CAMERA TEST
Fujifilm’s latest top-end medium-format mirrorless camera brings updated autofocus and faster shooting. Andy Westlake takes a close look
For and against
+ Sensational image quality in both JPEG and raw
+ Superb huge, bright viewfinder
+ Significantly improved autofocus system over GFX100S
+ Usefully rapid shooting with massive buffer
- Relatively large, heavy body
- No live view at shooting speeds faster than two frames per second
- 400MP multi-shot mode is ineffective
Data file
Sensor 102MP BSI-CMOS, 43.8x32.9mm
Output size 11648x8736
Focal length mag 0.8x
Lens mount Fujifilm G
Shutter speeds 60min–1/4000sec (mechanical), 60min–1/32,000sec (electronic)
Sensitivity ISO 80-12,800 (standard), ISO 40-102,400 (extended)
Exposure modes PASM
Metering Multi, Spot, Average, centreweighted
Exposure comp +/-5EV in 0.3EV steps
Cont shooting 8fps
Screen 2.36m-dot, 3.2in 3-way tilting
Viewfinder 9.44m-dot OLED, 1.0x mag
AF points 117/425
Video 8K 24p, 4K 60p, Full HD 120p
External mic 3.5mm stereo
Memory card 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x UHS-II SD
Power NP-W235 Li-ion
Battery life 540 frames
Dimensions 152.4x117.4x98.6mm (inc EVF)
Weight 1,030g (inc EVF, battery and card)
When Fujifilm introduced its GFX medium-format mirrorless system in 2016, the aim was to deliver cameras that surpassed the image quality achievable using full-frame models. But while it’s fair to say that the original GFX 50S and the later GFX 100 succeeded on those terms, they lagged behind when it came to autofocus and shooting speed. With the new GFX100 II, the firm has worked hard on closing that gap to make the camera more of an all-rounder.
As its name suggests, the GFX100 II is a replacement for the GFX100 from 2019, rather than the smaller, more affordable GFX100S that appeared in 2021. It brings significant updates over both, including a new sensor and the addition of subject-detection autofocus, powered by the firm’s latest X-Processor 5. Fujifilm has also returned to a smaller, single-gripped body more akin to the GFX 50S.
At £6,999 body-only, the GFX100 II is clearly a high-end professional tool. However it’s not quite as expensive as its most obvious competitor, the Hasselblad X2D 100C, which costs £7,369. It also costs rather less than the GFX100 did.
But on the other hand, the superb 60MP full-frame Sony Alpha 7R V is very much cheaper (£3,999). So does this medium-f
