Over at our massive Fujifilm GFX group, lots of Fujifilm GFX100 shooters are right now testing the brand new 400 megapixel pixel shift feature introduced with the latest firmware update to the Fujifilm GFX100.
I filter out some of the feedback for you here in this article, but make sure to check it out all over at our GFX group.
But there is more than just pixel shift.
In fact, users report also about significant eye autofocus improvements (which is listest by Fujifilm in the official improvements list).
With all the (well deserved) focus on pixel shift, we must keep in mind that applications for such a feature are limited. For most users the more relevant firmware change will be the autofocus improvement. And it seems that Fujifilm tweaked that one quite a bit, too.
Fujifilm develops the new “Pixel Shift Multi-Shot” function to capture and generate the world’s highest resolution*1 of 400MP images with accurate color reproduction
-Applying the FUJIFILM GFX100 mirrorless digital camera for digital archiving of cultural assets -Providing firmware and software that enable the use of this function from today
The firmware update Ver.3.00 from Ver.2.01 incorporates the following issues:
Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function is added.
In the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode, the camera takes a series of 16 RAW images and by using in-body image stabilization(IBIS), moves the image sensor to get a high-resolution and real color* image. The multiple images are then combined to create a Digital Negative (DNG) RAW file using the FUJIFILM Pixel Shift Combiner software.
* real color : As a pixel of an image sensor has one color filter from red, green or blue, we cannot detect the real color for the pixel. We need to interpolate the other colors from the surrounding pixel data for that pixel. This is called the demosaicing process. In case of Pixel Shift Multi-Shot photography, we can receive red, green and blue data for every pixel position. This means we receive real color information when using Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode and the demosaicing process is not necessary.
Ratings to images recorded in the [Jpeg + RAW] mode are applied to both Jpeg and RAW files.
The phenomenon is fixed that in a multiple-flash shooting where the EF-X500 is used as a commander, flashes in some groups sometimes don’t fire correctly. Also in case the EF-X500 is used as a commander and the EF-60 as a remote flash, upgrade the camera firmware to the latest version.
Accuracy of the Eye AF function for the front eye is improved
Fix of minor bugs.
Fujifilm GFX50R firmware 2.10 – download here
The firmware update Ver.2.10 from Ver.2.01 incorporates the following issues:
Ratings to images recorded in the [Jpeg + RAW] mode are applied to both Jpeg and RAW files.
The phenomenon is fixed that in a multiple-flash shooting where the EF-X500 is used as a commander, flashes in some groups sometimes don’t fire correctly. Also in case the EF-X500 is used as a commander and the EF-60 as a remote flash, upgrade the camera firmware to the latest version.
Accuracy of the Eye AF function for the front eye is improved.
Fix of minor bugs
Fujifilm GFX50S firmware 4.10 – download here
The firmware update Ver.4.10 from Ver.4.01 incorporates the following issues:
Ratings to images recorded in the [Jpeg + RAW] mode are applied to both Jpeg and RAW files.
The phenomenon is fixed that in a multiple-flash shooting where the EF-X500 is used as a commander, flashes in some groups sometimes don’t fire correctly. Also in case the EF-X500 is used as a commander and the EF-60 as a remote flash, upgrade the camera firmware to the latest version.
Accuracy of the Eye AF function for the front eye is improved.
Now he gave an interview to the amateurphotographer. Here are some excerpts:
COVID-19 affects on Fujifilm
Before the pandemic struck, there were more than 8,000 professional photography businesses operating in the UK alone
global demand for digital cameras has dropped by 40% since the start of April 2020 according to CIPA, but thanks to the performance of products like the X-T4 and X100V, Fujifilm is performing significantly better than that
Fujifilm also worked hard to supply medical imaging technologies to those on the front line, as well as working to realize the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies at scale with pharmaceutical partners
Biggest Industry Future Challenges for Fuji: the drift towards full frame or the rise of smartphones?
biggest challenge is to ensure to keep innovating in R&D
Finding a real consumer demand’ is a key
provide a better experience of taking photos and videos
Customers don’t buy a sensor, but an experience
Fujifilm is not a company to simply follow the same path as others
Consumers demand more and are no longer wanting to invest in a product; they want a service and an experience.
The Market Differences over the Globe
X-T4, X-T3 and X-T30 are all popular around the world, and the X100V has been the bestselling high-end compact globally.
GFX is almost evenly split except in the Chinese market [admin note: I have been told the GFX100 sells extraordinary well in China]
piqued popularly of the X-A series in some Asian countries
Globally, instax is one of Fujifilm’s biggest consumer success stories
And Full Frame?
in the last two years the market shifted strongly towards full frame
for Fujifilm, APS-C is the best-balanced system
APS-C is the best answer for those downsizing due to the smaller, lighter lenses, as well as the camera body
GFX provides the best image quality without requiring a high level of investment.
Fujifilm X-S10
It was demand coming from customers used to DSLR cameras and from those who prefer to have more usability for video shooting
very rich features such as IBIS, 4K30p video with long recording time – but with a small weight of just 465g
X-S10 offers a very smooth transition for DSLR customers to enjoy the latest mirrorless technologies with the advantage of a smaller, handy size.
Weather Resistant Versions of older lenses?
WR versions of older lenses requires to completely re-design the inside structure, hence in some cases needs R&D from scratch
Should Fujifilm work closer with Sigma and Tamron?
I cannot be specific about our working relationships with other companies but we have received and understand our customers’ request.
October 2018 – FujiRumors shares the first rumor about pixel shift on GFX100
March 2019 – FujiRumors confirms the pixel shift rumor, but also says it won’t be ready for GFX100 launch
July 2019 – FujiRumors confirms once again: pixel shift will come for sure, but later
Still people where sceptical about my rumors. But all doubt was finally dissipated when Fujifilm officially announced the pixel shift firmare in Februaruy 2020.
And today I can tell you that the long wait will soon been over.
I have been informed by trusted sources (thanks), that the Fujifilm GFX100 pixel shift firmware will be released in late November.
The new pixel shift multishot feature will take 16 images, shift the sensor using IBIS and finally combine all images into one monstruous 400 megapixel file that will send your files into crop-heaven!
The very same second the firmware will go live, you’ll read about it here on FujiRumors. So definitely stay tuned on FujiRumors.
