Major Firmware Update for Fujifilm GFX Mirrorless Cameras

June 30, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Compact System Camera | Comment |

Fujifilm is releasing a major new firmware update for all three GFX medium-format mirrorless cameras - the GFX 50S, 50R and 100 models. Major improvements include enhanced image reproduction, better autofocus performance, expanded functionality and gimbal and drone support.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

The biggest firmware upgrade in the history of the GFX System

The range continues to evolve into an unparalleled high-end system that meets the demands of professional creatives

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) today, have released new firmware updates for all three GFX digital cameras, the “FUJIFILM GFX50S” (“GFX 50S”), “FUJIFILM GFX50R” (“GFX 50R”) and “FUJIFILM GFX 100” (“GFX 100”).

Over three years after the launch of the GFX 50S, Fujifilm is offering for free, a major firmware upgrade for the GFX System bringing substantial advances in image quality, autofocus performance and expandability, transforming them into completely new cameras. The GFX range of high-end cameras has been chosen by numerous professional photographers, because of their astonishing image quality made possible by the Large Format sensor*1, which is 70% larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor, and Fujifilm’s color reproduction technology nurtured over the period of more than 80 years.

*1 An image sensor that measures 55mm diagonally (43.8mm x 32.9mm), with the area approx. 1.7 times that of a 35mm sensor

1. Enhanced image reproduction

・The number of Film Simulation modes for all three models have been increased. The new firmware will add“CLASSIC Neg” mode, simulating color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots, to all three cameras. The GFX 100 will also receive the “ETERNA Bleach Bypass” mode, which simulates the film processing technique of the same name, and the GFX 50S and GFX 50R will receive the “ETERNA” mode, which replicates the colors and tonality of Fujifilm’s motion picture film.

・The “Smooth Skin Effect,” featured on the GFX 100, will be added to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, smoothing the appearance of human skin, ideal for portraiture.

・The “Color Chrome Blue,” which adds depth to color and tonal reproduction in blue skies and other primarily blue subjects, will be added to the GFX 100.

2. Improving autofocus performance

・The GFX 100 will now be able to quickly and accurately use phase-detection AF in low-light conditions down to -5EV. The new firmware will also add Low Light Priority AF-S mode to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, which increases the time the autofocus has to work, improving AF accuracy in low light.

・The firmware will enhance Face / Eye AF performance for all three models. Face / eye detection accuracy and stability are improved when shooting groups of people, which makes portrait photography easier than ever before.

・The Auto mode will be added to focus bracketing in all three models. You can now specify the start and end points and shooting interval, and the camera will automatically determine the number of frames and steps required.

3. Expanding functionality

・In all three models, the new firmware will allow users to adjust exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation) from a computer when shooting stills and using software that supports some tether-shooting functions.

・In all three models, more photo-editing applications will support the import of rating information, assigned in camera.

・For the GFX 50S and GFX 50R, the maximum number of photos that can be saved in each folder on an SD card will increase 10 fold from 999 to 9,999.

4. Gimbal / Drone compatibility

・When using the GFX 100 with compatible Gimbal / Drone that supports these functions, users will be able to start / stop video recording, specify exposure settings for video (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation), and make manual focus adjustments.*2 Guilin FeiYu Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.*3, Shenzhen Gudsen Technology Co., Ltd.*4, SZ DJI Technology Co.,Ltd.*5 and ZHIYUN*6 (alphabetical order) have announced their plans to offer compatible products.

*2 Functions that can be controlled vary from Gimbal to Gimbal.

*3 Guilin FeiYu Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.

*4 Shenzhen Gudsen Technology Co., Ltd.

*5 SZ DJI Technology Co.,Ltd.

*6 ZHIYUN

5. ProRes RAW video output

・GFX100 will be able to output maximum 4K/29.97P** 12bit RAW video data using HDMI to an ATOMOS NINJA V*, in Apple ProRes RAW. New firmware for NINJA V will be released by ATOMOS in July 2020. RAW video data gives maximum flexibility for exposure adjustment or color grading in post-production for professional videographers.

Also, simultaneous output of RAW with Film Simulation / F-Log / Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) is also available.

*7 GFX100 can record ProRes RAW only with ATOMOS NINJA V (as of June 30th 2020).

The Ninja V firmware due in July will be available from https://www.atomos.com/firmwar...

*8 Compatible with 4K (3840x2160) 29.97P/25P/24P/23.98P. Not compatible with FHD.