Fujifilm’s fixed-lens X100 VI camera achieved remarkable sales, prompting the company to develop a more advanced model to compete with Leica’s full-frame Q3. This resulted in the GFX100RF, priced at $4,899, which is the first 100-megapixel medium format compact camera on the market.
The GFX100RF includes innovative features such as a crop dial that allows various aspect ratios and digital zoom capabilities. It also retains features valued in social media, such as film simulations, and can shoot medium-format 4K video.
Despite its advancements, the camera has several drawbacks. Unlike Leica’s Q3 that offers a fast 28mm f/1.7 lens with optical stabilization, Fujifilm’s equivalent 35mm lens is limited to f/4 and lacks stabilization, affecting performance in low-light conditions.
In terms of design, the GFX100RF, although Fujifilm’s smallest medium-format camera, weighs 735 grams. Its control layout is reminiscent of the X100 VI, featuring dials for various settings. An additional aspect ratio dial offers a wide array of modes including a panoramic option reminiscent of Fujifilm’s TX-1 camera.
The GFX100RF houses dual UHS-II memory card slots and multiple ports, including USB-C for data transfers and charging. Its battery life is notable, supporting up to 820 shots or about 100 minutes of video on a single charge.
When it comes to performance, the GFX100RF, similar to the GFX100S II, offers up to 6 fps burst shooting speeds. While the autofocus is reliable for single shots, it lags during bursts. It also supports animal, bird, and vehicle tracking modes.
The camera’s mechanical shutter is nearly silent and eliminates the rolling shutter skew that appears in silent mode. However, the lack of image stabilization means photographing in low-light remains challenging without a tripod.
Image quality is a strong suit for the GFX100RF, capturing detailed and sharp images with a variety of cropping and film simulation options. However, its f/4 aperture and the absence of stabilization make low-light photography difficult.
For video, the GFX100RF can record 4K and widescreen DCI 4K at 30 fps with digital stabilization, providing a smooth output. However, rolling shutter limits swift camera movements.
In summary, Fujifilm’s GFX100RF is an impressive camera with exceptional image quality, yet its high price and specific shortcomings make it appealing to a niche market. Competing with Leica’s Q3, the GFX100RF offers unique innovations like the aspect ratio dial but struggles with low-light conditions due to its lens limitations. Despite its constraints, it introduces novel ideas that could influence future photography trends.
