The Fujifilm X100VI has undoubtedly been a camera hit this year. However, new rumors suggest that Fujifilm is gearing up to release something even more audacious in 2025 – a 100MP medium format, fixed-lens compact camera. Reliable Fuji Rumors has been posting leaks from trusted sources about a new Fujifilm GFX100RF camera. These rumors predict that it will combine a massive 100MP GFX sensor, which is around 70% bigger than full-frame, with a body that is about the size of an X-Pro 3.

Potential Game-Changer

This would be a significant development. The X-Pro 3 is similar in size to the popular X100VI, which has been sold out for much of the year due to its retro design and excellent APS-C sensor. The GFX100RF seems to be a rangefinder-style compact camera with a huge sensor and a fixed GF35mm f/4 lens. On paper, it could emerge as an alternative to ultra-premium compacts like the Leica Q3. The GF35mm f/4 lens is equivalent to a 28mm f/3.2 in full-frame terms, making it versatile for various photography genres such as environmental portraits, travel, and landscapes. 1: The potential of this camera is immense. With a 100MP sensor, it offers incredible detail and cropping potential. However, there are some caveats. A couple of the spec rumors suggest that the GFX100RF will be a more specialist camera than the X100VI. It will reportedly have no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which means photographers will need to have good handheld techniques in low light. Additionally, the full-resolution files from the 100MP sensor are around 200MB each, which can pose storage and processing challenges. 2: Despite these challenges, Fujifilm seems to be aiming to hit new price lows for a medium format camera. This could generate significant hype similar to the X100VI. If they can achieve a price point similar to the GFX50S II, which landed in 2022 for $3,999 / £3,499 / AU$6,499 (body-only), it could attract a lot of attention. Fuji Rumors predicts an arrival in March 2025, so we can expect more detailed leaks in the coming months.

Comparisons and Considerations

Compared to the X100VI, the GFX100RF has a different focus. While the X100VI is a more versatile all-rounder, the GFX100RF is expected to excel in portrait, architecture, and landscape photography. Its fixed lens and 28mm equivalent focal length make it a highly tempting alternative to the Leica Q series. The Leica Q3 is an amazing full-frame camera but comes with a hefty price tag of $5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,790. If Fujifilm can undercut this price, it could have a new cult favorite on its hands. 1: There are still some gaps in the GFX100RF's specs that we need to know more about. Like the Leica Q3, will its lens have optical image stabilization (OIS) to compensate for the lack of in-body stabilization? This seems essential for handheld shooting. Also, the performance of the fixed f/4 lens needs to be flawless to fully utilize the benefits of the 100MP sensor. We hope the camera will also have weather-sealing to ensure its durability in various shooting conditions. 2: While a Fujifilm X-Pro 4 would be a more affordable and sensible choice for most, a GFX camera with a similar size to the X-Pro series would be a bold statement. It could continue Fujifilm's recent success into 2025 and offer photographers a unique option in the medium format market.