Fujifilm Launches the GFX100RF Medium Format Fixed Lens Camera
FUJIFILM announced the launch of its GFX100RF mirrorless digital camera. The GFX100RF is the first digital camera with a fixed lens in the history of the GFX System. Like all GFX System cameras, GFX100RF incorporates a large-format image sensor, approximately 1.7 times larger than a typical 35mm full-frame sensor.
“GFX100RF redefines portability for the GFX System,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “This camera is an incredible mashup between our Straight Out of Camera philosophy and GFX System’s More Than Full Frame persona because it bridges image quality with our legendary color reproduction. With GFX100RF, we’re able to offer high-resolution, large format images in a small, easy-to-carry package.”
Fujifilm’s design goal was to make the GFX100RF as compact as feasible while yet providing photographers with tools to take advantage of the huge, high-resolution sensor. To that purpose, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 and the camera lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but it does have a zoom rocker and a specialized aspect ratio dial, both of which rely on the sensor’s high resolution sensor.
The GFX100RF weighs only 735 grams, making it the lightest camera Fujifilm has ever created in the GFX range.
The rocker enables photographers to digitally tele-convert their field of vision to zoom into different focal lengths at the expense of some quality. From its native 35mm focal length (28mm in 35mm format), the angle of vision can be adjusted in three stages to 45mm (36mm in 35mm format), 63mm (50mm in 35mm format), and 80mm (63mm in 35mm format). The dedicated aspect ratio slider allows users to effortlessly swap between the camera’s multiple aspect ratios. On that topic, GFX100RF now supports two more aspect ratios: “3:4” and “17:6”. The camera also has a new Surround View mode, which shows the region outside the image range as a semi-transparent frame that acts as a reference for the specified aspect ratio. Even when shooting in these magnified views, it only impacts the JPEG; if RAW is also shot, the complete frame is preserved.
The camera features a new 35mm f/4 fixed focal length lens (a 28mm full-frame equivalent) created specifically for the GFX100RF. According to the business, using a leaf shutter system instead of a focal plane shutter system shortens the back focus distance, resulting in a considerable reduction in total size. Additionally, the leaf shutter is extremely silent and does not shake the camera nearly as much as a focal plane shutter, which Fujifilm claims makes it easier to hand-hold images at slower shutter speeds even without IBIS.
The lens consists of ten elements grouped in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses. Fujifilm claims that a newly developed nano-GI coating designed for lenses with high curvature was applied to the lens to reduce internal reflections. Photographers can focus as near as 7.9 inches (20 centimeters) from the front of the lens.
According to the company, combining the 102 megapixel CMOS II HS image sensor and X-Processor 5 image processing engine improves dynamic range and low-light performance while also giving additional improvements in peripheral image quality and autofocus (AF) accuracy. On that topic, Fujifilm claims the GFX100RF has an AF prediction function and face/eye AF to recognize a wide range of things, including animals, automobiles, birds, and airplanes. Video recording allows for tracking by touching the rear LCD.
The camera can shoot in 4Kp30 4:2:2 10-bit F-Log2 and is compatible with Frame.io camera-to-cloud technology. The GFX100RF incorporates the X100 series’ built-in ND filter design, with Fujifilm noting that the 4-stop ND is the first to be integrated in a GFX camera.
The EVF is located to the left of the camera’s center to simulate a rangefinder experience, however it is a standard design. The finder boasts a magnification of 0.84x and 5.76 million dots, giving photographers a high-resolution view of their subjects.
The camera includes two SD card slots, a microphone and headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a mini HDMI port.
The GFX100RF comes with a PRF-49 protective filter, which, when combined with the dedicated and included adapter ring, makes the camera dust and leak proof. The lens also has an aluminum lens hood and a rope-style shoulder strap.
The Fujifilm GFX100RF will be available in silver and black, with shipping beginning in late April, and will cost $4,899.95.
