Big test
Big test FujifilmGFX100S
PRICE: £5499
FUJIFILM.EU/UK
Fujifilm’s latest medium format camera brings a sky-high megapixel count in a body that’s the size of a full-frame DSLR. Passing this test with aplomb, the GFX100S promises to be a really special camera
X-Processor 4 housed in the GFX100, a body costing £9999. However, unlike that model, the new camera is more compact and 500g lighter. In fact, placing the GFX100S alongside 35mm DSLRs – such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850 – it compares very favourably in terms of size and weight. Fujifilm has done incredibly well at reducing the size of key components on the GFX100S. The new camera boasts IBIS, but the unit is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than that in the GFX100. On top of that, it’s more effective. It claims a 6EV benefit with most GF lenses – the exceptions being the 250mm f/4 and 100-200mm f/5.6, where the benefit is 5.5EV. The new shutter mechanism is also 22% smaller and 16% lighter than that of the GFX100, plus there’s a new shock-absorbing structure to shorten release time lag. It’s easy to get caught up with the physical attributes of the GFX100S, but there is much more to get excited about. In particular, the camera’s imaging skills are truly impressive. Its 102-megapixel resolution produces files opening up to 11,648x8736 pixels – and there’s the option of 14-bit or 16-bit capture. At 300ppi, this creates incredibly detailed prints, measuring 98.6x73.9cm, or 38.8x29in, without any software interpolation. That’s amazing in itself, but you can go much further shooting a static subject with a solid tripod – as the camera is equipped with Pixel Shift
WORDS AND IMAGES BY WILL CHEUNG
FUJIFILM INTRODUCED ITS GFX system to bring medium format digital photography to a wider audience. It’s fair to say that the brand has been fully committed to the cause, offering photographers plenty of choice. It’s also shaken up the market with aggressive pricing. Before this new arrival, there were three GFX cameras – each very different in terms of design. The GFX50S was quite boxy, and presented the option of a slide-on EVF, while the GFX50R had an offset EVF – more akin to the brand’s classic rangefinder film cameras. Meanwhile, the GFX100 had a deep body, incorporating a vertical handgrip. It was the first model in the family to boast in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). Unsurprisingly, the GFX100S inherits key features and design aspects from its relations, but there’s also plenty of innovation. On the one hand, it shares the same 102-megapixel sensor and
IT’S ALMOST AS IF THEGFX100S WASDESIGNED FORMYHAND, WITH THEDEPTH JUST PERFECT
I’ve already mentioned the compact nature of the GFX100S. It’s even more impressive considering the sensor is 1.7x larger than 35mm full-frame. The body sits nicely in the hand, while a grip offering protruding thumb support at the back provides a firm hold. It’s almost as if the GFX100S was designed for my hand, with the depth just perfect. The grip is also deep enough that my fingers rest comfortably. My right thumb can switch quickly between the input dial, the restyled, dimpled focus lever and the AF-ON button, although the latter would preferably have more prominence. A slight handgrip adjustment is necessary to reach the Q button. At the business end, my forefinger sits nicely poised on the on/off button and shutter release. As such, being ready to shoot is fast and instinctive. The exposure
Multi-Shot mode. In this setting, the camera uses its IBIS system to move the sensor around, taking 16 shots that are merged in Fujifilm’s free software, Pixel Shift Combiner, to give DNG files. This way, it’s possible to produce huge, very impressive 400-megapixel images. There's no in- camera merging solution. Sorry to bombard you with all the figures, but these are impressive numbers. A merged DNG file is around 1.5GB and contains an image measuring 23,296x17,472 pixels – that is a 197x147cm print at 300ppi – and the quality is breathtaking! The GFX100S is well endowed for stills, but it also captures videos impressively. It’s possible to film 4K and 4K DCI at 29.97p/25p/24p in 100, 200 or 400Mbps, MOV4 or MP4 formats. There’s also 12-bit ProRes Raw recording, headphone, as well as microphone mini jack sockets and much more.
LEFT It’s possible to lock the GFX100S exposure mode/custom settings dial, if preferred. Thanks to the movie/stills switch, you don’t have to set or unset menu items, moving fluidly between the different capture modes
26 Photography News | Issue 87
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