We published an article, where we reason about the future for the GFX series. A future, to say it once again clearly here, I have no idea about due to the lack of rumors, which tends to make me believe that nothing GFX camera related is coming in the foreseeable future.
And yet, this won’t stop a rumor site from having fun making speculations, or should it? I just need to make sure that you guys get a clear indication from my side that this is a speculation, not a rumor.
So what’s the speculation?
For the reasons we explained in this article, we look at the following cameras:
Fujifilm GFX100S/R with 102 MP stacked BSI sensor
Fujifilm GFX150S/R (or GFX160S) with 158 MP non-stacked BSI sensor
Fujifilm GFX100S/R MKII (same sensor of the current GFX100S but with new processor)
So I thought we could try to nail the whole discussion down to one brutally short survey: which GFX are you potentially more interested in?
And yes, I know we don’t know if they will ever come. We don’t know the features nor the price they’d have if they’d ever come. We don’t know about possible design differences. We know nothing.
But we are a rumor site. And and as such it does not hurt to add a bit of lightness and fun to it by speculating on Fujifilm’s future.
NOTE: “S” models listed below are SLR styled models and “R” models are rangefinder styled models
And the pattern is, that the sensor used on the X series, later on finds its way also on the GFX series.
The only difference? The sensor used in the GFX series comes from the same silicon wafer of the one used for the X series, it is just cut out 4 times bigger (and of course with different CFA array on top, meaning a Bayer vs an X-Trans one).
That’s a well known fact for FR-readers, but in case you are still hesitant about it, just read what Fujifilm Nordic told in March 2022, confirming that X and GFX share the same technology also in terms of sensor and processor. Hence, looking at the X series will give indications also on the future of the GFX series.
Assuming that Fujifilm will continue to share the same sensor platform on the X and GFX system, and considering the statements made by Fujifilm Nordic, people believe that Fujifilm will soon launch new GFX cameras using the sensor technology of the X-H2 cameras.
And if I’d sum up the most “rumored” options for the future of GFX, I’d nail it down to three cameras that people think could come in a not so distant future::
Fujifilm GFX100S with 102 MP stacked BSI sensor
Fujifilm GFX150S (or GFX160S) with 158 MP non-stacked BSI sensor
Fujifilm GFX100S MKII (same sensor of current GFX100S but with new processor)
I don’t buy into the narrative that wants you to believe you can make professional work only with full frame gear.
And it’s not just a “feeling” of mine. It’s a hard core fact proven by the irrefutable reality that you can win the Pulitzer prize or the World Press Photo Award with images taken by Fujifilm APS-C cameras.
And I also don’t buy that “sensor size is everything” narrative.
Look, I’ve shot it all: from my loved Micro Four Thirds to APS-C and Medium Format, and yes, even quite some Sony Full Frame as I have easy access to that system thanks to the SonyAlphaRumors guy living not far away from my home.
So I can confidently say: every system has its Pros and Cons and every system, from M43 to MF, can be used for professional use, of course with some cameras being better suited for certain uses than others.
So if somebody tells you that you absolutely need a system with a 70% larger sensor than full frame (the GFX system) to really stand out with the quality of your images, then you better don’t trust that person.
And yet, as we said, every system has its Pros and Cons, and the advantage of the GFX system is undeniably that it offers the best image quality you can get for a more than reasonable price.
Then add to this that the Fujifilm GFX100S and GFX50SII have the size of the Canon R5, are even smaller than the Panasonic S1 cameras and cheaper than full frame cameras like the Sony A1, and you start to get a combination of advantages that might make the Fujifilm GFX perfect for your needs.
And it sounds like the combination of advantages the GFX system offers was perfect for Jason Eng, who, in a talk with Evelyn from TCSTV explains his move to the GFX system.
Here is a quick summary:
Jason’s assistant Aiden was looking to buy into a new system. He looked at Sony, Nikon and Canon and almost pulled the trigger on the Canon
Jason suggested him to try the GFX50SII which costs about the same what Aiden was about to spend for the Canon
Aiden put his hands on the GFX50S and it had “these magical files“
then they also shot the GFX100 side by side with Sony A1 and Canon R5
even by just comparing the images on the laptop sized screen, they noticed the detail in shadows and the way that the camera handled gradation from highlight to shadow was just… “I could not unsee it, it tortured me until I inevitably bought the system“
he bought the GFX100 with a classic pro body with integrated grip and fully usable autofocus
he often shoots vertical, so having the integrated grip is important
he was and still is a Sony shooter, enjoying a smaller and lighter body
then Fujifilm offered the GFX100S with its smaller and lighter body and it reached a larger target audience than what the GFX100 could do
both options, GFX100 and GFX100S, are great
he often shoots tethered and loves that the film simulation he uses goes right into Capture One
as a long time Sony user for 10 years, color was always hard. The standard was Canon
when Fuji released their APS-C mirrorless cameras he loved the colors, but he could not commit to a smaller sensor than FF
but now they have exceeded his expectations and gone larger than full frame
skin tones are great, reds are beautiful, rich and deep
he uses also legacy glass adapted to the GFX system
Fujifilm offering GFX cameras from $4,000 to $6,000 is a game changer for medium format
color and shadow tonality range, you can’t unsee it once you see it side by side
But it seems that she added some gear to her Fujifilm collection.
In fact, she has been spotted using a Fujifilm GFX100S for her Rihanna Vogue cover shot.
And to be clear, this post is not meant to say “you need a GFX to create well paid work“. In fact I have seen Annie also using Sony, Phase One and other cameras. Fujifilm is just one of the options she has.
I don’t know when/if Fujifilm plans a successor. But if they do not plan one, then this would be a massive mistake. the GFX-R line has a small but very loyal fellowship.
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