Fujifilm Unveils Smallest 102 Megapixels Medium Format

2021.01.27

Fujifilm proves again that they can offer truly unique products that standout in the crowded market of digital cameras. Today, the company unveiled a new Medium Format digital camera that packs nearly every feature of their flagship Fujifilm GFX 100 into a body similar in size and form to a professional-grade DSLR. The enormous GFX 100 launched just 18 months ago to reach a new level of performance at all cost.

The new Fujifilm GFX 100S is essentially a miniaturized version of the original GFX 100. This means the same 102 megapixels CMOS sensor with 3.8 million Phase-Detection elements grouped in a 425-Point AF system. Considering its high-resolution, this 102 MP sensor, offers a substantial continuous output at 5 FPS. That can be used to record Cinema 4K video at 30 FPS.

One reason the original GFX 100 was huge came from its built-in image-stabilization system, the first 5-axis mechanism that handled a large Medium Format sensor. Well, 18 months of technological improvement yielded a significant advancement, allowing the creation of an even more effective IBIS that fits into a much smaller body. While the original GFX 100 could compensate for 5.5-stops of shake, the new GFX 100S manages 6-stops which is comparable to leading digital cameras.

An entirely new body was created for the Fujifilm GFX 100S and it looks really good. A deep hand grip provides stability and space for a large battery that provides the camera with 460 shots-per-charge. Dual control-dials and an 8-way joystick offer efficient controls over exposure and focus. A traditional mode-dial makes the GFX 100S straightforward to use. A small 1.8" monochrome status display at the top provides an overview of camera settings.

The back of the GFX 100S looks like recent X-mount cameras and looks surprisingly bare for such a high-end camera. The only ergonomic compromise compared to the original GFX 100 is the use of the same EVF as the X-T4. This 0.5" EVF with 3.7 megapixels and 100% coverage at 0.77X magnification is certainly excellent yet the GFX 100 offers a sharp 5.8 MP unit with wider 0.86X magnification.

With nearly everything offered by the original and even the improved image-stabilization system plus the tremendous advantage of a less bulky body, the greatest improvement is a surprising reduction in price. While the GFX 100 cost $10,000 USD, the new Fujifilm GFX 100S can be pre-ordered for $6000 USD and will be available later for $7800 CAD. Fujifilm expects this Medium Format camera to ship by the end of March.

A new Fujinon GF80mm F/1.7R WR lens made its debut today too. The medium lens is the brightest Fujifilm has produced for their G-mount and the fastest autofocus lens for the platform. With its really bright aperture, the Fujifilm GF 80mm F/1.7R WR is designed to capture scenes with an extremely shallow depth-of-field.

Naturally for a lens designed for a platform that is exclusively premium, the GF80mm F/17R WR is built to withstand the elements. Its body is weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C. It has a dedicated aperture-ring with both Auto and Custom positions to support different ways of working, plus a wide focus-ring for precision handling. Although compact by Medium Format standards, this prime lens measures 10cm long and weighs almost 0.8kg.

The new Fujifilm GF80mm F/1.7R WR is scheduled to ship at the same time as the GFX 100S camera. The lens itself can be pre-ordered for $2300 USD or $3000 CAD.

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• Lens