Your Next Camera? Fujifilm GFX 100RF and Its 5 Game-Changing Features
Photographer holding Fujifilm GFX 100RF
We’ve seen the leaks, heard the rumors, and now it’s finally here – the all-new Fujifilm GFX 100RF! And I couldn’t be more excited to finally talk about it.
As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like the buzz of a new camera release, but when it’s a fresh take on medium format, it’s worth paying attention to. Fujifilm has been my go-to for wedding photography for years now, so I’m always eager to see how their latest cameras refine the shooting experience, keep up with real-world demands, and open up new creative possibilities.
What excites me the most about the GFX 100RF is how it introduces a more compact form factor, making it an excellent entry point into the GFX system. This camera seems to bridge the gap between medium format quality and portability, offering a fresh option for photographers looking to step into the world of larger sensors without the traditional bulk.
With the GFX 100RF, Fujifilm is taking medium format in an interesting new direction. It’s got a unique design to start and some compelling new features – but is it truly worth the upgrade? Let’s break it down and see if it’s truly the perfect upgrade for photographers.
1. A Surprisingly Lightweight Camera
First things first – the weight. Because my goodness, the new GFX 100RF is ridiculously lightweight for its size. At 1.62lbs right off the bat, you’ll notice how easy it is to handle, especially for a medium format camera. No one wants to lug around a brick all day, and Fujifilm clearly understands that.
Size comparison between the X-T5 and GFX 100RF
The new GFX 100RF comes in a form factor comparable in size to the X-T5 or the X-Pro3 while keeping the weight impressively low.
This makes it one of the most portable medium format cameras to date, striking the perfect balance between power and convenience. Whether you're a photojournalist needing a reliable, high-quality camera for fast-paced environments, a wedding photographer looking for a lightweight yet powerful tool to capture the big day, or someone who wants a medium format camera that’s easy to carry every day, the GFX100RF delivers.
Fujifilm’s goal here is clear – creating an everyday, easy-to-use medium format camera – and honestly, they nailed it. The GFX 100RF is not just a step toward portability; it’s a leap toward making medium format more accessible and practical than ever before. More importantly, Fujifilm has doubled down on what truly matters: the art of photography itself. This camera is designed to get out of your way, allowing you to focus entirely on capturing stunning images without distractions. From its lightweight form factor to its intuitive design, every aspect of the GFX 100RF is crafted to serve photographers, ensuring that the tool enhances creativity rather than complicating it.
2. A Versatile Fixed lens
The GFX 100RF comes equipped with a 35mm f/4 fixed lens, designed to complement its high-resolution sensor. With a field of view equivalent to a classic 28mm on full-frame, it strikes the perfect balance, wide enough for landscapes and street photography, yet natural enough for portraits and everyday moments. It’s a fixed lens, but Fujifilm has made sure it’s anything but limiting.
Rather than seeing a fixed lens as a drawback, Fujifilm has embraced this design choice to create a camera that is effortless to carry and perfect for travel or everyday shooting. Without the need to swap lenses, the GFX 100RF offers a seamless, no-fuss approach to photography—one that lets you focus on composition and creativity without extra gear slowing you down. While it lacks IBIS, the lens itself delivers exceptional image quality, and the compact, all-in-one nature makes this camera a joy to shoot with in any scenario.
Adding to this streamlined experience, the GFX 100RF features a new leaf shutter, which is incredibly quiet—so much so that it almost sounds like an electronic shutter. Unlike traditional shutters, the leaf shutter produces no noticeable vibration, which is a huge advantage for a camera without IBIS. This makes handheld shooting more stable and refined, preserving the sharpness of every shot. Another major benefit? The leaf shutter allows for flash sync at any shutter speed, making it a game-changer for photographers who work with strobes or off-camera lighting setups. Combined with the fixed lens, this feature further enhances the GFX 100RF’s versatility, making it an excellent choice for both natural light and flash photography.
And the fixed lens becomes even better when paired with the GFX 100RF’s standout feature—the new crop zoom lever.
3. A First of Its Kind: Crop Zoom Lever
Now, let’s dive into the standout features I mentioned earlier.
Since the GFX 100RF has a fixed lens, Fujifilm came up with a clever workaround – the new crop zoom lever which is conveniently placed right beneath the shutter button.
Fujifilm GFX 100RF in hand
This lever gives you an easy way to take full advantage of all that 102 Megapixel sensor. Instead of swapping lenses or carrying extra gear, you can just punch in and get a tighter composition.
Fujifilm GFX 100RF Crop Zoom Lever Example
What makes this cool is that while digital zooming isn’t exactly new, Fujifilm is leading the charge by introducing a dedicated physical lever for it. This unique innovation sets the GFX 100RF apart, giving photographers quick, intuitive control over their framing without having to dig through a bunch of menus. It’s a small but impactful detail that makes shooting feel smoother and more seamless, especially for travel and street photography, where every second counts.
What surprised me the most is just how fun this feature is to use. Instead of thinking about the technical aspects of the camera, I found myself simply focusing on composition and storytelling. I used the crop zoom lever on multiple photo sessions, and it felt incredibly natural—almost like second nature. Whether you’re documenting street life, landscapes, or intimate portraits, this lever enhances the shooting experience in a way that feels effortless and enjoyable.
4. 102 Megapixels of High Resolution Goodness
And of course, the GFX 100RF packs a 102 Megapixel medium format sensor, which of course delivers an insane amount of detail. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, street photography, travel, or everyday moments, that high resolution gives you plenty of room for creativity. Even with a fixed lens, you can just crop in without losing sharpness and detail. Essentially, you’re getting more framing flexibility without needing interchangeable lenses. For photographers who want versatility without the extra gear, it’s a game-changing feature.
But just talking about it can get boring. So, how about a sneak peek at some shots I took with the new GFX 100RF? I’ll let the photos do the talking – you be the judge.
All photos captured using the new Fujifilm GFX 100RF
5. A Dedicated Aspect Ratio Dial
Fujifilm has truly spoiled us with this new camera, packing the GFX 100RF with a couple of new buttons and functions. First, there’s the crop zoom lever, and now, a dedicated aspect ratio dial that lets you toggle settings on the fly. It’s clear they’re leaning into the idea of an everyday, go-to camera, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be just that.
New aspect ratio dial on the GFX 100RF near the end of my thumb
Just shoot, crop, and you’re done – a game-changing addition, especially for a camera with a fixed lens. Being able to crop in different aspect ratios helps you frame your shots more intentionally and even guides how you might want to refine them later. Plus, it allows for in-camera composition adjustments, taking a bit of the workload off your shoulders. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that keeps you focused on capturing moments rather than getting lost in post-processing.
Final Thoughts: Is the GFX 100RF Worth It?
After breaking it all down, I have to say, the GFX 100RF is seriously tempting. As someone balancing photography and life with five kids, I need a camera that’s always ready to go. And with its fixed lens, high-resolution sensor, and thoughtful new controls, this one checks a lot of boxes.
The more control a camera gives me as a photographer, the better. Fujifilm has packed this model with features that make shooting easier without compromising quality. Safe to say, I’m planning to get one for myself. But what about you? Does the GFX 100RF seem like the kind of camera you’d use? Let me know your thoughts!
If you’re looking to pick up the camera for yourself check out B&H which is a great place to pre order this amazing camera. https://bhpho.to/41NhpkC
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