G Mount & Athleticism
There is not much point in having a discussion as to how to call the format of 44 x 33mm. We tend to seek for the historical ground from the days of silver halide film; 6 x 4.5 is medium format, and 4 x 5 inch or larger is large format, but the explanation does not have any suggestion other than historical legitimacy.
To this day, there are still people that practice photography with the medium and the large format films. The main reason for this is the image quality. But in terms of resolution, the current 44 x 33mm format surpasses that of the 6 x 4.5 and even the 8 x 10. There still is the unique color reproduction of the silver halide films, but if the medium and the large format is designed for large prints, then there is no point in seeking historical ground to call what format GFX is. Because with the GFX100, we can have the prints even larger.
Then how about shooting technique? Is there a special medium, large format way of shooting? If you can recall the process in the photo studio, then we can definitely say there is a special way to shoot large format. The photographer looks into the view camera and carefully adjust the composition and takes each shot slowly. The prints are developed on a later date and you will get to see the final result only after the prints are ready. Both the photographer and the model enjoy the whole process of photography that moves at a very slow pace. Is it the same for the GFX100? Clear not. The whole process is at a much faster pace.
So if we were to pick one name out from the film history, there isn’t any for the 44 x 33mm format. Because there is nothing equivalent. Furthermore, the GFX100 offers new possibilities that have never been available previously.
The GFX100 is highly mobile and fast unlike any larger format cameras that have been released in the market.
We remember the time when the X-Pro2 was announced. Until then, the X system was only regarded for the image quality and it was often said that the AF performance was somewhat lacking. It was with the X-Pro2 when the reputation started to change.
The major change from X-Pro1 to X-Pro2 was the installation of phase detection AF. The same goes for the GFX100 when compared to the change from GFX 50S / 50R. Furthermore, the AF algorithm of the GFX100 is same as that of the X-T3, meaning not only is it fast, but is now also tougher against in low light conditions, high frequency subjects and low contrast subjects.
To put simply, the GFX100 has the agility like the X-T3 and achieves the descriptive power like the 8×10. There have never been a system like this before. This is a whole new experience.
The new experience cannot be achieved by the GFX100 camera body alone. We also need the lens. GF lenses are designed to support 100MP resolution and the phase detection AF. Each of the GF lenses are designed to deliver the optimal light to the 100MP sensor and you can feel the faster AF speed.
In order to enjoy the whole new shooting experience, you will need to update the firmware for the GF lenses. The firmware needs to be compatible with the new phase detection sensor. With the update, the lenses will be reborn.
