Picture perfect with Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras

Fujifilm GFX50S II

Fujifilm’s mirrorless GFX50S II is the successor to 2017’s successful GFX 50S and packs a 51.4MP large-format sensor in a portable body alongside built-in image stabilisation.

With an image sensor measuring 55mm diagonally (43.8mm x 32.9mm) — which is about 1.7 times bigger than a 35mm full-frame sensor — you’re getting a wide dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio that will result in image clarity with minimal noise, even when taken in low light.

Keeping the restrictions of larger format cameras in mind, Fujifilm ensured that the GFX50S II can be used in a range of shooting fields. At 104.2mm high, 87.2mm deep and weighing in at about 900g, the camera is equally as comfortable in the field or in the studio.

Thanks to a rigid magnesium alloy casing and a dust- and moisture-resistant body, the camera can operate in temperatures as low as -10℃. And a five-axis image stabilisation mechanism means you’ll seldom, if ever, require a tripod.

Fujifilm has also worked on the autofocus, ensuring that the GFX50S II provides more accurate face/eye detection compared with its predecessor, due in part to the X-Processor 4 image-processing engine.

One of the strengths of the large format sensor is its ability to produce a very shallow depth of field. This is complimented by GF lenses’ edge-to-edge sharpness to accentuate the main subject against a blurred background.

Last but not least is the GFX50S II’s Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, capable of creating 200MP images free of false colour presentation. This function uses the camera’s IBIS to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixel to incrementally record 16 RAW images and combine them into a single Digital Negative (DNG) RAW file, producing an ultra high-definition 200MP image.

Pre-order from R76,495.00 (body only), outdoorphoto.co.za

Fujifilm X-T30 II

If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-T30 II deserves some serious consideration. The successor to 2019’s popular X-T30, the new model boasts the same compact body but has improved high-speed AF performance and image quality that is now on par with the flagship Fujifilm X-T4.

The X series comes with the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the X-Processor 4 high-speed image processing engine to enable advanced phase-detection AF across the frame. Moreover, the fastest AF speed — 0.02 seconds — is coupled with an impressive AF tracking performance to capture major photo opportunities. The X-T30 II can do all this and focus in near darkness at -7.0EV (when the camera is mounted with the Fujinon XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens). The camera can also deliver blackout-free burst shooting at up to 8fps in the mechanical shutter mode and up to 30fps in the electronic shutter mode.

 Updates to the Auto mode mean the camera automatically identifies the type of shooting scenes. It applies the latest image-processing technology to adjust settings to optimum options with nothing more than a simple switch of the Auto lever on top of the camera.

Fujifilm’s technological wizardry, which allows the camera to use the amount of data equivalent to 6K to generate 4K video, the X-T30 II is way more than just a stills top performer. It can output 4K/30P video at 8 bit 4:2:0 onto an SD card, and 4K/30P video at 10 bit 4:2:2 to HDMI. It now also supports Full HD/240P high-speed video, capable of replaying a momentary action of a fast-moving subject in slow motion in up to 10x. You can view all this on the high-resolution 1.62-million-dot LCD monitor on the rear panel.

Pre-order from R15,595.00 (body only), orms.co.za