Fujifilm’s GFX100 and GFX100S both have a 102Mp medium format sensor, which means they can produce huge images. In fact, if you print at 300ppi, the prints measure 98.62 x 73.96cm or 38.8 x 29.1-inches. However, if you need something bigger still, the GFX100 and GFX100S both feature Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode. They enable you to create prints measuring 197 x 148cm or 77.5 x 58-inches at 300ppi.
When Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode is activated, the camera automatically captures 16 raw files, one after the other, using the in-body image stabilisation system to shift the sensor between each shot. These images can then be combined using Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Combiner software, which is available for free for PC and Mac computers. The final results are 405Mp images!
Currently, Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode is only available on the GFX100 and GFX100S, but with in-camera image stabilisation appearing in other Fujifilm cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T4, perhaps we will see it rolled out to other models?
The good news is that it’s very easy to use Fujifilm Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode as follows:
01 Use a tripod
In order for Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode to deliver the results you expect, the camera needs to be motionless, so mount it on a sturdy tripod and compose the image.
02 Select Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode
Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode is found at the bottom of the drive mode options. These are accessed by pressing the drive mode button. Scroll down to select the mode.
03 Set the interval
Fujifilm recommends that you selected the shortest interval, which is the first option. However, if you prefer, the interval between each exposure can be set to 1, 2, 5 or 15sec. Simply scroll over to the one you want using the joystick on the back of the camera.
04 Take the shots
Once you’re happy with the composition and focus, fully-depress the shutter release button to start the camera shooting. It will automatically capture a sequence of 16 images with your specified interval in between each of them. A counter on the camera shows the progress.
05 Open Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Combiner
The images need to be combined on a computer so the first step is to download your images to your drive and open the Pixel Shift Combiner software.
Then, click on Register jobs’ and select the first of the sequence of 16 raw files shot in Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode, the software will automatically detect the others.
Now click on ‘Run’ to set the software to work. It will automatically combine the images and save the composite as a DNG file in the folder with the original files.
I ‘ve only just found out about multi-shot on the GFX system whilst researching and contemplating moving from the Hasselblad H system. It’s definitely got me intrigued; however it would be good if there was a comparison image to see the end result? In the real world, is it really worth bothering with? I suppose its down to the photography you do?
As you say, it depends upon what you shoot – there can’t be any movement for example. Also, it’s really about the size of the image that’s produced and the size of the prints that you can make from them. If you’re only going to make A3 prints or look at images of a computer then it’s not really worth it.
I shoot original art and cultural heritage art for producing facsimiles (art repros). The pixel shift feature has two settings in the Combiner software- High Resoluton + Accuarte Color and Accurate Color. The Accurate Color setting shoots 16 images a 1/2 pixel at a time but does not produce the 1+gigapixel file size: only the standard file size. If you are shooting anything that requires color accuracy and is stationary, then, it is worth it.