The growing popularity of high-resolution compact cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI and Leica Q3 shows a strong demand for premium photography gear. Now, Fujifilm is stepping up with its latest releaseโthe GFX100RF, a compact medium-format camera that brings serious power to a smaller package.
A vintage-inspired compact with serious power
Fujifilm has officially announced the GFX100RF, a stylish compact camera available in black and silver. True to Fujifilmโs signature design, it boasts a vintage aesthetic that photography enthusiasts will appreciate.
As part of the GFX series, the GFX100RF houses a medium format sensor, making it stand out from other compact cameras. Inside, youโll find a 102-megapixel medium format sensorโthe same one used in Fujifilmโs GFX100 II and GFX100S II modelsโpaired with the companyโs X-Processor 5 image processor. The fixed lens is a 35mm f/4, which, when converted to a full-frame equivalent, gives you a 28mm focal lengthโthe same as the Leica Q3.
Fujifilm has equipped the GFX100RF with a leaf shutter system to maintain a compact form factor. This makes the camera quieter and reduces shutter shake, an essential feature since the GFX100RF lacks image stabilisation. With no in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) or optical image stabilisation (OIS), photographers must rely on good lighting and steady hands to capture sharp images.
Designed for portability and creative flexibility
Fujifilm prioritised portability when designing the GFX100RF. Weighing just 735g, it is lighter than the GFX 50R (775g) and even an X-T5 paired with an XF16-50mm F2.8-4.8 lens (797g). This is impressive for a camera with a medium-format sensor, which typically requires a much larger body.
One of its standout features is a new control dial that lets you quickly switch between nine aspect ratios. This makes framing shots more intuitive, eliminating the need to dig through menus to adjust settings. The high-resolution sensor also enables a digital teleconverter function, offering simulated focal lengths of 36mm, 50mm, and 63mm in full-frame terms.
As expected from a Fujifilm camera, the GFX100RF includes 20 film simulation modes, allowing users to achieve classic film looks without post-processing. Popular modes like Reala Ace, Classic Neg., and Classic Chrome are all available, adding a creative touch to your shots.
In terms of display, the GFX100RF features a 5.76-million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 0.84x magnification alongside a 3.15-inch, 2.1-million dot rear LCD screen. Storage-wise, it supports dual SD card slots compatible with SDXC cards of up to 2TB. The camera runs on an NP-W235 battery, which Fujifilm claims is capable of around 820 shots per charge.
Pricing and availability
After years of requests from Fujifilm fans for a compact, fixed-lens medium-format camera, the GFX100RF has finally arrived. While its price is steep, and the benefits of medium-format in a compact body remain a topic of debate, it certainly introduces a unique option for photography enthusiasts looking for something different from traditional full-frame cameras.
For those willing to invest nearly five figures in a compact camera, the GFX100RF is an interesting alternative to the Leica Q3.
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is available for pre-order from March 31 to April 30 for S$7,999. Pre-ordered customers will receive complimentary gifts, including an extra NP-W235 battery, a 256GB SD card, and a camera bag.
