First impressions using the new Fujifilm GFX 100 RF medium format camera
Let ua start this short review with the specifications of the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF.
Testing
Yesterday, at a Fujifilm X-DEN event in Düsseldorf, I got the opportunity to use for 60 minutes the new medium format camera GFX 100 RF. Most professional and ambient hobby photographer are hyping the full format camera systems and sensors as the best of the best, but this 102-megapixel sensor is a totally different class. The rich details and low noise are impressive. I am always telling everyone, if he wants to hear it or not, that the Fujifilm X-PRO3 is the perfect camera for me and my style of taking photos. The GFX 100 RF is different but also not. It´s the view finder style of camera that attracts me so much. First thing I did, I switched of the backside LCD screen. I learned to take images without constant control. A great side effect is the reduced power consumption.
The GFX 100 RF is just a little bit bigger than the X-PRO3 and I am impressed how they have been able to integrate the 102 MP sensor in that small housing. I have been reading in some user blogs that people believe it´s impossible to use a medium format camera without IBIS. All my life I have been using cameras without IBIS and many unstabilized lenses. With the right camera speed and lens diaphragm settings I had never an issue with unsharp images. Even using tele lenses +200mm, with the heigh weight of the lens and body, you hold your breath and take wonderful sharp images with many details.
So, my answer to those people believing no IBIS in the GFX 100 RF is a big mistake, you are wrong. It is perfectly possible to take outstanding images, even at difficult light conditions, as you can see on my sample images, with the IBIS free Fujifilm GFX 100 FR.
The autofocus system of Fujifilm Cameras is also often under question. Already with the 5-year-old Fujifilm X-PRO3 I am very happy with the speed and reliability of the autofocus system. The GFX 100 RF is using the newest Fujifilm autofocus algorithms. In combination with the 35mm f4 lens (FF 28mm) the autofocus is extreme fast and silent. All in all, a great performance of lens and camera.
I discussed some weeks ago with another experienced Fujifilm photographer I met at the Fujifilm X-DEN showroom. He has been using the Fujifilm X-100 VI for his travel photography. For sure a great, lightweight choice as always on camera during a lot of travel photography situations. He told me, after him using the GFX 100 FR for an hour, that this would not be possible to him with the new camera. His arguments have been, too big, too heavy, too slow and no IBIS.
Sorry, I fully disagree. The Fujifilm GFX 100 FR is to me a perfect travel companion. Small enough, heavy enough so IBIS is not needed and with a resolution one can only dream of. I want to take images in India on one of the street markets with all the colorful spices, herbs. vegetables and fruits with their detailed textures. This image must be an explosion, and you can explore so many details you would have missed on the first view. As well landscapes pictures of the rice fields in Japan with all the details and shades of green or even during a sunset over the clouds photographed from the window of an airplane during takeoff.
The Fujifilm GFX 100 FR medium format camera is the perfect travel camera for the experienced and demanding photographer.
Verdict
I had only 60 minutes time to explore the Fujifilm GFX 100 FR, but I am already convinced not only by the great images I took but also by the well-balanced weight and haptic of this unique camera. Please judge yourself the image quality, knowing that this blog is compressing the images, but if you drop me a DM I will give you access to the full high-resolution images on an FTP Link.
I hope I get soon an opportunity to review this medium format camera for a longer time, testing the different format settings and “crop zoom” capabilities in the daily street photography situation.
