Cover Wildlife photography by Fujifilm ambassador William Chua, using the GFX100 II
Wildlife photography by Fujifilm ambassador William Chua, using the GFX100 II
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Tatler+
Large format cameras represent the next step up in digital photography, and Fujifilm is paving the way on this frontier with the GFX100 II
Full frame camera systems have long been de rigueur for professionals and serious amateurs alike. With the forward march of technology, however, a new standard has emerged to help discerning users take their photography even further.
The platform? Large format sensors, which offer a host of technical advantages over their full frame siblings. Nowhere is this more apparent than Fujifilm’s GFX100 II, a flagship model that excels in every genre of the field, from landscapes to portraiture, wildlife, and even sports photography. The camera complements this with outstanding video performance, for a complete package that also meets the needs of hybrid shooters as well.
Wildlife photography by Fujifilm ambassador William Chua
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A technical tour de force
With approximately 1.7 times the area of the standard 35mm full frame sensor, the large format sensor is capable of better low light performance and higher dynamic range, while also giving photographers greater control over the depth of field.
The GFX100 II’s newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor has these “traditional” advantages in spades. It also delivers a whopping 102 megapixels of output for highly detailed photographs, giving photographers even more creative freedom over their output, from aggressive cropping to large prints. The icing on the cake here is the sensor’s enhanced ISO performance. With its new standard sensitivity of ISO80, the GFX100 II’s noise performance and dynamic range are also upgraded over its predecessor’s.
Of course, sensor size is just one piece of the puzzle. To get the most out of this sensor, Fujifilm’s engineers have developed the X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which has up to double the signal readout speed compared to the GFX100 II’s predecessor. Combined with the reinforced buffer memory, the camera is able to achieve burst shooting performance of 8 frames per second to capture critical moments. The new image processing engine is also noteworthy for implementing Fujifilm’s AI-based subject-detection autofocus system, which has been augmented with a predictive algorithm for even stronger autofocus performance.
Above Professional wildlife photographer and Fujifilm ambassador William Chua
Professional wildlife photographer and Fujifilm ambassador William Chua
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For professional wildlife photographer and Fujifilm ambassador William Chua, these changes don’t just represent better functionality, but also significant improvements in quality of life. “I can now enjoy burst shooting at quick intervals, completely stress-free, thanks to the reinforced buffer memory,” he shares. “This lets me seize decisive photo moments while preserving the high definition and image quality achieved by the large format sensor.”
On the video front, hybrid shooters will be pleased to know that the GFX100 II’s performance has been significantly enhanced. This goes beyond obvious improvements such as an extended dynamic range and reduced rolling shutter. Rather, 8K30p and 4K60p recordings in 10-bit 4:2:2 via ProRes—with simultaneous proxy creation, no less—means that videographers can look forward to a flexible yet efficient post-production workflow. This, too, marks a new step forward in large format cameras’ viability in video production outside of specialist cinema cameras.
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Uniquely Fujifilm
One of Fujifilm’s most unique offerings is its Film Simulation mode, which uses proprietary “recipes” based on Fujifilm’s legendary film stocks to process images, each with a distinct flavour. In the GFX100 II, a total of 20 Film Simulation modes have been included, including the new Reala Ace. The new addition models the Fujicolor Superia Reala Ace 100 colour negative film that was only sold in Japan and, like the original film, offers pleasing, true-to-life colours. Together, these Film Simulation modes represent yet another way to shoot via a fuss-free experience with a touch of creative restraint.
In the GFX100 II, Fujifilm has delivered best iteration of the large format digital camera yet. “I encourage users who have not tried large format cameras to take GFX100 II out,” Chua shares. “It will make you love your images even more.”
Credits
Images: William Chua
