I'm back and this time, I've got the brand new and much-anticipated Fujifilm X-H2 and
the new XF 56mmm F1.2 R WR Lens as well. If you’re here for the lens, then I’m going to
cover this in a separate video. But keep watching, because I think you’re going to love the X-H2.
The X-H2 is the world’s first 40 megapixel APS-C sensor camera. It’s a hybrid camera
designed to produce both impressive stills and professional video and is aimed at professional
and enthusiast photographers and content creators. It features a back side illuminated or BSI
X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the lightning fast X-Processor 5, which we saw debuted in the X-H2S.
It’s capable of 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter, has a pixel shift mode capable of
producing 160 megapixel images, features up to 7 stops of internal body stabilisation
or IBIS, EIGHT K /30p 10-bit video in Apple ProRes, ProResHQ and ProRes LT and features
up to 13 stops of dynamic range with F-log2. I’ve had this camera for a couple of weekends
now so I’ve taken it with me and tried out a few different types of photography with it,
from landscapes to family and pet photography. I’ve shot some bits of sample video for you too. I
really really like the X-H2. Although it handles the same way as the X-H2S
and the body is identical, the images it produces with the 40MP sensor are just
gorgeous. Fujifilm’s colour technology, this new super-fast 56mm 1.2 lens and the detail captured
by the high resolution sensor are just delightful. If you've not seen my previous review of the X-H2S
then... well, why not? Go and watch this now please, there's a link just above and also below.
I'll be comparing the two models at various points. There's a lot of similarities,
but also a lot of differences between the two and hopefully this review of the X-H2 will not
only give you all the information you need about this model... but it will also help you to decide
which one will suit you the most. Do you need the X-H2 or does the X-H2S suit your needs more?
Before I get to the nitty gritty, remember I had an issue with exposure preview in aperture
and shutter priority modes on the X-H2S? Lots of you had plenty of suggestions for me, but
none of these fixed the problem. I found I had the exact same problem with this camera as well, so I
asked Fujifilm what exactly I was doing wrong. Much to my relief, they were able to replicate
the issue and think it might be an error I was having with pre-production models, so they’ve
passed it onto Fujifilm Japan and I’d imagine that this will be resolved in full production models.
Oh and speaking of Fujifilm, someone asked last time if we were sponsored by or paid
to do these by them. No, we’re not! We have close relationships with the brands and like many
magazine, youtube reviewers, etc. that means we get the chance to try out the latest cameras
and we can choose to make content on them if we wish. Who’s going to turn down the
opportunity to try out a brand new camera before launch and share their opinion on it?? Not me!
So, what are the main differences between the X-H2S and the X-H2?
The X-H2S is designed for speed, with headline features of 40 frames per second
electronic shutter mode, versus 15 frames per second mechanical on the X-H2. I’ve said it
before though… I think 15 fps is plenty for *most* people. Especially when combined with
the autofocus capabilities in both camera. The X-H2S had a maximum video resolution of 6.2k
at 30p, versus 8k/30p as we see on the x-h2. The X-H2 features a new sensor shift mode,
previously only found in GFX series medium format cameras. This Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
mode can be accessed via the drive menu on the top left of the camera and it works by taking 20
individual images, shifting the sensor by 0.5 pixels between each frame. The marketing spec
says that this will automatically be combined into one RAW file. I didn’t find this to be the case,
I just ended up with 20 individual RAWs with no way to combine them as Fujifilm’s free pixel shift
combiner software hasn’t been updated to recognise RAW files from the X-H2 yet. The fact that this
software exists suggests that the camera doesn’t do it automatically… but it may just be because
I’m using a pre-production model. Let’s hope so, because I thought the pixel shift software was
wholly unitive to use, and it’s another step to take in post-production which could be avoided.
Other brands, such as Olympus, stitch this in camera. As soon as I can process the
images I tested this on, I’ll put a link in the info section below.
Pixelshift mode is really designed for times that you need to record lots of detail.
It’s best suited to being used on a tripod and the types of photography you might want to use
it for include macro work (for still subjects), archival use, but also details in architecture
and similar fields can make use of this feature. You definitely don’t want to use it where there’s
going to be any movement, so avoid landscapes with foliage or moving subjects, people, etc.
The drive menu is also where you’ll find HDR mode, Panorama and high speed shooting options.
As I mentioned on the X-H2S video, I’d personally prefer this to be dial operated on
a sub dial below the main mode dial, rather than a menu driven system. It’s easy enough to use,
but generally speaking I prefer quicker access to change settings like this.
Both cameras share the same body, button layout and menu design.
Speaking of ergonomics, I find the camera very lightweight and comfortable to hold even
on long shooting days. My partner, who isn’t a photographer, but does have an interest in all
the tasty equipment I get to take home, said “Oh wow, that’s much lighter than I expected and I
really like this screen on top. It’s really easy to see all the key information.” He’s not wrong,
the LCD top info panel is crisp, easy to read and looks great both unlit or backlit.
The Q menu is simple to navigate and useful for quickly changing settings.
The main menu is easy to use and allows lots of customisation of your settings, etc.
A new feature to the X-H2 only is the Digtial Teleconverter option. This allows you to digitally
apply a 2x or 1.4x teleconverter to the lenses you’re using. I assume this crops into the sensor
and makes use of the massive 40megapixels. But on a similar vain, when shooting 8K video, you
can use the 2x crop mode to shoot 4K and double your lens length. This is actually pretty genius!
They both share the same ISO sensitivity, up to 51,200 for stills or 12,800 for video. I actually
think the X-H2 performs a little better in low light than the X-H2S. It shouldn’t… generally
more pixels on a sensor, the more noise you’ll see. I was certainly expecting noisier images,
but I haven’t found that to be the case at all. I was quite surprised actually.
Like the X-H2S, you can easily set your own parameters for ISO sensitivity, by changing the
auto ISO settings. I prefer to set mine very low, so I have a maximum of 800 for most day-time use.
This is easy to change and means you won’t get any nasty surpises.
Common to both models are the range of bracketing options.
Fujifilm are well known for their film simulation modes,
but what if you can’t decide which one to use? Here is where film simulation bracketing comes
in handy – you can choose 3 simulations to apply to an image when using this mode.
Other bracketing modes are available and these all apply the same theory – 3 different images
from one shot, changing a setting slightly between them. You can choose from ISO,
Dynamic Range, White balance or focus bracketing. Focus bracketing is particularly interesting
as it allows you to combine the images in post processing to achieve a greater depth of field.
This is best known for macro photography, but can also be useful for landscapes in low light
where you have to use a wide aperture, but don’t want to lose depth of field.
The two cameras feature the same incredible autofocus with advanced subject detection and
eye detection for both humans and animals. This feature has worked… without fail… every time
I’ve put it to the test. It’s brilliant for photographing the cats and making sure their
eyes are in focus and sharp. When photographing the kids I used a combination of face and eye
detection, and this was brilliant. Kids actually move in a less predictable way than animals,
so having the camera lock on meant I was able to capture really natural moments with ease.
Both cameras share the same EVF, it’s large, bright and clear.
I predominantly shoot mirrorless and have done for a long time and I think it’s a really natural
viewfinder with no noticeable lag. I think DSLR users will be more than happy with it.
The rear LCD touch screen is sharp and bright – you can easily adjust the brightness in the
menu settings as well, which I did need to do on a sunny day. The touch screen is set to take a
photo by touch out of the box – I changed this to selecting a focus point almost straight away. You
can pinch in or out to zoom in or out of images in playback mode and swipe between images too.
Both cameras use the NP-W235S battery and as with the X-H2S, the camera has been made more efficient
to get a longer run time from the same capacity battery. Just like the X-H2S I was more than
happy with how long the battery lasted. I got several hours out of one fully charged battery
and it’s easy to recharge on the go thanks to in-camera charging with a USB C cable.
For video there are 2 key differences to note between the two cameras. The X-H2S is capable
of 4k 120fps slow motion footage, whereas the X-H2 can only do slow motion in Full HD.
I’m not sure why Fujifilm haven’t incorporated 4k slow motion into the X-H2, but I think when
you consider the sports and wildlife userbase of the X-H2s, it’s probably not a great loss. It’s a
feature that is less likely to be used by the more all-round shooters that the X-H2 will appeal to.
Of course the other major difference is the fact that the X-H2 can shoot
8K/30p versus 6.2k in the X-H2S.
Both feature F-log and f-log2 for maximum dynamic range when editing in post production and both
feature an impressive 7 stop image stabilisation, which means even shooting hand-held footage is
easy. The X-H2 will actually make a really nice vlogging camera as a result of this as well.
Autofocus works brilliantly when recording video and still locks onto the subject with ease.
The X-H2 is a brilliant video camera and being small and light allows it to be used on a gimbal
with no issues as well. Combine this with f-log capabilities for colour grading and
the various frame rates available to you and it’s easy to create cinema style footage as
well as documentary or vlogging video. You can even use it to stream, so for photographers
delivering webinars or content creators who are live streaming, you’re covered here too.
Apple ProRes 10-bit 4:2:2 footage can be recorded internally at up to 8K/30p using
a CFexpress Type B card, while 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW*1 or Blackmagic RAW*2 footage can
be recorded to compatible external devices* via the full-size HDMI Type A port on the side of
the camera. Additionally, when recording video using the F-Log2 colour profile,
X-H2’s dynamic range extends to 13+ stops – a one-stop improvement over the previous sensor,
enhancing post-production flexibility.
You can record continuously for up to 160 minutes – Fujifilm specify that this is ar
25 degrees centigrade… or 77 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re one of the 3 countries still using this
measurement… - but you can extend this by using the optional X-H2 clip on fan.
Just like the X-H2S, the the X-H2 is a modular system.
You can choose to add on the fan should you need it and you can use the same available grips.
Either the traditional VBG-XH battery grip for enhanced ergonomics and extended battery life
or the FT-XH File Transmitter Grip, which adds professional features such as ethernet connection,
wireless file transfer facilities and multi-camera set up options for video studio style setups.
Another big difference between the two
is the price. The X-H2 body launches with a price tag of £1899 – that’s
£600 less than the X-H2. Or it will also be available for £2299 with an XF 16-80mm lens.
That covers all the specifications and similarities between the two cameras…
please watch the X-H2S review I did a few weeks ago as you’ll see more details covering
the handling of the camera, button layout etc. The main question now is… which one do you need?
Well, which one you need is going to come down to your requirements…. And budget.
Which one would I choose? I’d choose the X-H2 in a heartbeat. I think it’s a much more suitable
camera for *most* photographers and the price point is also a major plus point. I
just loved using this camera because of the stunning results I got from the 40MP sensor.
The images are so detailed and you’ve got so much room to crop should you need to.
I can’t tell you why, but I just preferred the images I got from the X-H2 over the X-H2S. Yes,
I was using different lenses, but there’s just something different about how they’re rendered.
Ella has been using this for some portrait shots and she said exactly the same thing.
The 15fps is more than enough for my needs and combined with the ability to crop, the incredible
AF and the very impressive video features… I really think Fujifilm have created the perfect
hybrid camera. I think I said that about the X-H2S, but this is better. It suits more users.
I think this is going to be extremely popular. Combined with their gorgeous colour technology
and XF lenses… particularly this 56mm F1.2 – I really really love this lens,
see more of it in our next video – it’s just a stunning all-rounder for most
photographers and videographers. Wedding photographers will surely flock to this.
It’s small, light and produces great images. The depth of field concerns with APS-C sensors just
aren’t an issue with some of the lenses Fujifilm have available. The crop factor,
15fps mechanical shutter and incredible AF means you can get more reach and capture the action,
which is great for sports photographers. Why would someone buy the X-H2S? If you
need a silent and blisteringly fast camera to ensure you don’t miss a single moment
and also remain discreet… the X-H2S is for you. If you need a serious hybrid camera for
landscapes, portraits, weddings, stills and video for social media, social photography…
I think the X-H2 is the one for you. As always if you have any questions or opinions
about this camera then comment away down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you enjoyed this video, then please do give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel.
Head over to Instagram and TikTok for additional X-H2 content as well.
Thanks so much for watching and we’ll see you soon!