I downloaded 7 of the raw files from the DPR gallery and brought them up in Capture One. I took two of the ISO 12800 images, a couple a shutter speeds of 1/60 or less, a couple in bright outdoors conditions.
Here are some numbers to consider. Here size matters. The pixel pitch of the GFX100RF is about 25% greater than the XT5. Assuming a "round" collection, the light collection area will be about 23% larger than the 40 MP APSC. That is the 100 MP sensor pixel collects about 23% more light which jives with the two additional bit quantization in the ADC.
To print a GFX100RF image at magazine quality of 300 the print size is 39x29. Printing smaller will result in an integration of the image by the print driver which will reduce noise.
The 12800 ISO samples were converted to B&W had better IQ ( smoother tonal gradation and less noise) than I can produce with my Leica Q2M at 6400 ISO and the Q2M is a 47 MP native monochrome sensor. It is close but the 128000 ISO GFX100RF are slightly better IQ than my Q2M.
At ISO6400 the Q2M monochrome sensor produces significantly better images than converted XH2 and XPro3 images converted to monochrome. With my XH2and XPro3 ISO 3200 is basically my limit and with my Q2M ISO 6400 is my limit. From what I saw I would be comfortable running the GF100RF up to 12800 ISO. All B&W conversions were done using the latest version of Silver Efex Pro.
Please note that black and white conversion tends to mitigate chroma noise in deep shadows. A native black and white sensor cannot produce chroma noise. Since my prime interest in photography is B&W, chroma noise is less of an issue that it would otherwise be. On the other hand programs like Topaz and Pure Raw.
This was done without the use of any noise mitigation S/W like Prime Raw or Topaz AI. These programs are both very good at addressing chroma noise,
In the bright outdoor conditions, one can zoom and zoom and zoom - almost like looking at a fractal as the detail just keep coming.
Even on the image of the train station, shot at ISO 12800 and ss of 1/60 at f4, the resolution was quite good. You can read graffiti on the post at the train station with no problem. There is number on the side of one of the cars which is probably on the order of maybe 4 to six inches hight that is legible without any special processing.
The image of the woman in the middle of what looks like a church looking up is a significant square crop from the total frame. Her face is in sharp focus and the eye, eye laches and nose ring are tack sharp.
One can think of a leaf shutter being somewhat equivalent to an electronic as far as shutter shock. I suspect that if the GFX100RF had a focal plane shutter, IBIS would be necessary to address any shutter shock. Shutter shock is not an issue with a lens leaf shutter. These images show that. I expect that at least for me handholding down to 1/50 sec would be no problem and at 1/50 motion blur becomes the limiting factor. I would be comfortable hand holding to 1/30 without any worry in situations of a static frame - no people.
The caveat is I in my younger days I was former competitive hand gun shooter - trained by a highly decorated retired Army sniper who was after retirement the head sniper trainer for the Baltimore City police department and Maryland State Police. At one point I could put six rounds in a 2 inch cluster at 25 meters in 3 seconds with a semi-automatic and within 5 seconds with a revolver. Hand holding at low shutter speeds is all about stance, relaxing, breathing and lightly squeezing (not pushing) the shutter. If my camera does not have an in lens leaf shutter, e.g., XH2 I use the electronic shutter. My Q2M has a leaf shutter and my Z8 only has an electronic shutter.
All in all this camera seems to be a good option for a, throw over your shoulder everyday carry around camera. It can do a little bit of everything. The DOF for the F4 lenses if one believes the equivalence hype is about the same as the X100VI. It seems to be fairly flexible and not much larger than an XPro3 and maybe a bit more compact considering the near "pancake" lens on the GFX. The 100 MP sensor results in a high quality highly crop able sensor with nice compositional aid in the aspect ratio dial. Its weight is within 5 grams of my Q2M. The physical size in about the same as the XPro3.
Is it worth it - that's a personal decision. The GFX100RF is expensive and its value will vary from individual to individual. My Q2M is on the way right now to Roberts Camera as they made me a nice offer. My GFX100RF is on preorder. Your mileage may vary.
Here are some numbers to consider. Here size matters. The pixel pitch of the GFX100RF is about 25% greater than the XT5. Assuming a "round" collection, the light collection area will be about 23% larger than the 40 MP APSC. That is the 100 MP sensor pixel collects about 23% more light which jives with the two additional bit quantization in the ADC.
To print a GFX100RF image at magazine quality of 300 the print size is 39x29. Printing smaller will result in an integration of the image by the print driver which will reduce noise.
The 12800 ISO samples were converted to B&W had better IQ ( smoother tonal gradation and less noise) than I can produce with my Leica Q2M at 6400 ISO and the Q2M is a 47 MP native monochrome sensor. It is close but the 128000 ISO GFX100RF are slightly better IQ than my Q2M.
At ISO6400 the Q2M monochrome sensor produces significantly better images than converted XH2 and XPro3 images converted to monochrome. With my XH2and XPro3 ISO 3200 is basically my limit and with my Q2M ISO 6400 is my limit. From what I saw I would be comfortable running the GF100RF up to 12800 ISO. All B&W conversions were done using the latest version of Silver Efex Pro.
Please note that black and white conversion tends to mitigate chroma noise in deep shadows. A native black and white sensor cannot produce chroma noise. Since my prime interest in photography is B&W, chroma noise is less of an issue that it would otherwise be. On the other hand programs like Topaz and Pure Raw.
This was done without the use of any noise mitigation S/W like Prime Raw or Topaz AI. These programs are both very good at addressing chroma noise,
In the bright outdoor conditions, one can zoom and zoom and zoom - almost like looking at a fractal as the detail just keep coming.
Even on the image of the train station, shot at ISO 12800 and ss of 1/60 at f4, the resolution was quite good. You can read graffiti on the post at the train station with no problem. There is number on the side of one of the cars which is probably on the order of maybe 4 to six inches hight that is legible without any special processing.
The image of the woman in the middle of what looks like a church looking up is a significant square crop from the total frame. Her face is in sharp focus and the eye, eye laches and nose ring are tack sharp.
One can think of a leaf shutter being somewhat equivalent to an electronic as far as shutter shock. I suspect that if the GFX100RF had a focal plane shutter, IBIS would be necessary to address any shutter shock. Shutter shock is not an issue with a lens leaf shutter. These images show that. I expect that at least for me handholding down to 1/50 sec would be no problem and at 1/50 motion blur becomes the limiting factor. I would be comfortable hand holding to 1/30 without any worry in situations of a static frame - no people.
The caveat is I in my younger days I was former competitive hand gun shooter - trained by a highly decorated retired Army sniper who was after retirement the head sniper trainer for the Baltimore City police department and Maryland State Police. At one point I could put six rounds in a 2 inch cluster at 25 meters in 3 seconds with a semi-automatic and within 5 seconds with a revolver. Hand holding at low shutter speeds is all about stance, relaxing, breathing and lightly squeezing (not pushing) the shutter. If my camera does not have an in lens leaf shutter, e.g., XH2 I use the electronic shutter. My Q2M has a leaf shutter and my Z8 only has an electronic shutter.
All in all this camera seems to be a good option for a, throw over your shoulder everyday carry around camera. It can do a little bit of everything. The DOF for the F4 lenses if one believes the equivalence hype is about the same as the X100VI. It seems to be fairly flexible and not much larger than an XPro3 and maybe a bit more compact considering the near "pancake" lens on the GFX. The 100 MP sensor results in a high quality highly crop able sensor with nice compositional aid in the aspect ratio dial. Its weight is within 5 grams of my Q2M. The physical size in about the same as the XPro3.
Is it worth it - that's a personal decision. The GFX100RF is expensive and its value will vary from individual to individual. My Q2M is on the way right now to Roberts Camera as they made me a nice offer. My GFX100RF is on preorder. Your mileage may vary.
