Fujifilm debuts GFX100 II flagship, tilt-shift lenses, 55mm lens

FUJIFILM North America Corp. announced the FUJIFILM GFX100 II digital camera (GFX100 II), a new flagship of the GFX System. Incorporating a 55mm large-format image sensor – which is nearly 1.7x larger than the 35mm image sensors found in full-frame cameras – GFX100 II produces images with broad dynamic range at a very shallow depth-of-field. GFX100 II is expected to be available in early fall 2023 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $7,499.95 USD and $10,124.99 CDN.

GFX100 II includes a newly developed, 102-megapixel high-speed image sensor and Fujifilm’s latest 5th generation X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which doubles the signal readout speed compared to the current model. This in turn provides unique benefits to image makers, especially in the areas of high-speed, continuous shutter mode, autofocus (AF) and video.

“Imaging professionals rely on FUJIFILM GFX System cameras and lenses to take their best images to another level,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging Division and Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM North America Corp. “GFX100 II is another incredible design and engineering feat for Fujifilm. We’re incredibly excited to see the new creative heights that will be achieved with this camera when it gets into the hands of our photographers and filmmakers.”

GFX100 II uses Fujifilm’s latest high-speed image sensor, along with its advanced image processing engine to deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI) based subject-detection autofocus (AF), which was most recently featured in the FUJIFILM X-H2S mirrorless digital camera. Developed with Deep Learning technology and updated with the latest prediction AF algorithm, GFX100 II now incorporates AI-based subject-detection AF to quickly track and detect animals, birds, vehicles, and other fast-moving objects like insects and drones,.

Burst shooting performance has been increased from the current 5.0 frames per second to 8.0 frames per second5, expanding the GFX100 II’s application across various genres, including fashion, commercial, landscape, sports, and photojournalism. An expanded buffer memory extends seamless burst capabilities for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

GFX100 II’s new sensor also provides enhanced capabilities for video production. The ability to internally record Apple ProRes 4:2:2, 10-bit video at 4K/60p and 8K/30p is a major first for GFX System cameras. With the use of an optional, third-party GF to PL lens adapter, multiple video recording formats can be natively accommodated on GFX100 II, making the FUJINON PREMISTA Large Format and 35mm Anamorphic cinema lenses easily adaptable for various uses including cinematic applications. Additionally, GFX100 II supports three Apple ProRes codecs, i.e., Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 LT.

GFX100 II also features Ethernet, HDMI Type A, and USB-C terminals for enhanced external device connectivity. Dual card slots support one CFExpress Type B and one SD card. CFExpressTM Type B cards are required to access the GFX100 II’s enhanced video performance features. Production workflows are additionally streamlined with the camera’s native, accessory free integration for Frame.io Camera to Cloud, which seamlessly delivers files directly to the cloud, and Atomos AirGluTM BT.

GFX100 II includes a total of 20 Film Simulation modes, including the new REALA ACE mode, which is based on Fujifilm’s color-negative film, offering a neutral color reproduction suitable for all subject types. Additionally, Fujifilm’s innovation of the pixel structure has enabled the use of ISO80 as a standard sensitivity. When the sensor sensitivity is set at ISO80, the camera can make images with incredible dynamic range and noise levels that are lower than previous GFX100 and GFX100S models. The new sensor’s photosites have been optimized to increase light use efficiency at the sensor’s edges, thus improving both image quality at the edges of the photo, and AF accuracy over the previous, GFX100 and GFX100S models.

Hardware enhancements include a five-axis, in-body image stabilization (IBIS) that provides up to 8-stops of image stabilization, as well as 1.0x viewfinder magnification, and a high- magnification, high-definition 9.44-million-dot EVF. The camera’s new design also features a large, sub-LCD, tilted top panel, and a fashionably textured grip.

Optional Accessories

• FUJIFILM VG-GFX II Vertical battery grip (VG-GFX II) accommodates two NP-W235 batteries for extended image- and video-making opportunities.
• FUJIFILM FAN-001 Cooling fan (FAN-001) allows for extended video filming in high temperatures.
• FUJIFILM EVF-TL1 EVF tilt adapter (EVF-TL1) provides diverse shooting angles while using the viewfinder.

FUJINON GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens (GF55mmF1.7

FUJIFILM North America Corp. also announced the launch of FUJINON GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens (GF55mmF1.7), a large-aperture prime lens offering a standard focal length of 55mm (an equivalent 35mm focal length of 44mm). Designed for a broad range of genres that include travel, street, and documentary, GF55mmF1.7 brings consistent optical quality to image makers, enabling them to deliver a wide range of photos and videos.

GF55mmF1.7 features a high-speed F1.7 aperture, making it a great compliment to Fujifilm’s recently released GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens because of its similar aperture and comparatively wider focal length, with a field of view that is very similar to that of the human eye. Incorporating 14 lens elements in 10 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, GF55mmF1.7 achieves remarkable, image-resolving performance.

FUJINON GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens is expected to be available in early fall 2023 at an MSRP  of $2,299.95 USD and $3,099.99 CDN.

Tilt-shift lenses for GFX system

FUJIFILM North America Corp. also announced the launch of two tilt-shift lenses for its GFX System of mirrorless digital cameras: FUJINON GF30mmF5.6 T/S lens (GF30mmF5.6 T/S) and FUJINON Lens GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro lens (GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro). These new lenses, designed for GFX System’s 55mm large-format sensor1, cater to the demands of professional photographers who need the ability to adjust for parallax, distortion, and focus.

GF30mmF5.6 T/S consists of 16 elements in 11 groups, including 3 aspherical elements,2 extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and 1 Super ED element. Its expanded configuration features the use of a large aperture aspherical, front element as well as 3 ED elements, providing advanced optics designed to eliminate the need for electronically correcting distortion and lateral chromatic aberration. Spherical aberration, comatic aberration and field curvature are suppressed to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness even during shifting.

GF110mm F5.6 T/S Macro is a mid-telephoto, tilt-shift macro lens with a 110mm focal length (equivalent 35mm focal length of 87mm) and a maximum magnification factor of 0.5x. Designed to optimally suppress various types of aberrations, including distortion and lateral chromatic aberration, with its 110mm focal length, this lens delivers incredible levels of image resolution and is ideal for commercial photography, particularly for still-life subjects.

GF110mm F5.6 T/S Macro consists of 11 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical element and 2 ED elements. The aspherical element controls comatic aberration and field curvature, while the ED elements minimize axial chromatic aberration. Furthermore, the lens configuration, with the aperture midway, suppresses distortion and lateral chromatic aberration to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness without relying on electronic correction, according to Fujifilm.

The FUJIFILM FUJINON GF30mmF5.6 T/S and GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro lenses are each expected to be available in Fall 2023 at MSRPs of $3,999.95 USD ($5399.99 CDN) and $3,499.95 USD ($4,724.99 CDN) respectively.