Photography News | Issue 41 | absolutephoto.com
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Bigger is beautiful Fujifilm’s X-series system transformed the world of photography, offering full-frame image quality from a smaller APS-C format sensor. Not one to rest on its laurels Fujifilm has launched the medium-format GFX system, to offer pros and enthusiasts the chance of ultimate picture quality
The FujifilmGFX 50S at a glance
GFX50S body only £6199, GF63mmf/2.8 RWR £1399, GF32-64mmf/4RLMWR £2199, GF120mmf/4RLMOISWRMacro £2599 51.4megapixels, 14-bit sensor ISO 100-12,800, expandable to ISO50- 102,400 360secs-1/4000sec, 1/16,000sec (electronic shutter) Continuous up to 3fps, single, remote, self-timer Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot, averagemetering 3.2inmonitor, aspect ratio 4:3, approx. 2,360k-dot tilt-type, touchscreen colour LCD 0.5in EVF approx. 3,690k-dot OLED showing 100% Autofocusingwith contrast detect sensorwithmodes including face detection, live view, single point, multi- area, continuous, single shot
Announced last year, the Fujifilm GFX medium-format camera system is now officially launched and will be available in-store from this March. On offer will be the GFX 50S camera, three lenses and key system accessories. It’s a high-performance, compact camera system rich in user- friendly features and capable of delivering incredible results. Furthermore, with a dust- and weather-resistant build, the camera and lenses will continue performing unfazed in challenging situations. At the heart of the system is theGFX50S, a 51.4-megapixel mirrorless camera similar in size and weight to a full- frame camera body. It uses a 43.8x32.9mm CMOS sensor with a conventional Bayer pixel configuration working in conjunction with the Fujifilm X-Processor Pro image processing engine. This leading edge processor enables fast start-up, cuts shutter lag to the absolute minimum, enables quickautofocusinganddelivers criticallygood imagequality. This means stunning, low-noise results throughout the native ISO 100-12,800 range and beyond, and the creative option of Fujifilm’s renowned Film Simulation modes that include Acros for mood-laden black & white pictures and a new Color Chrome setting. These modes can be used in combination with the camera’s Full HD recording mode. For still shooting, there’s 14-bit Raw and JPEG shooting including super-fine JPEGs, or both at the same time, with images being recorded onto a pair of SD card slots. The largest Raw file gives an image measuring 8256x6192pixels. At the standard photo resolution of 300ppi, this means a print size of 27.5x20.6in without any interpolation in editing software. If you want even bigger prints, the GFX’s files are
so detail-rich that massive critically sharp enlargements are readily achievable. Another great option made possible by the medium- format sensor is capturing different image formats in- camera without sacrificing file size. For example, shooting a landscape with the panoramic 65:24 format gives a 25MB file that opens up to 8256x3048pixel image or an equivalent 27.5x10in print. If you want to exploit the 1:1 square format for dynamic portraits, file sizes measure 38MB with 300ppi print measuring 20.8in square. Superlative image quality and versatility comes froma camera that offers fast, intuitive handling. The design and layout of the controls is very clear and the inclusion of a sub-monitor on the top-plate lets the user keep track of key camera settings without having to check through the viewfinder or use the monitor. The EVF features a 3690k-dot OLED for a crystal-clear image and 100% of the actual picture area is shown. It’s removable should you want to keep weight to a minimum or it can be swapped for the optional Tilting Adaptor EVF- TL1 for a different viewing experience. The rear 2360k-dot 3.2in monitor tilts in three directions and has smart touch functionality. It can be used for focus point selection and even touch shooting. A double tap gives an enlarged live view image for a critical focus check while in preview mode you can swipe through images, pinch for an enlarged viewor double tap for a 100% blow-up. The advanced autofocus system uses a 117-point system in an 9x13 array or 425 smaller points arranged in a 17x25 grid covering the same image area. Different zone settings – 3x3, 5x5 or 7x7 – are available and in single or smaller zone
settings the working area can be moved around with the focus lever joystick on the camera rear. Take a picture and the low vibration shutter makes the exposure with a low-pitched sound. The minimal shutter shock is a key factor in helping to achieve excellent picture quality. The focal plane shutter is built for a minimum of 150,000 actuations and there is the option of an electronic or a mechanical shutter. The speed range is 60mins to 1/4000sec with the mechanical shutter and the top speed is 1/16,000sec with the electronic option. Flash sync with both shutter types is 1/125sec. With such a highly featured camera and the promise of six lenses by the end of 2017, the GFX system will shake up the world of medium-format photography in the same way that the X-series system did for APS-C and 35mm image- making when it was launched six years ago. Without a doubt we can look forward to very exciting times ahead. The GFX system will shake up the world of medium-format photography in the same way that the X-series did for APS-C and 35mm image making
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