GFX Technologies #1 -The Secrets of the New Fujifilm GFX Sensor

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Fujifilm just launched a new series about the Fujifilm GFX, the “GFX Technologies” series. Episode one is all about the GFX sensor, which is different compared to the other 44×33 MF sensor, because:

  • The sensor itself has the surface size of 43.8×32.9mm, but the shape of the sensor unit is different for the GFX 50S. Typically the sensor is mounted to the silicon circuit with terminals placed on both sides of the sensor. But in the case of GFX, the sensor is mounted to the silicon circuit with the terminals placed on the back side of the sensor. This allows not only the sensor unit, but also the silicon circuit to be smaller in size.
  • In order to effectively process the lights, the size of micro-lenses haven been reduced and more spaces have been created between each pixel. This is one reason why the images appear so sharp when taken by GFX even though the pixel counts are the same. You may wonder about the negative impact for sensitivity and S/N if the micro-lenses are smaller in size. There is no need for such concern. The pixel size is big enough to receive enough lights without making micro-lenses any bigger. This optimization is only possible for the medium format sensor.
  • The photic saturation point of the sensor is extended and wider dynamic range is realized as a result. The dynamic range becomes 1/3 step wider. This wider dynamic range is a result of extended photic saturation point, so the images are 1/3 tougher against over-exposure. This extended photic saturation becomes most effective when the sensitivity is set at ISO 100
  • The camera is not equipped with the phase-detection pixels, but the autofocus speed is quite fast for a medium format camera nonetheless. One of the reasons for this is the increased sensor readout speed from 130fps to 200fps. Our sensor is customized so that faster readout is realized during autofocus. The speed is slower than DSLRs with dedicated phase detection autofocus, but it is much more accurate than that of the DSLR.

Full story at fujifilm-x (thanks to the FR-reader for the link :) )

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

image courtesy: Jan Gonzales // GFX + 120mm – spotted at the Fujifilm GFX Facebook Group

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Fujifilm Announces Development of World’s fastest Organic CMOS Circuit For Multi-bit flexible Temperature Sensor

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Fujifilm just published a press-release about world’s fastest organic CMOS circuit. They say they made “great strides towards mass production for a wide range of applications“.

I’m not sure if “wide range of applications” includes also digital cameras. The press release says something about “smart devices” – “high-speed organic CMOS [that allows to] build sophisticated integrated circuits using more than a few thousand transistors and enable direct communication between the temperature management electronic tag and the smart device”.

It also says that “digital signal processing with a large amount of data becomes possible“.

Fujifilm also talks about “temperature management“, which eventually might indicate that they could have fixed the overheating issue (if this press-release is really about the mythical organic sensor).

The press release is google translated, so if there is any Japanese speaking FR-reader willing to help to translate it better, feel free to share it in the comments.

But before I share the press-release (you can see it below – click READ MORE), here is a short organic sensor recap:

  • June 2013: Fujifilm and Panasonic announced the organic sensor development
  • June 2013: X-guru Rico Pfirstinger expected “actual digital cameras to feature this sensor design within 18-24 months from now”
  • December 2014: Our sources told us here, that there is a crucial problem to be solved with the organic sensor: heat generation (and battery drain)
  • December 2014: Top Fujifilm Managers confirmed, that the organic sensor is “still well ahead of us.”
  • October 2015: 43rumors broke the rumor here, that it will still take a 2 or 3 years before the organic sensor will be ready for mass production.
  • February 2016: Panasonic announced that, along with Fujifilm, they are developing an organic sensor with global shutter and impressive 123dB (!!!) dynamic range.
  • February 2016: Fujifilm managment says: “We don’t have any specific plans of incorporating an organic sensor into our products at the moment, but yes we are observing the progress of this technology. As of today, there would be No benefits to using an organic sensor. Our X-Trans III sensor is superior to the currently available organic sensor.”
  • March 2016: a source told us in March 2016 here, that the Global Shutter should find its way in the first cameras in 2018. But note that the source only said something about the global shutter, and not about the organic sensor.
  • February 2017: Panasonic announces the world’s first organic CMOS image sensor with electrically controllable near-infrared light sensitivity. However, unlike in previous press-releases, this time Fujifilm isn’t mentioned.

Full Press Release (google translated) – Push READ MORE

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** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Fujifilm GFX :: Power to The Images… and Nathan Elson GFX First Look Video!

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GFX First Look Video

Nathan Elson just shared his (pre-production) Fujifilm GFX first look at his youtube channel here. Here are some of his findings:

  • Batteries worked well also in extreme cold, and the whole camera performed incredibly well in the extreme cold
  • outside in good light AF worked really well. In studio and lower light, sometimes it hunt. Nathan also underlines that his GFX is still pre-prodcution, and that he used the smallest focus point possible. But when it does hit the focus, the accuracy is amazing, all over the frame. Overall he was super-impressed by the AF, especially since it’s pre-production
  • He wishes a faster sync speed
  • surprisingly light. He can hold it all day.
  • super customizable
  • JPEG’s have great details (he still could not use the RAW files)
  • lenses are incredible sharp also wide open

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Power To The Images :-)

And now some images shared at the 7,000 member strong Fujifilm GFX facebook group

Fujifilm GFX Facebook Group Member GK Kutar‎ shared this image here – Full Size also at Disqus here. The image was taken with teh GF 63mmF2.8 @ 2.8. GK Kutar comments:

“GFX is great camera. I really love it. I pre-order it. This is shot with 63 mm f2.8 lens at iso100. ClassicChrome. Fine jpeg. There is also super jpeg mode for more quality. Also this picture shot with pre production model.

In reply to this image, GFX Facebook member Craig J. thinks that “the dimensionality and tonality of this photo is fabulous.”

Fujinon GF63mmF2.8: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

The image below instead has been shared by Anton, always at the GFX facebook group, here. It has been taken with the GF 32-64mmF4 @ ISO – 200 f8 25 seconds.

Fujinon GF32-64mmF4: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Chris shared and image taken by Omar Robles here, that you can see below.

The next image has been shared by Keith here. It shows the terrific potential the GFX has in terms of sharpness. But Keith himself struggles if all that focus on sharpness is really what photography is all about. He also shared one GFX image that is NOT sharp, but has a wonderful mood into it… making it his (and one of mine) favorite GFX images so far.

Fujinon GF120mmF4 Macro: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-photographers are starting to share their GFX images on the Fujifilm site. You can check them out here (select the GFX camera). Thanks to Hajime for sharing here at the GFX group.

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

 

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Fuji X-Photographer Bert Stephani Shares His Fujifilm Film Simulation Settings + Vote Your Favorite Film Simulation

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A few days ago, popular Fujifilm X-photographer Bert Stephani revealed his favorite Film Simulation Settings in this youtube video.

To me, it’s always interesting to see, which settings other fellow X-shooters use and the reasoning behind their choices. So feel free to share the film simulation settings that work best for you in the comments down below.

Here are a few more film simulation articles that could interest you… and down below a poll, where you can vote your favorite film simulation

  • CLASSIC CHROME or “The Art of Omission!” – click here
  • An Ode To ACROS: “A Game Changer, My Favorite Film Simulation by far!” :: And about the Best ACROS (or B&W) Settings! – click here
  • X-Trans III :: All Film Simulations Improved :: See Conventional Velvia Vs. X-Pro2 Velvia! – click here
  • VELVIA. The world of film simulation (link inside mixed zone) – click here
  • PRO NEG, ASTIA and PROVIA. The World of Film Simulation – click here
  • Fujifilm Rethink RAW :: JPEG is Your Friend and Fuji’s Film Simulations Rock – click here
  • Capture One Pro: Download Now Completely Reworked and Improved Fujifilm Film Simulations Profiles (incl. ACROS) – click here
  • An Introduction to Fujifilm’s Film Simulation Modes at BHphoto here

My Favorite Film Simulation is...

View Results

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Fuji Guy Billy: “4K in X-Pro2 is Possible. I’m fighting with Japan for that” :: Fujifilm GFX, X100F, X-T20, FREE Tethered Fuji Software & More

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Join the Super Active Fujifilm GFX facebook group & X100F Group

Bigheadtaco Interview with Fuji Guy Billy

Bigheadtaco had a 1 hour talk with Fuji Guy Billy. If you have no time at the moment to watch it all, I made a summary for you guys (you’re welcome ;) ). For the full video click here… but you should really check out the whole interesting interview as soon as you find some time.

Fujifilm X-T20/X100F/4K

  • X-T2 has huge demand [NOTE: we noted this… it’s still backordered at a lot of stores :( ]
  • X100F sensor is more power-hungry, hence they needed to put in the bigger NP-W126s batteries
  • the WCL/TCL MK II has magnets that allows the camera to detect if the WCL or TCL is attached. The old converters also work, but you have to select in the menu if the WCL or TCL is attached
  • 4K: to get close to the F-Log profile for color grading, dial down highlight + shadow tone to -2 and sharpness down to -4, it’s pretty close to the flat F-Log profile (for max. dynamic range recovery capability you still need F-Log)
  • 4K on X-T20 you lose some resolution, because it has no crop (X-T2 has crop) but has a half line skip (min 14:55)

Firmware Update for X-Pro2?

  • The half line skipping when shooting 4K allows the X-T20 to shoot 4K without overheating. Take asks Billy if this could be implemented to the X-Pro2 via Firmware update. Billy answers: “I hope so, it’s something I’m pushing all the time. I don’t understand why the X-Pro2 has no 4K like X-T20, since there is a solution for that. I’m fighting for that in Japan.“
  • Personal Note: Thanks Billy for your efforts to support us and make pressure on Fujifilm… we all send you a virtual hug :)

Fujifilm GFX

  • 2.5 years ago Fujifilm sat down with some key Medium Format photographers, and started developing the G-system from their input.
  • increased tonality + 14 stops of dynamic range
  • Hopefull down the road Capture One will support GFX RAW’s
  • GFX will hit the market at the end of February
  • Fujifilm will launch a free tethering Software (Fujifilm X-acquire) that you can use also with X-T2 & X-T1 at the end of Febraury. (min 29.03)
  • When they talked about the focal plane shutters, Fuji Guy Billy says that they know which sensor technology will come in future, and that “certain technology won’t be needed anymore“, and hence they decided to make future-proof non-leaf shutter lenses. Billy already talked more clearly about the global shutter in the interview with Luminous Landscape
  • Expect to see much more adapters. Fujifilm is very open to speak with third-party manufactures.
  • All 3 lenses are amazing sharp from center to corner, even the zoom lens.
  • Mid 2017 2 more lenses will come: 110mmF2 and 23mmF4. End of 2017 will see the 45mmF2.8
  • Fujifilm changed some of the curves for Astia and Provia, because of the new sensor and its great dynamic range.
  • Focus Bracketing (min. 29:45)

Mixed Stuff

  • Future APS-C lenses: they look at the demand. MarkII version of existing lenses, but also longer primes for sports [I’m sure they saw our poll results :) ]
  • Fuji Guy Billy says he’s aware the WiFi app needs improvements, and he seems confident that it will come. Not sure if you will have to pay for it.
  • Fujifilm is Nr.1 brand in Thailand, especially because of women liking its skin tones.

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujinon GF63mmF2.8: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujinon GF32-64mmF4: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujinon GF120mmF4 Macro: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-T20: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCH AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm X100F: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCH AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm XF50mmF2 WR: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

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