FUJIFILM GFX100 was presented – Our first impression and sample footage

The FUJIFILM GFX100 Digital Mirrorless Camera has just been officially launched and promises to be the first 100 megapixel wide format sensor camera capable of shooting 4K video and having autofocus, IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization), 10-bit internal video recording, etc.

In September 2018, at Photokina, the largest photo exhibition in the world held in Cologne, Germany, FUJIFILM announced its development, promising to commercialize its new flagship sensor camera on the market in the first half of 2019. The goal of FUJIFILM was to develop a camera capable of producing high quality photos and videos at an affordable price. Now, I am fully aware that the term "affordable" is very flexible and that could be financially manageable for some will not be acceptable to others, but sum up this topic by saying that similar devices from other manufacturers could cost up to 3 times more and that in this Regarding filming, none of them is actually done with video production in mind. (Hasselblad H6D-100C is a good example of a turning device known for its complex operation and high price). The FUJIFILM GFX100, meanwhile, was built from scratch to meet the needs of professional photographers and filmmakers.

A word about this video / article from First Impression

I've had the chance to get my hands on a very early pre-production model for about 12 hours and I'd like to point out the following:

• The quality of the image presented in the video above is DO NOT final. When I had the chance to play with it, the autofocus system and IBIS were not yet optimized for optimal use (yet) and I certainly had to adjust my shooting style depending on the technical circumstances.
• This is by no means a criticism! It's really just a first impression report, something that I can share with our curious audience at a relatively early stage.
• It is unfortunate that I received with me a very limited number of batteries during these 12 hours. So I did not really have a chance to explore the low light capabilities of the new camera.
• A proper review including more low light images and a dynamic range test will follow soon, stay tuned!

The GFX100 is the first to combine several interesting technologies. The heart of the camera is made up of a 43.8 x 32.9, 102 megapixel CMOS image sensor, newly developed and backlit (about 1.7 times the size of the Full Frame sensor 35 mm). Behind you will find the "X-Processor 4" image processing engine (identical to the one running the X-T3). The phase detection autofocus system covers 100% of the image sensor, allowing fast and accurate tracking. The five-axis IBIS mechanism was developed from scratch to allow the handheld to operate "without shaking" (more on that a bit later). The result is a camera capable of capturing images in 4K DCI format with a maximum resolution of 4096 × 2160 in up to 30 frames per second, Internal recording, 10-bit, 4: 2: 0, H265 on an SD card fast are two SD slots). In addition, NO recording time is imposed and more importantly, in 4K video mode, the image is NOT cropped and the camera uses the full size of its sensor! (What's missing, it's a higher frame rate recording, like 120 frames per second in HD). Combine it with the FUJIFILM ETERNA film simulation image profile or, depending on your production needs, with their F-Log or HLG settings, and you get an extremely powerful camera that can help you create a unique look. (By the way, for even more robust 4: 2: 2 color sampling results, send the video signal via the HDMI connector to an external recorder).

If you have followed the development of FUJIFILM cameras in recent years, you may know that the company was very clear in announcing that it would NOT produce Full Frame cameras parallel to the successful X-T3 and X-T30 APS-size camera line of cameras. C, but that it will instead produce large format cameras and large format cameras. in doing so, they are highlighting in this area already very crowded. By the way, I prefer to use the term "Large Format" instead of "Medium Format" as this word always raises a debate about the camera's eligibility to call it "Medium" compared to the average. other medium format sensors, manufactured by other manufacturers. . At least, we can all agree that the size of the GFX100 44x33mm sensor is MUCH larger than that of the traditional Full Frame sensor (36 x 24mm) and that, for the comparison of physical sensor sizes, the ARRI ALEXA LF ​​camera family Has a sensor size of 36.70 x 25.54 mm only….

For now, I would also like to delay the conversation by questioning the need for a 100 megapixel and large format sensor for shooting, simply for the following reasons: This format, its video capabilities and its price are relatively new . It would be interesting to discuss this topic after more creative people have used the camera, shared their captured images and heard their observations regarding the visual impact of such a camera.

The other reason is more pragmatic. From then on, the large format for video shooting is here to stay and will probably be followed by additional models, at a price even more affordable than expected. I base my hypothesis on the fact that FUJIFILM is already in its second generation of large format cameras, dedicated to photographers (GFX 50S and GFX 50R) and that the price reduction on the last model has been significant. The addition of the new GFX100, FUJIFILM is realizing its commitment to the development of large sensor cameras and, on the other hand, leaves a window favorable to the provision of a camera as rich in specifications to a wider crowd.

FUJIFILM was kind enough to let me run with an early pre-production camera for about 12 hours and, let me tell you, I cautiously say that we have a "game changer" turning device here (I hate this "game changer" word because it is used so freely – especially by the manufacturers – on a second device for marketing purposes …) This case is different. From the point of view of pure image quality, the GFX100 produces a very pleasant, robust and compelling image. It is clean and clean, but has a strong "identity". It was of course too early to test it in our DR laboratory, but from what I lived, the highlights are very nice and the tolerance between the brightest and darkest parts of the image is very promising! The sample images above were taken in F-Log at ISO 800 (native) and have been corrected by first leveling the image at REC 709, then inserting the & Log 70 REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC. one of the Lutify me LUTs on the top. Besides the impressive impression, what really strikes me is the IBIS performance. Certainly, at the time of filming, it was not yet 100% functional, BUT it did a remarkable job of stabilizing the video. I can not wait to see the final results once they are "tweaked" before starting production. The same goes for the phase-detection autofocus system. At this stage it was not fully optimized, but let it be guessed how efficient and fast it was. What I also liked, is the performance of the battery. Overall, I can work freely with the camera for a good few hours, BUT I will have to spend more time with the camera to have a clear idea of ​​the performance of the battery in general.

Now, when it comes to ergonomics, I have mixed feelings, because of my personal preferences. This camera is a beast! There is no way you can be ignored or confused with a hobby alone … It's simply not possible to work "undercover" with this hobby. Personally, I do not like having a permanent camera handle attached to the body, it just makes the camera bigger, but in this case, I can understand why FUJIFILM chose to do it.

In terms of dials, the device is rather minimalist and, as its menu was not finalized when I filmed with it, I was not able to assign buttons to my liking. So it's too early to tell if the feature is affected by the fact dials and buttons to play with. On the other hand, running 12 hours with the camera (and when I write "running", I say it literally) was a pleasant experience. Even between my little hands, I felt very comfortable and, above all, very balanced (I've worked with both, the FUJIFILM GF23mmF4 R LM WR lenses GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR). The TL1 EVF attached (5.76 million points) is very clear and bright and the LCD touch screen is also very good. There is also a new "top panel LCD," which I suppose may be useful after being used to working with this screen. (The functionality of the LCD screen is editable and you can choose between "information" or "virtual dialing mode." There is also a new LCD just below the rear LCD screen that can display valuable information

Regarding audio, the camera offers "standard connectivity" and offers the same audio menu as the X-T3 (which, in my opinion, is one of the best, if not the best we can find in cameras without mirror).

Conclusion

It's a little too early to come to a definitive conclusion, but the new FUJIFILM GFX100 is a unique camera combining many new technologies. We will soon have the camera – with its final firmware – so feel free to leave it while we perform the full review.

Last but not least, for the last 8 months, cinema5D has followed the development and birth of the new camera and we will soon publish our mini-documentary in 2 parts. I hope you enjoy what you will see …

The camera will be available for purchase at the end of June 2019 for approximately $ 10,000.

The video above was shot on a pre-production model FUJIFILM GFX100 at 4K DCI, 24p, H265, All Intra, at 400 Mbps. Edited with LOTS of pain in Adobe Premiere CC (latest edition) and rated with Lutify me.

The music is a courtesy of MusicVine. Get 25% off your next music license with code C5D25 (valid for one use per customer).

What do you think of 4K video recording with a large sensor camera? Do you have an interest in exploring this new area? Share with us your ideas in the comment section below.