Fujifilm GFX 100S, X-E4, GF 80mm f/1.7, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, and XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm GFX 100S
Fujifilm X Summit Global 2021 News
Traditionally Fujifilm releases its most exciting news in January and despite the current global health situation the wheels keep turning and Fujifilm has announced two new cameras, the Fujifilm GFX 100S, and Fujifilm X-E4, and three new lenses, the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, and XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR.
Further to this Fujifilm showed a new film simulation, Nostalgic Negative, which initially will only be introduced with the GFX 100S.
This will be a quick preview and my take on the news.
Fujifilm GFX 100S
The headliner of the Fujifilm X Summit Global 2021 was the new 102-megapixel Fujifilm GFX 100S. The camera is slightly smaller than the 50S and will not have the odd design with the protruding hump on the back of the camera.
It will be very interesting to follow this release. While it is uncertain if this will replace the 50S, it is the first real second-generation GFX camera to hit the market with the GFX 100 released three years ago.
And while you can argue that current GFX cameras are excellent, Fujifilm has now had time to iron out early challenges and add features such as IBIS and faster autofocus in a smaller camera.
Fujifilm GFX 100S
At $5,999.00 the GFX 100S will be a more affordable option for studio or landscape, or really any photographers who desire or need a high megapixel medium format option. In comparison the current GFX 100 retails for $9,999.00.
From the product photos, it looks very appealing but I will admit, 100 megapixels is overkill for my style of photography.
Or, so I say, perhaps daunted by the fact that $5,999.00 still is a fair chunk of change and I would need a couple of lenses also, and possibly a computer upgrade to enjoy life in the GFX lane. Affordability of course comes down to who you are and your priorities.
Fujifilm GFX 100S Specs
102 Megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor (44x33mm), medium format
Smaller design IBIS with 6 stops
Weight 900g
New PSAM mode dial
5 fps continues shooting
New Nostalgic Neg. film simulation
EVF: 3.69M dot, 0.77 magnification
NP-235 battery - Same at the X-T4
Video: 4K 30p, 4:2:0 - SD/HDMI 4:2:2 10-bit
The Fujifilm GFX 100S shown with the MHG-GFXS grip
I have now had a chance to review the GFX 100S. You can read my review here:
Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR
When I reviewed the Fujifilm GFX 50R, I tested it with the GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR. While this lens was of very high quality I found myself wishing for a slightly smaller lens, with a manageable size, and closer to a ‘normal’ focal length.
The GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR has been on the lens roadmap for quite some time and I predict that it will become a favorite with many GFX shooters.
80mm is the classic ‘normal’ focal length on medium format cameras such as the Hasselblad 500 series, and for this reason alone it should be desirable despite the smaller sensor of the GFX cameras compared to 120 film. The retail price for the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR will be $2,299.00.
Update:
I have now had a chance to review the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR and you can read it here:
Fujifilm X-E4
I have often been tempted by the X-E series but as an owner of the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2, there has been no real need. This may change with the release of the Fujifilm X-E4. With the new articulated screen and the latest X-Trans IV sensor, and new film simulations, it may offer an attractive package.
I suspected the Fujifilm X-E4 would take design clues from the X100V and judging from the photos it appears Fujifilm has done just that. At first glance, I find it rather appealing.
The retail price for the Fujifilm X-E4 will be $849.00 or $1,049.00 including the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. Probably as a cost-cutting measure the X-E4 is not weather sealed.
Taking a closer look at the X-E4 you will notice the lack of the focus selector button on the front and grip. In fact, the X-E4 does not have a grip on the back of the camera either. You can however purchase a designated Fujifilm thumb grip, TR-XE4, and grip, MHG-XE4. The S, C, and M settings can be adjusted electronically in the camera.
Fujifilm X-E4 Specs
26.1 Megapixel BSI X-Trans IV APS-C sensor
Quad-core CPU, X-Processor 4
4K/30p Video
180 degree Tilt Touch LCD, 3”, 1.62M dot
EVF, 2.36M dot, 0.62 magnification, 100 fps, refresh rate
NP-W126S battery, 380 frames
Weight, 365g
Update: You can read my X-E4 review here:
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
Now that we have photos of the upcoming XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR we can see that it indeed will have a dedicated aperture ring and will be weather-resistant - WR.
I have only had a brief encounter with the current XF 27mm f/2.8 but would love to test out this new version at some point.
It should be an excellent match for the new X-E4 delivering a very lightweight and stealthy setup for travel or street photography. The retail price will be $399.00 or $1,049.00 bundled with the X-E4. The lens includes a metal hood.
Update:
You can read my XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR review here:
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
The XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR should become a very popular choice for telephoto enthusiasts. With a very usable focal length range, a linear motor for fast focusing, an optical image stabilizer, and weather sealing, this lens could be an obvious travel companion, sports, or wildlife lens depending on your needs.
I am currently testing the XF 18-135mm which covers a ‘wider’ set of focal lengths, but personally, I think I would prefer a lens such as the XF 70-300mm.
I have a history of using 70-200mm zooms and a 300mm prime in the past, which is why this new Fuji X lens sounds interesting to me. I hope to be able to get hands-on with it down the line. The retail price will be $799.00.
Update:
I have now been able to test the XF 70-300mm and you can see my review here:
