The recent launch of the Fujifilm GFX100RF will certainly have raised some eyebrows. The compact camera includes a large 102MP GFX sensor, which has never previously been offered in such a compact format.
Its closest competitor – something like the Leica Q3 – tops out at 60MP, meaning there’s almost twice as much resolution on offer here. It’s a really interesting proposition, with the point and shoot nature of devices like the Fujifilm X100VI fused with the sensor capabilities of the GFX100S ii.
Curious, I headed to Prague for the brand’s X Summit event and got hands on with the camera. And while our time together was fleeting, its impression on me hasn’t been.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, my favourite thing about the camera is something I never expected – the aspect ratio dial. More specifically, though, it’s the 17:6 aspect ratio. That’s a special one for fans of older analogue gear, because it’s the aspect ratio of the revered Fujifilm XT-1 and Hasselblad X-Pan cameras.
I’ve never had the pleasure of shooting either of those, and with prices continuing to rise to astronomical levels, I probably never will. But this could be a fantastic alternative.
As I sauntered through the streets of Czechia’s capital, I found myself often drawn to this setting. The resulting cinematic appearance really can turn even the dullest of scenes into something really interesting.
(Image credit: S)
Take this random shot of two people walking through an archway. It’s fairly unassuming, and would likely feel uninteresting in a more traditional 4:3 snap. Here, though, it’s instant Wes Anderson.
Then there’s a snap of a very ornamental lamppost. The depth of field works its magic to blur the background nicely, but the combination of the wide focal length – the 35mm lens is equivalent to a 28mm field of view on full frame – and the even wider aspect ratio allows enough of the background to be included and be given its own space in the shot.
(Image credit: S)
It’s great at making slightly mediocre shots look good, but when you really nail it, it makes a great shot look better than ever. I loved shooting it in the narrow city streets of Prague, where the width was great for framing across entire streets.
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What’s more, it’s actually quite a viable alternative for those seeking the experience of the XT-1. Broadly speaking, the price of those cameras is quite similar to the GFX100RF, but with this you’re buying a brand new device.
Add in the fact you won’t have to pay for film and the GFX100RF suddenly looks like a bit of a bargain. That’s not something you can often say about a £4,699 / $4,899 / AU$8,799 camera.
