Fujifilm X-H2 40.2MP Mirrorless Camera Launches

Fujifilm X-H2 40.2MP Mirrorless Camera Launches

Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR & Fujinon GF20–35mm F4 R WR Lenses Also Debut

1611
Fujifilm-X-H2s-wXF16-mm-banner pro-level mirrorless cameras
Fujfilm X-H2S

Valhalla, NY—Fujifilm North America Corporation launched the Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless digital camera, optional accessories and two Fujinon lenses. The Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR is an X-series weather-resistant, mid-telephoto prime lens. Additionally, the Fujinon GF20–35mm F4 R WR is a compact and lightweight, ultrawide-angle zoom lens for GFX system cameras.

The X-H2 features a new, back-illuminated 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5. Consequently, the interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) boasts the highest resolution in the X series for both still and video capture. The company also states it is the “world’s first APS-C camera to enable 8K/30P Apple ProRes internal recording” (as of September 8, 2022).

“X-H2 joining the flagship X-H family is not only huge for us at Fujifilm, but it is also especially significant for our consumers”, said Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, Fujifilm North America Corporation.

“X-H2S, which debuted in May, excels in speed, perfect for image makers who create moving content. X-H2 delivers exceptional image resolution and quality that are ideal for those creating images in superhigh detail. We listened to our customers and took their feedback to heart, creating this amazing family of X-H cameras that are tailor-made to their distinct specialties.”

Fujifilm X-H2 Key Specs

The ILC’s 40.2MP sensor has a unique image-processing algorithm to enhance resolution without compromising the signal to noise ratio. The camera also features a minimum standard ISO 125 and the fastest shutter speed available within the X series. Fujifilm also increased the X-H2’s electronic shutter by 2.5 stops from the previous model’s 1/32,000 sec to 1/180,000 sec. As a result, photographers can leave the aperture wide open in bright or high-contrast conditions, such as on a ski slope, or to freeze motion down to a millisecond.

Fujifilm-X-H2_left_w_XF16-80mm
Fujifilm X-H2 with XF16–80mm F4 R OIS WR

Notably, the X-H2 is the first X camera to have the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. It is a tool for commercial photography and digital archiving applications that need high-resolution images with color accuracy. Using the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism to precisely shift the sensor, 20 reference images are automatically created and later assembled in postproduction using the Pixel Shift Combiner software. The result is a 160megapixel image constructed from the total information available from each RGB pixel found on the X Trans 5 CMOS HR sensor.

The camera also supports the HEIF format, which delivers 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEG files.

Upgraded Video Features

In addition, with the new sensor, the ILC records 8K movies internally at 30p in 4:2:2 10-bit color. The X-H2 also has a heat-dissipating design—the same as the X-H2S—to enable recording of 8K/30p video for up to 30 minutes. The ILC can also produce 4K HQ video, which is oversampled from 8K as it is recorded internally.

During recording, three Apple ProRes codecs are supported: ProRes 422 HQ; ProRes 422; and ProRes 422 LT. Users also have the option to record ProRes 422 Proxy to help streamline postproduction workflows when editing in 8K.

Fujifilm-X-H2_back_LCD-EVF
Fujifilm X-H2

Moreover, with the help of the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR, the camera can deliver up to 2x digital zoom with little-to-no loss in resolution when recording 4K video. Fujifilm says this is true even with a prime lens attached to the camera.

Further, combined with a compatible HDMI device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit 8K/30p RAW video output from the X-H2 is recorded as Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW. Plus, the newly developed F-Log2 flat picture profile expands the camera’s dynamic range to 13+ stops; this broadens color-grading options in postproduction.

Autofocus Enhancements

What’s more, the X-Processor 5 employs subject-detection AF based on deep learning technology. Accordingly, it automatically detects and tracks a range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains.

The high-resolution sensor also offers the ability to attain AF-S focus on a subject with high frequency. Users can autofocus accurately in situations where AF-S is typically used, such as landscape and portrait photography. The X-H2 also incorporates an AF prediction algorithm that’s improved from previous X cameras.

Other AF features include a focus meter as a manual focus assist during movie recording, allowing for more precise focus adjustment; and an optimized video AF algorithm for autofocus accuracy, even while filming 8K video.

Additional Features

The ILC’s 5-axis in-body IBIS allows for handhold shooting in conditions that previously may have required support (with XF35mm F1.4 R lens). The X-H2 also sports a high-magnification, high-definition 5.76-million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification. It offers a smooth refresh frame rate of approximately 120 frames per sec. It also provides control over parallax and distortion that typically occurs when an eye position becomes displaced while using the viewfinder.

Furthermore, the ILC’s body is the same as X-H2S. It has 79 weather-sealed points that offer dust and moisture resistance.  The X-H2 can also operate in temperatures as low as 14°F.

Rounding out its features are a top panel LCD screen; and adjustable AFon button; a 1.62M-dot vari-angle LCD monitor; an independent movie recording button; a CFexpress Type B card slot; and a UHS-II SD memory card slot.

In addition, users can combine the X-H2S/X-H2 with the FT-XH file transmitter to enable wired and wireless LAN tethered video recording. Users may connect four X-H2S/X-H2 cameras simultaneously to permit the following operations from a computer browser: check and adjust camera settings for each camera; simultaneously start and stop video recording for all cameras; as well as save, load and copy camera settings.

The Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless digital camera will ship late September 2022. It will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,999.95 for the camera body and $2,499.95 for the X-H2 camera bundled with the XF16–80mm F4 R OIS WR lens.

Fujifilm X-H2 Optional Accessories

With the launch of the X-H2 ILC, Fujifilm also announced the following accessories. All the accessories are sold separately.

Fujifilm-X-H2_back_w_VG-XHbatteryGrip
Fujifilm X-H2 with VG-XH
VG-XH

This vertical battery grip is dust and moisture resistant and can also operate at temperatures as low as 14°F. Two Fujifilm NP-W235 high-capacity batteries power the grip. Moreover, its button layout provides operability whether photographers hold the camera vertically or horizontally. SRP: $399.99.

FT-XH

This file transmitter features wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications capability These capabilities are essential for in-studio tethered content creation or for creating sports/media content. Photographers can operate the transmitter as a vertical grip with two of Fujifilm’s NP-W235  batteries.

In addition, they can combine the file transmitter with the X-H2S/X-H2 to support the following communication specifications:

  • FTP data transfer by wired LAN/wireless LAN/USB smartphone tethering.
  • Tethered shooting by wired LAN/wireless LAN.
  • Remote recording function by wired LAN/wireless LAN to control four X-H2S/X-H2 cameras from a browser at the same time.

The FT-XH file transmitter will launch in late October 2022. SRP: $999.99.

FAN-001

Specifically for the X-H2S/X-H2, this cooling fan facilitates extended video recording and operation in high temperatures. Users can attach the fan to the rear of the camera body without a cable. This will supply power as well as extend continuous video recording time, eliminating concerns of heat-related camera shutdown. SRP: $199.99.

Fujifilm-X-H2_w_fan
Fujifilm X-H2 with FAN-001
CVR-XH Kit

This cover kit for the X-H2S/X-H2 protects various terminals on the camera. Items included in the kit are one sync terminal cover; one hot shoe cover; a file transmitter/vertical battery grip terminal cover; one cooling fan terminal cover; as well as a memory card slot cover. SRP: $19.99.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR Mid-Telephoto Lens

The weather-resistant, mid-telephoto prime lens is the latest in the series of interchangeable lenses for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless digital cameras. Offering the 35mmequivalent focal length of an 85mm lens, it is the successor to the Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R. As such, it features significant improvements from that prior model in minimum focusing distance; image-resolving performance; as well as its rendering of out-of-focus background.

“XF56mm F1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm X-mount lens to feature an almost perfectly circular aperture, even at F4 or F5.6. This results in a clean edge along a highlight, with minimal aberrations and distractions, that is especially pleasing when it is out of focus. This design allows beautiful bokeh with busy backgrounds melting away from their subjects to create an isolating effect untouched by any other lens,” said Victor Ha.

Fujifilm-Fujinon-XF56mm-F1.2-R-WR
Fujifilm Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR

“The new XF56mm F1.2 R WR lens offers a wide variety of creative applications, such as portraits, weddings, street photography, tabletop and commercial photography—all situations that demand precise control over depth of field.”

The lens design consists of 13 elements in 8 groups. They include two aspherical elements and one ED (extra-low dispersion) element. The design suppresses various aberrations, including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration, to achieve edge-to-edge image sharpness and smooth bokeh.

Moreover, the eight elements used in the focusing group take high-refractive technology from Fujinon cinema lenses to minimize chromatic, spherical and comatic aberrations. In particular, this technology helps minimize light bleed within highlights to boost image quality and subject detail for advanced image resolution.

What’s more, the XF56mm F1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm Xmount lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture, even at F4 or F5.6.

Lens Applications

In addition, its 56mm focal length (85mm equivalent) and open aperture of F1.2 make the lens a choice for portraiture, as it provides clear separation of the subject from its background. Furthermore, Fujifilm reduced its minimum focusing distance from its predecessor version to 19.7 inches. Consequently, the reduced distance allows users to enjoy a fast, mid-telephoto prime in situations beyond portraits, such as table-top, product and commercial photography.

Fujifilm-X-H2_left_w_Fujinon-XF56mm-F1
Fujifilm X-H2 with Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR

Further, its autofocus function is driven by an evolved direct current (DC) motor for  more speed and accuracy. The DC motor drives the focusing group of eight elements and the aperture unit for precise AF. The lens also can attain focus quickly and accurately to freeze a decisive photo opportunity, even when photographing with a shallow depth of field.

Also, the bearing mechanism minimizes friction that may arise when the DC motor is driving lens elements. As a result, it nearly eliminates motor noise and the impact on video/audio recording quality.

Finally, the lens weighs 15.69 ounces and measures nearly 3 inches. Its barrel is weather resistant in nine places to ensure dust and weather resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F. Plus, the front lens element has a fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains, fingerprints and other marks.

The Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR has a suggested retail price of $999.95.

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY