The Fujifilm GFX100RF presents a unique proposition in the camera market, merging the celebrated design of the X100 series with the immense image quality of Fujifilm’s GFX medium format system. With a 102-megapixel sensor and a fixed 35mm lens, this camera aims to be a compact powerhouse for street and travel photography. It promises a blend of portability and high-resolution capabilities, targeting photographers who desire both convenience and top-tier image quality.
This review delves into the GFX100RF’s design, handling, image quality, and video capabilities to determine if it lives up to its potential. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to alternatives like the Leica Q3 and other GFX models. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of whether the GFX100RF is a worthwhile investment for serious photographers.
Fujifilm GFX100RF Review: How It Feels
The GFX100RF sets itself apart from the existing GFX lineup with a design heavily influenced by the X100 series. Its sleek, elegant body features machined aluminum top and bottom plates, providing a premium feel. The camera also boasts weather-sealed capabilities, similar to the X100, when used with a filter adapter and protective filter. This design philosophy aims to offer the convenience of a compact camera without compromising on image quality.
However, two key characteristics might deter potential buyers: the fixed 35mm f/4 lens and the lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The lens, while compact and sharp, offers a narrower aperture than many alternatives, limiting depth of field. The absence of IBIS can make handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds challenging, potentially requiring a tripod or increased ISO in certain situations. Despite these compromises, the GFX100RF’s design prioritizes compactness and intuitive handling.
Controls and Customization
Mirroring the X100, the GFX100RF offers simple and direct control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO through retro-inspired dials. The ISO dial is particularly user-friendly, locking securely when pulled up for adjustment. A front control dial complements the setup, positioned between the on/off lever and a toggle switch for digital zooming. This switch allows users to crop images to full-frame equivalents of 35mm, 50mm, or 63mm.
A vertical lever, similar to those on the X100 series, provides further customization with four additional controls accessible through pushing, pulling, or long-pressing. The back of the camera features a command dial for selecting different aspect ratios, catering to various creative preferences. These controls, combined with a customizable button, make the GFX100RF highly adaptable to individual shooting styles.
Viewfinder and Display
The GFX100RF boasts high-grade displays, including a 5.76-million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) for evaluating high-megapixel images. The rear panel features a tilting 2.1-million dot screen, offering brightness and clarity for shooting at various angles. The touch interface provides an alternative method for adjusting camera settings and setting the AF point, ensuring a seamless user experience.
The camera utilizes the Fujifilm W-235 battery, also found in other GFX bodies, providing approximately 820 CIPA-rated shots. Additionally, the GFX100RF includes twin UHS-II SD card slots, facilitating fast file handling and providing file redundancy for peace of mind. These features contribute to the camera’s overall usability and practicality in various shooting scenarios.
Image Quality
The GFX100RF incorporates the same 102-megapixel sensor found in the GFX100S II, known for its exceptional image quality. It offers 20 Fujifilm Film Simulation modes and the ability to shoot 16-bit RAW files with extensive dynamic range. With a base ISO of 80, the camera excels in landscape photography, delivering stunning shots with excellent detail and low-light performance. The fixed 35mm f/4 lens provides sharp results, with excellent center sharpness even at its maximum aperture.
Corner sharpness is also impressive, making the lens suitable for landscape and architectural work. The lens effectively resists flare and ghosting, maintaining contrast and minimizing reflections. While sun stars may not be particularly dramatic, the lens’s overall performance ensures high-quality images with ample detail and clarity.
Autofocus and Performance
The GFX100RF utilizes the autofocus algorithms found in other GFX models, offering reliable single-point AF with excellent speed and accuracy. Subject detection modes perform well for portraits and close-up animal shots. However, continuous shooting can be inconsistent, and tracking autofocus may struggle with fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions.
Despite these limitations, the camera’s autofocus capabilities are generally sufficient for its intended use as a street and travel photography tool. Single-point recomposing and eye detection cover most common shooting scenarios, providing adequate performance for capturing sharp and detailed images.
Video Performance
The GFX100RF’s video capabilities are more streamlined compared to the GFX 100 II, likely to manage heat within the smaller body. However, relative to other compact, fixed-lens enthusiast cameras, it remains surprisingly capable. It features microphone and headphone jacks without requiring dongles, unlike the X100 VI. It offers professional video assist tools and can record in Eterna, F-Log, and F-Log2 profiles.
The GFX100RF captures 4K video at up to 30p, using pixel binning to manage sensor readout speed. The most significant drawback is the absence of image stabilization, making handheld footage prone to noticeable jitters. While Fujifilm’s Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) attempts to mitigate this, it requires a substantial crop, reducing the field of view. Despite these limitations, the camera can capture solid video footage, especially when used with a tripod.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is a versatile camera that successfully merges the design of the X100 series with the high-resolution capabilities of the GFX system. Its compact size and intuitive controls make it a compelling option for street and travel photography, while its 102-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional image quality. The camera’s fixed lens and lack of IBIS present some limitations, but its overall performance and unique feature set make it a worthwhile consideration for photographers seeking a balance between portability and image quality.
Ultimately, the GFX100RF offers a unique shooting experience, combining the charm of a rangefinder-style camera with the power of a medium format sensor. For those willing to invest in its capabilities, it provides a rewarding and versatile tool for capturing stunning images in various shooting scenarios. The price point is high, but if you can swing the price of admission, there is a lot of fun to be had here but also a very serious image-making experience to benefit from.
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