Big test
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE This set of uncompressed 16-bit Raw images was taken in manual mode. I also created sets in different compression modes (there’s lossless and compressed options, as well as uncompressed) and in 14-bit.
14-bit Raw. Subsequent exposure corrections were made in Lightroom. The GFX100S’s Raws cope expertly with exposure abuse. Shots within +2EV to -4EV recover well, comparing favourably with correctly exposed shots. The -4EV shot displays a minimal increase in digital noise.
-3EV
-2EV
-1EV
When autoexposure bracketing is used, the camera automatically sets
THEGFX100S RAWS COPE EXPERTLYWITH EXPOSURE ABUSE
0EV
+1EV
+2EV
+3EV
IMAGES The Fujifilm GFX100S underexposed and overexposed 14-bit or 16-bit Raws corrected well. This was especially true of underexposed images, displaying minimal noise upon correction
Raw capture is possible in 14-bit, 16-bit and three compression modes: uncompressed, lossless compression and compressed. Generally, uncompressed 14-bit and 16-bit Raws take up 210MB, compressed Raws about 70-90MB, and lossless compressed Raws somewhere in-between. JPEG options include super fine, fine and normal. Typically, super fine JPEGs took up 40-60MB. The dual SD card slots configure, either to back up or fill sequentially. Crucially, if you’re anticipating lots of photography, prepare plenty of cards. The GFX100S is not an action camera, but still claims continuous shooting at 5fps. I tested this with a SanDisk Extreme Pro SD 300MB/s card, using the mechanical shutter. In 14-bit lossless compressed Raw, I got 17 frames at close to 6fps, before the camera buffered for about 25 seconds. In fine-quality JPEG, I managed 75 shots at this shooting rate, while using Raw and super-fine JPEGs together, I produced 13 shots in continuous mode. Handling this amount of data, the shooting rate is good – you only get 3fps with the 50-megapixel GFX50S/R. I’ve already covered the IBIS system in terms of size and Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode, but I also examined its steadying performance. Shooting video, smooth handheld footage is possible with, and without, the system. In movie mode, the default option comprises IBIS with optical image stabilisation (OIS), and there is also the combined
Final word Verdict
Medium format photography is not for everyone... that’s not news. And smaller digital formats are remarkably good. Nonetheless, there is something special about a larger format camera, from capture – where you might slow down and not machine gun away – through to making big prints. In this respect, the Fujifilm GFX system has so much to offer. The GFX100S is a remarkable camera. It’s expensive, but the 102-megapixel resolution is good enough that you won’t feel the need to upgrade any time soon. This isn’t a one-trick pony – its size, IBIS, movie features, handling and system combine to make this camera a compelling proposition for photographers looking to enjoy the delights of a larger sensor.
THEGFX100S IS NOT ANACTION CAMERA, BUT STILL CLAIMS CONTINUOUS SHOOTINGAT 5FPS
option of IBIS/OIS with digital image stabilisation. This creates a slight crop in 4K, but works very well. For stills, using IBIS and the 80mm f/1.7 lens, I happily shot at 1/4sec with the mechanical shutter. On a 64GB card, you can record for 40 minutes in 4K/29.97p. I let the camera run at those settings, filling one card, replacing it, then repeating the process. The body warmed, but there was no overheating warning. About 30 minutes into the second recording, the NP-W235 battery expired. The X-T4 uses the same cell and it has good capacity. For stills, test shots filled two 64GB cards, and the indicator remained half full. There’s no charger in the box, but a mains adapter with USB-C lead enables in-camera charging. A power bank also works well. WC
24 /25
FEATURES Its high, 102-megapixel count is the headline feature, but there’s plenty more on offer HANDLING The camera handles well shooting handheld or on a tripod. Monitor design is neat, too PERFORMANCE The GFX100S produces very high-quality pictures, even at high ISOs VALUE FOR MONEY Saying a £5499 camera is top value doesn’t sound right, but the GFX100S is top value! OVERALL The GFX100S is an outstanding camera in so many ways. For its countless features and performance, its a remarkable product
24 /25
24 /25
ABOVE The pictures using the GFX100S are remarkably detailed, but optimum results naturally require good camera technique. This image was shot with the GF100-200mm f/5.6 telezoom lens
24 /25
96 /100
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
PROS Image quality, ISO performance, Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode, price and compact nature CONS Small native exposure compensation button
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
30 Photography News | Issue 87
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