One of the most amazing things about Fuji as a company, is their commitment to photographers who invest in their systems. Each time Fuji makes a camera announcement, it also goes back and adds some features to some of its existing cameras. A number of cameras have been previously improved with the “Kaizen” philosophy and I have seen cameras completely transform thanks to continuous firmware updates. Last year, after having a chance to test and review the GFX 50S, I decided to invest in my first medium format system. I fell in love with this camera and its superb image quality, and I have been using it ever since when traveling all over the world. Today, Fujifilm announced a firmware update version 3.00 for the GFX 50S, which adds a new “Focus Bracketing” feature, which allows automatic focus stacking of images through the camera.
In addition to the focus stacking feature, Fuji is also adding a “35mm Format Mode” to the camera, which will automatically crop the sensor to 36.0mm x 24.0mm size (full-frame) in order to produce images without vignetting when using full-frame lenses with adapters. This is another useful feature, because it makes the GFX 50S a versatile tool that can be used with many lenses on the market (the GFX 50S has adapters for practically every full-frame system out there). Lastly, the camera will also receive updates for the “H Mount Adapter G” so that more lenses can work with the GFX 50S (see the full list of compatible lenses here).
The firmware will be available in March of 2018, most likely as soon as the Fuji X-H1 becomes available.
If only other manufacturers followed Fuji’s excellent firmware practice… For example, there is no reason why Nikon cannot implement focus stacking and other features found on the D850 on its existing cameras. Sadly, it is just not going to happen.
P.S. In addition to the GFX 50S firmware update, Fuji is also rolling out the X-T20 firmware update version 2.00 in April. Check out the details of the announcement at Fujifilm.com.
Big sigh of relief when I saw that Fujifilm will upgrade the X-T20’s firmware to allow use of its tethered RAW post-processing suite. As film industry marketing photographer Lee Varis demonstrates in a video, no other software can really touch what Fuji does with its RAF files in-camera. BTW, wait and see how Fuji corrects the deficiencies of the H1 with firmware. Fuji is eating the other APS-C makers’ lunch…
Where’s the photographing airplanes mentioned in your e.mail?
Hopefully see this article soon
Thanks.
Malcolm, if you click on the top banner and scroll down, it is there. Not sure why email went with the wrong subject, pretty disappointing!
Oh my! Have I just fallen for click bait leading to a Fuji advert?
Mike, what Fuji advert? We never do that. If you are referring to the email you received, for some reason our system sent the wrong title that day. We addressed the issue and hopefully it won’t happen again…
Nasim
I’ve been looking with interest at the GFX. I have handled the camera and am impressed with most aspects except for manual focus by wire. I did not like that it did not give me a real locked into place feel. That said the addition (BRAVO FUJI) of focus stacking could alleviate the trepidation of not getting or losing an image due to a missed focus.
Are you using manual focus and could you describe your method. Are you satisfied with the results? 100% satisfied.
Thanks
Claude, manual focus by wire is not an issue at all. In fact, with the GFX 50S, you can obtain manual focus very precisely using a number of different techniques. Personally, I press the rear dial to zoom in to 100%, then manually focus on the area I want to focus. Works perfectly every time! And yes, I am very happy about the focus stacking feature that will be delivered to the GFX 50S in March!