Fujifilm South Africa has unveiled the latest addition to its GFX series, the Fujifilm GFX100 II. This new flagship large format camera brings with it promises of exceptional image quality, improved speed, enhanced auto-focus performance, and video capabilities.
At the core of the GFX100 II is the newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II HS high-speed image sensor, boasting an impressive 102 million pixels. The sensor, measuring 43.8mm x 32.9mm, is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. Paired with the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine, this combination provides double the signal readout speed when compared to its predecessor, the 2021 Fujifilm GFX100S.
Enhanced Speed and Auto-Focus
One of the notable improvements lies in the camera’s signal readout speed. The GFX100 II now offers continuous shooting of up to 8.0 frames per second, a step up from the 5.0 fps capability of its predecessor. This upgrade makes the GFX Series suitable for sports photography, while still maintaining the hallmark high definition and image quality associated with large format sensors.
Notably, the GFX100 II also marks the debut of Fujifilm’s AI-based subject-detection auto-focus (AF) system, developed using Deep Learning technology. This advanced algorithm not only enhances Face/Eye Auto Focus but also introduces automatic tracking of various subjects, including animals, birds, vehicles, and drones. This development is particularly beneficial for sports photographers who need advanced tracking capabilities to capture swiftly moving subjects.
Advanced Video Performance
The GFX100 II is the first GFX model to support 8K/30P video recording, alongside the ability to record 4K/60P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally, featuring F-Log2 for increased post-production flexibility. These video features open up new creative possibilities for videographers, harnessing the potential of the large format sensor.
The camera comes equipped with Fujifilm’s finest Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) to date—an EVF boasting high-magnification and high-definition, with 9.44 million dots and 1.0x magnification. The EVF offers a smooth refresh frame rate of approximately 120fps in Boost Mode, facilitating precise tracking of fast-moving subjects. Alternatively, users can opt for the 3.2-inch Tilt-Type touchscreen monitor at the back, with approximately 2.36 million dots.
Furthermore, low light performance is notably improved thanks to the five-axis In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), now offering an impressive eight-stop advantage—surpassing any other camera in Fujifilm’s lineup.
Pixel Shift Multi-Shot Function
For photographers seeking even higher resolution, GFX users can employ the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. This feature leverages the IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixel increments, capturing 16 RAW images in quick succession. Dedicated software then combines these images to create a detailed 400MP image.
Price and Availability
The Fujifilm GFX100 II large format mirrorless camera, boasting improved speed, AF, and video capabilities, is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in October 2023, with a suggested retail price of R160,000 including VAT.
Three New GFX Lenses
Fujifilm is also introducing three new lenses to the GFX lens lineup:
- The Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 T/S and the Fujinon GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro are tilt-shift lenses designed to cater to the needs of professional photographers engaged in architecture, landscape, and commercial photography. These lenses combine tilt and shift functions to alter the optical axis and expand creative possibilities. They will be available for a suggested retail price of R80,000 and R70,000, respectively.
- The Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens, with its creamy bokeh characteristic and field-of-view close to that of human vision, offers versatility for capturing a wide range of genres, from everyday snapshots to full-fledged portraiture, both indoors and outdoors. It comes with a suggested retail price of R45,000.
All three new Fujinon lenses are expected to arrive in South Africa in October 2023, alongside the Fujifilm GFX100 II large format camera.
