Fujifilm X-H2 body + XF 56mm f1.2 R WR

Fujifilm X-H2

The FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless system camera is the new flagship model in the award-winning X series, whose APS-C cameras combine the highest image quality with a compact design. Like its recently introduced sister model FUJIFILM X-H2S, the X-H2 represents the state of the art in camera technology. It is exceptionally powerful and is designed in every respect to meet even the highest professional demands. While the X-H2S is characterized above all by its enormous speed, which can be seen in the lightning-fast data processing and the precise AF tracking of moving objects, the advantages of the X-H2 lie in its very high sensor resolution and outstanding detail reproduction.

At the heart of the X-H2 is the new 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor *1 , which is perfectly matched to the fast X-Processor 5. The camera offers the highest resolution of the X series to date, both for photos and videos. It is the world's first *2 APS-C camera that can record video in 8K/30p Apple ProRes quality *3 directly to the memory card.

The X-H2 offers many advanced features, such as ISO 125 as the lowest standard sensitivity, a fastest shutter speed of 1/180,000 sec. with electronic shutter and the "Pixel Shift MultiShot" function. It also has numerous functions and interfaces that make professional-quality photography easier than ever. These include subject recognition autofocus based on deep learning technology, which identifies and tracks various subjects (e.g. animals or vehicles), the integrated five-axis image stabilizer, which provides a shutter speed advantage of up to seven f-stops (EV) *4, an electronic viewfinder with 5.76 million pixels and 0.8x magnification, and a memory card slot for CFexpress Type B cards *5 , which allow the technological potential of the X-H2 to be exploited to the full.

High-resolution X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5

The 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor with backside exposure has an improved image processing algorithm, which enables a very high resolution without disturbing image noise and thus an overall outstanding image quality.

A further developed pixel structure results in a greater amount of light on the sensor, so that ISO 125 is now available as the standard sensitivity and no longer needs to be selected via the extended ISO range. The new sensor can also be controlled with extreme precision, allowing ultra-short exposure times. The fastest shutter speed of the electronic shutter has been increased by 2.5 EV steps from 1/32,000 sec. to 1/180,000 sec.

The new sensor opens up new creative possibilities, especially when shooting in bright surroundings. You can now achieve the attractive bokeh effect with the aperture open on sunny summer days or on the ski slopes and freeze fast movements with ultra-fast shutter speeds for maximum sharpness.

Ultra-high-resolution photos and HEIF image format

With the "Pixel Shift Multi-Shot" function, the camera takes 20 high-resolution RGB images one after the other in raw data format, whereby the image sensor is minimally shifted after each exposure. The resulting individual photos can be combined into a single image file with a resolution of 160 megapixels using the free "Pixel Shift Combiner" software. This function is particularly interesting for photographic documentation and digitization in the fields of art and culture as well as for high-quality still life and product photography.

The X-H2 supports the HEIF image format, which delivers 10-bit image files that are up to 30 percent smaller than standard JPEG files. The integration of these two features underlines FUJIFILM's reputation for delivering the highest quality images straight from the camera.

Professional videos in 8K quality

With the X-H2, ultra-high-resolution moving image recording becomes a professional standard: the new sensor allows video to be recorded in the future-oriented 8K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit format. The camera body of the X-H2 has been designed to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the sensor and processor. As a result, up to 160 minutes *6 can be recorded in 8K quality without interruption.

The 8K sensor also offers many advantages in 4K workflows. For example, the camera uses the depth of detail of the 8K data for internal oversampling to generate a 4K image of outstanding quality.

The digital zoom function *7 of the X-H2 also makes use of the high resolution of the 40.2 megapixel sensor. This makes it possible to zoom into the image with up to 2x magnification for 4K recordings. In conjunction with the XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR, the camera seamlessly switches to digital zoom once the maximum optical focal length has been reached, effectively doubling the focal length.

Efficient post-production

The X-H2 supports three Apple ProRes codecs: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 LT. When recording videos up to 4K resolution, proxy movies *8 (ProRes 422 Proxy) with a low bit rate can also be recorded in parallel. As these have a smaller file size, they are suitable for efficient workflows with reduced workload in post-production.

In combination with a compatible external HDMI recorder from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit RAW video files can also be recorded. These can be saved as Apple ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW in up to 8K resolution with frame rates of up to 29.97 frames per second.

In addition to the familiar F-Log, the X-H2 also supports F-Log2, which offers an extended dynamic range of more than 13 f-stops and therefore more creative freedom in video editing.

Intelligent autofocus for maximum sharpness of detail

The X-H2 is equipped with an innovative autofocus system that allows the photographer to concentrate fully on the subject and image composition. They can rely on the camera to focus reliably and precisely on the subject.

The powerful X-Processor 5 of the X-H2 offers an object-oriented autofocus function with subject recognition based on artificial intelligence. The algorithm developed using deep learning technology not only recognizes and tracks people's faces and eyes, but also animals, birds, cars,
motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains reliably in focus.

The 40.2 megapixel sensor has more phase detection pixels than previous models in the X series, resulting in even more precise focusing in AF-S mode, for example in landscape or portrait shots. In addition, the X-H2 (like the X-H2S) has a new AF algorithm for predicting object movement, which enables even more reliable focus tracking in continuous focus (AF-C).

As 8K videos require particularly precise focusing, the VideoAF algorithm has also been optimized. There is also a new focus indicator, which makes manual focusing easier when filming and can be used in combination with the focus peaking function.

Top features and ease of use

The FUJIFILM X-H2 is equipped with integrated five-axis image stabilization (IBIS). This enables sharp shots at shutter speeds up to seven EV steps slower and thus offers a decisive advantage in many situations, e.g. in low light.

The electronic viewfinder of the X-H2 offers a high-resolution viewfinder image with 5.76 million pixels and 0.8x magnification. The high refresh rate of approx. 120 frames per second ensures a natural representation of even very fast movements. The viewfinder image is also optimally corrected and free of parallax errors and distortion that typically occur when the eye position changes.

The X-H2 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday professional use. Like the X-H2S, it has a weatherproof housing that is sealed against the ingress of moisture and dust at 79 points and is fully operational even at temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius.

The sub-display on the top of the camera, the rear LCD monitor with 1.62 million pixels, the individually configurable AF ON button and the separate video recording button provide additional ease of use. The X-H2's dual memory card slot supports both conventional SD cards and CFexpress Type B cards, allowing the full potential of the camera to be exploited for continuous shooting and video recording. *9

In addition, the X-H2 (like the X-H2S*10) is compatible with the FT-XH file transmitter, which allows wired LAN and wireless WLAN tethered video recording. Up to four X-H2 and X-H2S can be controlled via a browser application. For example, the recording parameters for each camera can be checked and adjusted and video recording can be started and stopped synchronously for all cameras. It is also possible to save, copy and load camera settings. *11

*1 X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
*2 As of September 8, 2022, according to FUJIFILM.
*3 Apple ProRes is a trademark of Apple Inc. and is registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
*4 In combination with the FUJINON XF35mmF1.4 R.
*5 CFexpress™ is a trademark or registered trademark of the CompactFlash Association.
*6 Maximum recording time at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and the camera settings: auto power-off temperature "High", H.265 4:2:0, 200Mbps bit rate and the vertical battery grip VG-XH with a total of three batteries inserted. The recording time depends on the remaining battery charge and the type and capacity of the memory card used. If the device heats up, recording may stop automatically.
*7 Digital zoom is available in three video modes: 4K HQ, 4K DCI HQ and Full HD.
*8 The proxy function is not available for 8K/30P and 8K/25P recordings.
*9 A list of compatible memory cards can be found on the FUJIFILM website.
*10 An update to the latest firmware is required for the X-H2S to use this function.
*11 The camera settings can be saved to and loaded from a computer or tablet.

Fujifilm XF 56mm f1.2 R WR

The FUJINON XF56mm F1.2 R WR is a lightweight telephoto lens with a focal length of 56 mm (equivalent to 85 mm KB). It is the technically advanced successor to the very popular FUJINON XF56mm F1.2 R. In comparison, the new fixed focal length offers a significantly improved close-up distance, an even higher resolving power and an unprecedentedly beautiful background blur. While the predecessor model was primarily suitable for ambitious portrait photography, the new XF56mmF1.2 R WR can also be used for a variety of other shooting situations, such as reportage, street, travel, landscape or product photography. It impresses with its fascinating subject sharpness and particularly attractive bokeh.

The brilliant imaging performance of the lens is the result of a remarkable optical construction. The use of aspherical lenses, ED elements and lenses with special light refraction properties minimizes imaging errors and guarantees a soft bokeh with flawless circles of light.

Excellent image quality and breathtaking bokeh

The optical design of the lens comprises 13 elements in eight groups. Two aspherical lenses and an ED element minimize optical aberrations such as chromatic and spherical aberrations (colour and sharpness errors) and ensure high resolution right into the corners of the image. The aspherical elements are manufactured using metal molds in a high-precision process with a manufacturing tolerance of just 1/100,000 mm. They effectively suppress the unsightly "onion ring effect" when light points are reproduced out of focus.

The focus group consisting of eight elements includes three elements made of optical glass with a particularly high refractive index. These lenses are usually used in high-quality cine lenses due to their corrective properties. They minimize chromatic aberrations and coma imaging errors (colour and asymmetry errors) and thus achieve improved resolving power over the entire focus range.

The XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first FUJIFILM lens to use eleven aperture blades to achieve an almost perfectly circular aperture. *1 This means that the new lens delivers particularly attractive bokeh circles not only at open aperture, but also when stopped down.

Natural and unadulterated view

A medium telephoto focal length of 56 mm (equivalent to 85 mm KB) together with the large aperture of F1.2 is the perfect choice for natural and undistorted portrait shots: The combination of focal length and speed ensures that the sharply defined main subject stands out clearly from a background resolved in soft blur.

The lens offers significantly improved resolution at close range, which enables a shortest focusing distance of just 50 cm*2 and extends the creative application possibilities beyond portrait photography. Still life and product shots with a large magnification are now also possible. With the previous model, the close-up distance was still 70 cm.

Fast and precise autofocus

The focus group and aperture unit are driven by a fast DC motor, which ensures high-precision automatic focusing at close and long range. Even with the widest possible aperture and the associated shallow depth of field, focusing is performed precisely on the desired image area.

An advanced bearing mechanism ensures virtually frictionless movement of the focus group. The operating noise of the motor is reduced to a minimum.

Splash-proof and dust-proof housing

Although it is a high quality fixed focal length with a very high speed of F1.2, the XF56mm F1.2 R WR weighs only 445 g and is just 76 mm long.

The weatherproof lens barrel is sealed in nine places to prevent the ingress of moisture and dust and to ensure full operational readiness even at temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees. The front lens element has a water-repellent and easy-to-clean fluorine coating.

This makes the portrait lens ideal for flexible and mobile use, even in bad weather and dusty environments.

*1 As of September 8, 2022

*2 Distance from the sensor surface; the minimum distance from the front element of the lens to the subject is approx. 41 cm