Fujifilm has been a leader in the camera world with its unique and well-built designs, and their GFX100RF and X100V models are no exception. The GFX100RF is an exciting new release that shares some familiar elements with the X100V, but it also brings new challenges and advantages that make it a very different kind of camera.

At first glance, the GFX100RF seems like an oversized X100V, borrowing many elements from the X100 series, but it’s clear from the start that the two are quite different in design and function. While the X100V is a compact, lightweight, and versatile camera designed for those looking for portability and ease of use, the GFX100RF is a much larger and more powerful system aimed at those seeking medium format quality with some unique features and compromises.

Design and Build: A Familiar Look, But with Big Differences

The GFX100RF instantly reminds you of the X100V with its sleek design. Both cameras share a similar form factor and classic feel, but the GFX100RF is noticeably larger and more substantial. The design is inspired by a rangefinder-style camera, with no optical viewfinder (OVF), which may surprise some users. This change, along with the absence of a built-in flash, makes the GFX100RF feel somewhat minimalist, especially compared to the X100V.

The X100V is known for its optical viewfinder, which adds to its charm and versatility. However, the GFX100RF takes a more modern approach with a high-resolution digital display, which, while excellent, doesn’t quite match the tactile appeal of an OVF for those who are used to the X100 series. The GFX100RF is also equipped with tilt-up LCD, but it has a 3.15-inch screen which, though impressive, is a bit more limiting compared to the fully articulated screens on other modern cameras.

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The body of the GFX100RF is built with machined aluminum, offering more durability than the pressed metal of the X100V. Additionally, the lens mount of the GFX100RF is larger, as it supports a medium format sensor, which makes it considerably more challenging to integrate the same kind of lenses found in the X100V.

Image Quality – Medium Format Meets Modern Needs

The GFX100RF uses the same 102MP medium format sensor as the GFX100S, giving it an edge in image quality, especially for those looking for incredible resolution and dynamic range. However, the 35mm f4 lens that comes with the camera feels a bit restrictive, especially when compared to the faster lenses that can be paired with the X100V.

While the X100V offers an f/2 lens, which excels in low-light conditions, the GFX100RF’s f/4 lens does not produce the same shallow depth of field or rich bokeh that enthusiasts might expect from a medium format camera. This makes the GFX100RF a great camera for those who need a versatile medium format experience but don’t necessarily need to get that creamy bokeh effect found in other high-end cameras.

A key advantage of the GFX100RF is the ability to crop into the image, thanks to the medium format sensor. This allows users to effectively use digital teleconverters and crop the image to achieve focal lengths ranging from 45mm to 80mm, giving users great flexibility while still maintaining high image quality even after cropping. This is something that the X100V can’t replicate, as it relies on a fixed focal length.

Performance and Usability – A New Way of Thinking

One of the most intriguing features of the GFX100RF is its ability to shoot with raw sensor data, letting users crop or adjust their frame in post-production. While this is an exciting prospect for some photographers, it’s important to understand that the GFX100RF forces you to think differently about your shots. The idea of cropping in post can be a double-edged sword; while it offers flexibility, it can make you feel like you’re not fully utilizing the medium format sensor, and that might disappoint some users who are looking to maximize every pixel from that huge sensor.

The X100V, on the other hand, keeps things simple with its fixed lens and beautiful optical viewfinder, designed for people who want great images with minimal setup. It’s intuitive and easy to use, with a more immediate shooting experience, while the GFX100RF requires you to embrace cropping and get used to the nuances of the sensor.

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Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

The Fujifilm GFX100RF and X100V are both incredible cameras, but they serve different purposes. The X100V is perfect for travel photographers or anyone who values a simple, lightweight camera with a fast lens and great image quality. It’s a classic, portable option that delivers fantastic results in a wide range of situations.

The GFX100RF, on the other hand, is aimed at photographers who need medium format resolution and the flexibility to crop in post while maintaining stunning detail. While it doesn’t have the OVF of the X100V or the fast f/2 lens, it offers amazing flexibility and image quality, making it an excellent choice for serious photographers and those who are okay with a slightly different, more post-production-focused approach.

At the end of the day, the choice between the GFX100RF and the X100V comes down to personal preferences. If you want portability and simplicity, go with the X100V. If you want power, flexibility, and incredible resolution, the GFX100RF might be the better choice.