Fujifilm today announced its first medium-format mirrorless digital camera, the Fujifilm GFX 50S, featuring a 43.8×32.9mm 51.4MP CMOS sensor. The company also announced the next generation of its unique fixed-lens flagship street camera, the Fujifilm X-100F, and an update of its popular consumer interchangeable-lens compact, the Fujifilm X-T20 along with a new 50mm X-mount lens.
Fujfilm GFX 50S Medium-Format Digital Camera
Fujifilm has entered the medium-format digital photography world with the blockbuster Fujifilm GFX50s, a mirrorless camera that will be available next month. Featuring CMOS sensor that is about 1.7x larger in area than a 35mm sensor, the GF is accompanied by the introduction of three Fujinon lenses, the GF63mm f/2.8 R WR, GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR, and GF120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro.
Key Features:
- 43.8×32.9mm 51.4MP CMOS sensor
- Native ISO 100
- Variable aspect ratios
- Proprietary Film Siulations
- 43 ounces (60% the weight of competing medium format DSLR)
- 3.69 Million-dot organic detachable electronic viewfinder
- 2.36 Million-dot 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor
- 117-point contrast AF system
Fuji says the GFX 50S’s sensor is an especially potent tool for making large prints. Since each pixel is larger in size, the sensor gathers more light and captures excellent texture and tone and extremely fine detail for a unique three-dimensional effect. For flash photography in the studio or outdoors during the day, the GFX 50S sensor has a native ISO of 100. The sensor can also be adapted to various aspect ratios, including 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, 65:24, 5:4, 7:6, all of which are available in large and medium format film cameras.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S uses the same X Processor Pro found in the X-Pro2 and X-T2 APS-sensor mirrorless compact cameras. It supports full HD video at 29.97p, 25p, 24p and 23.98p. Users can emulate their favorite Fuji film emulsions via the Film Simulation modes, including a new Color Chrome Effect that reproduces subtle tones in highly-saturated subjects.
With a compact and lightweight body constructed from magnesium alloy, the Fujifilm GFX 50S weighs approximately 43 ounces when paired with the Fujinon GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR, and weighs approximately 60% of a medium format DSLR camera equipped with a sensor of the same size. When compared to a full frame, the weight is almost identical. Overall camera body height and width have also been minimized for maximum flexibility, overturning the common perceptions regarding the mobility of medium format digital cameras.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S gives users a 3.69 million dot organic EL electronic viewfinder and 2.36M dot touchscreen LCD back panel for easy viewing. The EVF is detachable to allow for flexible operation. Users can attach the accessory EVF-TL1 EVF tilt adapter (sold separately) to allow the finder to be tilted to 90° vertically and swung ±45°. A 3.2 inch, 2.36M dot touch panel is used for the rear monitor, with touch operation for the menu, focusing points and image playback. A three-directional tilting LCD screen improves operability and makes viewing images and checking focus even easier.
Fujifilm approached the design of the GFX 50S in the same way it has approached its premium APS sensor cameras, including traditional shutter speed and ISO dials on the cameras, and aperture dial on the lenses. Aperture and ISO feature a C (command) and the shutter speed dial has a T (Time) option. You can use the command dial on the front and rear of the camera body to set exposure, or set the camera remotely via tethered computer.
The camera has a 117-point contrast AF system on the imaging sensor to improve focusing accuracy, an important feature when you consider the shallower depth of field produced by medium format lenses. Focus point selection via the focus lever allows intuitive movement of the focus point. Users can also select the focus point on the touch panel LCD screen.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S camera body will be available from Adorama for .
Three new medium-format lenses
Fujifilm announced three lenses along with the GFX 50S, with three more coming later this year.
Fujinon GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR
The optical system features a construction of 8 groups and 10 elements, including 1 ED lens element. Fuji says this lens construction is the most suitable for high resolution in compact and stylish design, the external form of this small and lightweight lens has a diameter of just 84.0 x 71.0mm with a weight of only 14.2 ounces. Using the front group for the focus, aberrations due to focus distance are suppressed, achieving high resolution performance even when wide open from the center to the edges of the lens.]
The Fujinon GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR lens will be available from Adorama for
Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR
The Fujinon GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR features a construction of 11 groups and 14 elements, 3 aspheric elements, 1 ED lens and 1 super ED lens, allowing this lens to achieve image quality that Fujifilm claims rivals prime lenses. The lens uses internal focusing, reducing the weight of the focus lens and achieving fast and silent AF by driving focus using a linear motor.
The Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR lens will be available from Adorama for
Fujinon GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro
The Fujinon GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro has a construction of 9 groups and 14 elements, including 3 ED lens elements. By adopting a floating focus method using a linear motor, silent high-speed autofocusing is achieved while aberrations are corrected, dramatically increasing the resolution. Chromatic aberrations are also said to be properly corrected, contributing to high quality images. This lens is equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) effective up to 5.0-stops, great for handheld shooting in low-light situations.
The Fujinon GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro lens will be available from Adorama for
Fuji also announced three lenses to be rolled out later in 2017: GF110mm f/2 R LM WR, GF23mm f/4 R LM WR, GF45mm f/2.8 R WR. Availability will be announced soon. All lenses for this camera are weather-resistant.
Fujifilm FinePix X-100F
The original Fujifilm X-100, when it was introduced in 2013, was an instant hit for street photographers and photojournalists, thanks to its 23mm lens (35mm equivalent), high-quality APS sensor, and its striking resemblance to a well-known, red-dotted German camera favored by street shooters but costing several thousands of dollars more. The camera has undergone several upgrades, and today, the Fujifilm FinePix X-100F is the fourth generation of this now-legendary camera. It promises faster and more accurate autofocus and response times than its predecessors among its new and improved features.
Key Features:
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
- Advanced Hybrid optical/electronic Viewfinder with Electronic Rangefinder
- Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent)
- 1.04 million dot, 3-inch LCD monitor
- Focus Peaking, digital split image display
- Full HD at up to 60fps
- Advanced filters
- Wi-Fi
- Stereo Mic Jack
A premium rangefinder-style compact digital camera, the X100F maintains the line’s innovative hybrid viewfinder, that can be switched from electronic to optical, with a heads-up digital split image focus aid display in both modes. The EVF covers a 100 percent field of view. Users can now change the magnification to 2.5x and 6x in live view to check focus. The EVF has an improved frame rate of 60fps.
The back of the camera has been redesigned to make the most frequently-used functions more prominent on the right side. The Focus Lever positioned on the rear side of the camera allows users to use joystick-type operations in eight directions to easily select a focus area. The X100F also now features a built-in ISO Dial that is incorporated into the Shutter Speed Dial for further ease of use. This enables the user to easily check ISO and Shutter Speed, in addition to aperture and exposure compensation, from a glance without having to power on the camera. There is also a also features a Focus Lever on the rear of the camera body to instantly move the focus area, and a completely silent electronic shutter capable of exposures up to 1/32000 seconds. The X100F is finished with a synthetic leather surface.
The new camera has improved autofocus performance. Fujifilm boasts 0.5-second startup time, a shooting interval of 0.2 seconds, a shutter lag time of 0.01 seconds, and AF acquisition as fast as 0.08 seconds. There are six AF modes, and the number of focus points has been increased from 49 to 91 points (up to 325 points), and about 40% of the image is covered with phase detection focus points.
Fuji has added an Acros film simulation mode to emulate its old black-and-white film emulsion. A Grain Effect function reproduces film-like graininess, is available in strong and weak modes, and can be combined with any film simulation mode.
The Fujifilm FinePix X-100F will be available from Adorama in Black or Silver for $1,299.
Fujiflm X-T20
Finally, Fuji announced the successor to its popular X-T10, the Fujifilm X-T20, featuring a new 24.3MP sensor, improved performance, and a tilting touchscreen LCD. Designed for photo enthusiasts and especially for travel and general photography, the camera accepts all of Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses as well as a host of lenses made by other manufacturers. Fuji also announced a new X-mount lens, the 50mm f/2 R WR.
Key Features:
- New 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- 3-inch 1.04 million dot tilting LCD touchscreen monitor
- 2.360 M eye-level electronic viewfinder
- New Acros Film Simulation mode
- 4K video recording
- 24 Fujinon X-Mount lenses available
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Weather and dust resistant
Main improvements include a new 24.3MP sensor, and upgrade from its predecessor’s 16MP sensor. Fujifilm claims the updated sensor and processor have boosted the camera’s startup time and AF performance, dramatically improving its ability to track moving subjects. A new Video option has been added to the Drive Dial, making it easier for users to switch from still to video mode. The top ISO has been increased to 12,800. A Grain Effect function has been added to simulate the look of grainy film.
The Fujifilm X-T20 body is compact, strong and light, made from magnesium alloy. The top plate features three precision-milled aluminum dials which give the X-T20 a premium feel and allow users to easily adjust the aperture, shutter speed and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking.
The X-T20 features a 3.0 inch 1.04M-dot tilting TFT color LCD touchscreen monitor for both over-the-head and close-to-ground shooting. By combining the Touch Shot function with the tilt LCD monitor, you can get even more creative. Place the camera on the ground and use Touch Shot for a child’s face or a pet’s eye view, or hold it above a crowd of people or an obstacle for high-angle shooting. Users can use the touchscreen to select the focus area, focus on a specific point, and combine the actions of focusing and shooting in succession For playback, users can enjoy swipe to scroll through images, double-tap to enlarge, drag the image once enlarged, along with pinch-out and pinch-in sizing.
The number of focusing points has been expanded, up from 49 in the previous model to 91 (up to 325 points). Approximately 40% of the imaging area (the center area containing 49 focusing points) is covered with phase detection AF pixels to form a fast and precise phase detection AF area that can be used in a variety of scenes.
By redesigning the AF algorithm from the ground up, Fujifilm says the X-T20 can now autofocus more accurately on points of light, low-contrast objects and subjects with fine details such as bird feathers and animal fur. The read speed of the Contrast AF system has been doubled compared to the previous model to enable faster and more accurate autofocusing. During video recording, the AF point transitions smoothly to track a moving subject to create natural looking footage.
Users can choose from a Single Point mode, useful when accurate focusing on a subject is required, and a Zone mode that allows them to select a 3×3, 5×5 or 7×7 zone out of the 91-point AF area. The centrally positioned 3×3 and 5×5 zones, in particular, deliver fast focusing thanks to the on-sensor phase detection AF. The Wide/Tracking mode is a combination of the Wide mode (during AF-S), in which the camera automatically identifies and tracks the area in focus across the 91-point AF area, and the predictive Tracking mode (during AF-C), which uses the entire 91-point area to continue tracking a subject. This feature enables continuous focusing on a subject that is moving up and down, left and right or towards and away from the camera.
The Fujiflm X-T20 will be available body only from Adorama in Black or Silver for $899.
Fujinon XF50mm f/2 R WR Lens
The new XF50mmF2 R WR is a mid-telephoto lens. It is compact and lightweight, and features 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical ED lens, and has an inner focusing system, driven by a stepping motor for fast and silent autofocusing. The premium XF50mF2 R WR is made of metal and glass for a stylish, robust design with a premium feel, while the aperture and focusing rings have been designed to be comfortable and easy to use. The lens is also weather and dust resistant, and operates in temperatures as low as 14°F\10°C, making it ideal for shooting in a variety of weather conditions.
The Fujinon XF50mm f/2 R WR Lens will be available from Adorama in Black or Silver for $449.
