Fujifilm GFX100S (vs GFX100) First Looks: Low Light AF Almost as Fast as Canon/Sony (Really?), Joystick Issues, Quick Eye AF Demo

ThePhoBlographer got his hands on a Fujifilm GFX100S since a few days, and here is initial feedback shared in two videos:

  • super small
  • 5 fps with continuous autofocus
  • fantastic build quality and weather sealed
  • autofocus is faster than original GFX100
  • at minute 3:35 he says that in low light, the GFX100S is “pretty much almost as fast” as the Canon EOS R. It’s up there with Canon and Sony. He could not believe it, so he kept doing it over and over again, and it kept performing
  • for being pre-production (hence not final firmware), it’s already very good autofocus on the GFX100S

Honestly, considering that this is just prototype firmware and that MF is not known to be master of speed, I have a hard time to believe that kind of autofocus performance.

What we know is that there is a new and improved algorithm in the Fujifilm GFX100S, that speeds up single, tracking and eye autofocus. So I definitely expect a sensible improvement over the original GFX100. But how much it was able to come close to high end full frame or APS-C cameras, that remains to see once more reviews come in with final production firmware.

Down below we also add a quick eye autofocus demo of the Fujifilm GFX100S. It’s a Japanese first look on the GFX100S, and I will let you start the video at 17:46 to get direct access to the quick eye AF demo.

Always covering the brand new GFX100S, ZP Productions shared an initial look at the GFX100S and compares it to the original GFX100. Here is what he says:

  • coupled the smaller G mount lenses, you can hold and operate the camera one handed (such as with the GF45mm)
  • has a top LCD like the GFX100, but GFX100 has also a small LCD on the battery grip
  • he runs over some differences in terms of buttons and dial layout between GFX100S and GFX1000
  • GFX100S has only 5 FN cabable buttons, the GFX100 has 7 FN buttons
  • he prefers the joystick on the GFX100 over the one on the GFX100S. On the GFX100S you press down and sometimes nothing happens [note: consider that these are pre-production firmware]
  • the joystick itself is nicer on the GFX100S, as it is bigger. But the tactile feeling is not as good as GFX100 (less responsive). [Again: pre-production firmware used]
  • slighlty lower resolution EVF on GFX100S compared to GFX100
  • autofocus in terms of eye detection feels a bit faster than GFX100S over GFX100. More stable, more sticky
  • lighter, smaller and easier to use camera than the GFX100. But it lacks of buttons, has weired joystick and lower resolution EVF compared to GFX100. Also no vertical grip option
  • external power during video is also better on GFX100 due to 15 V DC-IN connector port to power the camera
  • GFX100S has the X-T4 battery, and it gives you more shots per battery
  • GFX100S is the way better camera for travels
  • about as big as the Canon R5
  • he owns the GFX100, so he probably won’t buy the GFX100S

As for the joystick, you can set it that it works always, or that it works only after you clicked it (or even turn it off completely). Maybe the reviewer had it set to “press first than move”, which could explain why he had to push hard, probably until he accidentally pressed so hard that he pressed in and activated it. Or it’s just because it’s a pre-production sample. Frankly, I would not worry about it at all.

Check out all videos down below.

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Videos

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Fujifilm GFX100S Manager Interview: Why No Battery Grip Option, No Tilt EVF, Quick Eye AF Demo and More

Fujifilm managers have released an interview in Japanese to a youtube channel.

Again we rely on the automatic translation tool. Here is the summary for you guys.

  • 1.7x larger sensor than full frame
  • the appeal of the GFX100S is not only megapixel
  • color gradation improves with the GFX sensor
  • the smaller form factor and more affordable price compared to GFX100, will make it appealing to more than just professional photographers
  • the lighter the camera becomes, the better
  • focal plane shutter and integrated battery grip made the original GFX100 big
  • IBIS was made smaller too
  • then developing the X-T4 battery, they were already thinking to implement it also on GFX cameras
  • ISO 6400 is still so beautiful
  • PSAM dial is used in other camera systems. People used to it will find it easier to switch to GFX now because it offers a PSAM dial
  • if you start adding shutter speed dial, ISO dial etc, the camera will get inevitably bigger and heavier
  • having a top LCD and command dials makes camera smaller and lighter
  • the tiltable and detachable viewfinder on GFX100 necessitates of some well build parts that cost money to implement. The GFX100S hence has a fixed EVF and it’s also slightly lower resolution to make it cheaper
  • the addition of a vertical battery grip option would have ment adding electrical boards on the bottom of the camera, which also would have made the camera bigger and heavier
  • the capacity per battery has increased thanks to the NP-W235 battery
  • it’s better to have the battery in the pocket rather than on a big integrated battery grip
  • by adding accessories like a battery grip option, the price would have come closer to the GFX100
  • nostalgic negative film simulation
  • at minute 5:45 of the first video linked below (click and it will start at the right point), there is a quick eye AF demo
  • AF algorithm has been improved
  • weights 1700g when paired with the new GF80mmF1.7
  • You can go more out in the field thanks to the GFX100S smaller size
  • the sensor is large so the lenses are large, too. This means the glass elements that have to be moved are large and heavy. So the manager asked to make the lens inner focus. They also have to remove aberration with special glass elements. It’s all about finding the balance between price, size and performance
  • you can’t shoot dozen of extremely high speed rapid bursts, because the focal plane can’t move that fast [note: the GFX100S shoots at a max. of 5fps], but it can capture shorter action moments, like a motorcycle passing by
  • 4K30p video
  • you can adapt cinema PL lenses via adapter
  • you can now experience the world beyond full frame

That’s about it :).

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Videos

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Fujicast Interview with Fujifilm Manager: X-S10, GFX100S, R&D Choices, Instax Wide Printer and More

Here is the summary of part 2 of the Fujicast interview (part 1 here) with Fujifilm Manager Andreas Georghiades :

  • X-S10 was more expensive at launch than the X-T3, but the X-T3 was an older product when the X-S10 was launched and there were promotions on the X-T3
  • there are people who like DSLR’s and want to go smaller mirrorless camera, and the X-S10 is a great camera for them as it has a PSAM dial. Then there are rangefinder lovers (X-E, X-Pro) and others want individual dials (X-T4 etc)
  • X-S10 is targeted to attract new users in the Fujifilm system
  • for pure photographic orientated people, there are X100V, X-T3, X-Pro3 etc
  • there was a gap, and the X-S10 fills that
  • he does not know of an Instax Wide Printer, but he’d love to have one too
  • When it comes to making decisions (such as if implement vary angle screens or not etc), they get their feedback from various sources. From X photographers, camera reviewers, traditional press, youtube reviewers
  • at the end you can’t make everybody happy, some will always complaint. For example, the GFX100S has lower res EVF compared to GFX100, but it’s also much cheaper. But some complaint and wanted a cheap camera with the super-resolution EVF of GFX100
  • compromises need to be made sometimes
  • if you want X-T4 performance on a more photo centric camera, there is the X-T3
  • Fujifilm can’t please everyone
  • Brexit won’t have additional costs on repairs, but there might be delays initally
  • the Fujifilm UK X-Thusiast program won’t be extended to USA

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LIVE NOW: Introducing the FUJIFILM GFX100S with Fujifilm Technical Specialists and X Photographers – B&H Photo Event Space

The B&H Photo Event Space is hosting a dedicated Fujifilm GFX100S event that starts now (1 PM New York time).

You can watch the live stream here or join via zoom (follow the instructions here).

Fujifilm and B&H are proud to offer this introduction to the new GFX100S. This event will start with a presentation of the camera and its features by Fujifilm Product Technical Specialist, John Haggerty. Followed by our special guest Fujifilm X-Photographer Dinesh Boaz. Dinesh was one of the first photographers in the world to use the GFX100S. He will share the work he created with it and offer some insight to what it is like to work with this most powerful camera.

To join the live meeting, check out the dedicated B&H photo page here.

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Fujifilm UK Wants You to Go Fuller than Full Frame and Offers £450 Discount on GFX100S if You Trade in Your Full Frame Camera

Fujifilm UK decided that it’s time to get rid of your full frame gear and offers you £450 trade in bonus (on top of the trade-in value of your FF camera) if you purchase the Fujifilm GFX100S. You can also trade in other medium format gear (full list below).

And not only that.

If you buy the Fujifilm GFX100S, you’ll get the Fujifilm BC-W235 dual battery charger for free or a free NP-W235 battery.

The deal is available at qualifying retailers such as Wexphotographic and Parkcameras.

The bad news?

As far as I can remember, such deals appear in Europe, but I can’t remember them for USA, where instant rebates are the standard. And considering that the original GFX100 never saw a rebate in any shape or form, not even now after the GFX100S announcement, I am very pessimistic that such a deal will appear also in USA.

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List of Qualifying Trade In Models:

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Fujifilm GFX100S “More Than Full Frame” Promo Series… and How Suddenly Sensor Size Does Not Matter Anymore for Some Youtubers ;)

Fujifilm has launched a series of promo videos called “more than full frame“.

But unlike the title might suggest, the promo videos talk less about specs, but are more on the inspirational side… and I like that for sure!

I will share all videos below, but let me add a little note first.

After the Fujifilm GFX100S was announced, I saw a few videos of big youtubers, who consistently stood behind full frame as the only real professional format (ignoring that Fuji APS-C cameras creamed off the most prestigious awards), saying basically the following things about the GFX100S.

  • having a 70% “fuller” sensor than full frame does not really make a lot of difference
  • having more pixels and a bit more dynamic range does not really make a lot of difference
  • it is more important to have passion for photography and have a system that inspires you to shoot

Sure, I can understand that some influencers, who have strong connections with brands that don’t produce medium format cameras (and are not committed to APS-C), are arguing a bit contradictory and confusing these days.

If they say sensor size does not matter, then people will ask them “so why not go with cheaper and smaller APS-C systems“, and if they say sensor size matters, then people will ask “then why not go GFX?”.

In this regard, I respect youtubers like Tony Northrup, who just consistently said that he does care about megapixel and the more megapixel he gets, the better it is for him. Or also Jared Polin, who in a video asked Fujifilm to send him a GFX100S for testing (but Jared, maybe we can schedule a call first to organize a Fuji crash course, so that you avoid flaming again that you can’t move the focus point while face detection is enabled ;)).

And what does FujiRumors say about the sensor size debate?

Simple and true: every system has its strengths.

As for hybrid cameras, I consider APS-C the ultimate sweet spot (and so do these industry insiders like Richard Butler from DPReview and Co).

There are APS-C specific advantages and also GFX specific advantages. And of course, full frame has its strengths too.

It’s just great we have all this choice and whatever people pick, it’s surely the best system for their needs.

Personally, I am very happy with my Fujifilm X system. It’s so flexible. Small lens, big lens, fast lens, compact lens, bulky camera, super compact camera, affordable, expensive, hyperbolic specs, simplicity, retro, modern… there is so much to pick from depending on needs and taste in the Fujifilm X system, that I personally do not see any need to go full frame. I’d lose more than I’d gain (for my personal needs and preferences).

If I’d add a system to my camera bag, at this point I’d just go for the very best image quality I can get (for a reasonable price), hence with a sensor that is 70% “fuller” than full frame. Especially now, where the Fujifilm GFX100S dropped for a price cheaper than the Sony A1 and a body smaller than the Panasonic S1R.

But that’s just me, my needs, my taste, and totally personal.

If you shoot full frame and say it’s the best of the best, then it surely is like this for you, and you are blessed with lots of mirrorless options, too.

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More Than Full Frame

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Fujifilm GFX100S Nostalgic Negative Development Story, Recommended Settings, Samples, Exceeding Full Frame – Fujifilm X Lab

In the previous (and very interesting) Fujifilm X Lab episode here, Fujifilm engineers and managers showed us a disassembled Fujifilm GFX100S and explained us how they where able to reduce the size of the Fujifilm GFX100S by 30% compared to the original GFX100.

Now the second part related to the GFX100S went online.

It’s again in Japanese and we rely on the automatic google translation tool. But to spare you the suffering to go through it, I will sum it up for you.

It’s all nicely listed down below.

I will also share some Nostalgic Negative sample images that Jonas Rask has published on our wonderful GFX facebook group. For the full set of samples, check out Jonas’ GFX group post here.

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Fujifilm X Lab – The GFX100S’ Nostalgic Negative

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Fujifilm GFX100S Shipping Delay: “Pre-Orders Exceed Expectations!”… and Why It’s Not a Marketing Move

Fujifilm has issued an official statement, telling customers that the Fujifilm GFX100S won’t ship at the end of February like planed (for the Japanese market), but later.

The reason is that the pre-orders exceed Fujifilm’s expectations. Hence, Fuji says it will “take some time” until they’ll be able to ship it.

Here is when major retailers expect stock at the time of this post:

  • BHphoto – 11 March
  • AmazonUS – No data. Listed, but not available for pre-order anymore
  • Adorama – 11 March

As usual when these notifications are released by companies, some say in the comments that this is some sort of marketing move.

But trust me: Fujifilm wants to ship as many GFX100S cameras within March as possible for the simple reason that the Japanese fiscal year ends in March, and the more GFX100S they will ship by then, the more Fujifilm can show up with good imaging division numbers in front of investors.

A shipping delay beyond March is the last thing they want. But so far, BH & Co still set the shipping start for March 11.

Here on FujiRumors we compared pre-orders of the Fujifilm GFX100S with the one of the GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R, and we saw that the GFX100S alone got more pre-orders in the first three days then the other three GFX cameras combined.

Trust me: Fujifilm has landed a mega homerun with the GFX100S. Now it is crucial for Fujifilm to be able to ship it as fast as possible to cement this colossal success.

The GFX Community

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Shipping Delay Notificiation – Press Release

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Fujifilm GFX100S Record Pre-Orders on FujiRumors: It Beats GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R… Combined!

On Friday we reported how BHphoto marked the Fujifilm GFX100S as top seller.

I decided to check how pre-orders are going here on FujiRumors… and what I saw was rather unexpected.

The first days of Fujifilm GFX100S pre-orders were stronger than the first days of the GFX100, GFX50S and GFX50R pre-orders combined!

Also, it the GFX100S enjoys stronger pre-orders than any mid range Fujifilm X series camera, such as the X-S10 and X-E4.

Only high end X-series cameras like the X-T4 and X100V still have an advantage over the GFX100S.

Sure, this data is restricted to FujiRumors pre-orders (where mid-range is never selling that well). But in my experience, the more high end we go, the more sales made via FujiRumors can be representative for overall sales for high end cameras (meaning a high end camera that does not sell well among the FR-community, also does not sell well overall on the market).

If so also this time, then this means that Fujifilm landed a big hit with the Fujifilm GFX100S, and I am afraid they’ll need a long time to satisfy all pre-orders!

And to every single one of you, who decided to pre-order their new gear via FujiRumors: thanks so much! I will reward your help with some hot rumors ;).

The GFX Community

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Fujifilm GFX100S: Strong Pre-Orders and Back for Pre-Order at AmazonUS

For the entire day of yesterday, the Fujifilm GFX100S was no longer available for pre-order at AmazonUS. But now it’s back again here.

In the meantime, the Fujifilm GFX100S advanced to a top selling item on BHphoto.

Pre-orders seem to be very strong… and strong is also our hope that Fujifilm won’t mess up the shipping and don’t make customer wait endless months until they finally get their pre-ordered camera.

The GFX Community

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