GFX100RF - Initial impression (from video reviews)

[jhunna]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
   
   
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

My take? I really wish it was f2 so that I could take shallow depth of field portraits and use it to capture events. I didn't see a lot of portrait shots, but I do wonder what the portraits will look like with the 50mm or 85mm crops. I think the aspect wheel should have been programable and not dedicated to aspect ratio. I think the look of the camera without the OVF looks really close to the FUJI instax cameras (that's a plus and a minus). Also I would have liked the video mode to support 4k60p and digital zoom of some sort.

That said, I preordered it, and will see what it can do when I have it in hand.

 

[Doppler9000]

I really wish it was f2

This would have resulted in a much larger camera. The compact size of the 100RF is the key to its whole design and purpose.

 

[jhunna]

I really wish it was f2

This would have resulted in a much larger camera. The compact size of the 100RF is the key to its whole design and purpose.

Understood. But f2 is what I wanted, so far the lens seems to be the limiting factor in this design, especially without ibis. I also would have liked 8k video.

I am still reviewing some of the samples from the videos that are out there so I am starting to see some "environmental portraits" that would satisfy.

I am also hoping you can develop the raws in camera so that you can apply the film formulas and hopefully the aspect ratios (that Xpan ratio is going to be epic).

 

[Last Mango]

I get keeping the camera small, but seems they would have been better served to sacrifice a little size here, especially with no IBIS, f/3.2 or 2.8 would have been alot better…the 50mm is f/3.5, granted not the best quality.

Other than that, the design looks awesome.

 

[UsherFellig]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera. Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now. I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask). Mr. Rask does give the opinion that the leaf shutter obviates much of the concern that's been voiced about shake with a no-IBIS/OIS 100mp medium format sensor camera. Which is very interesting, though a minority view among Hassie V users.

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

 

[jhunna]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera.

That's just not accurate. There are quite a few reviews with actual photo samples. I tend to watch about 10 reviewers who I know what they bring consistantly. I have essential questions that they can't answer until a full blown review, but enough have responded to give us some insight.

Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now.

But they are now confirmed. And that's why I spoke to them this time.

I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask).

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

My reservations will be there until I have the camera in hand. I tend to use the obscure features of a camera so the reviewers don't often cover it. In particular, I don't know how easy it is to work with the files in post. I would love to see how effective the zoom mode is for portraits. How easy is the audio/video to use?

 

[UsherFellig]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera.

That's just not accurate. There are quite a few reviews with actual photo samples. I tend to watch about 10 reviewers who I know what they bring consistantly. I have essential questions that they can't answer until a full blown review, but enough have responded to give us some insight.

Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now.

But they are now confirmed. And that's why I spoke to them this time.

I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask).

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

My reservations will be there until I have the camera in hand. I tend to use the obscure features of a camera so the reviewers don't often cover it. In particular, I don't know how easy it is to work with the files in post. I would love to see how effective the zoom mode is for portraits. How easy is the audio/video to use?

Yes, well, my point was that for questions like yours we will have wait for genuine, authentic "reviews," as opposed to so-called "reviews" that don't assess or rate performance but merely list what the features are.

 

[nick10]

I saw Petapixels review. Beautiful camera, geat price for what it is, cheaper than the Leica Q3, despite beeing a medium format camera! I The only thing that I will comment, is that I am impressed that fter so many generations of X100 cameras, 15 years from the original X100, Fuji still hasn't managed to make an on-off switch that doesn't turn on accidentaly

 

[Doppler9000]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera. Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now. I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask). Mr. Rask does give the opinion that the leaf shutter obviates much of the concern that's been voiced about shake with a no-IBIS/OIS 100mp medium format sensor camera. Which is very interesting, though a minority view among Hassie V users.

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

Edited to add: AF/subject recognition performance

?

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

 

[flbdig]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

My take? I really wish it was f2 so that I could take shallow depth of field portraits and use it to capture events. I didn't see a lot of portrait shots, but I do wonder what the portraits will look like with the 50mm or 85mm crops. I think the aspect wheel should have been programable and not dedicated to aspect ratio. I think the look of the camera without the OVF looks really close to the FUJI instax cameras (that's a plus and a minus). Also I would have liked the video mode to support 4k60p and digital zoom of some sort.

That said, I preordered it, and will see what it can do when I have it in hand.

Ordered mine this morning from Adorama.

 

[Ap0ll0n]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera. Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now. I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask). Mr. Rask does give the opinion that the leaf shutter obviates much of the concern that's been voiced about shake with a no-IBIS/OIS 100mp medium format sensor camera. Which is very interesting, though a minority view among Hassie V users.

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

I doubt any reviewer is going to provide enough insight on that one. Maybe statements of the type "I think it's as sharp in the corners as.." or "flare is well controlled" but that's about it. Until the camera makes it to a reputable website for MTF measurements etc or until folks here obtain and do, as well as supply, their own tests.

?

AF, with this particular lens.

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

I think some measurement on how low of a speed can be achieved given this particular body, sensor, leaf shutter. One reviewer mentioned 1/15, which is I think is good enough given no IBIS/OIS or in general.

--
Apollon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/apollonas/

 

[jhunna]

[SNIP]

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

?

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

Some of the things I found out that I wanted to know were:

How many fps?

What are the video modes?

Is the video pixelbinned or oversampled?

In camera developing?

Connectivity and photo applications?

Overheating and/or record limits?

I could go on but if you watch enough videos you will eventually get the answers to these questions. (I already have the answers to some of them).

 

[Smogg]

I wonder if the face detection in the new camera will be interlocked with the exposure metering like in all other Fuji cameras? This strange engineering solution is very annoying, since when shooting on the street it is not always possible to predict whether a face will be detected. As a result, the shots often turn out overexposed.

 

[Doppler9000]

[SNIP]

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

?

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

Some of the things I found out that I wanted to know were:

How many fps?

What are the video modes?

Is the video pixelbinned or oversampled?

In camera developing?

Connectivity and photo applications?

Overheating and/or record limits?

I could go on but if you watch enough videos you will eventually get the answers to these questions. (I already have the answers to some of them).

“Overheating and/or record limits” is the only one of these that requires a hands-on review.

 

[Doppler9000]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera. Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now. I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask). Mr. Rask does give the opinion that the leaf shutter obviates much of the concern that's been voiced about shake with a no-IBIS/OIS 100mp medium format sensor camera. Which is very interesting, though a minority view among Hassie V users.

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

I doubt any reviewer is going to provide enough insight on that one. Maybe statements of the type "I think it's as sharp in the corners as.." or "flare is well controlled" but that's about it. Until the camera makes it to a reputable website for MTF measurements etc or until folks here obtain and do, as well as supply, their own tests.

If they show images of a revealing target (brick wall, anyone?), with software correction on and with it off, that will tell us quite a bit.

?

AF, with this particular lens.

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

I think some measurement on how low of a speed can be achieved given this particular body, sensor, leaf shutter. One reviewer mentioned 1/15, which is I think is good enough given no IBIS/OIS or in general.

Are you referring to acceptable hand-held performance? This is pretty subjective, both with regard to technique, and what is “acceptable”.

 

[Ap0ll0n]

I like the look of the camera, and the promise of it, but all of the reviewers seem to be lukewarm on the camera initially. Some of the thoughts center around the following:

1. Lack of IBIS. - This really doesn't bother me so much, as you can always add a flash. Seems like the world has forgotten about flash, but it is still a key tool in the bag, ESPECIALLY since this camera has a leaf shutter.
2. F4 - This shouldn't have been as big a concern, but the test shots show a distinct lack of bokeh, something I was expecting with such a large sensor.
3. Lack of Speed - This is very much the expectation, however when you make a camera compact it is meant to be used in various situations such as travel and snapshot and "available light"

A hefty percentage of "all of the reviewers" haven't actually used the camera. Many of them are just reciting and doing a run-through of all the specs and features, this time around with accurate photos of the body. That isn't what what a "review" has usually meant, but we live in times where terms like "creators" and "influencers" also have strange new meanings.

Your list of "some of the thoughts" is what hordes of sideline kibbitzers have already been discussing for months now. I do see one person who's used the camera and loves it, but he gives a caveat that he's been privy to a lot of the development process and is far from objective (Jonas Rask). Mr. Rask does give the opinion that the leaf shutter obviates much of the concern that's been voiced about shake with a no-IBIS/OIS 100mp medium format sensor camera. Which is very interesting, though a minority view among Hassie V users.

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

I doubt any reviewer is going to provide enough insight on that one. Maybe statements of the type "I think it's as sharp in the corners as.." or "flare is well controlled" but that's about it. Until the camera makes it to a reputable website for MTF measurements etc or until folks here obtain and do, as well as supply, their own tests.

If they show images of a revealing target (brick wall, anyone?), with software correction on and with it off, that will tell us quite a bit.

?

AF, with this particular lens.

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

I think some measurement on how low of a speed can be achieved given this particular body, sensor, leaf shutter. One reviewer mentioned 1/15, which is I think is good enough given no IBIS/OIS or in general.

Are you referring to acceptable hand-held performance? This is pretty subjective, both with regard to technique, and what is “acceptable”.

Yes but not to hear whether this is acceptable by them but to see some measurement - like comparison again a tripod or a faster shot etc.

 

[flbdig]

I was ALREADY sold on this camera, but there were some amazing reviews, from people I respect, who did a great job with the Pros and Cons, most I already understood. Jonas Rask had an amazing article, as well as several YT reviews.

We don't have to Wish for f2.8 or f2, or IBIS, we can Buy cameras with these things, like the X2D or GFX100, etc. Leica Q3 is never in stock, but it's a good option.

But I LOVE, how No Descript, yet classy the camera looks, and all of the customization options. The silver is gorgeous, but I ordered the black, because I want as stealth as possible.

 

[jhunna]

[SNIP]

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

?

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

Some of the things I found out that I wanted to know were:

How many fps?

Sure you can look up 6fps, but how long before the buffer is full with uncompressed, lossless, lossy compressed raw, jpegs and the same for any smaller file sizes.

What are the video modes?

Not all video modes work the same, some will have more rolling shutter than others.

Is the video pixelbinned or oversampled?

See previous answer.

In camera developing?

What aspects can we develop in camera only as shot, or can you modify with all the jpeg settings.

Connectivity and photo applications?

Are they viable and reliable and what aspects are available?

Overheating and/or record limits?

I could go on but if you watch enough videos you will eventually get the answers to these questions. (I already have the answers to some of them).

“Overheating and/or record limits” is the only one of these that requires a hands-on review.

I disagree, not because these specs are easily found in the manual, but because we don't know which modes are valuable in practice. There is always a way to use a camera that works for one, that can't be devined from the manual. Only actual use/reviews can give one that

 

[Doppler9000]

[SNIP]

Of course, your reservations may remain regardless of what is said in "reviews" that are actually reviews in an authentic sense of the term. But there have been almost none as of this point.

The span of what requires a hands-on review for a camera like this seems relatively narrow.

We understand the sensor. The layout is largely self-evident and familiar.

The unknowns are limited to:

Some elements of the UI

Lens performance - it will be good, the question is the degrees to which corrections are optical versus software-based

?

Each reviewer will have personal feelings about the feel, handling, etc., but realistically, what are the other unknowns that reviews will clarify?

Some of the things I found out that I wanted to know were:

How many fps?

Sure you can look up 6fps, but how long before the buffer is full with uncompressed, lossless, lossy compressed raw, jpegs and the same for any smaller file sizes.

What are the video modes?

Not all video modes work the same, some will have more rolling shutter than others.

Is the video pixelbinned or oversampled?

See previous answer.

In camera developing?

What aspects can we develop in camera only as shot, or can you modify with all the jpeg settings.

Connectivity and photo applications?

Are they viable and reliable and what aspects are available?

Overheating and/or record limits?

I could go on but if you watch enough videos you will eventually get the answers to these questions. (I already have the answers to some of them).

“Overheating and/or record limits” is the only one of these that requires a hands-on review.

I disagree, not because these specs are easily found in the manual, but because we don't know which modes are valuable in practice. There is always a way to use a camera that works for one, that can't be devined from the manual. Only actual use/reviews can give one that

Fair enough.

I think I am in lust, and not fully rational at the moment.

 

[marco1974]

[...]

...something I was expecting with such a large sensor.

I think people expect way too much from the modest increase in sensor size from 24x36mm to 33x44mm.

A reality check is in order.

Back in the days of film, "645" was the smallest "medium format" size at 41.5x56mm, offering a (diagonal based) linear size increase factor from "full frame" = 1.62x.

Then, still in "medium format", you had 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x9... offering respectively 1.84x, 2.08x, 2.27x, 2.46x.

GFX offers a comparatively measly 1.28x linear size increase. Hardly enough to warrant expectations of significant differences in depth of field and focus fall-off...

Reality bites, and it trumps hype every single time.