FUJIFILM GFX100RF Backordered? Alternatives for Hybrid Creators

Opinion

by Omri Keren Lapidot5 days ago

As with many FUJIFILM cameras, the “backorder” moniker quickly appeared next to the recent GFX100RF as soon as pre-orders started. Be it challenging assembly and production, be it unexpected demands or a marketing trick – this unique camera is hard to come by, even once one musters the funds needed for the purchase. As a hybrid creator using a GFX100s, I’ve tried to come up with some alternatives to this rare bird.

The FUJIFILM GFX100RF presents itself as a niche, retro-designed, high-end medium format camera. It incorporates traditional dial-based controls and a fixed 35mm f/4 lens (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm full-frame format), making it a documentarist’s dream camera. Well, at least for some documentarists. It’s tailored primarily for still photography, offering a 102MP BSI CMOS sensor, but also incorporates some video features. While some of them are impressive, I don’t expect this camera to be the first choice for dedicated filmmakers. However, if you are passionate about stills but also care about decent video performance, it might be the right tool for you – if you can get your hands on one that is.

What is the FUJIFILM GFX100RF

The GFX100RF is a classic retro-designed digital camera, with a twist – a medium format sensor. The camera utilizes a fixed prime lens design to maintain compactness while using such a large sensor in such a tiny chassis. The GFX100RF’s 102MP 44x 33mm BSI CMOS II sensor is paired with FUJIFILM’s X-Processor 5. While you may know this duo from the GFX100 II, other physical bottlenecks hamper its video capabilities here. This is hardly arbitrary, as compact cameras suffer from temperature management issues across the market. Thermodynamics are here to stay.

Aside from class-leading still capture, it supports 4K video recording at up to 30p in both 16:9 and DCI 17:9 formats, 4:2:2 10-bit internal capture, internal ND filter, F-Log and F-Log2 profiles along with various film-base profiles, USB-C 10 Gbps external SSD recording for RAW video, and Frame.io Camera-to-Cloud integration. A mentioned above, the camera probably won’t be the first choice for filmmaking, but it does offer some unique capabilities for still shooters who want the occasional cinematic touch, for hybrid documentarists, journalists, etc.

Every camera has an alternative

The FUJIFILM GFX100RF is one of a kind. No other camera merges this exact level of still and motion capture into such a compact body. However, when put into usability perspective, some other interesting options provide top-tier stills capabilities with impressive video specs, as well as a compact body and retro user experience. I’ll even argue that some may outperform the GFX100RF in this scope, though it’s highly subjective and heavily based on what each of us wants, or is willing to compromise. Here are some of them:

Leica Q3 – the closest competition

The Leica Q3 is the closest rival to the FUJIFILM GFX100RF. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if the relative success of the Q line was discussed during FUJIFILM’s ideation process. The German camera offers high resolution, an excellent lens, and class-leading build quality for a premium price. It also offers some impressive video features along with some harsh compromises.

In pure technical terms, the Leica Q3 features a 60 Megapixel full-frame sensor capable of 8K video recording at 30p, 10-bit internal recording, and Leica’s L-Log profile. This comes with some cropping, which lingers in 4K capture as well. The camera also offers an excellent Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, equipped with an excellent manual focus clutch mechanism. With a 2.5-stop advantage over the GFX100RF 35mm f/4.0 lens, this is probably Leica’s most significant advantage.

While the Q3 captures 8K, the GFX100RF still holds some significant advantages: The camera is equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack for audio input, while the Leica has none, a major potential advantage. The GFX100RF also records to two cards, which may prove invaluable in some cases. The Leica is also significantly pricier at $6,735. Alas, if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the Leica here. The faster lens is a major consideration for both stills and video. Personally, I’d probably go for the Leica Q3 43mm variant, but that’s another story. 

Leica SL3: a modular full-frame option

While more of an SLR-style camera, Leica knows how to engage us in the craft with impeccable user experience, stemming from both the build and ergonomics as well as the firmware and menu system. The Leica SL3 is a robust, tactile, full-frame mirrorless camera with a 60 Megapixel sensor, similar to one used in many high-res full-frame cameras. It provides slightly cropped 8K recording, not too far from the Q3, but adds all necessary ins and outs, including full-size HDMI and 3.5mm audio jack.

When paired with a compact L-Mount lens like the SIGMA 35mm f/2 DG DN, it offers a robust solution for hybrid shooters prioritizing build quality and user experience. Also, if the GFX100RF price tag seems high, the Leica SL3 may help with perspective as it will set you back $7485 in the US.

Sony a7CR – a budget-friendly alternative

The Sony a7CR pushes the envelope in this comparison. It’s a significantly more affordable camera, compromising user experience, build quality, style, and hype for a more utilitarian approach. However, with the right lens, say the Sigma “i” series, it may mimic some of the GFX100RF experience with no backorder frustration.

The Sony a7CR combines a 61 Megapixel full-frame sensor with a rangefinder-style body. It supports 4K video recording at 24P with a slight crop (binned) or up to 60P with an APS-C crop. It can capture 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and S-Log3. While it is far from matching the tactile experience of the GFX100RF, the a7CR offers a versatile platform for both stills and video at a more accessible price point. The A7RIV will provide better video performance, but strays too far in terms of design and experience.

Equally unique – SIGMA fp-L

If there’s one camera that can challenge the uniqueness of the GFX100RF, it’s the SIGMA fp-L. Encased in the smallest chassis to house a 61 Megapixel sensor across the market, and one of the smallest full-framers of all time, the fp-L also incorporates some high-end video features. The camera offers a plethora of crop modes for 4K UHD recording. These vary quite significantly in terms of dynamic range, read speed, and other variants, as can be seen in our lab test. 

Perhaps the main differentiator between the two cameras lies in the ease of use and streamlined workflow. While the GFX100RF design aims for hands-on engagement with minimal menu fiddling, the SIGMA fp-L’s unique blend of features and design dictates a unique operational logic, different from almost any other camera. Brace yourselves for the learning curve ahead. The SIGMA fp-L is considerably more affordable than the GFX100RF at $2999, including the optional EVF

FUJIFILM X100VI: familiar design in a smaller package

If video features and compact, retro design are your top priorities, consider compromising for the class-leading still image quality and opt for the FUJIFILM X100VI. FUJIFILM’s popular fixed lens camera maintains the classic aesthetic and a tried-and-true 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent, so slightly narrower than the GFX100RF 35mm f/4 lens).

Like the GFX100RF, the X100VI includes a built-in ND filter, which is even more usable considering the F/2.0 aperture. It features a 40.2MP APS-C sensor capable of cropped 6.2K video recording at 30p, full-width 4K recording, F-Log2, and in-body image stabilization. While it doesn’t offer medium format quality, it provides a similar shooting experience in a more compact form and a substantially more affordable price tag. Sadly, it will hardly solve FUJIFILM’s scarcity issue…

Combining GFX 50R with X-H2 or X-H2S

For those willing to manage a two-camera setup, pairing a used FUJIFILM GFX 50R for stills with an X-H2 or X-H2S for video could prove useful. The GFX 50R delivers medium format image quality and traditional, retro aesthetics and user experience. Meanwhile, the X-Mount cameras handle the video capture much better. the X-H2 offers 8K video and the X-H2S provides faster readout speeds and 4K/120p capabilities. Both offer internal ProRes support and external bRAW / ProRes RAW capabilities, all while maintaining similar menu structure, color profiles, etc. Not the most compact option, but one that may save some funds while significantly improving video functionality. One can also opt for an X-S20 to further reduce cost, as well as opting for a different system entirely.

Conclusion

The GFX100RF is a specialized tool that excels in high-resolution still photography, with added video features that may suit occasional use. Alternatives like the Leica Q3, SIGMA fp-L, and even the FUJIFILM X100VI offer varying balances between stills and video capabilities, catering to different priorities and budgets. Some alternatives will cater to utilitarian shooters while others may better serve those who appreciate retro design and experience. While there’s no camera exactly like the FUJIFILM GFX100R, there are some interesting alternatives out there.

Will you use the GFX100RF for filmmaking at some constellation? Will one of the alternatives offered here suit you better? Let us know in the comments.