discipline
To check the GFX100RF, we took it out to a neighborhood park to seize some nature imagery and different check photographs. The digital camera is comparatively small, contemplating it homes a 43.8 mm x 32.9 mm large-format sensor. It weighs simply 1.62 kilos or 735 grams. This, together with the built-in lens, made it straightforward to hold round with us, even on this extra informal setting.
Utilizing the digital camera, we discovered that the buttons and dials — there are various — are all nicely positioned and simple to achieve. Together with the standard publicity dials, the digital camera additionally contains some surprising exterior controls. It has devoted dials for setting the main focus mode and for choosing your side ratio when taking pictures stills. There may be additionally a “Q” fast menu button for quick entry to much more settings. The exterior controls, intuitive menu and plentiful software suggestions made it straightforward to decide on the best settings with out feeling slowed down.
Whereas out within the solar, we did spend a while combating the glare on the rear show. It’s fairly shiny and never tremendous vivid. Nevertheless, as a result of it tilts, we have been normally capable of finding an angle that labored nicely sufficient. We generally had some bother checking focus utilizing the rear show. Nevertheless, we discovered that the digital camera’s autofocus labored nicely sufficient for this to not actually be a problem, regardless of some looking whereas recording video. We additionally actually appreciated the built-in ND filter on this vivid, sunlit setting. The digital camera options digital picture stabilization (DIS) to right digital camera shake throughout video recording, however we opted to go away this off and use a small tripod as a substitute.
In our out of doors testing setting, within the scorching, dry Northern California summer time, we anticipated some potential overheating points. Whereas the digital camera did get heat to the contact, it endured greater than 90 minutes of steady taking pictures in temperatures over 90 F with no drawback. A depleted battery is what in the end ended the shoot.
Is the GFX100RF a video digital camera?
That is Videomaker, so we spent lots of time in film mode, however this digital camera actually shines when taking pictures stills. In truth, we discovered it fairly unintuitive to even get the digital camera into film mode within the first place. Many cameras, even in Fujifilm’s personal lineup, have a swap only for going between nonetheless mode and video mode. On the GFX100RF, this setting is hidden behind the “Drive/Del” button. This reviewer couldn’t determine it out with out referring to the handbook. We carry this as much as emphasize that this isn’t actually a hybrid digital camera as we would count on. Fairly, it’s a pictures digital camera that occurs to additionally shoot high-quality video.
And, the video is top of the range. In spite of everything, it takes benefit of the identical outsized sensor that makes nonetheless photographs out of the GFX100RF so sharp and wealthy. With it, the GFX100RF captures spectacular, cinematic 10-bit 422 DCI 4K video. It’s simply that the digital camera’s limitations make it impractical to make use of in any however probably the most area of interest, arthouse manufacturing environments.
Picture high quality
Total, we have been fairly pleased with the picture straight out of the Fujifilm GFX100RF, and it wasn’t tough to attain. The medium format sensor captures clear, clear element and wealthy colours. The result’s excellent picture high quality with little to no modifying wanted.
The GFX100RF presents 20 completely different movie simulation modes designed to breed iconic movie shares from the analogue days. You even have the choice so as to add a movie grain impact for an much more analogue really feel. All the movie simulation settings supply pleasing colour and tonal gradation. We had enjoyable testing out all the varied simulation modes and determining what we appreciated finest for our subject material, paying particular consideration to paint replica and the general have an effect on of the picture. We ended up liking the Astia/Tender movie sim, in addition to the traditional Everlasting simulation, however that is actually a matter of desire. For black and white taking pictures, we appreciated Acros over the usual Monochrome look.
We have been additionally curious in regards to the digital camera’s dynamic vary capabilities. Fujifilm promotes the digital camera’s 13+ cease dynamic vary. We framed up a dusty tree-lined path, dappled with shade and solar, to see how the digital camera would deal with a mixed-light scenario. Evaluating our check photographs in commonplace, FLog and FLog2, we discovered good element retained in each the shadows and highlights. FLog2 was the simplest right here.
Why purchase a digital camera with only one focal size?
It might appear unusual to spend money on a high-end digital camera solely to hamstring its performance by limiting it to a single focal size. Many individuals see versatility as a promoting level. They need a versatile answer that may serve them throughout a number of use instances. And sure, that’s typically extra economical if you’re a profession videographer. This isn’t that digital camera.
The Fujifilm GFX100RF will produce stunning bridal portraits, however it can by no means be the go-to for the skilled wedding ceremony videographer. It doesn’t have the vary and suppleness wanted to cowl an occasion like that. A marriage photographer or videographer may embrace the GFX100RF of their equipment, however not as their workhorse.
What this digital camera does supply is simplicity. The GFX100RF is a grab-and-go digital camera. No must determine what lens to take in your outing; the digital camera made that call for you. With fewer choices, there are fewer distractions. Proscribing the variety of inventive selections permits you to focus completely on what’s in entrance of you. The one query left is, “What do I need to seize?”
Certainly, one of many benefits of the fixed-lens design is that the lens is completely matched to the sensor. This ensures exact imaging. The result’s a digital camera with gorgeous picture high quality. The fixed-lens design additionally permits the lens to be built-in inside the design of the digital camera physique. This implies the digital camera and lens collectively are extra compact than what may very well be achieved with an interchangeable lens design.
Lenses can add fairly a little bit of bulk to your equipment. That’s very true if you’re touring with multiple or in the event you’re utilizing a zoom lens. Many photographers say it’s simpler to seize extra genuine interactions with out the barrier of a giant lens between you and your topic. This digital camera’s extra approachable look will be interesting for photographers capturing candid or impromptu moments.
The competitors
The Fujifilm GFX100RF isn’t the one fastened prime lens digital camera in the marketplace, nevertheless it does stand out due to its large-fromat sensor. If this digital camera type is for you and your prepared to take a position, try the Leica Q3. For a extra inexpensive possibility, the Fujifilm X100VI is a robust contender within the APS-C class.
Who’s the GFX100RF for?
This digital camera does one factor very well: seize stunning photographs. It doesn’t supply versatility, however for a lot of, that’s precisely the enchantment. Most working videographers will flip their nostril up at this digital camera, however these drawn to it are prone to fall in love. This light-weight digital camera’s discrete type issue, giant pixel rely and spectacular picture high quality make it a great match for road trend, panorama and different high-end, of-the-moment pictures.
In an period the place something you may think about is infinitely producible because of AI, the intentional restraint of seeing the actual world by way of a single viewpoint feels grounding. The Fujifilm GFX100RF isn’t designed for industrial picture manufacturing; it’s designed for making artwork.
Energy
Distinctive picture high quality with 102 MP large-format sensor
10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K video with F-Log and F-Log2 profiles
Light-weight and compact
Constructed-in ND filter
Weaknesses
Single focal size limitation
Shiny, not very vivid show
Battery life
Tech specs
Sensor resolutionEffective: 102 megapixel (11,648 x 8736)Picture sensor43.8 x 32.9 mm (medium format) CMOSImage stabilizationDigital (video solely)Lens focal length35 mm (35 mm equal: 28 mm)Lens apertureMaximum: f/4Minimum: f/22Len focus Range7.9 inches to infinity / 20 cm to infinityOptical design10 components in 8 groupsFilter size49 mm (through Included adapter)Shutter speedElectronic shutter1/16000 to 3600 Seconds in Handbook Mode1/16000 to 30 Seconds in Aperture Precedence Mode1/16000 to 3600 Seconds in Shutter Precedence Mode1/16000 to 30 Seconds in Program Mode1/4000 to 1/8 Seconds in Film ModeMechanical shutter1/4000 to 3600 Seconds in Handbook Mode1/4000 to 30 Seconds in Aperture Precedence Mode1/4000 to 3600 Seconds in Shutter Precedence Mode1/4000 to 30 Seconds in Program ModeBulb/Time ModeBulb Mode (As much as 60 minutes)ISO/achieve sensitivityPhotoNative: 80 to 12,800 (40 to 102,400 prolonged)VideoNative: 100 to 12,800 (100 to 25,600 prolonged)Metering methodAverage, Heart-Weighted Common, Multi, Spot, TTL 256-ZonesExposure modesAperture Precedence, Handbook, Program, Shutter PriorityExposure compensation-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV steps)White balance2500 to 10,000 KPresets: Auto, Colour Temperature, Customized, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade, UnderwaterContinuous shootingUp to six fps at Most Decision for as much as 40 Frames (RAW) / 19 Frames (RAW, JPEG) / 296 Frames (JPEG)As much as 4 fps at Most Decision for as much as 83 Frames (RAW) / 38 Frames (RAW, JPEG) / 1000 Frames (JPEG)Interval recordingYesSelf-timer2/3/10-second delayAspect ratio1:1, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 5:4, 7:6, 16:9, 17:6, 65:24Image file formatHEIF, JPEG, RAWBit depth16-bitInternal recordingH.264 ALL-Intra/H.264 Lengthy GOP/H.265 ALL-Intra/H.265 Lengthy GOP 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-BitDCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [50 to 720 Mb/s]UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [50 to 720 Mb/s]DCI 2K (2048 x 1080) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 to 200 Mb/s]1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 to 720 Mb/s]Video output4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit through HDMI / USBDCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fpsRecording limitNot specified by manufacturerIP streamingNoBuilt-in microphoneStereoAudio recordingMOV: 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM audioMP4: AAC audioMedia/reminiscence card slotDual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)Inside memoryNoVideo I/O1x Micro-HDMI outputAudio I/O1x 1/8-inch / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo headphone output1x 1/8-inch / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo microphone inputPower I/O1x USB-C inputOther I/O1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) information/distant enter/output (shared with energy enter)WirelessWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2Mobile app compatibleYes: Android and iOSGlobal positioning (GPS, GLONASS, and so on.)NoDisplay size3.2 inchesResolution2,100,000 dotDisplay typeThree-way tilting touchscreen LCDViewfinder typeElectronic (OLED)Viewfinder resolution5,760,000 dotViewfinder coverage100percentViewfinder magnificationApprox. 0.84xDiopter adjustment-5 to +3Built-in flash/lightNoFlash modesAuto, Handbook, Off, Gradual SyncExternal flash connectionShoe mountEnvironmental resistanceWeather-resistant (unrated)Working conditions14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C at 10 to 80% humidityBattery1x NP-W235 rechargeable lithium-ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh (included) • Approx. 820 shotsShoe mount1x scorching shoeDimensions (W x H x D)5.3 x 3.6 x 3 inches / 133.5 x 90.4 x 76.5 mmWeight1.6 lb / 735 g (with battery, recording media)
