Here’s the first of a couple of videos on the Fujifilm X-H2. It’s the new hi-res APS-C camera from Fujifilm and it’s available later this month for a RRP of $3399 AUD. In this unboxing you’ll see how it resembles its sister-camera the X-H2S. While the X-H2S is built for fast action, the X-H2 is built for resolution in stills and video thanks to a back-illuminated 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5.
It’s the world’s first APS-C camera to enable 8K/30P/25P Apple ProRes internal recording. We also unbox the perfect lens to go with the X–H2 .. the FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR.
1. Featuring the new X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 to produce the highest image resolution in the history of the X Series
The high-resolution 40.2MP sensor has an improved image-processing algorithm to enhance image resolution without compromising the S/N ratio, producing astonishing image quality. It also has an improved pixel structure to efficiently bring in a greater amount of light, enabling ISO125 as a new native base ISO. This is particularly beneficial during day-time outdoor shooting or to take advantage of the large aperture to produce bokeh.
The use of the new sensor and resulting ability to control exposure time at a greater precision have improved the fastest shutter speed for the electronic shutter by 2.5 stops from the previous 1/32,000 sec to 1/180,000 sec. This allows users to leave the aperture wide open in high glare conditions such as a sunny beach or a ski slope, or to capture a split-second motion.
This is the first X Series camera featuring the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. The camera uses the IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor with high precision to carry out automatic shooting, recording 20 images that are combined into a single frame using the dedicated software, “Pixel Shift Combiner”. This free software processes the captured frame to generate an image containing about 160 Million Pixels, which is perfect for commercial photography and digital archiving.
The X-H2 supports the HEIF image format, which delivers 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEG files, continuing to expand Fujifilm’s reputation of delivering high-quality images straight out of camera.
2. Excellent video performance that caters to professional video production needs
With the incorporation of the new sensor, 8K movies can be recorded internally at 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit colour. The X-H2 has a heat-dissipating design, the same as X-H2S, to enable recording 8K/30P movies for approximately 160 minutes, making 8K a practical option. Furthermore, it supports 8K over-sampling to produce high-quality 4K video, making maximum use of the high-resolution sensor to record movies in superior image resolution.
X-H2 supports three Apple ProRes codecs; ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT. When recording ProRes, X-H2 also supports proxy recording such as ProRes 422 Proxy.
X-H2 features a digital zoom function that uses the camera’s 40.2MP sensor to deliver up to 2x of digital zoom with little to no loss in resolution, when recording video in 4K. Using zoom lenses, get twice the reach and seamlessly transition to the digital zoom function when the lens reaches its maximum focal length.
Combined with a compatible HDMI device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit RAW video output from X-H2 can be recorded as Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW at resolutions and frame rates of up to 8K and 29.97 frames per second.
In addition to F-Log, X-H2 also supports F-Log2, which records an expanded dynamic range of 13+ stops. This range is wider than current F-Log, broadening post-production potential.
3. Evolved AF performance that captures details accurately
X-Processor 5 features subject-detection AF based on Deep Learning technology that automatically detects and tracks a broader range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes, and trains – as well as human faces and eyes, so image-makers can concentrate on composition and creativity, confident that X-H2 will track focus accurately.
The new high-resolution sensor has a greater number of phase detection pixels than current models, resulting in an improved ability to attain AF-S focus on various subject matter, such as landscape and portrait photography. Furthermore, X-H2 also incorporates the improved AF prediction algorithm, which was newly developed for the X-H2S, enabling stable focusing even when using AF-C.
The X-H2 is newly equipped with a focus meter as a Manual Focus assist during movie recording, allowing for more precise focus adjustment. It may also be used in combination with the focus peaking feature.
The movie AF algorithm has been optimised to improve autofocus accuracy, giving users a sense of confidence when using AF while filming 8K movies.
4. Hardware and workflow that support the content creation experience
A 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system, made possible by X-Processor 5 and a sensing control function, provides up to seven stops of compensation. This powerful feature gives users the freedom to handhold the camera in conditions that previously would have required support, even in low light.
The X-H2 is equipped with a high-definition 5.76-million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification. It boasts smooth refresh frame rate of approx. 120fps and significant improvement in controlling parallax and distortion which typically occur when an eye position becomes displaced while using the viewfinder for stellar visibility.
The body design is the same as that of the X-H2S, with 79 weather-sealed points offering high levels of dust and moisture resistance. X-H2 is built to withstand the rigours of daily professional use and operate as normal in temperatures as low as -10°C. The top panel LCD screen, adjustable AF ON button, 1.62 million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor, and independent movie recording button support comfortable operation.
The X-H2 has one CFexpress™ Type B memory card slot and one UHS-II SD memory card slot. Draw out the full potential of the X-H2 video performance using CFexpress™ Type B cards.
The X-H2S/ X-H2 can be combined with the file transmitter “FT-XH” to enable wired and wireless LAN tethered video recording.
Up to four X-H2S/ X-H2 cameras can be connected simultaneously to enable the following operations from a computer browser:
Check and adjust camera settings for each camera
Simultaneously start and stop video recording for all cameras
Save, load, and copy camera settings
Outstanding image-resolving performance and stunning bokeh
Metal moulds used to manufacture the aspherical elements are polished to within one-hundred thousandth of a millimetre, that are capable of reducing the onion-ring effect in bokeh. The lens design, consisting of 13 elements in eight groups including two aspherical elements and one ED element, suppresses various types of aberration including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration to achieve edge-to-edge image sharpness and smooth background bokeh.
The lens also uses three highly refractive elements, as part of the focusing group of eight elements to minimise chromatic aberration. The result is advanced image resolution from MOD to infinity.
This is the first Fujifilm lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture, with the previous model featuring seven. The new model provides a near-perfect circle even when the lens is stopped down only slightly from being wide open to create beautiful bokeh in a wide range of situations.
Unrestrained photographic approach with the fast mid-telephoto lens
The new lens is a perfect choice for portraiture as it gives clear separation to the subject from its background. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced to just 50cm, 20cm shorter than the previous model, thanks to its improved resolving capability at MOD. The appeal of this fast mid-telephoto prime is its suitability for a great variety of situations beyond portrait photography.
AF function driven by an evolved DC motor for fast and accurate autofocus
A DC motor is used to drive the focusing group of eight elements and aperture unit for precise autofocusing. The lens can attain focus quickly and accurately to seize a decisive photo opportunity even when shooting with a shallow depth-of-field, in which accurate focusing is essential.
The use of a bearing mechanism has successfully reduced friction that arises when the DC motor is driving lens elements. The reduction of lens-driving friction means minimal motor noise.
Advanced practical usability with dust and weather resistance and capability of operating at temperatures as low as -10°C
• The lens is designed to take maximum advantage of the compact and lightweight X Mount System, weighing just 445g and measuring 76mm despite being a fast prime lens with the open aperture of F1.2.
• The lens barrel is weather sealed in 9 places to ensure dust and weather resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as -10°C. The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains. Users can enjoy the lens with peace of mind to take photos outdoors in rainy or dusty conditions.
RRP price $1,729 AUD