Photography News Issue 41

Photography News | Issue 41 | absolutephoto.com

Camera test 38

Inassociation FujifilmGFX 50S At a special launch event held at the Althorp Estate, we got the chance to experience and shoot with Fujifilm’s GFX medium-format system for this preview

Specs

Price GFX 50S body £6199, GF63mm f/2.8 R WR £1399, GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR £2199, GF120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro £2599 Sensor 51.4 megapixels, 14-bit capture Sensor format 43.8x32.9mm Bayer array with primary colour filter with Raw and JPEG capture, no OLPF ISORange ISO 100-12,800, expandable to ISO 50-102,400 Shutter range 360secs-1/4000sec, 1/16,000sec (electronic shutter) Drivemodes Continuous up to 3fps, single, remote, self-timer Metering system Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot, average Exposuremodes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV in 0.3EV steps, autobracketing available to +/-5EV in 2, 3, 5, 7 frames Monitor 3.2in, aspect ratio 4:3, approx. 2,360K-dot tilt-type, touchscreen colour LCD EVF 0.5in approx. 3,690K-dots OLED showing 100%. Built-in eye sensor Focusing AF with contrast detect sensor with modes including face detection, live view, single point, multi-area, continuous, single shot Focus points 117 in a 13x9 array, 425 possible Video Full HD 1920x1080) 29.97p/ 25p/24p/23.98p 36Mbps up to Approx. 30 min. HD (1280x720) 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 18Mbps up to approx 30min Connectivity Micro HDMI, USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Storage media Dual SD card slots Dimensions (wxhxd) 147.5x94.2x91.4mm Weight Body approx. 920g Contact fujifilm.eu/uk

Words and pictures by Will Cheung

The world of medium-format digital imaging has recently changed forever and in a very exciting way. First with the arrival of the Hasselblad X1D system and more recently with the Fujifilm GFX system launch. Both are mirrorless systems that offer key advantages, notably in respect of bodyform – no flipping mirror means bodies can be made more compact and lightweight. The two companies have taken different approaches, though, with Hasselblad going for a lens shutter- based system that has the benefit of flash sync at all shutter speeds while Fujifilm uses a focal plane shutter which means lighter lenses. The first Fujifilm GFX camera is the 50S and I got the chance to get hands-on at the system’s UK launch. Three lenses were also available, the 63mm f/2.8 standard, 23-46mm f/4 and 120mm f/4 macro. I started with the GFX 50S in combination with the 63mm f/2.8 standard lens – this is equivalent to a 50mm lens in the 35mm format. This duo weighs in at 1230g. For reference, a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

with 50mm f/1.4 lens is 1180g and a Nikon D810 with 50mm f/1.8 tips the scales at 1165g. In other words, the GFX 50S’s weight is broadly comparable to a 35mm full-frame DSLR. But weight is one thing and bulk another and the GFX 50S is more chunky than a DSLR and the extended back area enhances that feeling; but it is not a negative thing and the handling of the camera rates highly. This is after using it for two hours and a longer acquaintance might give a different opinion. Right now, my overall impression is very positive, from the control layout, the touchscreen and nice little touches like the ISO and shutter speed dial that gently slope inwards, bowl-like. Power up the camera and it is ready to go inwell under one second. Start-up time is comparable to most cameras and very much quicker than the Hasselblad X1D which is around 10secs. Push the shutter release and you get a low-pitched, solid sound. Fujifilm makes a big deal about the lack of shutter shock to maximise image quality and it is the case that

vibration is minimal. Shutter lag is minimal too. One of the scenarios we shot evolved two dancers leaping around with polythene sheeting and lit with flash (image above). Naturally the aim was to take the shot at the peak of the dancers’ leap. Focus was locked with partial depression of the shutter release, which helps minimise shutter lag, with full depression at the right point. I took four shots watching the dancers intently to gauge the right moment to push the shutter button. I treated the Fujifilm camera as I would my usual Nikon and pushed the shutter button a tiny fraction before what I thought was the peak of the leap. Three were spot on in terms of the dancers’ positioning and the fourth one was slightly late which was user error, of course. Impressive: lag was minimal. There are plenty of lovely touches to enhance the handling experience. The sub-LCD monitor on the top- plate means you are informed of key camera settings without having to look at the rear monitor or look through the viewfinder. It certainly makes life easier during tripod use.

There are plenty of lovely touches to enhance the handlingexperience

See the GFX-50S

Above The GFX 50S with 32-64mm f/4 lens was fitted on a tripod with the shutter release partially depressed to lock focus and the button pushed all the way down when the dancers reached the peak of their leap. The shutter lag was minimal so accurately timing the shot was easy. The exposure was 1/125sec at f/13 and ISO 200. Lighting was provided by five mains flash units, two fitted with brollies and three with grids.

Calumet will be holding GFX days in their London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow stores where you will be able to get hands on with the new medium- format system. Give them a ring on 0333 003 5000 or pop into one of their stores to find out more.

calphoto.co.uk 0333 003 5000