Fujifilm X-H2S body

Fujifilm X-H2S

The FUJIFILM X-H2S mirrorless system camera, the new flagship model of the X series, expands the family of compact APS-C cameras with advanced photo and video features. The X-H2S marks the fifth technology generation of the camera system founded by FUJIFILM in 2012, whose models combine high image quality and compact design with unprecedented color technology.

At the heart of the X-H2S is the 26.16 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor *1, which enables four times faster signal processing compared to the previous sensor generation *2. It is complemented by the X-Processor 5, which processes the image information supplied by the sensor at an even higher speed*3.

The camera is equipped with a powerful autofocus system that enables reliable focusing of dynamic subjects, even when shooting continuously at up to 40 frames per second and when recording video in high-resolution 6.2K or 4K format. Other features of the X-H2S, which retains the proven operating concept of its predecessor model, include in-camera five-axis image stabilization with seven EV stops *4, a robust magnesium body and a wide range of connectivity options. Among other things, the camera is compatible with CFexpress Type B memory cards *5 and can be integrated into network environments via a separately available file transmitter.

The X-H2S is therefore the ideal choice for all professional photo and video recordings. It is suitable for use in wildlife, sports and press photography as well as for small shooting teams in particular.

Fifth generation X-Trans sensor and X-Processor

The X-H2S is significantly more powerful than previous cameras in the X series. The reason for the increase in performance is the use of two further developed components: the X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor and the X-Processor 5. The new 26.16 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor is the first BSI and stacked APS-C sensor to be used in the X series. The abbreviation BSI stands for "back-side illuminated" and "stacked" means that the sensor is made up of several stacked slices. This chip design ensures a considerable increase in performance.

For example, the four times faster readout speed enables blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second*6 and significantly improved autofocus. In addition, high-resolution moving images in 4K/60p quality can now be recorded without a crop factor. The videos are also less susceptible to the rolling shutter effect that can occur when shooting moving objects. The advanced X Processor 5 processes data twice as fast as the previous flagship model in the X series.

It delivers improved resolution performance at low sensor sensitivity, lower image noise at high ISO values and a significantly faster and even more accurate autofocus. The use of artificial intelligence results in high-precision object-based AF tracking.

The fifth-generation processor enables video recording in professional 6.2K/30p format with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling. Other video codecs are also supported. The camera is also compatible with the fast CF express Type B memory cards. Despite the performance boost, the processor consumes less energy, which allows longer recording times.

Fast continuous shooting with AF tracking

The X-H2S also offers high-precision automatic focusing for fast bursts and can shoot up to 40 frames per second with object-based tracking and continuous adjustment of focus and exposure. During continuous shooting, the phase AF pixels are evaluated independently of image generation, enabling three times more autofocus calculations than the previous flagship model*7 and therefore lightning-fast focusing. The camera has an expanded buffer memory which, in conjunction with the electronic shutter, can now record up to 1,000 photos*8 in rapid succession when set to a continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second in JPG mode or 20 frames per second in RAW mode.

Intelligent and powerful autofocus

The new image processor offers an object-oriented autofocus function with scene recognition and artificial intelligence. The algorithm developed using deep learning technology not only recognizes and tracks people's faces and eyes, but also reliably keeps animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes and trains in focus. Thanks to this ability, the photographer can concentrate fully on the creative shooting process and the composition of the image. A new AF algorithm leads to a significantly better prediction of object movement. This development leap enables the camera to track moving objects with zone AF with high precision, even in poor lighting conditions. The X-H2S is therefore ideal for demanding wildlife and sports photography.

Advanced video functions

The camera can record high-resolution video in 6.2K/30p format with lifelike 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling. It also offers the option of recording spectacular slow-motion sequences in 4K/120p quality to reproduce explosive motion sequences with extreme deceleration. With the new image sensor, the readout speed for video recordings is reduced to 1/180 second, which avoids the annoying rolling shutter effect and allows the movement of objects to be recorded very realistically. The improved autofocus performance is also evident in video recording.

The AF functions for tracking fast-moving subjects are available when filming, as is the AF+MF function, which enables seamless switching between automatic and manual focusing. The X-H2S supports various video codecs, including three Apple ProRes codecs*9: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 LT.

For workflow optimization, a proxy video with a reduced data rate and resolution can be saved parallel to the ProRes recording. The new F-Log2 mode allows the recording of videos with a dynamic range of more than 14 EV steps. This means that the recorded video material offers more creative scope in post-production than the previous F-Log mode.

The camera body has been designed in such a way that the heat generated by the sensor and processor is dissipated quickly. This enables a significantly longer recording time of up to 240 minutes *10 in 4K/60p quality. The optional FAN-001 fan provides additional cooling for the housing and enables longer recording times even at high ambient temperatures.

Advanced features and ease of use

The X-H2S has a new in-camera five-axis image stabilization system. The sensor technology enables sharp images at shutter speeds up to seven EV steps slower and thus offers a decisive advantage in many situations. For example, super-telephoto shots in low light conditions, such as at dusk or in the dark, can be taken freehand with ease. The electronic viewfinder also contributes to the ease of use of the X-H2S.

With 5.76 million pixels, 0.8x magnification and a refresh rate of 120 fps, it offers an optimum view of the subject. Parallax errors or distortion, which often occur when the eye is in a different position, are effectively suppressed so that dynamic subjects can also be followed optimally at all times. The new flagship model has inherited not only the particularly robust body from its predecessor, the FUJIFILM X-H1, but also several popular features. For example, the upper LCD sub-display, on which the camera settings can be conveniently read.

The contoured handgrip, which was already one of the features of the previous model, has been specifically redesigned at the request of users to enable fatigue-free photography with larger lenses, even over longer periods of time. Based on qualified feedback from photographers worldwide, further improvements have been made, primarily to the handling of the camera.

Among other things, the product designers revised the tactility of central operating elements: the pressure and release point of the shutter release button has been optimized so that the release point can be controlled even more precisely when half-pressed. In addition, there is now a separate video button, which simplifies filming in conjunction with the rotating and tilting LCD monitor (1.62 million pixels). In addition, the AF-On button has a new touch characteristic to make the function even easier to use. The shutter of the X-H2S is particularly durable and has withstood more than 500,000 exposures in internal tests.

The dual memory card slot of the X-H2S supports CFexpress Type B cards in addition to conventional SD cards, allowing the full potential of the camera to be exploited for continuous shooting and video recording, among other things.*11

*1 X-Trans™ is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation
*2 Compared to the X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
*3 Compared to the X-Processor 4
*4 In combination with the FUJINON XF35mmF1.4 R
*5 CF express™ is a trademark or registered trademark of the CompactFlash Association
*6 Fast continuous shooting without viewfinder blackout is only available when using the electronic shutter
*7 Mirrorless system camera FUJIFILM X-T4
*8 After turning on the camera that was previously turned off completely
*9 Apple ProRes is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries
*10 Measurement of recording time after cold start of the camera and in conjunction with the portrait format battery grip VG-XH, equipped with three batteries, at an ambient temperature of 25° C and the following settings: Overheating protection "High temperature" and bit rate "100 Mbps". The recording time depends on the battery charge level and the memory card used. In the event of overheating of the housing, recording is automatically terminated.

A complete list of compatible memory cards is available on the FUJIFILM website.