Techno Blue has launched in Qatar the Fujifilm GFX 50S medium format mirrorless digital camera — with a 43.8 x 32.9mm, 51.4 megapixel sensor — and three Fujinion GF lenses, in pursuit of ‘the world’s best image quality’.
“The GFX is a higher performance system,” Yuta Kawamura, general manager — electronic imaging, Fujifilm Middle East, said at the launch event in Doha while explaining that the market share of mirrorless cameras was gradually increasing across the world.
“The GFX 50S achieves the highest ever image quality from Fujifilm,” claimed Francois Kouyoumjian, product manager — electronic imaging, Fujifilm Middle East. The sensor in GFX 50S is 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full frame, making it ideal for commercial, studio portrait and landscape photography, he said.
“By using the highly rated X Processor Pro, which is also used in the X-Pro2 and X-T2 cameras, it is possible to experience Fujifilm’s acclaimed Film Simulation colour reproduction with an ultra-high quality large size sensor, the official explained. The sensor exerts its true power when used for large format commercial prints and outdoor billboards, or for shooting majestic landscape photos or archives of historical documents.
Also, when compared to a full size sensor with an equivalent number of pixels, both resolution and sensitivity are dramatically better due to the larger size of each individual pixel. As a result, the great textures created by the excellent tone reproduction unique to large size sensors combined with a three-dimensional effect enables extremely high quality photography.
The movie function also supports Full HD recording at 30p. Users can enjoy high-quality video with no post-processing required by using Film Simulation modes just like they would with a still image. The lenses released for the GFX 50S are the Fujinon GF63mmF2.8 R WR (approximately 50mm in 35mm format equivalent), Fujinon GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR (25-51mm in 35mm format equivalent) and Fujinon GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro (95mm in 35mm format equivalent).
The GFX 50S has a compact and lightweight body (825g including battery and memory card) with high rigidity due to the adoption of magnesium alloy. With a weight of about 1,230g when paired with a standard lens (GF63mm F2.8 R WR), the camera weighs only 60% of a medium format DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera equipped with a sensor of the same size. 
Even when compared to a DSLR camera with a slightly smaller full size sensor, the camera comes in at almost the same weight. Overall camera body height and width have also been minimised for maximum flexibility, overturning the common perceptions regarding the mobility of medium format digital cameras.
 “The GFX 50S and Fujinon GF Lenses combination will cater to photographers who are not satisfied with the image quality of existing cameras, or those who desire higher quality images,” Kouyoumjian said.
In addition, in consideration of flash photography in an indoor studio and outdoors synchronous shooting during the day, the GFX 50S sensor also achieves a low normal sensitivity equivalent to ISO 100. Flash photography which takes advantage of a shallow depth of field is also possible by widening the selected aperture value.
The well-established X Processor Pro, already in use for X Series double flagship models X-Pro2 and X-T2, has been adopted as the image engine. The best-known feature of the X Series, namely the ‘Film Simulation’ features, which use digital technology to reproduce the colour reversal films from the past and professional colour negative film, as well as to reproduce the tones of black and white film, can be experienced in ultra-high image quality thanks to the large size sensor. A new Colour Chrome Effect feature has been added to the GFX 50S. This feature can be used to reproduce the tones and deep colours more than ever before in highly saturated subjects, in situations often said to be difficult.
In order to respond to various professional needs, file formats include three different JPEG settings (super fine, fine, normal), as well as two different RAW settings (uncompressed, compressed). TIFF output is also possible using the in-camera RAW development.
Equipped with dual slots, the camera supports three different types of recording methods, ‘Sequential’, in which recording can be continued according to shooting order, ‘Backup’, which records the same data on two cards simultaneously, and ‘Sorting’, which records RAW and JPEG data on separate cards.
In order to support the increased power consumption due to the adoption of the large size sensor and large size focal plane shutter, a newly developed ‘NP-T125’ high capacity battery has been adopted as the power supply. Approximately 400 photos can be taken with a single battery (with Auto Power Save ON).
Just as with the flagship X Series models, the GFX 50S features dedicated dials to independently set aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, important factors in determining exposure. If just performing basic functions, users can start shooting easily with just the knowledge of basic camera operations. 
The camera is equipped with a 1.28-inch sub LCD monitor on the upper Command Dial section of the body. Important exposure data such as aperture values and shutter speed is visible from the top of the camera or even when viewed from the front side. This feature is extremely useful when shooting using a tripod or release, or when shooting while connected to a PC.
Techno Blue general manager K V Gopalakrishnan and Imaging Division senior manager Prabunathan were also present at the launch.     

Weather resistant

The GFX 50S and lenses are dust and weather resistant, and capable of operating in environments as cold as -10°C. The focal plan shutter has been newly developed. While achieving a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec (1/16000 sec when using electronic shutter), a flash synchronisation speed of 1/125 sec or less, and high performance and durability with a shutter endurance supporting up to 150,000 shots, the camera also achieves low vibration and a quiet shutter noise. In addition, users can choose between an electronic front curtain shutter and a complete electronic shutter, greatly helping with low shutter speed settings between 1/30 to 1/125 sec. in which minute vibrations due to shutter shock easily trigger resolution reduction.


Accessories 
and prices


Among the accessories for the GFX 50S, sold separately, are VG-GFX1 vertical battery grip, which can be loaded with one NP-T125 dedicated battery, H mount adapter G (for mounting Super EBC Fujinon HC interchangeable lenses developed for the discontinued Fujifilm GX645AF medium format film camera), View Camera Adapter G (for shooting with the GFX 50S when using older Fujinon large format camera lenses).
The prices are as follows: GFX 50S body – QR24,500; Fujinon GF63mmF2.8 R WR –QR5,699; Fujinon GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR – QR8,699;  Fujinon GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro – QR10,099; VG-GFX1 vertical battery grip – QR2,299 and EVF-TL1 EVF tilt adapter – QR1,899.