Fujifilm launches an exciting new camera. Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com has the details.
Fujifilm has raced ahead in the mirrorless camera competition by launching the GFX-100 -- a 102MP medium format CMOS sensor camera -- and two new Fujinon large format cinema zoom lenses named the Premista series.
The specifications and capabilities of the GFX will make the DSLR feel dated.
Let's walk through the highs of the GFX-100.
The sensor
The camera sensor measures 43.8mm x 32.9mm, and 55mm diagonally, which is 70 per cent larger than the conventional full frame 35mm sensor.
Toshihisa Lida, GM, Fujifilm's optical device and electronic imaging products division, calls it the large format sensor of the modern digital era.
It uses back-illuminated technology for accurate continuous and tracking auto focus, which Fujifilm claims is twice as faster as the current sensors.
It is able to achieve high precision subject auto focus and tracking with the help of the 3.76 million phase detection pixels placed across the image sensor. This lends the camera superb Face and Eye detecting capabilities.
So, what's the need for the 102MP resolution in the sensor?
When it is combined with Fujifilm's latest fourth generation 'X-Processor 4' chip for image processing, the GF lens produces high resolution, detailed images that, even in when zoomed into extreme close-up, retains both quality and detail.
Take a look at the images below.
The photograph above was shot on the GFX-100 in JPEG format.
The image below is a zoomed-in, cropped version of the same.
The GFX can produce photos up to 16bit in RAW or TIFF.
You can also shoot 10 bit, 4K videos at 30 frames per second; this happens through a combination of the sensor with a high speed readout and the processor.
Stabilisation
The sensor is supported with 5.5 stops, five-axis, in-body image stabilisation that takes care of those unwanted shakes when clicking a picture.
Design
The design is not modern and somewhat resembles the full frame DSLR Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.
It weighs 1,400 grams, which is approximately 100 grams lesser than the Canon.
The magnesium alloy body is weather shielded.
For ease of operation, the camera has three LCD screens -- the main 3.2", touch-sensitive, three directional tilting LCD monitor; a 2.05" sub-monitor; and a 1.8" sub-LCD monitor.
On top is a detachable high resolution Electronic View Finder, which can be tilted at a variable angle, provided it is connected to a tilting adapter.
Battery
The camera can house two batteries that can capture approximately 800 frames in a single charge.
The GFX can also be powered through an external source via a USB, while simultaneously charging the batteries inside.
Price
This rather expensive camera is targeted at real camera enthusiasts; even professionals will think twice before investing in it.
Just the body costs Rs 7,86,999. And the two Premista series lenses for the large format camera cost Rs 31,99,000 and Rs 32,99,000 for 28-100mm and 80-250mm respectively.
