Commercial and fine art portrait photographer Jan Gonzales adheres to a self-imposed challenge that is to keep refining his concepts, methods, and resulting images. Hence he welcomes new tools and techniques that would help improve his craft—something he has learned on his own.
The self-taught professional photographer recently shot fine art portraiture using Fujifilm’s newest 102-megapixel large format camera, the GFX 100. And his images showcased the new camera’s stunning functions and features.
The new flagship model of the brand’s GFX Series features in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism; the first mirrorless digital camera equipped with IBIS. This feature revolutionizes the large CMOS sensor camera system, resulting in advanced performance and greater flexibility in various shooting conditions. The autofocus speed is also impressive.
Another notable feature is the model’s processing power. The GFX100 uses the X-Processor 4, Fujifilm’s latest image processing engine. The model can shoot uncropped 4k, and can switch aspect ratio. Despite the large amount of data involved, the GFX100 processor can handle this at speed.
Photographers can also apply the Film Simulation modes for Fujifilm’s characteristic color and tone reproduction.
“The GFX100 has reinvented the standard of a large format camera,” enthused Gonzales.
“The image quality and detail is just exceptional. Its 16-bit RAW capability, fine color, and tonal gradation is very apparent, making me work faster than ever before. Working with low light at lower shutter speeds still gives me tack-sharp images through its IBIS mechanism. With its super-fast auto focus speed, it makes camera handling very convenient,” he shared.
The Fujifilm X ambassador is also impressed with the 4k/30p video recording capability—thanks to its high performance processor—of the new model.
The GFX100 produces premium-quality video footage, with more detailed textures and three-dimensional definitions, while portraying a scene’s atmosphere. According to the brand, when the DCI (Digital Camera Initiative) is selected, the camera records video with a sensor area measuring about 49.5 mm diagonally.
This size—bigger than that of large sensors adopted by high-end cinema cameras—results in outstanding high ISO performance, shallow depth-of-field capability, and wide tonal reproducibility.
In addition, for the first time ever in the GFX Series, the camera’s Film Simulation options allow users to use various color and tonal reproductions, for simulating the colors and tones of the brand’s cinema film. This enables a faithful reflection of videographers’ artistic intentions as applied to video production.
Aside from Gonzales, US-based seasoned corporate and editorial photographer Zack Arias was impressed with the new large format camera. He flew in to the country for the launch on July 13. He also conducted a workshop on July 14.
According to Fujifilm chairman and chief executive Shigetaka Komori, with the GFX100 that has a large format sensor, “we achieved the ultimate image quality, with three-dimensional look and feel. In addition, GFX is a very practical camera in active shooting situations. We will never stop our commitment to innovation. The GFX is a good example of that.”
Meanwhile, Toshihisa Iida, general manager of optical device and electronic imaging products division, said the GFX100 reaffirms their mission to develop a camera that pursues the essence of photography.
“If preserving our precious moments is the essence of photography, what equipment should capture such moments? We need a camera that can capture the deep, best image quality: GFX100 is that camera,” said Iida.
The new model boasts a compact, lightweight, and highly robust camera body, as well accommodates two batteries and supports USB charging for enhanced user convenience.
The GFX100 is available at P599,990 (body only). Go to fujifilmph.com for more information.