Review & specs: Fujifilm GFX 100S

The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera arrives with dual high-speed SD card slots that can be used for data backup or additional storage space, a USB port for charging and files transfers, mic and headphone slots and a micro HDMI port. The battery is borrowed from the X-T4 and is not as big as the ones on some other GFX bodies, but it provides a acceptable 460 shots on a charge. There is no preference for a vertical battery grip just like the GFX 50S – but that’s a reasonable tradeoff for the radical bodyweight reduction.
The GFX 100S seriously provides on image quality, starting with its remarkably great low-light efficiency. You might not count on that from a digital camera with a 102-megapixel sensor. Nevertheless, those pixels are spread around a huge 43.9 x 32.9 mm sensor area, so the pixel pitch is basically the very same (3.76 microns) as the 61-megapixel sensor on Sony’s A7R IV.

The GFX 100S from Fujifilm is a compact camera that rivals Panasonic’s full-frame, 45-megapixel S1R in size but surpasses it with a sensor that’s 70 percent larger and more than double the resolution. Alongside its increased capabilities, Fujifilm has enhanced its speed, incorporating features typically found in modern mirrorless cameras such as eye-detect autofocus and in-body stabilization. The real question is how it compares to recent models like the Sony A1 and Canon R5. To find out, I took it out for a test and also lent it to a pair of professional photographers who were interested in purchasing this particular model.

Compared to its predecessor, the GFX 100, which weighs a hefty 1,400 grams (just over 3 pounds), the GFX 100S is significantly smaller and lighter, coming in at 900 grams (just under 2 pounds), a reduction of 35 percent. It’s also two-thirds the height and slimmer in profile. The primary reason for this reduction is the removal of the vertical grip and accompanying controls.

Fujifilm has developed a new in-body image stabilizer (IBIS) for the GFX 100S that is much smaller than the one found in its predecessor. Despite the size reduction, it has managed to improve performance, providing 6 stops of shake reduction compared to the previous 5.5 stops. This enhancement is crucial as medium format camera sensors can be sensitive to hand shaking. With the IBIS activated, I was able to capture sharp shots at relatively low shutter speeds, even down to an eighth of a second or so.

The GFX 100S features a 3.2-inch rear touch display with a resolution of 2.36 million dots. The display can tilt down, up, and to the side, offering a high-resolution view and a range of adjustments. While it lacks a flip-out display, it’s worth noting that this camera is not primarily intended for vlogging or shooting selfies.

It comes equipped with dual high-speed SD card slots that can be used for backup or extra storage, a USB port for charging and data transfers, mic and headphone ports, and a micro HDMI port. The battery used is borrowed from the X-T4 and is not as large as the ones found in other GFX bodies. Nevertheless, it still delivers a reasonable 460 shots on a single charge. Although there is no option for a vertical battery grip like the GFX 50S, this tradeoff is justified considering the significant reduction in weight.

Fujifilm has enormously improved the video features of its camera line-up over the last several years, and the GFX 100S model is certainly no exception. With a intelligent line-skipping setup that takes benefit of the full sensor width, it’s perhaps the most effective medium-format camera for video.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a 102MP medium format digital camera with an image stabilized BSI-CMOS sensor. This image stabilization is scored at up to 6.0 stops, and can operate in sync with in-lens stabilization to manage this overall performance. It offers a hybrid autofocus system with almost 100% coverage and a multi-shot mode for capturing 400MP images of static subjects. It shoot a DCI or UHD 4K video with internal shoot at up to 400Mbps or a option of 10-bit 4:2:2 or 12-bit Raw output over HDMI. The lightweight body is weather-sealed, has an OLED info displays on the top, and a fixed 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder. Its dual-hinged 3.2″ LCD can tilt for both equally landscape and portrait photos. The camera has 2 SD card slots and ports for a mic, headphones and remote control. Photo: FUJIFILM

The full sensor width allows for a razor-fine detail of field and wonderfully smooth bokeh. The disadvantage is that it’s not quite as sharp as fully downsampled video, meaning you’re going to see some moire (rainbow patterns) and aliasing (jagged diagonal lines).
The video is a touch comfortable, but it is easy to operate in post regards to the 10-bit and RAW functions. The large sensor also offers it a special, IMAX-like top quality you may not find on any other digital camera. As with the photos, colors are precise with fine skin shades and tones thanks to Fujifilm’s newest color technology. It’s not intended to be used as a video camera, of course, but it’s good for periodic video use along with photographs.The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera is also faster than almost all of its medium-format competitors. Most notably, it provides the best image quality accessible for photographers who need that and don’t mind the not so quick general performance. For $6,000, it’s really a steal for that kind of purchaser.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera is the most compact, the very least expensive solution to achieve image quality beyond what full-frame can at this time offer. You lose quite a few responsiveness and overall flexibility in return for that, but as an image-making tool the GFX is outstanding. It’s also a remarkably capable video camera but its more compact battery risks becoming more limiting than it is for stills capturing. Exceptional in the studio room and beyond.

Fujifilm GFX 100S specs: