FUJIFILM GFX 100 and 100S get Blackmagic RAW Output

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanSeptember 6^th, 2021

FUJIFILM GFX 100 and GFX 100S medium format cameras will get a firmware update in October 2021 that unlocks the raw video output for Blackmagic RAW up to DCI 4K 30fps when paired with a compatible recorder such as the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G.

The Japanese camera company FUJIFILM recently held an online event called X Summit PRIME 2021 where their representatives announced new and upcoming products in both medium format GFX and APS-C X line. When it comes to the large sensors, FUJIFILM announced the new GFX 50S II camera. As this new camera is mainly targeted at photographers and only features 1080p video, we decided to focus rather on other GFX-related news which is the upcoming video-related firmware update for both GFX 100 and GFX 100S cameras.

FUJIFILM GFX 100 and GFX 100S cameras – medium format for filmmakers

I think it’s safe to say, that FUJIFILM GFX 100 was the first FUJIFILM medium format camera that really did not only focus on photographers but introduced useful video features for filmmakers as well. Announced in May 2019, the camera offered a 4K video with IBIS and other useful features for filmmakers. Make sure to check Johnnie’s two-part documentary about the birth of this remarkable camera in case you missed it:

• Birth of a Camera: FUJIFILM GFX 100 – Part 1
• Birth of a Camera: FUJIFILM GFX 100 – Part 2

In June 2020, the GFX 100 received a firmware update that introduced compatibility with the Atomos Ninja V for ProRes RAW recording from the camera’s raw video output over the micro HDMI port.

At the beginning of this year, FUJIFILM introduced the GFX 100S – a smaller sibling that features the same 43.8 x 32.9mm medium format sensor with 102 megapixels as the GFX 100. Take a look at our photo review of the GFX 100S here. The new camera is also compatible with the Atomos Ninja V for ProRes RAW.

FUJIFILM GFX 100 and GFX 100S firmware update

Finally getting to the point, the upcoming firmware update will introduce compatibility with the 12-bit Blackmagic RAW codec for both the GFX 100 and GFX 100S. The HDMI raw video output of the cameras will be compatible with the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G recorders. There are no more details available yet, but I assume that the BRAW will be available in the same resolutions and framerates as ProRes RAW, so the maximum will be DCI 4K30p. In my opinion, it’s a pity that both cameras only have a Micro HDMI port.

The firmware update is scheduled to be released in October 2021. It is unclear at the moment whether the firmware update brings more improvements and fixes.

New GF medium format lenses

FUJIFILM really seems to push the large-sensor medium format like no other company. To expand the existing portfolio of 13 GF lenses, the Japanese company also announced four new lenses for the G-Mount.

The first lens, which is in the production phase already, is the compact GF35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR zoom lens. According to FUJIFILM, this will be an affordable, small, and lightweight medium format zoom lens that will go well with the FUJIFILM compact bodies such as the new GFX50S II.

The other three lenses are still in the development phase:

• GF55mm f/1.7 (44mm full-frame focal length equivalent) for extra-thin depth of field. The launch is planned for 2023.
• GF20-35mm (16-28mm full-frame focal length equivalent) which will be the widest lens in the FUJIFILM GF lens family. FUJIFILM did not disclose the maximum aperture of the lens, but they are trying to keep the lens size at a minimum. The launch is planned for 2022.
• GF Tilt-Shift lens of yet unspecified focal length. The launch is planned for 2023.

Last but not least, the recently announced TASCAM CA-XLR2d audio adapter will also be compatible with FUJIFILM GFX 100 and 100S cameras further expanding the available video features.

Do you shoot video with sensors larger than full-frame? Did you work with any of the FUJIFILM GFX cameras? What do you think of the upcoming firmware update? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.