Review of the NEW Fujifilm GFX 100 RF medium format camera
Introduction
How shall I start the in-depth review of the NEW medium format Fujifilm GFX 100 RF camera?
Traditional I take a new lens or camera to a photo safari and explore the IQ, haptic and overall performance. To me, next to the image quality, the haptic of a lens or camera is important to the creativity of my process of taking pictures to create “art”.
In this case, I want to start with some history. (Of course, you can skip this section and dive into the test chapters.)
After my long analog photography journey, I have started with the Nikon D1x and D2xs my digital photography with the APSC sensor format named DX at Nikon. Some years later I have upgraded on my Nikon D3 and D4 to a Full Frame sensor. Due to the bulky size of the Nikon D 1-4 range, I decided in 2019 to change the X-Range of Fujifilm. Those cameras, X-PRO2 and X-PRO3 are again equipped with APSC size sensors. Medium format cameras, analog and digital had always the stigma of big, heavy and very expensive. Perfect for indoor studio photography of fashion and luxury consumer products where extra-large advertisement prints are needed. Therefore, as enthusiastic semiprofessional Photographer I never considered to use a medium format camera.
To show the difference in size, surface, resolution and pixel size of the APSC (X-PRO3), Full Frame (Nikon/Canon) and Medium Format (GFX100RF) sensor, I have added the table below.
This has changed! I saw the market introduction of the new GFX 100 RF camera in the X-DEN Showroom of Fujifilm in Düsseldorf and made a 1h photo walk with this new type of camera. What can I tell you, this camera has caught me form the first shoot on. The 1h walk was too short to find out why this close feeling, I had till now only with the Nikon F2 and Fujifilm X-PRO3, came over me with the GFX 100 RF too.
One month ago, the Marketing Team of Fujifilm has been so kind to lend me a Medium Format Camera the GFX 100 RF for 30 days. My challenge for those 30 days has been to understand the strength and even possible weaknesses of this new camera and has this warm “coming home feeling”, I had experienced during the one-hour photo walk romance, a real foundation.
Specification
Expectations
The Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is a traditional View Finder Style camera. Traditional? The difference to my loved Fujifilm X-PRO 3 is the “only” electronic view finder. The X-PRO 3 has a combination of optical and electronic view finder. Let´s be honest, in 95+ % of the cases I am using the electronic view finder. Only in complex street photography situations, where it is an advantage if you can see more than the image field, I am using the optical view finder.
For these 30 days test of the GFX 100 RF I am planning to execute the following photo tasks.
1. Street photography with people street portraits
2. Low-light photography
3. Architectural
4. Interior design
5. Close-up
6. Crop zoom
and of course, shooting the test chart/landscape I have produced in 2021 to analyze and even compare lenses and cameras. On the test chart you can see resolution, color fringing, contrast, vignetting, distortions and those parameters at all possible aperture values. In this case I want to compare the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF with its fixed Fujinon 35mm f4 prime lens to my Fujifilm X-PRO 3 with the 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8 prime lens. An interesting comparison.
3D Test-Chart
Impressive, since I am testing lenses and cameras on my test chart, I have never seen such a well corrected lenses that is performing from f4 to f22 very good. In the range between f5.6 to f11 the lens is performing at the best. Typically, the performance of a lens is worst wide open, in the case of the fixed Fujinon 35mm at f4.
The optical performance of the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is even at f4 impressive. The center of the images is sharp, the resolution already very high. The variation to the corners absolute minimal. No color fringes are visible. Also, the optical geometrical correction of this lens is great, distortions are. To ensure that we are not blinded by any software correction within the camera processor, I converted on my MAC uncorrected the RAW images to a JPEGs. At the other end of the aperture range, f22 the smallest diaphragm opening with the 9 blades, which one typical use to create some sun stars, I noticed that the resolution is higher in the test chart image corners than in the center. This is of course complaining on a very high level. If you would compare the f22 image results with those of a 7Artisans 35mm f1.2 MK I at f16, the Fujinon 35mm f4 of the GFX 100 RF, is just perfect. The 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8, I used with my Fujifilm X-PRO 3 for this comparison, has at f16 has a good resolution all over the image surface but has much higher geometrical distortion which, of course, can be compensated within the processing software.
The level of details provided by the medium format sensor and the 102 mega pixel is painting a smile into the face of every photographer. It´s such a difference in resolution and manly details to the 26 mega pixels of the Fujifilm X-PRO 3. The new APSC generation of the X- Series has 40 mega pixels as used for the X-T5, X-T50 and X-E5. I described my findings, comparing all three sensors, in the section about low-light photography.
Comparison
I want to compare the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF (with Fujinon GF 35mm f4 fixed lens) with my Fujifilm X-PRO 3 with 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8.
The foundation for this comparison is my “old” 3D Test-Chart I have produced in 2021 during the Covid shut down. I shot with both cameras, using the RAW format to save on my MAC an uncorrected JPEG file.
Before someone “complains” in the comments, that this not a real camera test but for 80% a lens comparison, which is true and let´s be honest, we are comparing an approx. 5500€ Fujifilm GFX 100 RF including the fixed Fujinon GF 35mm f4 R lens with an 1800€ Fujifilm X-PRO3 and 150€ 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8 lens. The value comparison is almost 1:3 for the GFX 100 RF.
First thing that is obvious, as described in the 3D Test-Chart section, the geometrical distortions on the GFX 100 RF is minimal. This is very different on the combination Fujifilm X-PRO3 and 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8. The right side is off. This might be accelerated by a small miss alignment of the camera on the three pods but it´s clearly different from the good results of the Fujinon GF 35mm f4. Fujifilm has invested in engineering time to correct the lens optically excellent. For my comparison I have chosen to compare the lenses at f5.6. At aperture f5.6 most lenses, also these two, are at the maximum of their optical performance. On the 3D Test-Chart it is easy to see that both lenses are sharp all over the image without big variations. Of course, the details are much clearer and more visible on the GFX 100 RF image. To compare the details, I am watching the part of the image with the feathers. Fine lines and structures are printed with so many details on the screen. Another zone to see the performance of lens but also sensor is the metallic reflections on the ball pen shaft. The medium format camera is playing in another league. Still to be honest, in comparison the 150€ 7Artisans AF 27mm f2.8 is performing well for this low price and can compete with many, much more expensive Fujifilm or even Voigtländer lens. If you look carefully in the center of the 3D Test-Chart the 7Artisans lens is rendering a kind of three-dimensional impression. The center is virtually sticking out of the image. I name this character. Something that is seldom visible on very expensive lenses of the newest generation like the Fujinon GF 35mm f4. For a professional photographer lenses without character are easier for the job. They add the character in the post processing of the image on the computer in a RAW workflow. For a semiprofessional like me, who is not making a living on photography, I love lenses with character. I also like the processing in camera and do not want to spend hours on the computer.
The optical and sensor performance of the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is best in class.
Low-Light
The level of noise at higher ISO values is already low on the APSC sensor of the X-PRO 3. Even so, as you can see on the sensor comparison slide, the pixel size of the medium format and APSC sensor are the same 3.8µm, my impression is that the noise is even a bit lower on the GFX100RF. Perhaps a result of the latest version of image processing soft- and hard- ware. On a second thought the difference in noise could also be related to the difference between the GFX 100 RF Bayer CMOS II medium format sensor and X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor in the Fujifilm X-PRO 3. During my tests I made lately with the new Fujifilm X-E5 in low light photography at higher ISO vales during “out of the hand” shooting, resolution and image details are dropping drastically already at ISO 800. The same situation shot with the “only” 26 mega pixel X-PRO 3 and 40 mega pixel X-E5 results at bigger uncompressed RAW file size by at least 10-20% with the Fujifilm X-PRO 3. The explanation for this phenomenon is the pixel size of 3.03 µm of the 40 mega pixel APSC sensor of the X-E5. Smaller pixel size, less light collection at each pixel is asking for a higher amplification of the signal. Higher amplification is generating more noise. The noise reduction is happening in the sensor stream data processing hardware of the camera and results in less details and resolution in the RAW file. To me the new 40 mega pixel APSC X-Trans CMOS 5 sensor is a strong day light sensor, where he can outperform the 26 mega pixel sensor of the X-PRO 3. The Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is outperforming both X-Trans APSC sensors multiple times, impressive.
The handling of the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF, even without IBIS, for low-light shooting “out of the hand” is a big fun. The weight of the camera with the big sensor is making it easy to shoot even at 1/15s without unsharp pictures due to shaking hands. The minimal vibration by the central shutter is supporting this performance a lot.
I have noticed reading on some blogs and comments on the internet that some people believe that a medium format camera without IBIS is a no go. If I read some of the reasoning behind these statements I feel remembered to the young generation that can´t drive a car anymore without a navigation system.
I have never used an IBIS camera (except my iPhone) and I believe I made so many great pictures under even harsh or dark situations. In low-light and “out of the hand” shooting the camera weight is important (the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is well balanced and heavy enough), the right grip position and an additional hand supporting the camera bottom and lens. Advanced stabilization technics are leaning against a wall and if you want to get down to 1/10s and below breath out the air and hold it during shooting.
As on my Fujifilm X-PRO3 I have no need for IBIS on the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF, it´s perfect as it is. If you don´t believe me, visit the Fujifilm X-DEN in Düsseldorf and try the camera yourself.
Resolution
“One hundred and two mega pixels” to set this into perspective, my first big toe into the digital photography world has been a Canon Ixus with 2 mega pixels, I bought in the Duty Free at the Singapore airport Changi in 2000. As you might have noticed my preferred lenses to shoot street, portrait, landscape and close ups are a 23(35)mm, 35(52)mm and 50(75)mm (in brackets Full Frame focal length) prime lenses with a minimum of aperture f2. To me light sensible zoom lenses are too big and heavy and the smaller less light sensitive zoom lenses are missing a lot of bokeh capabilities.
With the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF you can use a so named “Crop Zoom”.
At 35(28)mm 102mp, 45(36)mm 62mp, 63(50)mm 31mp, 80(65)mm 20mp (in brackets Full Frame focal length) are outstanding resolutions values and are providing a realistic alternative to system cameras where you need to change the lenses constantly. Of course, using cropping has an impact on the dynamic of the image but compared to the many advantages having such a “compact” medium format camera, where it´s fun to carry it around and have it daily with you on the road, this is to me not relevant at all.
Please have a close look to the cropping zoom example I have been shooting at the media harbor of Düsseldorf. To me a perfect proof to the described theory. The Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is so much more than a fixed lens camera, it´s a virtual system camera.
Haptic
“Without a good haptic, I am not able to shoot good photos!” a statement I made in 2017-19 when I tried many different kinds and brands of cameras. I found my home with Fujifilm.
The design of the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is very minimalistic even clean to me. As the missing IBIS the fact that there is no DSLR typical big grip mounted on that camera, I am sure you can buy additional grips to mount on the camera from one of the third-party suppliers on the market, people dislike this camera. I am 192cm tall and would name my hands to be not small at all, I am happy with the small grip provided on this camera. I am coming from those big grip DSLR cameras as a Nikon D4 but as in the old days using a Nikon F2, I am used to small or even no grip and this is all good to me. I found, like on my Fujifilm X-PRO3 a relaxed gripping position on this medium format camera and can shoot highly motivated for hours.
All in all, the haptic of the GFX 100 RF is just perfect. A very solid and to highest quality standards build housing and if you mount the in the box provided metal straylight hood with lens mount, the balance of the camera is witness of the great Japanese design. This camera is a masterpiece made in Japan, and I am missing any real competition on the market. Yes, this extreme expensive red dot brand from Germany produces also great cameras and lenses but the combination of build quality, medium format sensor with highest resolution and still being affordable, is unique.
When you take the camera in your hands, as if you never used any other camera, your fingers are automatically taking their place on the controls. It´s feeling of coming home after a long journey, very similar to my feelings using the Fujifilm X-PRO 3. In these only 4 weeks I had for reviewing the GFX 100 RF strong emotions and trust have formed a kind of relationship between man and machine. Don´t smile, I just try to describe my emotions.
Conclusion
I am writing this conclusion with a 3-week distance after returning the GFX 100 RF to Fujifilm. Before I start to summarize the facts, I want to share first my emotions. I am missing the camera. The 30 days of using this masterpiece has built a very close relationship. I am convinced that the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF with it´s Fujinon GF 35mm f4 is all I need for most of my photography challenges. To be honest, I did not expect this.
Facts: The ergonomics and haptic of this view finder style camera is nearly perfect. The weight and balance, mainly also with the metal lens hood, is of an extreme high design level. The built quality and robust metal housing is first class. I did not try it, but as my “old” Nikon F2, also with the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF you could hammer a nail into a wall in a survival situation and continue afterwards with shooting. This camera, compact as most APSC cameras, but with a Ferrari style heart, the 102mp medium format sensor, is such an exception. The fast autofocus with eye, human, animal detection combined with the modern and high class Fujinon GF 35mm F4 is a perfect match.
All this leads me to the judgement, the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF is the perfect travel, landscape, street and portrait camera, you do not need more to produce pictures of highest quality SOOC.
GFX 100 RF blog entries:
Street Photography review with the NEW Fujifilm GFX 100 RF
Interior design photography at IKEA with the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF
“Medien Hafen” Düsseldorf meets the Fujifilm GFX 100 RF
Night shooting at the “Landschaftspark Duisburg” with the GFX100RF