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Fujifilm GFX 100 II - A New Vision
When you mention Medium Format, Fujifilm GFX has increasingly become the brand at the forefront of many people's minds. The company's strategic approach of incorporating tried-and-tested features from its popular X Series into its medium-format lineup has played a pivotal role in this rising prominence.
Now, with the introduction of the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, this Medium Format camera sets a new goal post for competitors to reach. It capitalises on Fujifilm's historic strengths and introduces groundbreaking advancements that redefine what is possible in medium-format photography and videography.
The original GFX 100 was celebrated for its unparalleled image quality, robust build, and versatile feature set, setting a formidable benchmark in the medium-format camera domain. However, the GFX 100 II goes beyond merely meeting these expectations; it elevates them.
Fujifilm GFX 100 II: New Medium Format Sensor
At the core of the Fujifilm GFX 100 II lies a groundbreaking innovation: the high-speed 102MP Large Format CMOS II HS Sensor. In this new model, Fujifilm has truly pushed the boundaries to capture fine detail, making the camera suitable for many professional applications, including portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, architecture, macro photography, and cinema.
Beyond the diverse genres the camera now caters for is Fujifilm's brilliant ability to capture an exceptionally wide dynamic range. This capability means that highlights and shadows accurately capture and mirror human perception, a critical feature for Fujifilm users.
The increased light-gathering capability of the large sensor size results in superior low-light performance and minimal noise. The 'HS' designation - indicating High Speed - reflects the sensor's performance, especially when paired with the new GFX X Processor 5.
GFX X Processor 5: Speed and Precision
While the sensor may be regarded as the soul of the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, the newly incorporated GFX X Processor 5 serves as its cognitive centre, overseeing speed and precision in camera operations. This adapted tech has been explicitly designed to substantially amplify the camera's operational efficiency, something many X Series users will be familiar with.
Fujifilm has engineered the GFX X Processor 5 to capture fast-action scenes. This focus on speed doesn't just improve the camera's ability to capture quick movements but broadens the range of possible photographic and cinematic applications. Whether you are tracking a moving actor or capturing the unpredictable behaviour of wildlife, this processor ensures that the camera remains fast and responsive.
8K Video To Rival Any Full-Frame
While the Fujifilm GFX 100 II is undeniably a formidable tool for photographers, it also ventures boldly into professional filmmaking. Surprisingly, the camera offers 4K and 8K recording options, but the ability to record internally at 4:2:2 10-bit recording will blow creatives away.
Adding to the prowess, the GFX 100 II supports external 12-bit Apple ProRes and Blackmagic RAW codecs, making it a formidable tool in a multi-camera shoot and post-processing workflow. The ability to record in these formats simplifies the editing and colour-grading processes, often a crucial consideration for pros. To help record the larger file sizes, the new camera employs a dual-slot SD UHS-II slot and CFexpress Type B slot, enabling buffer-free RAW shooting and seamless recording for video.
Further elevating the camera's video capabilities are new dedicated cinema overlays, providing real-time informational displays that are indispensable for filmmakers. Also worthy of noting, the GFX 100 II introduces USB-C SSD recording options, enabling extended shooting durations without the constraint of limited internal storage capacities.
AI-Driven Auto Focus
One of the key advancements in the Fujifilm GFX 100 II is its AI Subject Detection AF with Eye Tracking. This sophisticated feature enhances the camera's focus mechanism, offering razor-sharp precision across various shooting conditions. Building on its predecessor's already formidable autofocus system, the GFX 100, and similar to the X-H2S, this new AI-driven capability positions the GFX 100 II as a go-to option for photographers who demand exceptional focus accuracy.
8 Frames Per Second Continuous Shooting
An equally compelling feature is the camera's continuous shooting capability, clocking in at an exceptional rate of up to 8 frames per second. This rate is remarkable for medium-format cameras and extends the GFX 100 II's suitability for capturing fast-moving subjects. Whether action shots or animals, the GFX 100 II ensures you won't miss a beat.
Impressive Stabilisation for a Medium Format Body
In addition to its advanced focusing and rapid shooting speed, the GFX 100 II further impresses with up to 8 stops of In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS). This feature represents a considerable advancement over the GFX 100, significantly broadening the camera's utility. It allows for greater flexibility in shooting scenarios where tripods are impractical, enabling photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds while maintaining image clarity and sharpness.
Ergonomic Design and Robust Construction
The flagship body elevates the aesthetics and functionality on the design front. For instance, while the camera may look similar to the last, the new BISHAMON-TEX finish subtly adds a layer of tactile sophistication and improves ergonomic handling.
Turning your attention to the camera's top, you'll find a familiar customisable, interchangeable EVF system inherited from previous GFX bodies. Plus, the body continues to excel in resilience, featuring dust and weather-resistant construction capable of operating in temperatures as low as -10°C.
Custom Function buttons also litter the camera to ensure usability in various environments. There's the usual functionality menu, so whether you shoot back-button focus or utilise the shutter button, it's no problem to program in to make the camera your own quickly.
New Film Simulation
Fujifilm has further developed the list of Film Simulations for the new body for GFX and X Series enthusiasts and professionals. The GFX 100 II now introduces the REALA ACE Film Simulation mode, which mimics the 4th layer film technology that promotes colour accuracy in various lighting conditions - a discontinued film stock dating back to 2012.
Who Is The GFX Camera For?
The GFX 100 II Medium Format camera has been designed for photographers and cinematographers. The larger sensor produces exceptional bokeh, super fine detail on images, and buttery smooth footage in various codecs.
What Accessories Are Available For the GFX 100 II?
Like all GFX bodies, Fujifilm provides many accessories to help accommodate your shooting requirements. Plus, you'll soon see numerous brands offering a variety of camera cages and rigs to accommodate the cinematography side of things. For starters, though, we recommend obtaining the detachable Vertical Battery Grip for the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. This will increase your creative output by allowing power to trickle from an additional battery.
There's also a host of GF lenses to suit almost every genre. Some of the newest lenses include Tilt-Shift abilities, but some of our favourites are also recommended below:
Portrait Photography
GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
Landscape Photography
Street Photography
Wildlife Photography
GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
Macro Photography
GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
GF 110mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift Macro Lens
Studio Photography
GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
Event and Wedding Photography
Cinematography
Architectural Photography
GF 110mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift Macro Lens
Final Thoughts
The GFX 100 II is built to impress. You'll find it well-made, with inclusions such as a new film simulation, a bespoke textile, usable frame rates, codecs and intelligent AI-AF. Keeping to the notable "X" design will be a winning format for many existing GFX and X Series users. The GFX 100 II will be a welcome upgrade for GFX 50S II, and GFX 100S users.
If you've made it this far, the next logical step is pre-ordering the Fujifilm GFX 100 II Medium Format Camera. Speak to our team in-store, over the phone, via live chat or add one of these exceptional GFX units to your cart and checkout. As soon as the camera arrives in Australia, we'll send it, and you'll see how Medium Format can change how you capture life.
