Fujifilm Announces Its Medium Format Mirrorless, the 51MP GFX 50S

fujigfx50s

Fujifilm made a bombshell announcement in the camera world today by officially revealing the development of its new medium format mirrorless camera. The GFX 50S, the first camera in the new GFX line, is a 51.4 megapixel medium format mirrorless camera.

The new camera, which has been rumored since June, “will deliver unmatched and exceptional image quality,” Fujifilm says.

Images shot with the camera are processed through Fuji’s X-Processor Pro, which is highly regarded for its color and tone reproduction abilities.

The GFX 50S features a new Fujifilm G format sensor, one that measures 43.8×32.9mm and offers 51.4MP in resolution. The sensor can be adapted to various aspect ratios. 4:3 is the default, but you can also choose 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7, and 6:17 — aspect ratios that were available in traditional large and medium format cameras.

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Compared to traditional medium format cameras, however, the GFX is more compact and lighter. It also follows in the footsteps in the X Series by offering a wide range of physical buttons and dials while maintaining an ergonomic design.

While there isn’t a built-in viewfinder, there’s a separate detachable electronic viewfinder that can be removed if you’d like to shoot using an external monitor (or if you’d like the camera to be even lighter and more portable).

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An optional adapter can be added to use the EVF at any angle. There’s also a Vertical Battery Grip attachment for helping you shoot in portrait orientation.

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The GFX 50S will use a new lineup of Fujinon GF lenses that are designed specifically for the new G mount. Fuji has designed the G Mount to have a short flange back distance of 26.7mm to minimize the back focus distance, preventing vignetting and achieving edge-to-edge sharpness.

There will initially be 6 lenses for the system: a 63mm f/2.8 (50mm equiv in 35mm terms), 32-64mm f/4 (25-51mm equiv), 120mm f/4 (95mm equiv), 110mm f/2 (87mm equiv), 23mm f/4 (18mm equiv), and 45mm f/2.8 (35mm equiv).

Each of the new lenses has an aperture ring, a C (Command) Position on the ring for adjusting aperture with the Command Dial of the camera, and dust and weather resistance.

The new Fujifilm GFX system will hit store shelves in early 2017. The exact date and the pricing have yet to be revealed. Each of the lenses will be introduced sequentially in early 2017, Fuji says. Stay tuned.