Photography News Issue 41

Photography News | Issue 41 | absolutephoto.com

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Fujifilmgo bigger

Fujifilm’s intention to launch its GFX medium-format camera system in 2017 was announced last year at Photokina and, right on cue, here it is. The 51.4-megapixel GFX 50S is the first camera in the systemand it will be available fromMarch together with three lenses. Specific price details were unavailable last year. “At Photokina we said that the price would be well under $10K,” says Adrian Clarke, managing director, Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Europe. “In the UK the GFX 50S with 63mm standard lens, EVF, and other accessories will sell at £7600 which we think is very reasonable in the medium-format market.” He continues to explain the thinking behind the new product: “Some people have asked why we have taken this route, and the big question has been: why not full-frame format? We thought immediately that those who bought our X-series cameras and lenses would be mightily upset if we brought out a full-frame camera system, a betrayal of our APS-C customers. “We also didn’t think the leap in quality fromAPS-C to 35mm full-frame would be that great given the strength of our X-lenses and X-Trans sensor. “So that is why we thought we should do something different, something that performs at a much, much

higher level in terms of resolution and dynamic range but that is roughly the same size as a full-frame DSLR. That is why we went the medium-format route.” The camera sensor measures 43.8x32.9mm and is a conventional Beyer 2x2 array unit, not the random 6x6 pixel array of the company’s X-Trans sensor, and there is no optical low-pass filter. The sensor works with the X-Processor Pro image processing engine that features film simulation modes, including a new Color Chrome option, and gives an ISO range that tops out at 102,400, with ISO 12,800 being the top native ISO. The sensor’s size means it is very versatile too. You get 51.4 megapixels with the default 4:3 format but other formats are selectable. You may prefer to crop images in post-processing but the GFX 50S gives the option of using different formats at the time of capture and you still get large file sizes. So, for example, if you fancied shooting the 1:1 square format portraits the file sizewould still be 38-megapixels or if youwant to shoot 35mm ratio, ie 3:2, the files would be 45 megapixels. We will be testing the GFX 50S soon but meanwhile there is a detailed hands-on report that includes discussion on the camera’s key features in this issue.

fujifilm.eu/uk

Building on the DSLR-style viewfinder and dial-based operation design of the X-T10, Fujifilm has launched the X-T20; it’s a 24.3-megapixel mirrorless camera that can shoot great stills as well as both Full HD and 4K video. It is due in stores from 23 February. The camera is centred on an X-Trans CMOS III sensor with a native ISO range of 200 to 12,800 and that is expandable to ISO 51,200 at the high-speed end. Ideal whether you are shooting static or fast-moving subjects the X-T20 has an improved AF algorithm offering better accuracy especially with finely textured subjects. Also an AF-C custom settings option lets you choose one of five AF-C presets to suit the movement of your subject. The AF boasts 91 focusing points in a 13x7 array, 42 more than the X-T10, and if you prefer there is the option to use 325 AF points. To suit different subjects, situations and personal preferences, the AF system be set to use a single zone, a small number of zones or all 91 leaving the camera to decide what to focus on. Versatility is increased further with options for face detection. The X-T20 is available in black or silver for £799 body only, or you can purchase it with the XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens for £899, or with the XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens for £1099. Fujifilm’s latest mirrorlessmodel

Premiumquality in apremiumcompact

Prime time for Fujifilm The Fujifilm XF50mm f/2 R WR is the 24th member of the X-series optical collection and joins the existing XF23mm f/2 and XF35mm f/2 to offer a trio of compact, fast aperture primes that are ideal for travel and general photography. The XF50mm f/2 R WR offers the 35mm equivalent focal length of 76mm so it is a short telephoto and weighs just 200g. Weather and dust resistant the lens can operate in temperatures down to -10°C thanks to its robust design. Optically it promises much too. Featuring nine lens elements in seven groups, as well as an aspherical ED lens both spherical and chromatic aberrations are eliminated. This lens will be available from 23 February in black and silver for £449.

Fujifilm has added the X100F to its range of premium compacts. Improving on the X100S released in 2013 and the X100T in 2014, the X100F features a 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor with no low-pass filter and a high-speed processing engine, the X-Processor Pro. With an approximate start-up time of just 0.5 seconds, a shutter release time lag of 0.01 seconds and an autofocus that works at 0.08 seconds Fujifilm’s X100F is a speedy compact. With Fujifilm’s AdvancedHybrid Viewfinder the X100F gives you the option of switching between an optical or electronic viewfinder as you please. The X100F also features Film Stimulation modes which have been developed with Fujifilm’s philosophy of colour reproduction; new is the addition of an Acros mode which offers deep blacks and textures for monochrome images with a distinctive style. Design-wise the X100F includes a built-in ISO dial, as well as a focus lever allowing you to change the focus area without having to remove your eye from the viewfinder. The AF system uses 91 AF points with the option of going to 325 smaller

points. The central 49 AF points, covering around 40% of the image area, feature phase detection pixels for precise, very swift AF. Its high-performance Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens has a built-in ND filter, a new Control Ring and an aperture ring. The Control Ring lets you assign functions, such as ISO or Film Simulation, so you can access your most-used shooting modes with ease. When used with the Fujifilm Camera Remote app you can transfer your images and Full HD videos to your smartphone or tablet thanks to Wi-Fi and shoot remotely. The X100F is available from 16 February inblack or silver for £1249.