Fujifilm ups the ante
The launch of the GFX 50R and development of the GFX 100 medium-format cameras made the headlines
Two years ago, Fujifilm stole the limelight at Photokina with the announcement of its new mediumformat GFX system and GFX 50s camera. since then we’ve seen the manufacturer slowly build up its range of GF-mount lenses, yet we’ve been left somewhat in the dark about what cameras it might follow up with. Two years on, Fujifilm invited journalists to a packed press conference and revealed the GFX 50r – a rangefinder-style medium-format version of the company’s GFX 50s that’s designed to be more portable and easier to use. with this latest release, it shows that Fujifilm wants to take a similar route as with its X system and give mediumformat users the choice of sLr-style or rangefinder-style bodies. Just when we thought the press conference was coming to an end, Fujifilm also announced that it’s developing the GFX 100: the world’s first mirrorless camera to feature a 100MP sensor.
Fujifilm GFX 50R
The GFX 50r is designed in a flatter, rangefinder style, which is what the 'r' in its name stands for. Fujifilm was keen to get across the point that it felt the need to produce a more compact and lightweight camera in its GFX lineup and one that would please the type of photographers who specialise in wedding, portrait, street, documentary and reportage photography. Compared to the GFX 50s, the GFX 50r sheds 145g from its body and is 25mm thinner. we’re told the design of the camera is inspired by the company’s classic medium-format film cameras of days gone by, including the Ga645 and the GF670, both of which have since been discontinued.
at its heart, the GFX 50r inherits the same 51.4-megapixel medium-format sensor and X- Processor Pro imaging processor combination as the GFX 50s. with many of the same internal specs, we expect the performance to be on par with its GFX sibling. Combined with the GF 50mm f/3.5 r LM wr (see far right), the GFX 50r becomes the world’s lightest medium-format combination currently available. To ensure its durability caters to the needs of all photographers, the magnesium alloy body is weather-sealed in no fewer than 64 places. In terms of its looks, styling and handling, the GFX 50r is possibly best described as a beefed-up Fujifilm X- Pro2. There’s a focus lever, twin dials on the top plate to control shutter speed and exposure compensation, plus a tilting touchscreen at the rear. The difference here is that it offers two-way tilt whereas the GFX 50s’s screen presents three-way tilt. above it is an off- centre 0.77x, 3.69-million- dot electronic viewfinder that allows users to keep one eye on a subject, while looking through the viewfinder with the other – a bonus for those who never want to miss a moment.
Bluetooth connectivity also makes its debut for a GFX-series camera in the 50r, allowing users to maintain constant low- energy technology with a smartphone or tablet for easy transfer of shots. as for pricing and availability, the GFX 50r is currently available to pre- order for £3,999 (body only) and is expected to hit online stores and retailers some time in November.
Fujifilm GFX 100
So what do we know about the Fujifilm GFX 100? When it arrives next year it will become the new flagship model in the GFX- series and will boast a 102- million- pixel Fujifilm G Format image sensor that’s never been seen before. It will feature phase- detection AF coverage across the entire sensor and is promised to provide a level of performance that defies the current standards of medium-format digital cameras.
The new sensor will be paired up with the company’s fourthgeneration X- Processor 4 image processing engine and will feature a new in- body image stabilisation system, making it the world’s fi rst medium-format digital camera to feature IBIS. It’ll also become the fi rst mirrorless digital camera equipped with an image sensor with the size of 43.8mm x 32.9mm to support 4K/30p video recording, and with an integrated vertical grip, we’re expecting it to handle well with Fujifilm’s larger telephoto lenses. During the press conference, Fujifilm confirmed that all GFX lenses produced so far are optimised for use with 100- million- pixel sensors. The GFX 100 is expected to arrive in early 2019 and will be priced around $10,000 excluding VAT.
Capture One support
At the same time as launching the GFX 50R and announcing the development of the GFX 100, Fujifilm also revealed that all of its medium-format mirrorless cameras will be fully supported by Capture One software. This news has been a long time coming for professional photographers, who will now be able to incorporate the GFX system into their regular workflow and have much better access to tethered shooting. All Fujifilm GFX users will be entitled to Capture One Express for free with a number of subscription packages also available.