Fujifilm launches GFX50S II – cheapest medium format camera ever, introduces X-T30 II and X-T3 WW

The GFX family of mirrorless medium format cameras has just added a new member, the 51.4-megapixel GFX50S II. At $3,999, it’s the cheapest digital medium format ever made. This is the successor version of the GFX50S launched in early 2017.

Fujifilm says the GFX50S II is the perfect combination of price, versatility and professional features, including 19 advanced autofocus Film Simulation modes and a large number of features. exposure adjustment.

The GFX50S II uses a specialized design with unique miniature microlenses on the sensor that create a wide distance between adjacent pixels, which Fujifilm says will help increase image sharpness. Fujifilm claims that the light-receiving area per pixel is increased, providing high ISO speed, wide dynamic range, and accurate highlights and shadows.

The compact GFX50S II features in-body five-axis stabilization (IBIS), which the company says delivers up to 6.5 stops of shake reduction, the highest for the GFX series. This is made possible by the use of a high-performance gyroscope sensor and an improved sensitivity accelerometer, which is capable of high-precision motion detection for precise image stabilization. Thanks to increased anti-shake, photographers can take better hands-free shots in many situations.

Fujifilm says the GFX50S II uses the latest high-speed microprocessor (X-processor 4) and algorithms for a fast and highly accurate contrast-detection autofocus system, working in tandem with IBIS to control motion blur and improve focusing performance. This new chip will upgrade the autofocus speed and face detection/eye detection capabilities for the GFX50S II.

Fujifilm says the chassis is made of high-strength magnesium alloy, weighs around 900 grams and measures 104.2mm high and 87.2mm thick, with an improved grip shape to reduce fatigue and increase comfort. The GFX50S II is dust and moisture resistant as well as operating in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, when used with an equivalent weatherproof lens.

As for the display, the GFX50S II has a 1.8-inch top LCD for displaying EXIF ​​settings and a rear 3.2-inch main LCD that can be tilted in three directions to allow high and low angle shooting when the electronic viewfinder is on. (EVF) is not convenient to use.

Fujifilm also says the GFX50S II has a Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, which is capable of producing 200MP images with almost no chromatic aberration, ideal for storing large artworks and calendar artifacts. history. The Pixel Shift function uses the camera’s IBIS to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixels to record 16 RAW files and combine them into a single Digital Negative (DNG) RAW using the Pixel Shift Combiner software.

The Fujifilm GFX50S II is expected to be available at the end of October for $3,999. Combo body GFX50S II with GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR lens will also be sold for $4,499.

Fujifilm X-T30 II and X-T3 WW

Besides the GFX50S II, Fujifilm also introduced the X-T30 II and X-T3 WW. Both will be cheaper than their predecessors.

The Fujifilm X-T3 was first introduced in 2018 and features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor powered by the X-Processor 4 image processor, allowing the camera to work three times faster than other cameras. previous X-series images and allows shooting at up to 11 fps.

The X-T30 debuted a year later in 2019 and is the successor to the X-T20. It has a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and an X-Processor 4 Quad-Core CPU. Shooting at 30 fps in 1.25x crop mode and 20 fps no crop with the electronic shutter is possible, or 8 fps with the mechanical shutter.

Fujifilm says the upgraded X-T3 WW (WW seems to stand for worldwide) will have no other changes made to the camera itself. However, this device will not include a battery charger. That means you’ll need to charge it via USB-C. Fujifilm says this makes it possible to create a single product that serves all global markets, reducing production and management costs. In addition, the fact that the charging cup is not in the box also helps reduce the cost of the X-T3 WW from the current $ 1,200 to $ 1,100. The XF18-55mm body and lens kit will cost $1,500.

If the X-T3 WW is just a small change in packaging, the X-T30 II receives many improvements compared to the previous version. The X-T30 II features improved LCD resolution, -7EV autofocus, and increased video capture to 240 fps. The X-T30 II is sold in body and body only with the XF18-55mm and XC15-45 lens options available in black and silver.

X-T30 II will cost $ 100 less than the previous version, only $ 900 for the body. The XF18-55mm body and kit lens will cost $1,300, and the body with the XC15-45mm kit lens will cost $1,000.

Reference: Petapixel