Fujifilm has launched a new GFX Series medium format mirrorless digital camera, the Fujifilm GFX 50R, and given us a glimpse into their future flagship model, the GFX 100 which will feature a 102 million pixels image sensor
GFX 50R
Talking points
– Incorporates a large sensor approximately 1.7 times the size of full-size 35mm image sensor (43.8mm x 32.9mm).
-New model with a rangefinder style design, a lightweight 775g* body, and easy operability
-Produces ultra-high image quality with 51.4 million pixel sensor, ideal for both snapshots and portraits
Fujifilm claims that the GFX 50R produces ultra-high image quality by incorporating a Fujifilm G Format Image Sensor with 51.4 million pixels, and the X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine. For a medium format camera it is very lightweight, tipping the scales at just 775g, that’s 145g less than the GFX 50R. The GFX 50R is the follow up to the companies GFX 50S which was announced back in February 2017.
Its image processing engine is the same one used with X Series digital cameras with APS-C size sensors. It also incorporates Fujifilm’s unique “Film Simulation” mode, which allows shooters to get color reproduction of photographic films such as PROVIA, Velvia and ACROS.
The electronic viewfinder has a magnification of 0.77, and uses a high resolution 3.69 million dot organic EL panel. Accurate focusing is also possible even when shooting with the large sensor for medium format size, which has a shallower depth of field than the 35mm full-size sensor.
The camera includes a Focus Lever, a popular feature of X Series models, which provides instantaneous control of the focus point while letting the photographer maintain a firm hold on the camera. The upper surface of the body includes both shutter speed and exposure control dials. The body of the camera is made out of magnesium alloy body and is sealed in 64 different places to provide dust and weather resistance.
The camera can be used with all of the 11 FUJINON GF interchangeable lenses included in the new development roadmap that was also announced today. This means there will be lenses which cover a range of focal distances from 23 mm (equivalent to 18mm in the 35mm film format) to 350 mm (equivalent to 277mm in the 35mm film format). In addition, all of the Fujifilm GF lenses are equipped with a resolution sufficient to handle 100 million pixel sensors.
The GFX 50R also features a 35mm format mode which records only the central portion of the sensor (36.0mm x 24.0mm; equivalent to approximately 30 million pixels). The 35mm format mode works well with the FUJINON GF Lenses.
As far as video shooting is concerned, the GFX 50R is not going to win many people over. It’s limited to recording in HD (1920×1080) at frame rates up to 29.97p. The bitrate is only 36Mbps and recording times are limited to just 30 minutes. It’s a pity that manufacturers aren’t very forward thinking with video specifications in medium format cameras. Despite the high entry-level price of medium format cameras and lenses, you think there would be a market for high-quality medium format video capture.
The Fujifilm GFX50R will be available in November this year for $4,499.95 USD.
Main specifications
Model name FUJIFILM GFX 50R
Number of effective pixels 51.4 million pixels
Image sensor 43.8mm×32.9mm Bayer array with primary color filter
Fujifilm also unveiled the GFX 100 concept camera.
Key talking points
-Concept for a new flagship model capable of producing world-leading image quality with the world’s highest* 102 million pixels image sensor
-A new GFX Series medium format mirrorless digital camera incorporating large sensor approximately 1.7 times the size of full-size 35mm image sensor
-Fully satisfies a diverse range of customer needs with high functionality including high-speed/high-precision autofocus, built-in image stabilization features, and 4K video shooting capability
The concept behind the GFX 100 is to create Fujifilm’s flagship model. The camera incorporates the world’s highest 102 million pixels image sensor which is larger than 35mm full size sensor. According to Fujifilm, the GFX 100 is the first medium format mirrorless digital camera in the world to incorporate phase detection pixels throughout the entire sensor (coverage ratio of 100%,) allowing for high-speed/high-precision autofocus wherever in the frame subject is located. This mechanism makes it possible to use autofocus to track moving objects, which was difficult with the traditional system of contrast autofocus, resulting in more precise continuous autofocus and performance capability that exceeds conventional expectations for medium format digital cameras.
Despite the GFX 50R being limited to recording HD, the GFX 100 is claimed to be the world’s first medium format mirrorless digital camera equipped for shooting 4K videos. The combination of the newly developed image sensor with high-speed readout capability and the X-Processor 4 high-speed image processing engine provides a world’s first capability for shooting 4K videos (4K 30p 10bit) with a medium format mirrorless digital camera. A medium format sensor, larger than the sensors generally used in high-end cinema cameras, creates greater depth of field for shallow-field subjects, improves reproducibility across a wide range of color tones, and provides superior sensitivity.
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.
He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.
Matthew has won 49 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.
Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.
