Fujifilm X-H2: APS-C reaches high definition and 8K

At the end of last spring, Fujifilm struck a blow by unveiling the X-H2S. This new generation hybrid is equipped with a stacked 26 Mpx APS-C sensor, capable of reaching 40 fps in bursts and filming up to 6K. In short, a nervous machine that can compete with some of the best sports hybrids with 24×36 sensors, such as the Nikon Z9 and Sony Alpha 1 (A1). The Japanese had for the occasion teased the X-H2, a variation of the previous one, but this time equipped with a non-stacked 40 Mpx sensor.

The most defined APS-C photo sensor on the market

At the end of the summer, Fuji therefore revealed a little more about its new hybrid with the very defined X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. Moreover, with 40.2 Mpx (125 to 124,800 ISO), it is to date the most defined APS-C sensor on the market, but to sum up the X-H2 at this single point would be reductive.

Up to 8K Raw externally in video

Indeed, thanks to the increase in definition, this box can film up to 8K and 30p, also a great first in terms of APS-C. Better, it is possible to film in Apple ProRes format internally up to 8K and 4:2:2 10 bits, and even obtain 8K in raw (still in ProRes) via the HDMI output, and in 4:2: 2 12 bit. You can also count on 6K and a 4K HQ mode (oversampled from 8K), which is added to this already well-stocked mode. Enough to promise a very good quality image.

15 fps burst and 1/180,000 s electronic shutter

The photo component is not outdone with a burst of up to 15 fps via the mechanical shutter, and even up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter, but with a 1.29x crop for the purpose to limit the effect of rolling-shutter. An interesting liveliness for such a defined sensor and which can be used to capture fast sequences. In addition, the electronic shutter has been optimized to reach the impressive speed of 1/180,000 s! This extremely short exposure rate will allow you to freeze any type of action, without flash. For information, the best cameras are only rarely capable of reaching 1/40,000 s, which is to say the performance of this Fuji.

160 MP files with pixel shift

Thanks to the mechanical stabilization of the sensor, the X-H2 can also, by moving the latter, take very defined shots by combining 20 images. After passing through the Fuji software, we obtain a DNG file of 160 Mpx or 40 Mpx with a wider dynamic range. This only works on a tripod though. Via a simple pressure – this is new at Fuji – the photographer can also obtain a 1.4x or 2x crop in photos (only on jpeg) as in video. Additionally, a new visual manual focus aid, similar to what Canon offers, has been added.

The aesthetic clone of the X-H2

In terms of ergonomics, the X-H2 is a true copy of the X-H2S, which we invite you to consult the test. Only the disappearance of the “S” logo allows the distinction between the two devices. We find the viewfinder of 5.76 Mpts, a refresh rate of 120 fps, and even a simulation up to 240 fps. Compared to the X-H2S, Fuji says it has slightly improved the definition of said viewfinder; a difference, however, quite marginal for the human eye.

Finally, concerning the autofocus, if the X-H2 uses the X-Processor 5 chip of the X-H2S, its tracking would be a little less efficient with moving subjects. A phenomenon to be attributed to the more defined sensor and not stacked. The newcomer also retains the recognition and tracking of faces and human eyes, animals, birds, but also vehicles, 2-wheelers, planes and trains.

Alongside the announcement of the X-H2, Fuji introduced an update to a popular X-mount optic, the XF 56mm F1.2R WR. New construction, weather protection, new autofocus or even revised optical formula: all the information can be found in our dedicated article.

Price and availability

The Fujifilm X-H2 will be marketed from the end of September 2022 for €2,249 naked. As a kit with the Fujinon XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR, it will cost you 2749 €. This is a relatively aggressive price compared to the X-H2S which is sold at €2749 bare, the fault of its expensive stacked sensor. The price placement of the X-H2 puts it in the footsteps of the Nikon Z6 II and the Canon EOS R6, or even the Sony Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV). 24×36 sensor devices, but a little less ambitious than this latest from Fuji, at least on paper.