What do you look for when choosing a new camera? Venture even slightly north of entry-level these days and the investment soon becomes significant – so what exactly do you need to feel like you’re getting value for the outlay?
I suspect for most people outside professional circles – certainly for me – the answer would be: as much as possible. That’s exactly what the new Fujifilm GFX100RF sets out to deliver.
Now, I don’t claim to be a particularly accomplished photographer, but I know enough. I’ve shot images I’ve been reasonably proud of to accompany my travel writing – and some for my fashion features, too. For both disciplines, I value two things above all: portability and versatility.
The GFX100RF weighs just 735g, so it ticks the first box straight away. But it’s the sheer number of ways you can use this powerful little camera that really sets it apart.
That impressive weight figure – achieved through clever use of milled aluminium and meticulous design – is just one number worth noting. Others include its 102-megapixel resolution, ISO range of 40 to 102,400, and a fixed 35mm lens with digital teleconverter options for 45mm, 63mm, or 80mm focal lengths. That’s a respectable amount of versatility in such a compact frame – and we’re just getting started.
Anthony Gugliotta
Fujifilm is a brand steeped in heritage, and this camera proudly honours that. Dials and toggles are thoughtfully scattered across the body, offering maximum creative control on the fly. Chief among them is the dial just above the LCD screen, allowing you to switch instantly between nine aspect ratios – from classic photo frame to cinematic widescreen.
I used this camera for around three weeks, wandering through Glasgow and the Scottish countryside (illustrating travel reviews for this very website), and found it immensely handy to flick between formats whenever the moment demanded it.
Fujifilm is also renowned, of course, for its film. The GFX100RF allows for simulation of no fewer than 20 of its legacy film types, each with distinct colour and contrast profiles.
I’ll admit, this was the feature I used least – but the subtle differences and pre-shot creative decisions available through these settings are impressive. You can even customise the camera’s default profile to suit your taste.
I’ll also admit that all this choice can feel a little overwhelming at first. With so many dials and options, there’s a learning curve – and I missed more than one shot thanks to my own poor memory. But once I’d (mostly) got the hang of the controls, the camera truly came into its own.
Nick Hendry
Nick Hendry
The vibrancy of the colours in a private Ayrshire garden; the rich contrast of Glasgow’s old tenements; the long shadows cast during Scotland’s spring evenings – all were captured vividly and clearly.
The lens is capable of focusing from just 20cm away – ideal for close-up shots of garden blooms – and the huge image sizes allow for significant cropping without losing detail. Low-light performance also impressed, capturing a rich sunset over the Isle of Arran in all its colour, with minimal interference from me – a semi-competent operator at best.
As expected, the GFX100RF connects to your smartphone when needed – though this is where the experience stumbles slightly. Connectivity was sluggish at times, and the iOS app could use a refresh.
That said, not everything shot with this camera is destined for social media. Via USB-C, transfers to a laptop were fast and frictionless. If you are posting to Instagram, 16:9 shots can be exported in smaller formats to save time, while the full-res files will be worth the wait.
Nick Hendry
Nick Hendry
The technology inside makes this camera powerful; the design outside makes it practical. But there’s one more thing worth noting: it’s beautiful.
The clean lines of the milled aluminium body feel elegant in the hand, and the retro design touches – again, a nod to Fujifilm’s past – lend it a nostalgic charm.
A new camera is a serious investment, and it’s clear that Fujifilm has considered where every penny goes. The GFX100RF isn’t just a tool – it’s a pleasure to use, and one that will only reward you further as you master it.
Available now for £4,699 at fujifilm.com
