Fujifilm GFX 100S
Medium-format in a full-frame form factor
Specifications
Sensor: 102MP BSI-CMOS 43.8 x 32.9mm medium-format Image processor: X Processor 4 Lens mount: Fujifilm G Autofocus: Intelligent hybrid with 425 AF points ISO range: 100 to 12,800 (exp 50-102,400) Video: Uncropped 4K/30p Viewfinder: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot EVF, 0.8x magnification Memory card: Two SD UHS-II LCD: 3.2-inch two-axis tilt touchscreen, 2.36 million dots Max burst: 5fps mechanical shutter Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, mini HDMI, mic, headphone Size: 150 x 104 x 44mm Weight: 900g body only (with battery and card)
The Fujifilm GFX 100S is the fourth model in the GFX series, inheriting the 102MP sensor from the GFX 100. However, it one-ups its predecessor by coming in a much smaller, DSLR-style body that boasts better image stabilisation. And it does so with a smaller price tag than the previous model.
When we reviewed the Fujifilm GFX 100 in Digital Camera 220 (September 2019), we called it “impressive”, and the same is true for its successor, the Fujifilm GFX 100S, but for very different reasons. It takes mediumformat photography out of the studio and more into the mainstream.
Going mainstream also means making the camera somewhat more affordable. Priced at almost half the cost of the GFX 100, the GFX 100S manages to undercut some pro-level full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Compromises have had to be made to achieve that price point, but in no way do any of those hamper the performance of the camera. In fact, in some respects, the GFX 100S is actually better than its predecessor.
Key features
The GFX 100S is smaller than the GFX 50S, with a more DSLR-like styling rather than the rangefinder design of the GFX 50R. Despite the downsizing, Fujifilm has managed to retain in-body image stabilisation by reducing the size of the IBIS housing by 20% from the one in the GFX 100 (and making it 10% lighter too), as the company has done for smaller X-series cameras like the X-T4 and X-S10.
In the process of miniaturising the IBIS mechanism, Fujifilm has managed to make it more effective as well – rated at six stops of compensation for camera shake compared with the
5.5 stops of correction on the GFX 100. The image stabilisation system is able to work alongside stabilised lenses to maintain the level of correction for longer focal lengths as well.
Thanks to the sensor and image stabilisation combo, the GFX 100S can capture 400MP high-res images by using a pixel-shift mode that was only added to the GFX 100 via a firmware update.
Downsizing the body has also meant compromising on the battery. Instead of using the larger NP-T125 packs of earlier GFX bodies, Fujifilm has opted to use the NP-W235 pack that debuted with the X-T4, with a Cipa rating of a reasonable 460 shots per charge.
For potential users who are keen to upgrade from their old systems to the GFX 100S, the addition of the traditional mode dial will be a welcome relief. There’s a 1.8-inch display for showing shooting parameters, but that can be customised to display the virtual dials that were introduced in the GFX 100.
Instead of a four-way joystick controller on the rear, there’s an eight-way textured nub that allows for diagonal movements. We’re calling it a ‘nub’ as it’s not as tall as the joysticks on the previous GFX cameras, and its small size means you’re not accidentally pressing it (which can reset AF-point selection or camera settings). However, it takes some getting used to.
“The GFX 100S undercuts some pro-level fullframe cameras”