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With the amount of technological advancements that we’ve come to expect, or in some cases demand, from camera manufacturers, where can they go without simply making a camera that does everything for you? All manufacturers, of any worth, are continually enhancing the features of their cameras. Fujifilm is one of these manufacturers, with one of the highest pixel count APS-C sensors, and their range of affordable medium format cameras puts pressure on other manufacturers to keep up in some aspects
The Fujifilm GFX100 II might just be out of reach for a lot of us financially at the moment but it certainly sets the bar high in terms of image and detail-gathering quality, so perhaps a future investment and something to save for.
Specs
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Megapixels: 102
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ISO Max: 12,800
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ISO Min: 80
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Autofocus System: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)
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Image Processor: X-Processor 5
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Metering System: TTL 256-zone metering
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Screen Resolution: 2,360,000
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Frames Per Second: 8.7
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Shutter Speed Fast: 1/4,000
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Shutter Speed Slow: 60 min
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VF Coverage: Approx. 100%
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Weight: 948 g
More detailed specs can be found here.
Build Quality
The FujiFilm GFX100 II is a relatively light and compact medium format camera, weighing in at 1,030 g, including EVF, battery, and memory card, and overall dimensions of 152.4 mm x 117.4 mm x 98.6 mm. This, compared to its predecessor, the GFX100, makes it a more portable camera, allowing for long days of handheld shooting. Fujifilm cameras are generally well-built and designed to withstand a range of environmental conditions. Weather-sealed in 95 points around its body, including 19 separate seals on the viewfinder itself, and with working temperatures of -10 degrees C to +40 degrees C, you can be at peace knowing your investment can withstand what the environment throws at it.
The EVF now has 9.44 million dots, an upgrade on the previous incarnation, and is crystal clear when using it. This can also be removed and replaced with a swivel-type EVF that will allow for different shooting angles where viewing accessibility may be a little compromised. This EVF can be purchased separately, but I cannot comment on its functionality as I have only used the fixed type. The 3-way tilting 3.2-inch LCD again is crystal clear, has 2.36 million dots, and an aspect ratio of 4:3.
Performance
This is where the camera truly shines with its large medium format 102-megapixel sensor that results in stunning image quality with exceptional detail and dynamic range. The camera never faltered once during my time with it, providing images with stunning detail and clarity. This was very advantageous for both the landscapes and products I photographed.
The focus system is reliable and responsive, ensuring that everything you want to be in focus is consistently sharp and detailed. I never once engaged the manual focusing due to the speed at which the back button locked and stayed on subject. For landscapes, however, that was not such a problem.
Continued on from previous incarnations, the always-on display is there, allowing you to see your settings when you look at the camera. This display can also be configured to your own visual preference and ensures the camera is readily available for instant use.
Fuji and Nikon, for me, are the two menu systems I have always navigated easily, and as expected, the same Fuji menu system exists in this camera, with a plethora of settings and customizations allowing you to fine-tune your preferences quickly and efficiently. Granted, I set up the camera to match my Fujifilm X-T5 configuration in terms of the menu, so jumping between the two wouldn’t be an issue. However, I never once shot with my X-T5 when I had the GFX100II.
If you like your compositional flexibility, allowing you to experiment with different framing options, the camera offers a range of different aspect ratios, including my personal favorite, 65:24. The usual film simulations are present in the camera, providing you with creative options when it comes to your photography.
Handheld shots like the one above, even down at 1/25th second, resulted in rich detail-gathering abilities thanks to the camera’s IBIS of 8 stops.
Now and again, I would accidentally engage the Q menu button, which would then have me scanning over the menu to see if I had changed any of my settings. This was infrequent, however, and mainly when I was having a peek at the image I had just taken. It never once happened when the camera was on the tripod, and I don’t remember this happening when I tested the GFX100S, so it is probably down to my handling of the camera as I don’t think the location of the button has changed even a fraction from the GFX100S.
Many images below were photographed using the FUJIFILM GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR lens, and others with the FUJIFILM GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR Lens. Both lenses, as expected, complemented the system and performed admirably in all situations.
Who Is The Camera For?
In my opinion, the simple answer to that is landscape photographers and product photographers initially, as the detail-gathering capabilities of the camera’s sensor are incredible. As a landscape photographer, the camera was a joy to use, capturing every detail with clarity and boasting a great dynamic range that I intentionally pushed just to see how far it could go. Only twice did I have to bracket, and that was shooting directly towards the sun. Portrait photographers, depending on their preferred burst rate, as the camera can shoot up to 8 fps at 102 megapixels in mechanical shutter and up to 5.3 fps in electronic shutter. Admittedly, I never once considered shooting portraits with the camera, as I had planned so many landscape trips in the time I had it.
Pros
- 102 megapixels
- (New) minimum ISO 80
- Weather sealed
- Size
- Weight
Cons
- Understandably, the camera’s price point may be a consideration for some, but those invested in medium format photography will find the GFX100 II a worthwhile investment that provides a versatile tool for capturing stunning images across various genres.
Final Thoughts
After using the camera for 32 days, my only regret is that I can’t afford to purchase one. The camera is solid and a joy to use. Except for my little niggle with the Q menu button, which only happened occasionally, the camera performed exceptionally. I am a massive Fuji fan, yet at the same time, I won’t be swayed by bells and whistles or sensor sizes just because of a brand name. The camera delivers what you would expect and more and is the perfect workhorse, in my case, for landscapes. It is a robust detail-gathering machine that delivers exceptional-quality images.
If you are considering purchasing one more details can be found here.
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