Living Life Large

The Fujifilm GFX100 brings large format capabilities to a compact frame.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Large format photography and mobility may sound like a misnomer, but Fujifilm staunchly challenges that idea with their GFX series and the new GFX100 flagship promises to bring even more of that vision into reality.

Its new 102MP sensor is 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor, providing smoother gradation and sharper images. Specifically designed for the GFX100, Fujifilm’s powerful X-Processor 4 engine is capable of quickly optimizing those ultrahigh-resolution photos, including support for 16-bit RAW as well as in-camera conversion to 16-bit TIFF.

The GFX100 sensor is also the first of its kind to feature a back illuminated structure, resulting in lower noise, greater dynamic range and faster readout despite the higher pixel count. They’ve combined that with 100% phase detection pixel coverage for dramatically improved autofocus – it’s now twice as fast as previous GFX models, supports Tracking AF and improves Continuous AF.

Together, they let the GFX100 record 4K30p video in 10bit 4:2:2 externally and 4:2:0 internally. It also supports F-Log and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) recording, in addition to Fujifilm’s ETERNA film simulation mode. Shooting video in its 17:9 format uses a larger sensor area than high-end professional cinema cameras.

Amazingly, the GFX100 also features five-axis inbody image stabilization (IBIS) of up to 5.5 stops when paired with a Fujinon lens. By suspending the entire shutter unit with springs, shutter shock is minimized against not only pitch and yaw but also shift and roll.

With all that technology going on inside the GFX100, it’s also an engineering feat, boasting dust- and weather-resistance on a robust magnesium alloy body, exactly what’d you expect from a flagship full-frame DLSR. It’s no larger than one either, yet weighs only 1,400g when loaded with two batteries (the second in an integrated vertical grip), a memory card and its detachable electronic viewfinder.

Give that body a once-over and you’ll find that Fujifilm enhanced operability too, with highly customizable displays and minimal physical controls for ease-of-use and comfort. These user considerations are why the GFX100 also sports a USB-C connection (which accepts USB Power Delivery) and faster 802.11ac 5GHz wireless transfers.

The GFX100 offers unparalleled image quality in a body that’s compact and capable enough to be used handheld. Its combination of large format sensor with mirrorless mobility may just be what you need to push your craft to the next level.

To find out more about the FUJIFILM GFX100, visit www.fujifilm-x.com/gfx