Fujifilm was the belle of the Photokina ball thanks to its announcement of the GFX 50S mirrorless medium format camera. It's only the second camera of its type announced, coming on the heels of Hasselblad's X1D, and Fujifilm's track record and promise of affordability piqued the interest of photographers worldwide.
Today the GFX 50S is an official thing, with a release date and price, along with more detailed specifications than we learned in Germany. To recap, it uses a custom 51.4MP medium format sensor, about 33 by 44mm in size, which is about 1.7 times the size of a 35mm film frame. As with other medium format cameras, including the Pentax 645Z and Hasselblad H6D-50c, this sensor format promises to deliver an advantage when it comes to depth of field control and overall image quality.
The GFX's body is sealed against dust and moisture, and it sports a two-axis hinged 3.2-inch LCD, similar to the one that Fujifilm uses on its X-T2. There's also an EVF, which is removable by doesn't look like its should be, and an add-on accessory that can sit between the EVF and camera to change its fixed-position design to an articulating one.
Other modern features include Fuji's bevy of film emulation modes, Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control, USB 3.0 for tethered operation, and a fully electronic shutter option. The camera does sport an in-body focal plane shutter, but Fuji plans to support third-party leaf shutter lenses via mount adapters. An adapter for Hasselblad H lenses will be available at launch and support flash sync at 1/800-second.
The image sensor isn't an X-Trans design, a differentiating factor that sets Fuji's mirrorless APS-C line apart from its rivals. Instead the company opted for a traditional Bayer color filter for the GFX. Video is supported, with 1080p as the ceiling at up to 30fps, and the same film simulation modes that work with stills can be applied to video in-camera.
Fuji initially planned on selling the GFX 50S in a kit with the standard-angle 63mm F2.8 lens. That has changed. Instead the camera is going to sell as a body only when it ships in February, priced at just $6,499.95 in the US and $8,499.99 in Canada.
You'll have a choice of one of three lenses to purchase at launch. The GF 63mm F2.8 R WR ($1,499.95 US, or $1,899.99 Canada) is a standard prime with a wide (for medium format) f/2.8 aperture. It's joined by the GF 32-64mm F4 R LM WR ($2,299.95 US or $2,999.99 Canada) wide-angle zoom and GF 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro ($2,699.96 US or $3,499.99 Canada).
Three more lenses are coming later in 2017. They are the GF 110m F2 R LM WR, which has a focal length and aperture that should make for killer portraits, the ultra-wide GF 23mm F4 R LM WR, and the moderate wide-angle GF 45mm F2.8 R WR. Pricing for these has not yet been set.
In addition to the GFX 50S, Fujifilm is updating a couple of its more popular consumer-friendly camera.
The X-T20 is the follow-up to the X-T10. Like its predecessor it packs much of the tech from the current flagship X model, the X-T2, and puts it in a more compact, more affordable package. This includes a 24.3MP X-Trans III image sensor, a touch-screen rear display, a built-in EVF, a 91-point focus system with phase and contrast detection technology, and 4K video capture.
The X-T20 has a modest 5fps capture rate, less than the 8fps supported by the X-T2, but it does maintain protection from dust and inclement weather. It's priced at $899.95 in the US and $1,199.99 in Canada as a body only, and will ship in February. It will sell in silver or black.
There are a couple of kit options, including one with the XF 18-55mm ($1,199.95 US or $1,599.99 Canada) and another with the XC 16-50mm ($999.95 US or $1,299.99 Canada).
Fujifilm is also announcing a new X lens, the XF 50mm F2 R WR. It joins the 35mm F2 and 23mm F2 in the lineup of weather-sealed, low-cost, f/2 prime lenses for the system. It ships in February for $449.95 in the US and $649.99 in Canada.
Last but not least, the X100T is getting an update in the form of the X100F. It's not a major overhaul to the popular fixed-lens compact. It maintains the same body design, complete with hybrid electronic/optical viewfinder, and 23mm F2 (35mm full-frame equivalent) fixed lens.
The big change is the sensor, it's now the 24.3MP X-Trans III APS-C chip used in the X-T20, X-T2, and X-Pro2. That's a welcome update from the aging 16MP resolution offered by the X100T. The black-and-white Acros option has been added to the film emulation modes, just like with the current crop of 24MP Fuji cameras.
The rear has been redesigned. The display is now flush with the left side, and there are fewer buttons overall—but there is a joystick to quickly change focus points, a welcome addition. And, as with the the X-T20, the X100F sports a hybrid focus system with 91 points.
The X100F ships in February. It's priced at $1,299.95 in the US and $1,699.99 in Canada. Like the X-T20, it's going to sell in your choice of silver or black.