Fujifilm GFX 100S: A 100MP Medium Format In A DSLR Size Body

Fujifilm announced a new medium format camera with a 100 Megapixel that is as small as a mid-size pro-level DSLR/mirrorless camera. Despite its relatively small size, Fujifilm was able to squeeze in almost everything that it had in the much more expensive and much larger original Fujifilm GFX 100 that was first shown back in Photokina 2018.

Only a day after Sony announced their Alpha 1 flagship camera, Fujifilm dropped their own “bomb” in the shape of a new yet compact and “affordable” medium format camera which has double the resolution of the Sony with a larger sensor at a body which is not significantly larger.

The two cameras are very different of course and targeted at very different audiences. While the Sony is mainly oriented towards photojournalists and sports and wildlife photographers who need an all capable fast AF and ultra-fast continuous shooting with zero blackouts while the Fuji is more or a typical high-resolution camera for portraits/landscape/architecture and studio work but with a smaller package that is easier to carry around for outdoor work.

The GFX100S large sensor in a compact body

The Fujifilm GFX 100S Main Features

The body of the GFX100S is very similar to that of many FF pro-level cameras (mind you not full-size bodies – closer to 5D/R5 size). This is all while it has a significantly larger sensor (43.8 x 32.9mm compared to 36mm x 24mm of FF cameras).

This is the same sensor that you can find in the original GFX100 but many of the other components like the image stabilization system had to be shrunk down considerably to fit into this new and much smaller body.

There is a completely new design of the buttons and dials on the body and even the top screen looks new and very well thought.

The camera now has no less than 19th Film Simulation modes including a new Nostalgic Negative which is a color mode similar to 1970s photographs.

In stills, you can take a multi-shot of up to 400MP (although you will need a sturdy tripod and a subject that doesn’t move).

The video capabilities are on par with those of the Fujifilm GFX 100 with the most recent firmware (i.e. 4K 30p with 4:2:2 10bit and RAW output over HDMI).

[amazon_auto_links id=”33944″]

A new simple top with 6 user programable modes

Fujifilm GFX 100S Specs

Sensor: 102MP 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS Sensor
Processor: X-Processor 4 Image Processor.
Auto Focus: 425-Point Phase-Detection Autofocus system.
Sensitivity: ISO 100-12800.
Video: up to 4K 30p 4:2:2 10bit with H.264 or H.265 codecs up to 400Mbps). The Atomos Ninja V will allow to record 10-bit 4:2:2 F-Log or 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW.
Monitor: 2.36M-dot LCD touchscreen with a two-axis tilt.
Viewfinder: 3.69M dot OLED / 0.77x.
Continuous shooting – 5 fps (vs. up to 30fps of the Alpha 1).
Battery: NP-W235 battery (CIPA: 460 shots per charge).
IBIS: new and improved IBIS with up to 6EV.
Multishot – Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (400MP combined).
Memory card: Dual UHS-II SD card slots.
Connections: USB-C, micro HDMI,
Weight: 1.98 lb / 900g (about 0.5kg less than the GFX100, less than 200g more than the Alpha 1).

Fujifilm GFX 100S Pricing and availability

The GFX100S will start selling starting in March 2021 for just under $6000 (this is $4000 less than the original GFX100).

The back of the GFX100s – new and simple design

Fujifilm GFX 100S Videos and Hands-on

There are also three new lenses, a new fast GF (medium format) FUJIFILM GF80mm f/1.7 lens, this is a 63mm equivalent lens in 35mm that will be sold for $2500.

The FUJIFILM GF80mm f/1.7

There are also two XF (APS-C) lenses – the FUJIFILM XF 27MM F/2.8 R WR – this tiny pancake new lens (1″ thick / 2.5cm) weighs in at only 3oz/84g and will sell for $400. Finally, a tele-zoom lens was also introduced in the form of the – FUJIFILM XF 70-300MM F/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR which will sell for $800.

The compact FUJIFILM XF 27MM F/2.8 R WR (for X seires cameras)

Finally, there is a new X series camera – the XE-4 which is a compact mirrorless with a side EVF and 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor (more in the video below) that will sell for $850.

B&H hands-on with the new GFX100S

Adorama on the new Fujifilm camera

DPR first impressions with the GFX100S

Fujifilm also announced several other products including several new lenses – here is some info

The Fuji Guys on the new Fujifilm X-E4

If you don’t want to miss any new photography products be sure to check out our product photography section on our photo gear channel.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.