Fujifilm has announced a firmware update for its GFX 100 camera that adds Pixel Shift and Multi-Shot functions. The camera combines with newly-announced software to combine 16 RAW images into a single 400-megapixel image.

The Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function automatically records 16 frames with a single shutter release, shifting GFX100’s image sensor at ultra-high precision at each frame. GFX100’s IBIS mechanism is used to precisely control the movements of the image sensor. Then, the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function produces a single 400MP image, from these frames using the new dedicated software “Pixel Shift Combiner.”

Generally, an image sensor records only red (R), green (G), or blue (B) information with each of its pixels. Information about the other two colors is estimated and complemented based on information from surrounding pixels. The Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function automatically takes images while shifting the camera’s image sensor to record information about all three colors for each of its pixels, thereby allowing accurate color reproduction and delivering an advanced level of image resolution to capture the finest details.

With this new feature, Fujifilm says that images can be created that “faithfully reproduce nearly every detail” and “achieve optimal image quality with 400 megapixels of resolution.”

The Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function is ideal for digital archiving, as it can photograph colors, textures, and other fine details of a wide variety of items including precious cultural assets to present them accurately, even the atmosphere they exude, but also for commercial photographers who need resolution and accuracy.
As expected, increasing the pixel count dramatically balloons the file size. A JPEG of the original 100-megapixel file is a hefty 51.5 megabytes. The 400-megapixel version is a whopping 204.9 megabytes and took considerably more time to work within Adobe Photoshop.

In addition to the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot feature, Fujifilm made a few other changes to the GFX100 in Firmware Version 3.00. First, ratings to images recorded in the [Jpeg + RAW] mode are applied to both Jpeg and RAW files now. The company also resolved a phenomenon wherein multiple-flash shooting scenarios where the EF-X500 is used as a commander, flashes in some groups sometimes didn’t fire correctly. The company also promises that the accuracy of the Eye AF function for the front eye has been improved. Fujifilm also lists that they addressed other “minor bugs.”

You can download firmware version 3.00 for the GFX 100 as well as the new Pixel Shift Combiner program on Fujifilm’s website.