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[Disclaimer: I am not an ambassador for Fujifilm but I have worked with them closely over the last five years or more. I have created images for the launch of three of the 102 MP GFX cameras including the GFX100, GFX100S and the GFX100 II. Check out my portfolio website to see those images and the behind the scenes video for those assignments. I have also created images for the launch of some of the GF lenses as well–notably for the GF45-100 and more recently the GF500mm lens. As a result, I cannot say that this review is unbiased. I am certainly biased. I hope that you find this review at the very least balanced since I do use other cameras systems for some of my work.]

I revealed my preview of the FUJIFILM GFX100 II again in September 2023. I do know the digital camera was not launched till September final yr however since I created pictures for the launch of the digital camera I’ve been working with it since late Could 2023–virtually a yr now. Therefore, this text will dive deeper into the digital camera and my experiences with it than the preview did. Since working with that early prototype digital camera, I’ve had much more time to {photograph} a wide range of fast-paced motion and actually put the complete manufacturing digital camera via the paces. I acquired the complete manufacturing digital camera very shortly after coming back from the launch occasion in Stockholm, Sweden final September.

As I stated within the preview final fall, I nonetheless stand by my declare that the GFX100 II is the most effective digital camera that Fujifilm has ever produced. It’s by far the quickest, most-responsive medium format digital camera ever made by anybody. I say that with over 25 years of expertise working with medium format cameras of each taste from older movie cameras just like the Mamiya RZ67 and seven II, the Hasselblad 503CW, in addition to newer digital choices just like the Hasselblad H5D 50c and the Part One XF cameras. I’ve additionally frolicked with the Hasselblad X1D and X2D. None of them can evaluate in terms of the general array of options and pace of operation. By way of picture high quality the GFX100 II is true up there with the most effective of them as properly.

[Note: The only camera that I would say surpasses the GFX100 II in terms of image quality (and only by a hair) is the Phase One IQ4 150 MP digital back–but that camera is so slow to operate and basically has to be used with a tripod to get decent results making it very limited in how it can be used. The Phase One XF also has one of the worst autofocus systems I have ever used.]

What have I discovered in a yr with the GFX100 II? First off, it’s much more succesful than you would possibly assume–particularly when making an attempt to seize motion. I’ve photographed each whitewater kayaking (for the launch final yr) and extra just lately wind browsing out in Maui with a prototype of the brand new GF500mm lens. In each circumstances, the autofocus was capable of monitor the topic and get a powerful variety of pictures in focus–even with the topic shifting everywhere. After all, for individuals who haven’t used medium format cameras earlier than please word that the proportion of in-focus pictures is decrease than with a 35mm mirrorless digital camera system just like the Nikon Z9, Canon R3 or the Sony A1 or A9III. Each of the photographs beneath have been created with the GFX100 II and the brand new GF500mm f/5.6 lens.

On that wind browsing project for Fujifilm, I shot with my Nikon Z9 for the a number of days earlier than I used to be despatched the GF500mm lens. My Nikon Z9 was so strong by way of the autofocus that it was uncommon to have a picture out of focus–so I might put that in-focus proportion up round 97%. With the GFX100 II, I might say that it was fairly darn wonderful, particularly for a medium format digital camera. When it locked on the topic it might usually monitor the surfer during the sequence until one other wave splashed up between myself and the surfer. I might say that I obtained round 80% of the photographs in focus. Word that whereas working with the GFX100 II, I used to be firing away at 8 frames per second the entire time. Therefore, I created hundreds and hundreds of pictures every day whereas photographing wind browsing.

In my expertise, it isn’t even the autofocus that’s the limiting issue when making an attempt to seize motion with the GFX100 II. The body fee, buffer depth and autofocus are all adequate (for a medium format rig) however the digital viewfinder (EVF) doesn’t appear to look to maintain up with the motion fairly in addition to my Nikon rig. I did change into the 120 fps EVF mode after which additionally the 240 fps EVF mode–and each of these modes labored a lot better for this state of affairs. Even so, the truth that the digital camera has a bodily shutter and also you get a black out between photographs is a limiting issue when making an attempt to maintain the topic in body–particularly with longer lenses. I notice it is a small criticism that has extra to do with different cameras (specifically my Nikon Z9) having no viewfinder blackout. Maybe down the street sometime we could have a world sensor medium format digital camera that alleviates this situation however for now, even with my criticism right here, the GFX100 II does wonderful properly at capturing motion given it makes use of a bigger sensor.

Staying with the autofocus for a second right here, the face and eye monitoring in addition to the topic recognition system all work extremely properly. Whether or not you might be creating portraits (as proven within the pictures beneath) or photographing wildlife, the digital camera performs exceptionally properly even with the sooner f/1.7 lenses. Whereas photographing guanacos in Patagonia on my most up-to-date journey the attention monitoring would lock onto the eyes of the Guanacos simply and monitor them round as properly. Regardless that the autofocus system is perhaps a step behind the quickest cameras on the market it’s extremely intuitive and quick for medium format.

I notice I’m one of many few photographers on the market that may seize the GFX100 II to {photograph} motion sports activities. Relying on the project, and if the motion is repeatable, I’d use the GFX100 II or I’d go for my Nikons. It simply relies on the gig. Lately each techniques go on most assignments. However I hope this goes to point out that the GFX100 II can do rather more than most would possibly assume. Even when contemplating extra regular medium format genres, like portraiture for instance, I just about go away the digital camera within the “AF-C” steady autofocus mode on a regular basis. The continual autofocus is so correct that it hardly ever misses in terms of portraits. The topic monitoring locks on so shortly (even in low mild situations) it appears like I’m working with a smaller format digital camera. About the one time I change to the “AF-S” single level autofocus modes anymore is when photographing landscapes or objects that received’t be shifting as within the instance beneath.

Shifting to the digital camera physique itself, the ergonomics and the structure of the GFX100 II is as near good as Fujifilm has ever gotten with this line of cameras. The EVF has additionally fully spoiled me. It stays top-of-the-line EVFs I’ve ever appeared via. Every time I take advantage of any of my different cameras I’m instantly turned off by what I see via the decrease decision EVFs. The one draw back to the EVF is that I really feel I’ve to be a bit extra cautious when jamming it into my digital camera luggage for the reason that detachable EVF is a little more fragile than one constructed into the digital camera (like on the GFX100S). Because the EVF stands out a good bit from the again of the digital camera I usually take away it from the digital camera and use the protecting caps on the digital camera and EVF when touring. Extra particularly when I’m flying, I discover that the digital camera suits higher into my digital camera bag with out the EVF hooked up after which I can put the EVF again on after I get to the vacation spot.

The angled high deck and the massive OLED show–exhibiting just about any and every thing you would want to know–has additionally spoiled me. The structure of the digital camera could be very intuitive and simple to make use of. I additionally love the three customized button structure simply behind the shutter launch–and the truth that the OLED show tells you what every one is assigned to do. The OLED show is among the greatest I’ve ever used. Fujifilm thought via it very properly and actually laid out all the info in a straightforward to learn, and really elegant method.

The brand new Reala Ace colour profile is one other stand out possibility within the GFX100 II. Since I first obtained the prototype cameras again in early 2023, I’ve been utilizing the Actual Ace colour profile an increasing number of. It has change into one of many my favorites together with the Normal Provia and Destructive Normal colour profiles. Regardless that I at all times seize uncooked pictures, after I pull these pictures into Adobe Lightroom I usually select a kind of three Fujifilm colour profiles as my place to begin.

Whereas I do have the prolonged battery grip for the GFX100 II, I’ve hardly ever used it because it provides weight and bulk to the digital camera. The battery grip seems to be and feels fantastic, and provides so much to the ergonomics of the digital camera. A part of the rationale I haven’t used it as a lot is that I’m usually carrying a 45-pound digital camera backpack with me on most assignments and house within the digital camera bag is proscribed–particularly when carrying two completely different digital camera codecs (GFX and 35mm) and lenses for every. I’ve observed that the GFX100 II appears to empty the batteries sooner than my GFX100S, which makes the grip that rather more interesting, however regardless after I must go as mild as doable, I simply take the digital camera physique with out the grip and with only one or two lenses. If I can drive to the project then that adjustments the character of my packing points and I’ll take the grip. The grip additionally balances the digital camera very properly when utilizing the bigger GF250mm and GF500mm lenses as properly.

Whereas in Torres del Paine just lately, co-leading a images workshop with Visionary Wild, I did an 11-hour hike as much as the Torres (towers) on the east aspect of the park. Spherical journey it was over 14 miles (22.5 Km) and three,000 ft (914 meters) up and down. I took the GFX100 II and one lens, the GF 32-64 with me. And naturally we had meals, water and additional clothes as properly. I had been to this location as soon as earlier than which is what allowed me to trim the equipment down to 1 lens–as I had an excellent thought of what would work up there. Even with a medium format digital camera it didn’t really feel that a lot heavier than if I had taken a Nikon Z8 and the 24-70 f/2.8 lens. We hiked via a couple of foot (30 cm) of recent snow for the final third of the hike in order you possibly can see it was full on winter up on the Torres. I wore just about each little bit of clothes I introduced so I felt fairly pleased with the stripped down digital camera gear selection. My level right here is that the digital camera is lots mild to hike with in most situations.

I’ve additionally used the GFX100 II (and its predecessors) in some pretty atrocious climate. All of them have come via with flying colours. Whereas in Patagonia this spring and in Japan final fall, the GFX100 II had a whole lot of trip within the rain and wind. I by no means lined it up in any of these circumstances and simply let it get moist. It by no means as soon as flinched on the climate. For the picture beneath, the winds–which have been upwards of 70 mph (113 kph), and there was water spraying straight on the digital camera. Principally water vapor was being pushed into the digital camera however the climate sealing was so good that I by no means had any issues.

When creating pictures for the launch of the GF45-100mm lens, I labored with it and my unique GFX100 digital camera photographing mountaineering in a blizzard. The complete day it was snowing sideways. After a couple of hours the digital camera and lens have been coated in a half-inch of ice. I needed to breathe on the digital camera the place the buttons have been simply to depress something or make any adjustments. I used to be on the time somewhat apprehensive I had pushed the digital camera too far (and sadly I didn’t take any pictures of the digital camera on this situation). However on the finish of the day, I went again to the lodge and set the digital camera down within the heat room on the carpet and let it defrost earlier than pulling the reminiscence card or opening something up. I nonetheless use the identical digital camera and lens to this present day they usually appear tremendous. Therefore, I’ve constructed up a whole lot of confidence in Fujifilm’s climate sealing on the GFX cameras.

The In-Physique Picture Stabilization (IBIS) can also be fairly spectacular. I used tripods when crucial, however with the superb IBIS constructed into the GFX100 II, I’m free to seize a wider array of pictures at slower shutter speeds than with earlier GFX cameras all the best way all the way down to 1/sixth second with confidence. As proven beneath on this picture from Stockholm, I can create movement blur pictures handheld in very low mild situations. How low of a shutter pace I dare to make use of relies on the lens as some work higher with the IBIS than others. The brand new GF55mm f/1.7 for instance does exceptionally properly on this entrance. The GF 32-64 and the GF45-100 additionally work exceptionally properly as slower shutter speeds.

Talking of IBIS, I usually eschew a tripod when making an attempt to go mild and quick as within the state of affairs above in Torres del Paine. The mixture of wonderful IBIS and low noise on the greater ISOs actually frees me up from having to make use of a tripod for landscapes on a regular basis. I discover that if I run round at ISO 800 and an acceptable shutter pace, I can get a greater diversity of landscapes–that are nonetheless tack sharp–than I might have gotten if I have been on a tripod. After all if the goal is to get classically sharp panorama pictures from a foot or two in entrance of the digital camera to infinity then I must focus stack pictures and that requires a tripod. [Sidenote: Fujifilm has also massively improved the focus stacking mode on the camera as well. This isn’t just a GFX100 II thing but a firmware update on lots of their cameras that includes the new and improved focus stacking mode.] Therefore, it relies on the state of affairs however that freedom to have the ability to seize pictures in low mild handheld is fairly wonderful.

One of many few downsides to the GFX100 II, which isn’t something to do with the digital camera, is which you could create a unprecedented quantity of knowledge with the digital camera cranked as much as 8 fps. When photographing wind browsing I might simply create 3,000 to 4,000 or extra pictures in a couple of hours every day. That’s a whole lot of information. And that’s a whole lot of 102 MP pictures for any pc to take care of. My Apple M1 MacBook Professional, which is pretty souped up, took a while to ingest and construct previews in Lightroom with that project. In some ways, photographing motion at excessive body charges with the GFX100 II feels so much like working with 8K uncooked video. The quantity of knowledge will not be that a lot completely different, and it takes a quick pc to successfully take care of the huge quantity of knowledge.

There isn’t an entire lot to complain about with the GFX100 II as you’ll discover to this point. Certain, when you have by no means used a medium format digital camera and anticipate this GFX system to carry out on par with the highest 35mm full-frame cameras you then is perhaps somewhat disenchanted. But when you recognize in regards to the historical past of medium format even somewhat–and have labored with any prior medium format rig–then the GFX100 II goes to be completely astounding in its capabilities.

Talking of video, whereas I nonetheless haven’t performed a whole lot of video work with the GFX100 II, I’ve performed sufficient testing to see that the video high quality from this digital camera is phenomenal. The GFX100 II, even with its bigger sensor, in some modes has much less rolling shutter than a whole lot of smaller format cameras. And since you possibly can select a wide range of video codecs within the digital camera you possibly can primarily use nearly any lens you need on the digital camera–even Anamorphic lenses. My favourite video format is the CINE 5.8K (2.35:1) mode which makes use of the complete width of the sensor–and I actually love the large format 2.35:1 side ratio. And since you possibly can file straight to an exterior laborious drive that simplifies a whole lot of the complications, and expense of excessive capability reminiscence playing cards, of recording the information. The footage seems to be like one thing created with a better finish video digital camera–not in contrast to that from an Alexa.

Final fall, Fujifilm requested me to return communicate on the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Clubhouse in Hollywood, California. That’s hallowed floor for Hollywood’s elite cinematographers and I felt somewhat bit like a fish out of water. In the course of the occasion, I used to be on a panel with a 3 different Administrators of Images (DPs), who to my amazement used the GFX100 II and actually put it via its paces alongside among the high Alexa choices which might be generally used for an enormous proportion of function movies. They even went as far as to rig the identical lenses on the GFX100 II that they have been utilizing on the Alexa. At one level a DP stated that they may not inform the distinction between the Alexa and the GFX100 II and they might fortunately use the GFX100 II as a second digital camera physique. I used to be fairly shocked by that assertion–as have been many within the room. I used to be the nonetheless images man within the midst of world-class cinematographers besides it was a tremendous expertise to absorb their ideas on the digital camera. Here’s a hyperlink to a video exhibiting a comparability between the GFX100 II and an Alexa.

Wrapping this up, the GFX100 II has picture high quality that only a few cameras can compete with and just one different digital camera can greatest (if solely by a hair). It’s by far essentially the most versatile excessive decision medium format digital camera in the marketplace. The dealing with and operation of the digital camera are top-notch. On high of that the collection of GF lenses is great with just about all of them being extremely sharp, comparatively transportable and freed from chromatic aberrations and/or distortion. This technique is principally nearly as good because it will get. There is no such thing as a marvel a great deal of high photographers are ditching their older Part One techniques and going with the GFX100 II. I do know a whole lot of them as they’ve reached out to me to ask about switching over and what I believed in regards to the Fujifilm system typically. Even Annie Leibovitz and Dan Winters have been seen working with the GFX system. There’s a purpose so many high execs are switching over or at the least including a GFX digital camera to their lineup. The picture high quality, ease of use and total set of options are fairly darn compelling.

The FUJIFILM GFX100 II is just about the cutting-edge system proper now. No different 102 MP digital camera system has a lens lineup from 20mm as much as 500mm (700mm with the teleconverter)–and all with wonderful autofocus. That equates to a full-frame lens lineup from roughly 15mm as much as 560mm. Fujifilm has performed a outstanding job creating the GFX system. I can’t even think about the place it is going to go from right here. Maybe world sensors sooner or later can unleash even sooner cameras with even higher autofocus efficiency. Regardless, the GFX100 II goes to be an ideal digital camera properly into the longer term–for each stills and video. Bravo Fujifilm!