Review of the GFX100RF: The first Fujifilm GFX compact camera

After all the rumors that had been circulating for a while, Fujifilm officially announced the new GFX100RF on March 20, 2025, during the X-Summit held in Prague.

With this new camera, Fujifilm introduces the first GFX compact camera featuring a built-in 35mm F4 lens.

The GFX100RF is a compact Fujifilm camera that combines the best features of the brand’s two flagship cameras, the GFX100 II and the X100VI.

Check out this article for a quick review of the GFX100RF, including all its new features and technical specifications.

1. The new compact camera missing in the GFX system

With a 102MP medium format sensor and a compact, retro design, the Fujifilm GFX100RF can be seen as the perfect blend of the GFX100SII and the X100VI.

With this new camera, Fujifilm seeks to combine high-resolution image quality with a significantly more compact and optimized body compared to other GFX cameras.

High-resolution image in a compact body

Even though the GFX100RF is more compact than other GFX cameras, it still features a 102MP medium format sensor, the “GFX 102MP CMOS II,” the same sensor found in the GFX100 II and GFX100S II. It is also equipped with the “X-Processor 5,” Fujifilm’s high-speed image processing engine, which has been the reference processor since the X-H2/X-H2S.

The GFX 102MP CMOS II sensor boasts an improved pixel structure and micro-lenses, offering a wide dynamic range and low-noise performance, along with further improvements in peripheral image quality and autofocus accuracy. This enables users to experience a new level of high image quality unique to the GFX series, all within a more compact body.

35mm Built-In Lens

As mentioned earlier, the GFX100RF is the first camera in the GFX series to feature a built-in lens. It comes with a 35mm F4 lens, developed exclusively for this model.

This new lens is also the first at Fujifilm to utilize a leaf shutter system rather than a traditional focal plane shutter, which reduces the back focus distance. This additional space has allowed for an optimized arrangement of both the lens and the body, contributing to the camera’s compact design.

The leaf shutter also enables flash photography at any shutter speed, providing more flexibility and expanding creative possibilities, even when shooting outdoors in daylight

With a focal length equivalent to 28mm, the 35mm lens is perfect for street, landscape, travel and architecture photography.

Lens construction

The GFX100RF delivers exceptional high-resolution performance by minimizing spherical aberration and field curvature with its lens design, which consists of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical lenses.

Fujifilm has also developed a new nano-GI coating, specifically optimized for lenses with large curvature. This coating reduces light reflection even in the peripheral areas of the lens, ensuring top-tier resolution that aligns with the GFX series’ standards.

Despite its large format, the camera’s compact and lightweight body allows users to shoot as close as 20 cm from the subject, offering impressive versatility.

Aspect Ratio Switching Dial

One of the standout features highlighted by Fujifilm is the new Aspect Ratio Dial located on the back of the camera. This dial allows you to choose from nine different aspect ratios, with the default ratio set to 4:3.

It includes all the still image and movie formats that have been available in Fujifilm cameras from the beginning. Additionally, two new ratios have been introduced: “3:4” and “17:6.”

This feature is reminiscent of a similar option found on the Leica D-Lux.

Digital Tele-Converter Switching Lever

The GFX100RF also includes a digital teleconverter selector on the front of the camera.

This lever allows you to easily switch between three “virtual” focal lengths, providing digital zooms of 45mm (36mm in 35mm format), 63mm (50mm in 35mm format), and 80mm (63mm in 35mm format) by cropping the image.

This feature, which has already been seen on the Leica Q3 and Q3 43, gives photographers the flexibility to quickly adapt to various shooting situations.

Surround View Function

The new Surround View function on the GFX100RF displays the area outside the shooting frame as either a semi-transparent overlay or a line pattern, depending on the aspect ratio. This feature allows you to see more of your surroundings while composing your shot.

Users of the GFX100RF can easily switch between these modes using a lever, offering a shooting experience similar to that of an optical viewfinder (OVF), even though the camera uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

4-stop ND filter built into the GFX100RF

The GFX100RF is the first GFX camera to feature a built-in 4-stop ND filter. This is perfect for shooting at maximum aperture in bright conditions or for using slow shutter speeds, allowing for greater creative control over exposure.

AF prediction function and face/eye AF

Regarding autofocus, the GFX100RF features improved face and eye autofocus, thanks to an updated algorithm. Its AI-powered subject detection, utilizing deep learning technology, can recognize a variety of subjects such as animals, vehicles, birds, and airplanes.

In video mode, the tracking autofocus has been enhanced, allowing you to easily follow subjects with a simple touch. This reliable tracking performance works seamlessly for both photos and videos, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Video 4K 30p

In terms of video, the GFX100RF offers similar features to the GFX100SII. While it does not record at 8K or 4K 60p, it captures 4K DCI at 30 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit. The GFX100RF also includes the 13+ stop “F-Log2,” providing rich tonal details and excellent flexibility for post-production editing.

The autofocus performance in video mode is the same as the GFX100II, featuring a subject tracking function that can be easily activated by simply tapping on the screen.

Additionally, the GFX100RF supports the Camera to Cloud function from Frame.io, allowing you to transfer photos and videos directly to the platform.

3. Focus on the design of the GFX100RF

The GFX100RF weighs just 735g, making it the lightest camera in the GFX lineup. It measures 13.4 cm x 9 cm x 7.6 cm, making it larger than the X100VI but smaller than the GFX100S II.

For the first time in Fujifilm’s digital camera history, the top plate of the GFX100RF is made using a cutting process from aluminum. The lens ring, dials, bottom plate, and other details are also crafted from aluminum.

With this design, Fujifilm aimed to create a body with a high-end, sophisticated look reminiscent of the X100VI.

An PRF-49 protective filter is also included with the purchase. When used with the dedicated adapter ring, it provides dust and drip resistance, making the camera safe to use even in outdoor environments where it may be exposed to light rain or flying dust.

On the GFX100RF, you’ll find a USB-C port, a micro HDMI port, and two 3.5mm jack inputs (for microphone and headphones). It also features dual SD card slots (UHS-II) but does not include a CFexpress card slot.

Just like the X100VI, the GFX100RF is available in black and silver versions.

5. Price and availability of the GFX100RF

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is now available for pre-order at a price of 5499€. The first deliveries of the camera are expected to begin in early April 2025. The camera will be available in black or silver.

6. Is the GFX100RF worth buying?

The GFX100RF seems like the perfect camera for street photographers or travel photographers.

It follows the same usage direction as the X100VI but with a much more powerful 102MP medium format sensor (compared to the 40MP on the X100VI). This results in superior image quality and a more efficient autofocus system.

Its enhanced detection and tracking modes make it an ideal camera once again for street photography and everyday shooting.

If you’re a photographer looking for an everyday camera, or want to upgrade your street photography or travel camera (at a lower price than the Leica Q3 or Q3 43), this camera is perfect for you!