Fujifilm launches GFX 100S II its lightest and most affordable 100MP camera yet, and the retro-inspired X-T50
Fujifilm announced not one, but two new cameras at its latest X Summit event which was held in Sydney, Australia.
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The Fujifilm GFX 100S II
At the just-concluded X-Summit Sydney 2024, Japanese camera maker Fujifilm announced two new cameras in the form of the medium-format GFX 100S II and the APS-C X-T50. Let's start with the GFX 100S II.
For the uninitiated, medium-format cameras offer superior image quality that is good for huge billboards but often cost a bomb at over S$20,000.
Fujifilm’s GFX series, first launched in 2017, offers similar image quality at around half the price with lesser bulk. Now, that price has gone even lower with the GFX 100S II (pricing below).
Essentially, the GFX 100S II is a combination of the original GFX 100S’ compact body with the latest technology of the flagship GFX 100 II.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S II features a staggering 102MP medium-format sensor. Medium format sensors are roughly 1.7 times the size of full frame sensors.
The exterior of the GFX 100S II looks similar to the GFX 100S. But on the inside, it has the same jaw-dropping 102MP GFX CMOS II image sensor first found in GFX 100 II. This image sensor is roughly 1.7 times bigger than a full-frame image sensor for superb image quality. With a lower standard sensitivity of ISO 80, the captured images should have a wider dynamic range and lower noise.
In addition, armed with its X-Processor 5 image processor, the GFX 100S II allows you to fully utilise Face/Eye detection autofocusing (AF) and subject detection AF to ensure you always get the shot. The camera also supports pixel-shift shooting, which combines 16 RAW files into a single 400-megapixel file off-camera.
Not to mention, the GFX 100S II has an in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) system with up to 8 stops of camera shake correction. The best part? It is the lightest 102MP GFX series model at a mere 883g.
Based on its paper specifications, the GFX 100S II looks like an attractive option for anyone ready to splash out the cash for a high-end full-frame camera. For a little more or around the same kind of money, you could get a medium format camera whose larger sensor should give you better image quality. That's a tempting proposition.
The new Fujifilm X-T50 (Image source: Fujifilm)
The X-T50 is the first X series camera to feature a physical Film Simulation Dial. Sited at the top right of the camera, the Film Simulation Dial offers up to 20 simulations with real-time change on its display or EVF when the dial is turned.
On the inside, the film SLR-lookalike X-T50 is packed with the 5th-generation 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR CMOS image sensor and the latest X-Processor 5 image processor for fast accurate AF and subject detection like animals, cars and etc. It can shoot up to 20 still images per second (with electronic shutter) as well as record 6.2K/30p videos internally with 4:2:2 10-bit output.
Additionally, the X-T50 features a 5-axis IBIS promising up to 7 stops of camera shake correction. This is the first time Fujifilm included IBIS in a two-digit X-T series camera. All these goodies are stuffed into the retro-looking camera body that has been mildly redesigned to feature more rounded edges and which only weighs a mere 400g. It's available in three finishes: Silver, Charcoal Silver, and Black.
Some readers might be shocked that the price of Fujifilm's mid-range X-T camera has gone up substantially (its predecessor, the X-T30 II, was well under S$2,000), but then this has a much higher resolution sensor, features IBIS, and has much better video-recording capabilities. I would argue it puts the key features of the pricier X-T5 in a more affordable package.
Pricing and availability
The Fujifilm X-T50 in Charcoal Silver. (Image source: Fujifilm)
The GFX 100S II is available for pre-order from now till 16 June and is priced at S$7,999 (body only).
It will come with pre-order gifts worth over S$2,000. Some of these gifts include two extra batteries, a 256GB UHS-II SD card, a Nanlite Litolite 5C lightning panel and a Datacolor SpyderX monitor colour calibration kit.
The Fujifilm X-T50 is also available to order now and is expected to be available in retail sometime next month. The body alone is S$2,299 but you can also get it with the XC 15-45mm lens for S$2,499 or the new XF 16-50mm lens for S$2,999.
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