Bold claim for a title, I know, but after testing many cameras, the Fujifilm GFX100S stands out. It’s the one that manages to check all the boxes for landscape photography while still bringing something extra to the table. Although this review will highlight its numerous positive aspects, I didn’t expect it to be quite this impressive when I first started using it. This camera’s defining feature is its high-resolution 102-megapixel sensor, offering rich, detailed images, all in a relatively compact and lightweight body. It’s a stunning piece of medium format technology, bridging the gap between performance and portability, making it ideal for landscape photographers who need precision but don’t want to be burdened by weight.
Why the Fujifilm GFX100S is Special – Best Landscape Camera
For many, choosing a camera like the GFX100S comes down to the need for dependable performance and image quality. When investing a considerable amount of money into a camera, you want to be confident in your decision. That’s where the GFX100S truly shines—it’s a medium format camera that brings together everything you could want for detailed, large-scale landscape photography without compromising on portability.
Key Specs
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes the Fujifilm GFX100S so attractive:
- 102 MP BSI-CMOS 44 x 33mm medium format sensor: This massive sensor delivers stunning image quality, perfect for capturing detailed landscapes.
- Image stabilization: Up to 6 stops of stabilization allow you to shoot handheld with minimal shake.
- Continuous shooting at 5 fps: While landscape photographers don’t often need high-speed shooting, it’s a nice bonus.
- 4K video at up to 30p: Though primarily a stills camera, it holds its own for video work too.
- Tilt touchscreen: A rear touchscreen with tilt functionality aids in getting the right angles in tricky shooting conditions.
- Weather-sealed: Built to withstand challenging conditions, including rain and low temperatures.
These specs aren’t just numbers—they translate into meaningful performance in the field, especially for landscape photographers. Having used other high-end models, I was genuinely impressed by how the GFX100S balances power, portability, and user experience.
Build Quality
When handling the GFX100S, you immediately feel its robust construction. The magnesium alloy body feels durable without being cumbersome, and at 900g, it’s significantly lighter than other medium format options. Measuring 150 x 104 x 87 mm, the camera is compact, almost mimicking the feel of a DSLR. For those used to heavier, bulkier gear, this is a breath of fresh air.
The camera’s weather sealing deserves a mention. It’s protected in 60 different places, which is essential for landscape photographers who often find themselves in less-than-ideal conditions. I didn’t test it in subzero temperatures, but in heavy rain, it performed flawlessly.
The deep handgrip feels secure and comfortable, even during long shooting sessions. For someone who treks for hours to find the perfect landscape shot, this kind of ergonomic attention is a big win.
Image Quality and Performance
The GFX100S isn’t just about specs—it’s about results. The 102 MP sensor delivers images with incredible detail, far surpassing most other cameras in its price range. Whether shooting wide-open vistas or tight, intricate scenes, the image quality is exceptional.
One thing that immediately stands out is the dynamic range. It captures highlights and shadows with precision, and the level of detail you can extract in post-processing is jaw-dropping. For landscape work, where light conditions can shift rapidly, having this level of flexibility is crucial.
The Fujifilm color science is a highlight, as always. The camera produces vibrant, true-to-life colors, and you can take advantage of Fuji’s film simulations to create various looks straight out of the camera. Whether you prefer classic tones or something more modern, these simulations offer creative flexibility.
The autofocus is reliable, though not the fastest. For landscape photography, however, this isn’t an issue. The GFX100S locks on quickly and accurately, allowing you to focus on composing your shot without worrying about missing focus.
Handling and Usability
Simplicity is often overlooked in cameras of this caliber, but Fujifilm has managed to keep the GFX100S user-friendly. The menus are intuitive, and the dials are minimal but functional. You can customize settings and save them for easy access later, which is particularly handy when you’re shooting in a variety of conditions.
The top LCD display is also a nice touch. It’s programmable, so you can display the information you need most. It’s always on, so you can quickly glance at your settings without fumbling through the menu.
The rear LCD is crisp and tilts for low-angle shots, making it perfect for creative landscape compositions. The viewfinder is equally impressive, with a 3.69M-dot OLED EVF providing a crystal-clear view of your scene.
Lenses and Compatibility
During my time with the GFX100S, I used three lenses: the GF 23mm f/4, the GF 20-35mm f/4, and the GF 45-100mm f/4. All three performed exceptionally well, but the 23mm f/4 stood out for its wide-angle capabilities, making it perfect for expansive landscapes. The other two lenses were also highly versatile, covering a broad focal range that suited everything from sweeping vistas to tighter, more focused shots.
These lenses, however, are not light. Together with the camera, the weight does add up, particularly on longer hikes. For shorter trips or less intensive sessions, carrying multiple lenses isn’t a big deal, but you may find yourself wanting to limit your kit for the sake of comfort on longer journeys.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional 102 MP sensor
- Lightweight for a medium-format camera
- High-quality weather sealing
- Detailed, rich images with stunning color rendition
- Excellent build quality and ergonomic design
Cons
- High price (though reasonable for a medium format system)
- Weight can be an issue when combined with lenses for long hikes
- Autofocus is solid but not the fastest
Best Landscape Camera | Conclusion
After spending a month with the Fujifilm GFX100S, it’s clear that this camera is one of the best tools available for landscape photographers. The combination of its medium format sensor, impressive dynamic range, and portability make it an excellent choice for those looking to capture highly detailed images in challenging environments.
Is it perfect? For landscape photographers, it gets pretty close. The weight of the camera and lenses could be a concern for some, but considering the quality of the images it produces, that’s a trade-off many will be happy to make.
The GFX100S might come with a high price tag, but it delivers on every front. If you’re serious about landscape photography and want a camera that can handle anything you throw at it, the Fujifilm GFX100S is well worth the investment.
