Fujfilm's GFX100 Medium Format Camera Gets Apple ProRes RAW Support

Fujifilm has updated its medium format cameras, including the GFX100, GFX 50S, and GFX 50R. The headline news is that the GFX100 now enables external 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW video, but the latest firmware version for all 3 models unlocks a host of video features that's sure to draw interest from creators. 

The GFX100 is a megapixel buffet, packing in 102MP on its 43.8 x 32.9 CMOS image sensor. Despite the $10K price tag, which is quite low when compared to competitors like the Leica S3, the GFX100 has gained popularity among filmmakers not only because of the unique imagery it produces but because of the ecosystem Fujifilm offers. 

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With a sensor that's 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor, the available glass capable of covering the image circle (54.78mm) can creep up in price when it comes to third-party options. Thankfully, Fujifilm supports the GFX100 with its own G mount lenses that cover prime focal lengths from 23mm to 250mm, and zooms that cover focal lengths from 32mm to 250mm. Besides the native glass, Fujinon's Premista zoom lenses are also an option for filmmakers. 

The camera is capable of recording internal 4K DCI 17:9 All-Intra 4:2:0 10-bit H.265 at 400Mbps and 4K UHD 16:9 All-Intra/Long-GOP 4:2:0 10-bit H.265 at 400Mbps up to 30fps. It can also record 4K DCI 4:2:2 10-bit externally. With this latest firmware, the GFX100 supports external 4K Apple ProRes RAW video through its HDMI output. 

For now, only 4K UHD 16:9 up to 29.97fps will support RAW, but there is no crop factor in 4K mode, allowing the sensor to capture images using the full width. So if you want to record 4K DCI RAW, it's not available. The firmware also allows you to simultaneously record internal and external video. The caveat is that internal recording will be 4K UHD 16:9 and not a proxy file. On top of that, while outputting Apple ProRes RAW, you can choose between a film simulation mode, F-Log, or HLG for the internal video. 

Currently, only the Atomos Ninja V is supporting Apple ProRes RAW. Shooters will technically have to wait for Atomos to update its own firmware for the external recorder that is expected to be released in July. The news is similar to the recently announced Sigma fp update that unlocked Apple ProRes RAW as well as Blackmagic RAW. Sigma users are waiting on Atomos to update the firmware as well to use the feature. 

Additionally, the new firmware will add the ETERNA Bleach Bypass mode found on the X-T4 to the GFX100, while all 3 models will receive the CLASSIC Neg and ETERNA mode. The latter replicates the color and tone of Fujifilm's motion picture film. The Smooth Skin Effect found on the GFX100 will be added to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R as well, and the GFX100 will add the Color Chrome Blue feature which adds color depth to blue skies and blue objects. 

Another big improvement is the GFX100 sees a bump in autofocus performance, and now will be able to use phase-detection AF in low-light conditions down to -5EV. The updated firmware will also add Low Light Priority AF-S mode to the GFX 50S and GFX 50R to improve low light performance, while all 3 models will see an improvement in Face / Eye AF, and Auto mode will be added to focus bracketing. This will allow you to specify the start and endpoints as well as the shooting interval, and then the camera will automatically determine the number of frames and steps required. This should greatly improve timelapse videography. 

Shooters using the GFX100 with a compatible gimbal or done will be able to start/stop recording as well as adjust exposure, shutter speed, and ISO. You can download the latest GFX100 firmware here. Firmware for the GFX 50S is available here, and the GFX 50R is here.