The Fujifilm GFX100 II is a marvel in the world of medium format cameras, setting new benchmarks for burst speeds and video capabilities within the GFX lineup. Designed to incorporate modern autofocus (AF), enhanced sensor stabilization, and cutting-edge video recording technology, this camera is poised to attract both professional photographers and videographers.
Body and Handling
The GFX100 II has become more manageable compared to its predecessor, weighing in at 2.27 pounds, akin to Panasonic’s full-frame S1. While the size and weight of medium format GFX lenses still necessitate a heavy bag, the camera resembles a full-frame camera in its heft and features. It sports a modern control layout, complete with dual control dials, a mode dial, a joystick, 14 buttons, and a movie/photo switch. The rear display can tilt up, down, and sideways but does not flip out. The viewfinder is stellar, offering a high 9.36-million dot resolution and 100% magnification, making it one of the best available.
Thanks to well-placed controls and a sizable grip, the GFX100 II is easy to handle. The top display remains on even when the camera is switched off, showing all the main settings at a glance. This thoughtful design element ensures users have quick access to essential information.
Image Quality
One of the standout features of the GFX100 II is its ability to go down to ISO 80 from 100, which boosts dynamic range. This flexibility offers photographers the chance to get creative with RAW photos or extract finer details from highlights and shadows. High ISO performance is impressive, with minimal noise at ISO 6400 and usable images up to ISO 12800 if exposure is correctly managed.
The medium format sensor provides incredibly shallow depth of field, making it an ideal choice for portrait photography. Coupled with a fast lens like the 80mm f/1.7, the camera produces remarkable bokeh and subject separation. JPEG enthusiasts will appreciate its color-accurate images with just the right amount of in-camera sharpening. Fujifilm has also introduced a new film simulation mode, Reala Ace, based on one of its older negative films. This mode delivers punchy, saturated, and nostalgic-looking images, quickly becoming a favorite among users.
Video Capabilities
The GFX100 II sets new standards with its video capabilities. It offers 4K/60p and 8K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit in-camera recording. For the highest quality footage, ISO 100 can now be used as the standard movie sensitivity. The camera also supports various cine recording formats, including Premista, 35mm, and anamorphic (35mm). With a basic GF to PL adapter, cinematographers can make use of the camera’s massive imaging sensor with some of the world’s legendary cinema optics, including Fujinon’s collection of Premista and Cabrio Zoom Lenses.
Additionally, the GFX100 II features F-Log2 support, providing broad post-production flexibility with a wider dynamic range of 14+ stops. These advanced video capabilities make the camera an attractive option for high-end video production.
Autofocus and Stabilization
The GFX100 II includes a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism, offering up to 8.0 stops of shake compensation. The intelligent autofocus system employs both TTL contrast detection and phase detection, making it versatile and highly efficient. It offers various focus modes, including single point, zone, wide/tracking, face/eye detection, and subject detection for animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles, bikes, airplanes, and trains.
The camera can also perform focus bracketing, either manually or automatically, ensuring you have the focus options you need for different shooting conditions.
Additional Features
The GFX100 II supports the HEIF image format, which delivers higher image quality while occupying up to 30% less space compared to JPEGs. It includes a range of features such as IPTC metadata, auto white balance, white balance shift, grain effect, color chrome effect, color chrome FX blue, smooth skin effect, and clarity adjustments. For those needing ultra-high-resolution images, the camera has a pixel shift multi-shot mode capable of producing a staggering 400-megapixel image with a single press of the shutter release.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm GFX100 II marks a significant upgrade in the medium format camera market, bringing in modern design, improved image quality, and enhanced video features. While there are minor quality issues such as a drop in color depth during 8fps bursts, these are not likely to be a deal-breaker for most users. Overall, the GFX100 II stands out as a versatile and high-performance camera that is bound to appeal to those seeking the best in medium format photography and videography.
Source: Engadget/Fujifilm GFX 100 II: The King of Medium Format Mirrorless Cameras
What Others Say About the Fujifilm GFX100 II
Fastest Burst
The Fujifilm GFX100 II boasts a “blackout-free 5.3 fps burst” capability, which is significantly faster than its predecessors.
“There’s no other Medium Format camera that comes even close to what the GFX100 II promises to do.”
– fcracer.com
This quote highlights the GFX100 II’s unique position in the medium format category, emphasizing its speed and performance capabilities.
Best Video in Medium Format
The GFX100 II offers a wide range of video formats and resolutions, including 4K 60p and 8K 30p, with advanced features like 4:2:2 10-bit in-camera recording and support for Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW codecs.
“The GFX100 II is a beautiful camera with a truly gorgeous grip/wrap that makes me instantly wish all of my cameras had it. There are still places where the ergonomics and autofocus don’t measure up to the best full frame cameras, but that is counterbalanced by image quality that those same cameras can’t measure up to.”
– Dustin Abbott
This quote underscores the GFX100 II’s impressive video capabilities and its potential to revolutionize medium format video production.
Autofocus
The GFX100 II features an AI-assisted autofocus system that can identify and track various subjects, including human eyes, animals, birds, trains, planes, automobiles, and motorcycles.
“The GFX100 II now has modern subject detection and tracking capability.”
– fcracer.com
This quote highlights the significant advancements in autofocus technology, making the GFX100 II a standout in medium format cameras.
Color and Image Quality
The GFX100 II’s large sensor and advanced processing capabilities result in rich colors and detailed images, particularly in portrait photography.
“The larger pixels result in more gradations and subtleties in images, and images are just special.”
– Dustin Abbott
This quote emphasizes the exceptional image quality and color rendition of the GFX100 II, making it a preferred choice for photographers.
Fujifilm GFX100 II Tech Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Fujifilm GFX100 II |
| Manufacturer | Fujifilm |
| Burst Speed | 8fps |
| Video Capabilities | 4K/60p, 8K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit |
| ISO Range | 80 to 12800 |
| In-Body Stabilization | 5-axis, up to 8.0 stops |
| Autofocus | TTL contrast detection, phase detection, face/eye detection, subject detection |
| Weight | 2.27 pounds |
| Viewfinder | 9.36-million dot resolution, 100% magnification |
| Display | Tilting rear display |
| Image Format | HEIF |
| Additional Features | Pixel shift multi-shot, F-Log2 support, Reala Ace film simulation, 400-megapixel image mode |
| Compatibility | GF to PL adapter for cinema lenses |
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