Fujifilm GFX100RF announced: 102MP medium format with fixed 28mm equivalent F4 lens

The first of a trio of new camera releases from major manufacturers, the Fujifilm GFX100RF is the company's first fixed-lens mirrorless entrant into its popular GFX system.

Built around a 43.8 mm x 32.9 mm 102MP CMOS II large format sensor, and the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processor, Fujifilm reckons that the GFX100RF couples out and out image quality together with its well-regarded color reproduction. A redesigned pixel structure and microlens layout of the sensor provide a wide dynamic range, low noise, improved sharpness, and autofocus accuracy from edge to edge. Effectively the lightweight ( 735 g / 25.93 oz) camera offers large format images in a compact package

Key features:

• Medium format (44 x 33 mm) 102MP sensor
• 35mm (28mm equiv) F4 lens w/ leaf shutter
• Lightweight: 735 g / 25.93 oz
• 5.76M dot offset OLED EVF
• Subject recognition autofocus
• Aspect ratio dial - 9 settings
• 3.2" tilting rear touchscreen
• 4K video up to 30fps
• Built-in 4EV ND filter
• 20 film simulations

GFX100RF in detail

The camera features a newly designed 35mm F4 Lens that uses ten elements in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses, and also features a Nano GI Coating to reduce reflections across the frame. This design keeps the lens compact while delivering excellent image quality.  Minimum focus distance is just 20cm (7.87 in) from the front of the lens. Sharpness is consistent from center to edges, while autofocus is billed as smooth and accurate thanks to the DC motor. For the first time in the GFX System, the lens includes a built-in 4-stop ND filter as well as a leaf shutter that syncs flash at any shutter speed and should mitigate against camera shake.

This is handy as while it features digital image stabilization (DIS) to correct camera shake and walking motion during video recording, it doesn't;t have IBIS. IBIS might be superior but it also would have added to the size and weight.

As far as video goes, the GFX100RF delivers 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit video recording. With a base ISO of 100, it offers low noise for shooting, while F-Log2 provides 13+ stops of dynamic range for rich tonal expression and high flexibility in post-production. 

Improved algorithms lead to improved predictive autofocus and face/eye detection. Additionally, AI subject detection AF, which utilizes deep-learning technology, recognizes a wide range of subjects such as animals, vehicles, and birds. Tracking AF for video has also been enhanced, enabling easy subject tracking with touch controls.

The EVF is positioned to the left of the camera’s center to mimic a rangefinder experience, but it is a traditional design. The finder has a magnification of 0.84x and features 5.76 million dots to provide photographers with a high-resolution view of subjects.

One undoubtedly neat touch is the FX100RF’s new Aspect Ratio dial that lets you quickly select a frame shape to shoot in. That give you quick access to historical formats such as 5:4, 3:2, and 1:1, alongside  the ones that the company says 'define Fujifilm’s legendary past – including 17:6, 3:4, and 65:24'. All in all, nine different options are available, as well as a new Surround View function that displays the area outside the image range in the EVF.  There are also 20 Film Simulation modes to play with.

One other control worth mentioning is the addition of a toggle selector for the digital teleconverter, effectively a zoom toggle, which seems to be going down well according to the early reviews. Both this and the Aspect Ratio dial are fixed and can't be reprogrammed.

Finally, the camera has dual SD card slots, both mic and headphone jacks, a USB-C port, and a micro HDMI port.

Pricing and availability

The Fujifilm GFX100RF will be available in silver and black and will retail for $4899 when it starts to ship towards the back end of April.

tl;dr

• The Fujifilm GFX100RF features a 102MP medium format sensor and a lightweight design (735g), offering high image quality in a compact package.
• It includes a newly designed 35mm F4 lens with a built-in 4-stop ND filter and leaf shutter, providing excellent sharpness and smooth autofocus.
• Video capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps, low noise at base ISO 100, and advanced autofocus with AI subject detection.
• Unique features such as an Aspect Ratio dial enhance user experience
• Retail price is $4899 and it comes in silver and black.