Review: Fujifilm GFX 100S medium-format mirrorless camera

In terms of digital camera sensors, the 100-megapixel barrier was surpassed long before the 2019 release of the Fujifilm GFX 100. But this mirrorless medium-format marvel was the first to reach the milestone at an affordable price. And in 2021 came the Fujifilm GFX 100S, which was even more affordable than the GFX 100, and in a more portable body too. But is the GFX 100S actually better than the GFX 100? In this review, MPB resident photographer Ian Howorth shares his experiences using the GFX 100S—and how it compares to its predecessor. Over to you, Ian.

How does the Fujifilm GFX 100S compare to the GFX 100?

I really loved the original GFX 100, a camera I find to be truly revolutionary due to its image quality, handling and useability. While it’s quite a large camera—comparable in size to the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II or Nikon D5 Dual XQD—the increased measurements mean more room for dual battery slots and a portrait mode shutter speed button, appreciated by studio and portrait photographers in particular.

Some photographers may find the size of the GFX 100 slightly unmanageable, especially if carried outside of the studio and slung over the shoulder. After all, a medium-format 100-megapixel body does scream landscape photography, which often involves many miles on foot.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a slimmed-down version of the original GFX 100, housed in a similar body to Fujifilm’s first-ever medium-format digital camera—the Fujifilm GFX 50S. Fujifilm achieved the smaller size and lighter weight of the GFX 100S by switching out the adjustable modular viewfinder and removing the built-in dual-battery grip extension from the GFX 100. The launch price almost halved, from around ten grand to six—although, if purchased used, the price of both cameras are now pretty similar to one another. But how else did the Fujifilm GFX 100S improve?

Specs: Fujifilm GFX 100 vs 100S

So, which one is better for your needs and creative requirements? How useful is the extra 0.5 stops, and is the extra battery life worth carrying around that extra weight? 

Handling

I found the Fujifilm GFX 100S an absolute pleasure to use, like a combination of the original Fujifilm GFX 50S and the GFX 50R. The 100S is well balanced, even with the rather large 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR or the 110mm f/2 R LM WR—the two lenses I used the most.

Top-mounted dials

But my favourite feature on the Fujifilm GFX 100S was the reintroduction of the top-mounted dials, which I like in most of Fujifilm’s cameras. I found the rotary flat mode dial on the GFX 100 a little clunky and I never fully got used to using it.

Menu systems

Menus systems are classic Fujifilm—left-orientated main menus, with a right button click on the rear mode dial to access sub-menus—simple and effective.

Usability

Now, useability is the big one. Similar to the Hasselblad X1D and Hasselblad X1D II and Fujifilm’s other GFX cameras, the Fujifilm GFX 100S is much the same. It’s slow. But, in being slow, it means you shouldn’t really judge it in the same way you would Fujifilm mirrorless cameras or even mirrorless cameras from the other big brands. 

Autofocus

While the autofocus is perfectly usable, it's not lightning-fast like other mirrorless cameras. But then, does it need to be? If your work allows for set-up time, then it’s absolutely fine. Medium format values image quality above all else, as opposed to making compromises for speed and quick handling. This is a tool for creating the highest-possible image quality—end of story.

Image quality

The image quality and output are fantastic. In all fairness, at this level of resolution, it’s difficult to see any difference between the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the GFX 50 series. The difference between them, in terms of image quality at least, lies purely in resolution. 

Studio photography

This camera really comes alive in the studio. The larger size is absorbed by the controlled environment of the studio, making the camera feel like any other. For still life, especially, the autofocus is sure-footed and works well.

Portraiture

In-studio portraiture is also a dream. It makes you want to play with colour and really push what the camera can do. The ability of medium format to create smoother gradations in light and colour—and tonality and skin tone—is where it really shines.

While some might argue that shooting on a 100-megapixel sensor with modern lenses can be a detriment to portraits, I disagree. The combo is capable of maintaining resolution while allowing the natural softness of the human face to be represented.

Travel photography

Using the camera as a travel camera requires a little bit more patience. This is mainly due to the slightly heavier weight. But if you’re looking for sheer no-compromise image quality, then the camera will certainly reward you.

File sizes

A typical RAW file from the GFX 100S will top 200MB. So, before you start shooting, it’s worth checking to see if your computer can handle the larger files. They are chunky, and older laptops will have fans whirring like helicopters. 

Dynamic range

The dynamic range is phenomenal. Even when you’re shooting in the midday sun, it’s always easy to tame highlights and bring up shadows a little—without making the images look unnatural.

Black and white

Black-and-white conversions are quite simply amazing, with the sensor handling colour and monochrome with equal aplomb. As a canvas for conversion to black and white, where tonality and light are key, this camera is a dream.

Detail

Aside from tonality and all the other benefits of medium format, this is still a 100-megapixel sensor. The detail created by the combination of sensor and modern lens technology is frankly outstanding. If the detail is important to you, then this camera will really spoil you.

Verdict: Fujifilm GFX 100S

As a photographer who is used to lugging heavy equipment, I found the GFX 100S to be a relatively easy camera to incorporate into my way of working. For me, the benefits quite literally outweigh the negatives. 

But this is still an expensive camera, as is the lens system. This is a system that needs to pay. Not just in financial terms, but also in the hands of a photographer who can appreciate the subtleties that it provides. For certain applications, this system could be seen as a hindrance to speed and efficiency. So, no matter how much you might want to be a game changer and shoot weddings and sports with this, for example, your output might be lower than if you shot with a Sony A9. But as a studio system, or even for wedding photographers or portrait photographers, the Fujifilm GFX 100S really is a step up.

Thanks, Ian. You can see more of Ian’s work on Instagram @ihoworth. Or, read more guides on the MPB content hub.