Fujifilm GFX 100RF

Gives the X100VI a GFX twist, but is it better than its little sibling?

- Gareth Bevan

After the success of the Fujifilm X100VI, the company has returned with even more compact cameras. While many hoped that we might see something more affordable in the X-Series range to sit underneath the X100VI, Fujifilm had different plans, launching its first GFX medium format compact camera.

But what is GFX medium format? The GFX sensor is nearly four times the size of the APS-C sensor found in the X100VI - and notably larger than the full-frame sensors used in Canon, Lumix, Nikon and Sony cameras. A larger sensor means higher resolution and the GFX 100RF has an incredible 102MP to play around with. Yet Fujifilm has done the impossible and made a large format camera with a 35mm f/4 fixed lens that is physically not much larger than its APS-C counterpart.

There are a few compromises to get the body down to this size, including the omission of both IBIS and the optical viewfinder - and it costs £4,699/ $4,899, which is a fair bit more than the £1,599/$1,599 X100VI. But is that medium-format resolution worth it?

Build and handling

The GFX 100RF is a stunning camera in both its stealthy black and classic silver options. The top plate is made from one block of aluminium - the manufacturing process involving a level of precision only rivalled by a select few cameras from premium brands like Leica and Hasselblad. Measuring 9 x 13 x 8cm and weighing just 735g, Fujifilm's engineers have done a fantastic job of shrinking this GFX camera down.

There are a few sacrifices, though, with IBIS, no OVF and an underwhelming maximum aperture, but I'd say the gains in design are more than worth it.