Fujifilm X-H2 + Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f2 X-Mount

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, the 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 optimally 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 the 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.

Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f2 X-Mount black

The 35 mm F2.0 Macro APO-Ultron X is a completely new development and was designed exclusively for the Fujifilm APS-C sensor. The focal length corresponds to around 53 mm on Fujifilm APS-C cameras and therefore offers a popular and universal standard focal length.

The lens configuration consists of nine elements in six groups, with three elements made of glass with abnormal partial dispersion. A special feature is the minimum focus distance of just 16.3 cm (reproduction scale 1:2) with a working distance to the subject of 6 cm (with lens hood attached). This enables exciting perspectives with an extremely narrow depth of field range.

In addition to the pleasantly natural color rendition due to the apochromatic design, the lens has a maximum aperture of F2.0 - an exceptionally large aperture for a macro lens. A front focusing system is used in which the front four groups are moved together, which also keeps the extension length short when focusing. Overall, with a length of 54.8 mm and a weight of 265 g, the lens is very compact and portable.

The lens is also equipped with electronic contacts that ensure reliable communication between the lens and the camera body. Functions such as focus check, shooting distance display, in-camera image stabilization and parallax correction are supported on certain models *(please note the information at the end!)

The Voigtländer 35 mm / 1:2.0 Macro APO-Ultron X-Mount is not only aimed at macro photographers, but also offers the right mix of perspective, image quality and pleasant handling for many other photographic situations.

Important notes regarding data communication

There are restrictions in connection with various camera models:

Transfer of EXIF data: possible ( Note_1) (Note_2)

Focus magnifier (focus peaking): possible

Distance display: possible

Image stabilization: possible for all models with image stabilization function

Parallax compensation: only possible with X-Pro3 Body

Communication compatible models and firmware (Note*3)

Body firmware

X-H1 v1.10 or later

X-T4 v1.00 or later

X-T3 v1.00 or later

X-T2 v4.10 or later

X-Pro3 v1.00 or later

X-S10 v1.00 or later

X-E4 v1.00 or later

X-T30 v1.00 or later

Models that do not support data communication (Note*4)

XT-1, X-Pro2, X-Pro1, X-T20, X-T10, X-T200, X-T100, X-E3, X-E2, X-E1, X-M1, X-A5, X-A3, X-A2, X-A1

Please check the current support status on the Cosina website.

Notes:

*_(1)_ It is recommended to set the aperture value display setting from TNo to FNo in the camera menu.

*_(2)_ It is recommended to change the depth of field display in the camera menu to the film standard (the same value as the depth scale engraved on the lens).

*_(3)_ Please use the latest firmware as the performance may not run or some of the functions may be limited if the firmware is older than the one listed.

To check the firmware of the camera body you are using and get the latest firmware, please refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual.

*_(4)_ When using with a model that does not support data communication, change the body setting [Release without lens] to "ON". When using the X-T2, you can display the aperture value by changing the aperture value display from TNo to FNo in the settings.