Fuji GFX 100 II... had a play

[Caleb Genheimer]

16 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said:

It's true that the 100 megapixel sensor is a bit overkill, the 50 would have been a good sweet spot for an 8K/4K medium format camera with even better low light performance than the GFX 100.

I am hoping they get a new fast stacked 50 megapixel sensor out... But I question whether medium format users demand the speed.

Yep, it’s a niche within a niche hah. Medium format digital is already a small crowd, then when you siphon off the video folks? Smaller crowd. I think the reality is, video users are gonna have to work with whatever sensors will sell well to the photo crowd (at least when it comes to medium format.) 

Im definitely looking forward to Eterna being on final firmware and in some folks’ hands to see what it can do though. I also hope they see the 100s II as a B-Cam option and align it as closely as they can via firmware.

[Ninpo33]

24 minutes ago, Caleb Genheimer said:

Yep, it’s a niche within a niche hah. Medium format digital is already a small crowd, then when you siphon off the video folks? Smaller crowd. I think the reality is, video users are gonna have to work with whatever sensors will sell well to the photo crowd (at least when it comes to medium format.) 

Im definitely looking forward to Eterna being on final firmware and in some folks’ hands to see what it can do though. I also hope they see the 100s II as a B-Cam option and align it as closely as they can via firmware.

Same. I can't afford the GFX 100ii yet but my plan is to pick up the 100s soon and use it for stills and some locked off video stuff. At least I can get into the system and start using my Mamiya and Soviet MF glass. Then later if I pick up a 100ii for a nice used discount the 100s can be B-Cam. I can always rent the Eterna if need be since I will have the lenses and adapters already good to go. 

Happy to see them working hard to get the Eterna a bit above the 100ii specs. RS at 15ms would be just fine and hopefully the other crop modes will stay reasonable. Plus yeah, the open gate stuff will be a nice addition. 

I sure wish Panasonic/Lumx would give us updates like this and interact with users about all these much desired specs. Imagine if in 2025 we see a GFX AND Lumix box cams?

 

CineD interviewed top Japanese Fujifilm managers about the upcoming Fujifilm GFX Eterna, which is already listed at BHphoto here.

GFX Eterna is Fujifilm’s first dedicated filmmaking camera

GFX Eterna coming still this year

Price wise, the goal is to make it available not only for rental houses, but that people can actually own it – Price Rumor here

supports 4:3 open gate. Resolution better than 4K

rolling shutter depends on mode you are filming

also on GFX100II depending on what mode you select

“we are making sure that the camera has no rolling shutter issue when you are shooting with the camera”

15ms is minimum rolling shutter (4K 16:9)

F-Log 2C was developed for the GFX Eterna, but since GFX100II already on the market, they added it there too

what is applied to GFX Eterna, will actually enhance also other models

Fujifilm developed a monitor that will be included in the package for the GFX Eterna

it’s not another brand making the monitor, but it is made by Fujifilm

5 inch monitor with touch screen

Fujifilm has received a lot of requests for a viewfinder, so Fujifilm is considering how to respond to that

around NAB in April Fujifilm will be disclosing more specs, but probably not yet all about it, but the main specs

Fujifilm wants to make sure this camera is well accepted in the market, otherwise there is no second or third camera

dual base ISO, ISO800 and ISO3200

Johnnie from CineD says that the Fujifilm team is relatively small and the small team is working on multiple projects

the Japanese manager confirms, “you are right, we don’t have a big team, but our platform is the same, we have the 5th generation processor and sensor and so it’s quite efficient. Although we have a small team working on different categories and different products, but the team knows what’s going on for the other camera projects and that could be implemented between each other. We are doing our best with our small team“

Developing a camera takes about 2 years. Fujifilm tries to adjust to the market needs as much as possible, so if Fujifilm thinks it’s necessary, they would even stop the development of a camera and change to something else. But that does not happen so often

Fortunately our digital cameras have been very well accepted, but of course the market will change

 

https://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-managers-talk-gfx-eterna-new-fujifilm-made-monitor-and-more-the-gfx-eterna-will-enhance-also-other-models/

[eatstoomuchjam]

I was wrong before - according to cined, it’s about 15ms with DRO off and closer to 26ms with it on.  That ain’t bad.  That IS in 4K mode, though.  In 5.8k mode, it’s still alright at about 26ms.  It’s in 8K mode where it falls down to about 32ms.  Also, smaller than FF crop.

Though the smaller than FF crop can be a superpower.  I’m on vacation at the moment and have my GFX 100 II and I only brought the 32-64/4, the 110/2, and the 63/2.8 (my travel light kit).  The 32-64 is on the camera most of the time.  Usually I just film in one of the 4K modes or the 5.8K mode, but when I want more reach, I just jump to 8K and know I also have the bonus that I can zoom 4x and still have original quality 4K.  But anyway, that’s not so important to the conversation.

Before making any plans to buy the Eterna when it ships, I’d wait for clearer ideas of what, specifically, it will support and what the cost will be.  The Ursa Cine 17K is also ostensibly coming and also with a medium format sensor - and if it’s the same sensor as the 12K, but bigger, it will probably be well worth a look vs Eterna.  And if there’s a body-only sku for half price like there is with the 12K, that might also be rough for Fujifilm sales.  15ms with mediocre DR isn’t too bad, but assuming 2x the pixels = 50% the readout speed, 15ms readout for 17K with DR similar to V-Raptor and Burano?  Eterna’s going to have some heavy lifting to do.  Though I suppose if there’s goal is 4:3 ratio, it’ll probably be better - I think UC 17K is going to be a wider format sensor rather than scaled in all directions from the 16:9 or 17:9 sensor in UC 12K.

Anyway.  It’s an exciting time gear-wise.

[Andrew Reid]

8 hours ago, eatstoomuchjam said:

I was wrong before - according to cined, it’s about 15ms with DRO off and closer to 26ms with it on.  That ain’t bad.  That IS in 4K mode, though.  In 5.8k mode, it’s still alright at about 26ms.  It’s in 8K mode where it falls down to about 32ms.  Also, smaller than FF crop.

 

Though the smaller than FF crop can be a superpower.  I’m on vacation at the moment and have my GFX 100 II and I only brought the 32-64/4, the 110/2, and the 63/2.8 (my travel light kit).  The 32-64 is on the camera most of the time.  Usually I just film in one of the 4K modes or the 5.8K mode, but when I want more reach, I just jump to 8K and know I also have the bonus that I can zoom 4x and still have original quality 4K.  But anyway, that’s not so important to the conversation.

How's the autofocus in video mode with that jolly combo?

I used to have the 32-64, it's a spectacular lens, virtually flawless.

Is there a Super 35mm / clear image zoom crop style mode?

I know, a bit silly on a GFX camera but curious if you can use some anamorphic adapters on there with a crop.

[Caleb Genheimer]

16 hours ago, eatstoomuchjam said:

I was wrong before - according to cined, it’s about 15ms with DRO off and closer to 26ms with it on.  That ain’t bad.  That IS in 4K mode, though.  In 5.8k mode, it’s still alright at about 26ms.  It’s in 8K mode where it falls down to about 32ms.  Also, smaller than FF crop.

Though the smaller than FF crop can be a superpower.  I’m on vacation at the moment and have my GFX 100 II and I only brought the 32-64/4, the 110/2, and the 63/2.8 (my travel light kit).  The 32-64 is on the camera most of the time.  Usually I just film in one of the 4K modes or the 5.8K mode, but when I want more reach, I just jump to 8K and know I also have the bonus that I can zoom 4x and still have original quality 4K.  But anyway, that’s not so important to the conversation.

Before making any plans to buy the Eterna when it ships, I’d wait for clearer ideas of what, specifically, it will support and what the cost will be.  The Ursa Cine 17K is also ostensibly coming and also with a medium format sensor - and if it’s the same sensor as the 12K, but bigger, it will probably be well worth a look vs Eterna.  And if there’s a body-only sku for half price like there is with the 12K, that might also be rough for Fujifilm sales.  15ms with mediocre DR isn’t too bad, but assuming 2x the pixels = 50% the readout speed, 15ms readout for 17K with DR similar to V-Raptor and Burano?  Eterna’s going to have some heavy lifting to do.  Though I suppose if there’s goal is 4:3 ratio, it’ll probably be better - I think UC 17K is going to be a wider format sensor rather than scaled in all directions from the 16:9 or 17:9 sensor in UC 12K.

Anyway.  It’s an exciting time gear-wise.

Yes, about a 1 stop DR hit to lower RS to 15ms in 4K 16:9. The open gate which they indicated is based off of that same sensor mode will therefore clock in at 20-21ms readout based on the added lines. Not bad all things considered. 

[eatstoomuchjam]

14 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

How's the autofocus in video mode with that jolly combo?

Well, it ain’t a Sony and it ain’t a Canon, that’s for sure.  I find it generally usable, though.  It’s better on the 32-64 and the 110 than on the 63.  The focus motor in the 63 isn’t as good.

14 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

Is there a Super 35mm / clear image zoom crop style mode?

None that I’m aware of, but there are an awful lot of menu options and the list of recording modes and their associated crop levels is S1R II-level confusing.

14 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

I know, a bit silly on a GFX camera but curious if you can use some anamorphic adapters on there with a crop.

Not silly at all!  So not silly, in fact, that there’s a dedicated 4.6k anamorphic mode which I have barely used.  If I remember right, it’s at a crop vaguely similar to full frame.  Rolling shutter is really slow from what I remember, comparable to the 8K mode.  One thing that is cool, though, and I don’t think I’ve seen it on any other camera, is that if you are using a 2x adapter (and maybe others?) you can set the recording modes so that it’s desqueezed in camera (not just for display).

If the Eterna has open gate support, perhaps Fuji will add desqueeze options for it too - though I have no idea what anamorphic combos (that mere mortals can afford) are going to cover 44x33mm.

[Caleb Genheimer]

On 3/4/2025 at 7:44 PM, eatstoomuchjam said:

If the Eterna has open gate support, perhaps Fuji will add desqueeze options for it too - though I have no idea what anamorphic combos (that mere mortals can afford) are going to cover 44x33mm.

They confirmed open gate in the CineD interview, it’s based on the binned 4K mode, so roughly 4.5K? Readout would land around 20ms and DR will take a hit, but if they’ve got that mode? I’ll desqueeze that sucker myself. Pretty sure Atlas Mercury sneak by on the GFX sensor.

[Ninpo33]

On 3/4/2025 at 5:44 PM, eatstoomuchjam said:

None that I’m aware of, but there are an awful lot of menu options and the list of recording modes and their associated crop levels is S1R II-level confusing.

I found the charts on DP Review helpful to break down all the crop modes on the GFX100ii. 
 

 

[eatstoomuchjam]

7 hours ago, Caleb Genheimer said:

They confirmed open gate in the CineD interview, it’s based on the binned 4K mode, so roughly 4.5K? Readout would land around 20ms and DR will take a hit, but if they’ve got that mode? I’ll desqueeze that sucker myself. Pretty sure Atlas Mercury sneak by on the GFX sensor.

Cool that it'll have it and cooler yet that the Mercury lenses cover it - though at $8k per, that combo would be well out of my budget.  😅

1 hour ago, Ninpo33 said:

I found the charts on DP Review helpful to break down all the crop modes on the GFX100ii. 

It's a lot more than my little brain can store when I'm out and about.  I mostly just have C dial settings for the modes I'm apt to use (C1 = 4Kp23.98, C2 = 4Kp60, C3 = 5.8kp23. C4 = 98,8k23.98, etc).

[Ninpo33]

9 hours ago, eatstoomuchjam said:

It's a lot more than my little brain can store when I'm out and about.  I mostly just have C dial settings for the modes I'm apt to use (C1 = 4Kp23.98, C2 = 4Kp60, C3 = 5.8kp23. C4 = 98,8k23.98, etc).

Right. I just use this as a quick reference guide and then do like you and set custom settings. It’s nice to see lens coverage though. 

[Caleb Genheimer]

On 3/7/2025 at 4:22 AM, eatstoomuchjam said:

Cool that it'll have it and cooler yet that the Mercury lenses cover it - though at $8k per, that combo would be well out of my budget.  😅

I pre-ordered the 42mm at $5K, and the 95mm at $6K. Expensive, but probably the best money I’ve spent on gear. There really is no shortcut to good glass.

Most likely the Eterna will be out of my reach though. I’m honestly hoping we see a Pyxis Pro from BMD with that RGBW sensor. 

[eatstoomuchjam]

7 minutes ago, Caleb Genheimer said:

I pre-ordered the 42mm at $5K, and the 95mm at $6K. Expensive, but probably the best money I’ve spent on gear. There really is no shortcut to good glass.

Nice!  Not sure where in Minnesota you are, but assuming you're near MSP, do you ever do Z-Fest, 50 Fifty, or any of the other local short film contests?  Would be cool to see what you're shooting with 'em.

10 minutes ago, Caleb Genheimer said:

Most likely the Eterna will be out of my reach though. I’m honestly hoping we see a Pyxis Pro from BMD with that RGBW sensor. 

I'd still say that unless the Eterna is priced pretty similarly to the GFX 100 II, they're going to have a real battle for sales vs Ursa Cine 17K, especially if BM release a body-only version similar to what they've done with the UC 12K.