>
4 minute read
GFX System’s Professional Filmmaking Features
Discover how the new FUJIFILM GFX100 II and broader GFX System facilitate professional moviemaking workflows
Knowing which professional camera settings to use and why is the wheelhouse of advanced filmmakers – but knowing where to find a filmmaking camera with video features is an ever-evolving feat.
The FUJIFILM GFX System has been a highly equipped option for video creatives for years, but with the arrival of the FUJIFILM GFX100 II comes even more performance and potential for filmmakers and videographers. Here’s why you may wish to consider this FUJIFILM movie camera as your next professional piece of filmmaking equipment.
Fujifilm Image Quality
The bare essential that filmmakers expect from a camera is a pleasing image. Whether it’s in-camera or the foundation for post-production work, the GFX System is designed to deliver just that.
All bodies share a large format 43.8×32.9mm sensor, offering 51 megapixels or 102 megapixels. For the greatest amount of detail possible, look at the new GFX100 II, GFX100S or GFX100. Alternatively, the 51MP FUJIFILM GFX50S II, offers ample resolution with excellent light-gathering capabilities.
But resolution isn’t the only consideration when it comes to image. The GFX100 II is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit recording internally, at a choice of 8K/30p, 4K/60p and FHD/120p. It’s also built upon decades of colour science research, ensuring looks are not just accurate, but expandable.
The camera houses a suite of Film Simulations, as well as adjustment options for grain, colour, dynamic range, highlights and shadows – plus plenty more. Colour grading workflows can be greatly reduced, and rushes can be reviewed immediately out of the camera in close to the final state. When full post-production control is preferred, the GFX100 II can be used in F-Log2 mode, for 14+ stops of dynamic range, and Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW can be recorded to a compatible monitor.
Impressive bit depth and Log performance can be found elsewhere within the GFX System, but the GFX100 II continues its advancements with a high-speed rolling shutter and pixel mapping. The former reduces the negative effects upon moving subjects typically experienced with rolling-shutter bodies, while the latter goes above and beyond to make every scene pixel-perfect.
Photo 2020 © Joshua Ivan Loh | FUJIFILM GFX100S and FUJINON GF80mmF1.7 R WR
GFX System Usability
Perhaps second only to image quality comes the ability to use a camera seamlessly. During production, we understand that time is money – and poor handling should never be a barrier to the creative vision.
All GFX System bodies feature tactile buttons and dials for essential functions, plus several customisable buttons for more personalised preferences.
As a dedicated hybrid camera, the GFX100 II itself features a switch, taking users from STILL to MOVIE mode in an instant. Once the camera is in video recording mode, both the main and quick menus reconfigure to a movie-specific layout, keeping filmmaking camera settings readily available. The Drive Dial, located on the camera’s top plate, comparably features six custom slots, which can be filled uniquely in MOVIE and STILL modes.
Unique within the GFX System, GFX100 II also features native Frame.io Camera to Cloud compatibility, enabling file sharing directly to the cloud. Enjoy wireless transfer, reduce physical storage downsides and collaborate remotely with fellow filmmakers like never before.
GFX System Video Focusing
Thanks to the inclusion of X-Processor 5, autofocus is another area in which the GFX100 II outshines its capable counterparts. Continuous autofocus and manual focusing aids are suitable for a wide variety of needs within all GFX System bodies, but the new addition offers exceptional performance when it comes to videography.
Driven by AI, the GFX100 II’s subject detection and tracking performs in the most challenging situations. In AF-C Wide/Tracking AF mode, touchscreen functionality can be used to select subjects. Alternatively, a range of human and non-human subjects can be selected for prioritised recognition within the menu.
Among a range of manual focusing aids, Focus MAP has been added, clearly highlighting in-focus details within a scene.
Beyond focus, further on-screen tools have been added, specifically for professional filmmaking workflows. To perfect the varied visual aspects of an image, creatives can rely on waveform, zebra and vectorscope displays.
Photo 2023 © Claire Rosen | FUJIFILM GFX100 II and FUJINON GF30mmF5.6 T/S
GFX System Filmmaking Accessories
For those wishing to expand their filmmaking set-up beyond a body and native lens, the GFX System offers wide-reaching compatibility with a range of surrounding creative tools. At just 948g, the GFX100 II is far lighter than typical cinema cameras, making it ideal for gimbal use. However, with eight-stop IBIS, smooth handheld footage can be captured as standard.
Footage can be recorded directly to SSD via USB-C interface, where preferred over internal storage, while microphones may be input into the camera’s 3.5mm stereo connector.
When it comes to all-important lens selection, the GFX100 II continues down a versatile path. Native FUJINON GF Lenses offer full large format coverage, but a range of 35mm anamorphic and 35mm spherical glass — including the FUJINON Premista Series — is compatible via a GF to PL adapter. The de-squeeze of anamorphic optics can be monitored in-camera.
During longer shoots or in challenging climates, the GFX100 II’s usage time can be extended by a mounted cooling fan.
Learn more about the GFX System online and shop the FUJIFILM GFX100 II today.
Compare FUJIFILM GFX System Video Specs
FUJIFILM GFX100 II
FUJIFILM GFX100S
