First test
“ I FOUND THE GFX100RF’S EVF TO BE BRIGHT, SHARP AND RESPONSIVE ”
SPECS › Image formats 14-/16-bit Raw, JPEG, 10-bit HEIF, 8-/16-bit TIFF (in-camera Raw conversion only) › Storage media Single SD/SDHC/ SDXC card, UHS-II compatible › ISO range Stills: 80 to 12,800, expanded 40 to 102,400 equivalent in 1/3 steps. Video: 100 to 12,800, expanded to 25,600 equivalent in 1/3 steps › Lens Focal length: 35mm (28mm equivalent). Max aperture: f/4. Construction: ten elements in eight groups › Shutter Mechanical: 30secs to 1/4000sec (P and A modes), 60mins to 1/4000sec (S/M mode). Electronic: 30secs to 1/16,000sec (P and A modes), 60mins to 1/16,000sec (S/M mode). Flash sync at all mechanical shutter speeds. Bulb up to 60mins › Exposure system PASM, TTL 256-zone metering: multi, spot, average and centre- weighted options › Exposure compensation Stills: +/-5EV in 0.3EV steps. Video: +/-2EV in 0.3EV steps › Monitor 3.15in tilt-type touch panel, 2.10m dots › Viewfinder 0.5in OLED, 5.76m dots › Focusing Intelligent hybrid AF with 425 selectable AF points, single and continuous modes. All, single point, zone and wide/ tracking options, face/eye detection, subject detection for animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles and bikes, airplanes and trains › Drive modes Mechanical: up to 6fps. Electronic: up to 3fps. Bracketing options: AE, Film Simulation, dynamic range, ISO sensitivity, white-balance, focus › Film Simulation modes Provia/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, Astia/Soft, Classic Chrome, Reala Ace, Pro Neg Hi, Pro Neg Std, Classic Neg, Nostalgic Neg, Eterna/Cinema, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Acros (stand-alone or with Y, R or G filter), Black & White (stand-alone or with Y, R or G filter), Sepia. Other modes: Monochromatic Colour, Grain Effect, Colour Chrome Effect, Colour Chrome Blue, Smooth Skin Effect 29.97p, 3840x2160 (4K 16:9) at 29.97p, 2048x1080 (Full HD 17:9) at 59.94p, 1920x1080 (Full HD 16:9) at 59.94p › Battery One NP-W235 Li-ion › Connectivity HDMI Type D, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone and mic sockets, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth › Dimensions (wxhxd) 133.5x90.4x76.5mm › Weight 735g (with card and battery) › Video (max frame rates) 4096x2160 (DCI 4K 17:9) at
CITY SENSING Roaming around Prague proved a robust test for the GFX100RF, capturing the colourful Lennon Wall (top), close-ups of nutria noses (above left) and stark station shadows (above right). The medium format camera also performed well when creating backlit portraits (right) and expansive panoramas (below)
excellent detail reproduction and lovely fall-off. The new chip brings AI subject recognition that can detect various animals and vehicles, with improved tracking. My hit rate on moving targets was excellent, making for a good experience on the street. The lens on the GFX100RF is a newly developed 35mm f/4 fixed prime. Like the X100VI, it uses an external focus mechanism, which means weather sealing is only achievable with added kit. This kit is included in the box, but adds bulk. When combined with the high-resolution sensor, the minimum focus distance of 20cm results in decent on-the-go macro capabilities.
Another big draw with this lens is its leaf shutter, which is not only quiet, but also able to sync flash right up to its fastest speed of 1/4000sec. This lens is wonderfully sharp across the frame. There’s some barrel distortion to speak of, but it’s nothing that can’t easily be fixed in post. When combined with the medium format sensor, its f/4 aperture creates beautiful bokeh. But, in the absence of IBIS, as soon as the light dips you’re reliant on the sensor as ISO increases to compensate. I found the GFX100RF’s EVF to be bright, sharp and responsive during my time with it. The camera also includes a two-way tilt touchscreen.
Could it have done with the extra tilt for portrait orientation? Maybe for some, but I didn’t miss it. Speaking of the LCD brings me neatly to the GFX100RF’s video features. The camera offers 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit video with a base ISO of 100. It’s also possible to record in F-Log2, which offers 13+ stops of dynamic range. Furthermore, the digital stabilisation feature helps correct shaky handheld footage. All in all, the GFX100RF is another fantastic step forward for medium format cameras. Just a few years ago, it was a cumbersome format reserved for professionals with complicated studio set-ups, so it’s amazing how far it’s come since. Those who can afford it should certainly take a look. With its big sensor, high resolution and compact size, it’s a viable Leica alternative.
Verdict The Fujifilm GFX100RF is portable, pretty and very capable, forming a fantastic everyday companion for on- the-go photographers. All that comes at a high price though – and that price will be the build quality, good resolution, advanced autofocus, image quality, speed CONS Price, no IBIS, lack of hybrid viewfinder main barrier for most. PROS Portability, looks,
Issue 121 | Photography News 43
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