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 “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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BREAKING: New Fujinon GF Zoom Coming First Half 2021

Recently we told you that Fujifilm will launch a new Fujinon GF zoom in 2021.

Trusted sources would like me to specify, that the GF zoom will come in the first half of 2021.

Fujifilm is seriously stepping on the gas with the GFX system in 2021! Keep the good stuff coming, Fujifilm!

The GFX Community

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Fujifilm GFX100S vs Full Frame Size Comparison (Sony A7RIV, Canon R5, Panasonic S1R, Nikon Z7II)

Camerasize added the Fujifilm GFX100S to their database. I used their data to compare the brand new Fujifilm GFX100S vs high end full frame cameras.

  • Fujifilm GFX100S: 102MP – $5999 – 70% “fuller” sensor than full frame
  • Canon EOS R5:      45 MP  – $3899 – Full Frame
  • Panasonic S1R:     47 MP   – $3697 – Full Frame
  • Sony A7RIV:           61 MP  – $3498 – Full Frame
  • Nikon Z7 II:            45 MP  – $2996 – Full Frame

You can see all the comparisons below.

The GFX Community

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You can make your comparisons at camerasize here.

BREAKING: New Fujinon GF Zoom Lens Coming 2021 (Not Yet on Roadmap)

According to information I have received from trusted sources, Fujifilm will release a new GF zoom lens in 2021. The lens does not show up on any roadmap and has also not been hinted by Fujifilm in any shape or form.

In our big “What we Expect from Fujifilm in 2021” overview, we noticed that there is indeed one zoom lens, that once appeared on an internal roadmap (leaked by FujiRumors), but until now never saw the light of the day.

But at this point in time I do not know if it is that lens, or another zoom lens.

I am investigating and will let you know as soon as I can.

The GFX Community

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