Fujifilm has showcased its latest medium format camera, the GFX 50R at Photokina and released a development announcement for a future GFX 100Megapixels Concept camera.
Angled view of the new Fujifilm GFX 50R camera. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Like the GFX 50S that preceded it, the GFX 50R features Fujifilm’s G Format ( 43.8 x 32.9 mm) image sensor, which is approximately 1.7 times the size of a 35mm image frame and offers an effective resolution of 51.4 megapixels. The new GFX 50R is more compact and light in weight and adopts a rangefinder style design that allows photographers to keep one eye on the subject while looking through the viewfinder with the other eye. It is designed to meet the needs of many field photographers, such as those specialising in weddings, portraits and street photography, who demand a premium yet portable camera. It also features the X-Processor Pro image processing engine, supports Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes and is the first to feature Bluetooth compatibility that allows images to be transferred quickly and easily straight to smartphones and other portable devices.
The GFX 50R is approximately 145 grams lighter than the GFX 50S (which weighs 920 grams with EVF) and its robust magnesium alloy body is just 66.4mm thick, 25.0mm thinner than the GFX 50S. The camera’s body is weather-sealed in 64 places and includes an organic EL electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 3.69 million dots and magnification of 0.77x. The top panel sports two milled aluminium dials, one for shutter speed and the other for exposure compensation. A focus lever allows quick adjustment of the focus point, while the elimination of selector buttons provides extra space to more comfortably hold the camera. The GFX system supports tethering software such as the HS-V5 for Windows and Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO for Adobe Photoshop and includes Capture One support with tethering and film simulation support. Capture One Pro for Fujifilm will be bundled with the new camera.
Fujifilm currently offers a lineup of seven Fujinon GF lenses, covering focal lengths from 23mm (equivalent to 18mm in the 35mm film format) to 250mm (equivalent to 198mm in the 35mm film format). All GF lenses are able to resolve up to 100 megapixels, meaning they are future proof. Additional lenses will be released to bring the number of lenses up to 11. The GFX 50R will be available at selected camera retailers from late November for $7,099 (RRP). Click here for more information.
Fujifilm has also announced the GFX 100Megapixels Concept for a new flagship model with a 102 million pixels GFX Series medium format sensor. The new model will feature the X-Processor 4 processing engine and Fujifilm’s proprietary colour reproduction technology. It will be the first medium format mirrorless camera to incorporate phase detection pixels over the entire surface of the entire sensor to ensure high-speed/high-precision autofocus wherever in the frame subject is located. This mechanism makes it possible to use autofocus to track moving objects, resulting in more precise continuous autofocus and performance that exceeds conventional expectations for medium format digital cameras.
Fujifilm has developed a new built-in image stabilisation system for the new camera, which works with all interchangeable lenses, expanding the scope of hand-held ultra-high resolution photography with the 102 million pixel sensor. The new camera will also be the first of its type capable of shooting 4K 30p 10-bit video clips, giving users the ability to shoot high-quality movies which capture rich textures and depth as well as a sense of atmosphere present in a scene.
Despite its large image sensor, the new camera will be the same size and weight as a high-end full-frame DSLR camera. It will be the first camera in the GFX Series to have a vertically-position grip and an integrated magnesium alloy body, a design which makes the camera extremely robust, while also achieving good holding stability when attaching or removing large interchangeable lenses. No information has been provided on the expected release date or pricing for the new camera but we should expect more clarification at CP+ in Yokohama at the end of February 2019.
