In the first of a two-part review series, DOP Ash Connaughton tests the Fujifilm GFX100S – starting with the camera’s IBIS and autofocus capabilities SHOOTING STRAIGHT ADVERTI SEMENT FEATURE | FUJ I F I LM
perspective is also perfect for mid-length and portrait shots. The larger sensor just gives images a certain look that oozes quality and charm. So, I was excited to get my hands on it for a new project with director, Jay Mansell. The premise involved a single- take tracking shot of an actress delivering a long monologue, before being interrupted by another character. I originally planned to use my Ursa G2 with a gimbal, but I'd heard about the GFX with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) and decided to forgo my gimbal. Instead, I put this new camera’s IBIS and autofocus functionality to the ultimate test: a film with no scene cuts. So, can you rely on the GFX100S when you have no safety shot? The short answer is: yes. The shot was relatively simple, walking backwards and handholding the camera in a makeshift rig, as the actress strolled towards me. I used a GF80mm f/1.7 R WR lens – the world’s fastest medium format lens, giving about the same angle of view as a 63mm on full-frame and 45mm on Super-35, so it was relatively tight for a walking handheld shot! The lens has nine rounded diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh and is very sharp, even when shooting wide open at f/1.7. It’s also weather-sealed, like the body.
THE FUJIFILM GFX100S is a small camera making a big noise in the world of filmmaking. In 16:9 shooting mode, the sensor used to capture the image is slightly larger than the Arri Alexa 65, yet – at 900g (1.98lb) body only and £5499 – is a tenth of the weight and a fraction of the cost. The result is a medium format camera fit for Hollywood DOPs, and made accessible to working pros. But it’s not just for sweeping vistas and wide-angled depth-of-field, as this
LEFT The GFX100S IBIS allowed Ash Connaughton to capture smooth handheld footage
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