Fujifilm X-H2 high resolution camera announced

Angled view of the new Fujifilm X-H2 camera fitted with the new XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

The 40-megapixel BSI sensor (which is not a stacked chip) offers the highest resolution to date for an APS-C camera and the camera takes advantage of it by also supporting 8K video at up to 30 fps (25 fps for PAL system countries), another ‘first’ for an APS-C camera. It is paired with the same high-speed X-Processor 5 image processor that is used in the X-H2S camera. This combination supports the first Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function to be provided in a Fujifilm camera. This dedicated setting produces a 160-megapixel image, constructed by compositing 20 reference frames, which are recorded automatically as the sensor is shifted with high precision. The resulting frames are assembled in post-production using the special ‘Pixel Shift Combiner’ software. The X-H2 provides the standard JPEG and RAF.RAW recording formats as well as supporting the HEIF image format, which delivers 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEG files. The new sensor also enables 8K movies to be recorded internally at 30P in 4:2:2 10- bit colour and also output 12-bit 8K/30P RAW video as Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW to an external recorder. In addition to F-Log, X-H2 also supports F-Log2, which records an expanded dynamic range of 13+ stops.

The body of the new camera features the same heat-dissipating design as the X-H2S to enable recording of 8K/30p video for up to 30 minutes. It can also record 4K HQ video, oversampled from 8K to deliver optimal image quality. Like the X-H2S, the X-H2 supports three Apple ProRes codecs: ProRes 422 HO, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT, with the option to also record ProRes 422 Proxy to streamline post-production workflows when editing in 8K. The X-H2 also features a digital zoom function that uses the camera’s 40.2-megqapixel sensor to deliver up to 2x of digital zoom with minimal loss of resolution, when recording 4K video.

The native sensitivity range of starts at ISO 125, a new baseline for X-Series cameras, and extends to ISO 12800 with adjustments in 1/3 stop increments. It can be extended down to ISO 80 and ISO 100 or upwards to ISO 25600 and ISO 51200. Sensor-shift stabilisation claims up to seven stops of correction against pitch and yaw shake with the XF35mm f/1.4 R lens attached. Digital image stabilisation is available in movie mode.

The X-H2 boasts an Intelligent Hybrid (TTL contrast/phase detection) AF system with single point (13×9 / 25×17) or zone (3×3 / 5×5 /7×7 from 117 areas on a 13×9 grid) selection plus wide and tracking AF  modes. Low-light focusing is available down to -4.0EV with contrast detection or -7.0EV with phase detection. The new camera boasts the same subject-recognition AF technology as the X-H2S and can automatically detect and track a broad and diverse range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. Users can easily autofocus accurately in situations where AF-S is typically used, such as landscape and portrait photography. X-H2 includes a focus meter, which can be combined with focus peaking to provide manual focus assist during movie recording for more precise focus adjustment.

 

Front, back and top views of the new Fujifilm X-H2 camera. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Physically, the camera body is almost identical to the X-H2S, with 79 weather-sealed points, a generous grip, an LCD data display on the top panel and a 1.62-million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor facilitates ease of use when not using the EVF or when vlogging. The EVF uses a high-resolution 5.76-million-dot OLED panel with a magnification of 0.8x. A frame rate of approximately 120 fps also offers improved visibility and also suppresses the distortion that can occur when the viewer’s eye shifts with respect to the ‘finder. Like the X-H2S, the X-H2 has dual memory card slots are provided for CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II cards.

Optional accessories include the new FT-XH file transmitter, which can provide wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications capability for in-studio tethered shooting or sports and media shooting. It can also be used as a vertical grip and accepts the same NP-W235 batteries.  The X-H2 is also compatible with the VG-XH vertical battery grip, which is dust and moisture resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It accepts two NP-W235 high capacity batteries and has an array of buttons in convenient locations for vertical shooting to replicate the existing controls. The optional FAN-001 cooling fan can be fitted to the rear of the camera body without a cable to transfer heat from the camera body, minimising the incidence of shutdowns caused by overheating when high-resolution video is recorded. The X-H2 is also compatible with the CVR-XH Cover Kit for X-H2S for protecting the various terminals on the camera.

The Fujifilm X-H2 is scheduled for local release this month at an RRP of AU $3,399 for the camera body. Click here for more information. https://www.fujifilm.com/au/en

SPECS
Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm X-Trans CMOS 5 HR (BSI) sensor with 40.2  megapixels effective, primary colour filter
Image processor:  X-Processor 5
Lens mount:  Fujifilm X mount
Focal length crop factor:  1.5x
Image formats: Stills: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.32), HEIF-4:2:2 10bit, RAF.RAW (14-bit), RAW+JPEG, TIFF-8-bit/16-bit RGB (in-camera raw conversion only); Movies: MOV/ Apple ProRes (422, HQ, LT), HEVC/ H.265, MPEG-4 and MP4, AVC/ H.264 with  All Intra/Long-GOP compression
Audio: Linear PCM and AAC
Image Sizes: Stills – L: 7728 x 5152, 7728 x 4344,  5152 x 5152; M: 5472 x 3648, 5472 x 3080, 3648 x 3648; S: 3888 x 2592, 3888 x 2184, 2592 x 2592; Movies:  8K (7680×4320) and 6.2K (6240×3150) at 29.97p/ 25p/ 24p/ 23.98p, DCI 4K (4096×2160) and 4K (3840×2160) at 59.94p/ 50p/ 29.97p/ 25p/ 24p/ 23.98p, Full HD (2048×1080 and 1920×1080) at 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p plus high-speed recording at 240p/200p/120p/100p
Aspect ratios: 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Image Stabilisation: Image sensor shift mechanism with 5-axis compensation, up to 7.0 stops pitch/yaw correction with XF35mm f/1.4 R lens
Dust removal: Ultra Sonic Vibration
Shutter (speed range): Focal Plane Shutter (Mechanical shutter 30-1/8000 seconds plus Bulb to 60 min; Electronic shutter: 30 to 1/80,000 second plus 15min in S/M modes); X-sync at 1/250 sec mechanical shutter or 1/125 sec electronic shutter
Exposure Compensation: +/-5 EV in 1/3EV steps (+/-2EV for movies)
Exposure bracketing:  2, 3, 5, 7 or 9 in increments of 1/3EV across +/-3EV
Other bracketing options: Film Simulation, Dynamic Range, ISO, WB, focus
Self-timer: 2 or 10 seconds delay selectable
Interval recording: Yes, for time-lapse
Focus system: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast/TTL phase detection)
AF  selection: Single point (13×9/25×17 adjustable), Zone AF (3×3/5×5/7×7 from 117 areas on 13×9 grid), Wide/Tracking AF
Focus modes: AFS (Single) / AFC (Continuous) / MF
Exposure metering:  256-zone multi-pattern sensing system with Multi, Centre-weighted,  Average and Spot metering patterns
Shooting modes: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure
Film Simulation modes: PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg.Hi, PRO Neg.Std, Classic Neg., Nostalgic Neg., ETERNA Cinema, ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS, ACROS, ACROS + Ye Filter, ACROS + R Filter, ACROS + G Filter, Black & White, Black & White + Ye Filter, Black & White + R Filter, Black & White + G Filter, Sepia
Filter settings: Toy camera, Miniature, Pop colour, High-key, Low-key, Dynamic tone, Soft focus
Other in-camera adjustments: Clarity (+/-5 steps), Monochromatic colour, Grain effect (Roughness: Strong, Weak, Off; Size: Large, Small), Colour Chrome Effect, Colour Chrome Blue, Dynamic Range (AUTO, 100%, 200%, 400%), HDR mode
Colour space options: sRGB and Adobe RGB
ISO range: Auto, ISO 125-12800 in 1/3 steps plus extensions to ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 25600, ISO 51200
White balance: AWB, AWBc, AWBw, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set (x 4), Colour temperature setting (x 4)
Flash: Hot-shoe for external flashguns (EF-X8 GN approx. 8/ISO100m)
Flash modes: TTL (TTL Auto / Standard / Slow Sync. ) / Manual / Commander / Off Shoe Mount Flash TTL (TTL Auto / Standard / Slow Sync. ) / Manual / Multi; 1st / 2nd Curtain sync available
Sequence shooting: Max. 20 frames/sec. with electronic shutter & 1.29x crop, 15 fps with mechanical shutter
Buffer capacity: 1000+frames JPEG, compressed RAW; 202 frames uncompressed RAW
Storage Media: Dual slots for CFexpress Type B Card (-2TB) and SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (UHS-I / UHS-II /  V90 compatible) cards
Viewfinder: 0.5 inch OLED colour EVF with approx. 5.76 million dots, approx. 100% FOV coverage, 24 mm eyepoint, -5 to +3 dpt adjustment, 0.80x magnification, built-in eye sensor
LCD monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle Touch Screen Colour LCD with 1.62 million dots, 3:2 aspect ratio
Interface terminals: USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2x1), HDMI Type A, 3.5 mm ports for microphone and headphones, 2.5 mm remote release connector
Wi-Fi function: Built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac); Bluetooth v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Power supply: NP-W235 rechargeable Li-ion battery; CIPA rated for approx. 580 shots/charge with monitor (720 frames in Economy mode) or up to 70 minutes of 8K video
Dimensions (wxhxd): Approx. 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6 mm
Weight: Approx. 660 grams with battery and card

RRP: AU$3,399 (body only); body with XF16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR kit – $4,249
Distributor: Fujifilm Australia; 1800 226 355; www.fujifilm.com.au