FUJIFILM GFX100RF for Anamorphic Filmmaking? Let’s Give It a Try!

The FUJIFILM GFX100RF was introduced earlier this week. As anticipated, this large-format digicam grabbed the eye of photographers for apparent causes (bodily measurement/weight, sensor measurement, and taking pictures modes, simply to call just a few). However what about us filmmakers? Is that this digicam of any use to us, too? I took this attractive-looking digicam for a really quick spin and returned with some observations. This text and accompanying video are in no way a full evaluation, however I feel the knowledge given right here can fulfill the curiosity of many in our viewers.

March twentieth and the climate in Prague was definitely pretty. The FUJIFILM GFX100RF announcement presentation simply ended, and everybody (sellers and journalists) who attended the presentation and had entry to the brand new digicam merely vanished. Some individuals ended up consuming lunch, others went to the lodge, and lots of went to town middle to take photographs with the brand new toy that they had simply been uncovered to.

I took a deep breath and compelled myself to pay attention. In my possession, I now had one of the crucial lovely digital cameras I had ever held and, moreover, a instrument that will open an all-new chapter within the historical past of large-format pictures and filmmaking, too, or so I hoped.

Now, taking this digicam out for filming felt virtually too simple. And since I wish to problem the tools I work with, I made a decision to make use of the digicam in a means I’m fairly positive the engineers at FUJIFILM by no means meant it for use.

FUJIFILM GFX100RF – video capabilities

However let me take a step again and spotlight what the digicam can do in video mode. To begin with, its video menu is somewhat easy. In its highest recording high quality mode, it might do 4K, 17×9 (or 16×9) as much as 30p solely. One can select between recording internally in H.264 or H.265 as much as 4:2:2, 10-bit, 720Mbps into any of the 2 SD card slots. For even larger video recording high quality, an exterior SSD could be related by way of the digicam USB-C connector. Then, the opportunity of recording in ProRes HQ, 422, and LT opens up. In a means, having a comparatively restricted video setting menu is liberating.

For the above video, I selected to report internally within the highest doable high quality on an Angelbird SD card.

Transferring ahead, there’s a built-in ND filter that ought to assist out of doors filming, however relying on the power of the sunshine, it’d show to be not so helpful for video recording as we have to hold the shutter pace at 50/60 and this ND filter shouldn’t be robust sufficient for very vibrant days.

So far as I’m involved, one of many predominant achievements of this new gadget is the one focal size 35mm lens (35mm format equal: 28mm). Its measurement is one thing that, up till now, was exceptional relating to the GFX line of cameras.

Filming with the BLAZAR NERO 1.5x anamorphic adapter

Again to this big room the place the press convention came about, and right here I’m making an attempt to attach the BLAZAR NERO 1.5x anamorphic adapter to the brand new GFX100RF. Figuring out the lens has a 49mm diameter, and that the newly designed ring (included within the package) permits the anamorphic adapter to be hooked up virtually effortlessly, I used to be capable of get it arrange after just some minutes of fiddling. Nevertheless, attaching the anamorphic adapter to the lens doesn’t assure success, because the vignetting is extraordinarily extreme. The additional the adapter is from the lens, the larger this concern turns into. Surprisingly, what appears at first like an impediment turns into an support, and I’m speaking in regards to the digicam’s DIS (Digital Picture Stabilization).

As you would possibly already know, the GFX100RF digicam doesn’t have an optical stabilizer. The truth is, in photograph mode, it doesn’t permit any kind of stabilization assist, however in video mode, there’s an choice to interact it on the expense of a 1.32x crop. I don’t need to go into the query “What’s higher, digital or optical stabilization?” as each strategies have their strengths and weaknesses, however right here it isn’t even a query however a given. So, within the above video, the whole lot was filmed with the DIS “ON.” One factor price mentioning is that the picture can sometimes “float” a bit when DIS is engaged and also you try sure actions. I didn’t have the digicam lengthy sufficient to totally work out what was making it.

OK, up to now we now have the anamorphic adapter hooked up to the lens, and the DIS is ON (with a crop issue of 1.32x), however nonetheless, a little bit of vignetting is current on either side of the body. Though not ultimate in any respect, I used to be not involved as I knew that whereas de-squeezing the picture on my NLE, I’d be capable to lose (lower) round 10% on either side, eliminating this concern virtually fully.

Staying in focus

Having the anamorphic adapter on the lens grabbed A LOT of consideration, particularly from fellow journalists, photographers, retailers, and even from the FUJIFILM workforce themselves, as they didn’t anticipate anybody to make use of the digicam like this. I’m mentioning it right here as a result of as good because the adapter appears on the digicam, there are just a few steps to take to make sure (sort of) satisfying outcomes. Crucial one is focusing. Relatively rapidly, I dominated out working with autofocus because the outcomes have been inconsistent. Then, I needed to resolve which lens to set on infinity. After enjoying a bit with this setup, I discovered that the best means could be to go away the FUJIFILM GFX100RF 35mm lens in guide mode on infinity, whereas with the adapter, I may freely search the suitable focus level. In actuality, this was not sophisticated to do in any respect. The EVF is sweet, the focusing support instruments like peaking and focus MAP labored effective, and on high of that, I may assign one of many digicam buttons to enlarge the picture for simpler focusing.

What additionally must be considered is the truth that this digicam has no de-squeeze choice within the menu, so be ready to see a squeezed picture within the LCD display screen/EVF until you join an exterior monitor. Nevertheless, you’re then defeating the aim of working with such a compact bundle.

Is it well worth the “trouble”?

This was a enjoyable experiment, and to be truthful, with extra time, I most likely may’ve performed extra to realize that “massive sensor look.” However in video mode, there’s no choice to report in open gate or something past the usual 16×9 (or 17×9) format. In an interview with Makoto-san (the product supervisor), he defined that due to the “sensor pace,” open-gate recording and sensor cropping – options out there in photograph mode – aren’t doable in video mode. What would possibly come at a later stage is the addition of the lacking F-Log2C simulation look.

Last ideas on the FUJIFILM GFX100RF

Humorous sufficient, once I noticed the FUJIFILM GFX100RF for the primary time, I used to be reminded of the Instax mini Evo that I had simply bought for my daughter the opposite day. OK, critically talking, in my view, FUJIFILM has created a brand new benchmark relating to a stylized way of life digicam. It appears nice (particularly the black/silver model) and feels good within the hand. I’ll let different professionals choose its photograph performance, however for video, I can absolutely say that it might serve properly as an occasional instrument for run & gun filming. There’s a lot to love about it, particularly the power to report high-quality ProRes to an exterior SSD. It’s in no way the most effective large-format digicam for video, however making an allowance for its measurement and weight, it might grow to be a real companion when touring. I hope FUJIFILM takes a more in-depth take a look at how the footage is being sampled to 4K, as some effective horizontal traces present noticeable aliasing. Additionally, the on/off button feels too unfastened, so unintentionally switching between each modes can occur simply. Final however not least, there’s a sure “drift” when utilizing the DIS (when making slight actions). I’m writing it right here so that you just guys comprehend it. Backside line, I’d have beloved to see a “video model” of this digicam with enhanced video performance, or let me phrase it in another way, a big format digicam devoted to video with the identical footprint.

Normal info: The above video was filmed with the GFX100RF and the BLAZAR NERO 1.5x anamorphic adapter. The digicam’s fastened lens was at f/4. Digicam settings: H.265 ALL-I, 10-bit, 4:2:2, F-Log2 (Sharpness at -4), and ISO 800 (apart from the night time pictures the place I used to be between ISO 3200 to 6400). All day pictures have been filmed with a variable ND filter (H&Y VND) and a Black Professional-Mist 1/4 filter. LUTs: ARRI Log C3.

Disclaimer: CineD was a visitor of FUJIFILM on the X-Summit occasion. Transportation and lodging have been totally paid for by the corporate.

What do you concentrate on the GFX100RF for video? Will you take into account this digicam as a instrument for some enjoyable productions? Please share your ideas with us within the remark part beneath.