Who needs full-frame when you have Fujifilm’s impressive APS-C cameras? The camera maker’s new hybrid mirrorless camera, the X-H2S, is all sorts of badass even without a larger full-frame sensor.
Technically, a successor to the X-H1 camera that was released more than four years ago, Fujifilm overhauled the X-H2S with some serious improvements for ridiculously fast shooting speeds and 6K video.
The X-H2S is the first APS-C camera from Fujifilm to use its 26.16-megapixel X-TransTM CMOS 5 HS sensor. When paired with the new X-Processor 5, we get increased image quality at lower ISOs and reduced noise at higher ISOs, which pretty much negates the main downside of APS-C cameras compared to full-frame counterparts. To keep up with the super fast shooting speeds, Fujifilm incorporated an AI processor that drastically improves the X-H2S’ subject detection autofocus, making it much faster and more accurate.
High speed burst —
Fujifilm clearly prioritized fast shooting when making the X-H2S. It can handle blackout-free continuous shooting for up to 40 frames per second, while still using its continuous autofocus tracking so you’ll never miss focus even with the shutter button held down.
The X-H2S also has much better autofocus tech that uses an advanced prediction algorithm and can better track moving subjects in low-contrast environments. Fujifilm’s subject detection can even work beyond the human face and is now able to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains.
Just as capable with video, the X-H2S can record in 10-bit 4:2:2 video with resolutions up to 6.2K30p and frame rates as fast as 4K120p and FHD240p. The X-H2S also supports professional codecs like Apple ProRes HQ/ProRes 422/ProRes LT video.
The X-H2S is Fujifilm’s first camera in its X series to offer F-Log2 with more than 14 stops of dynamic range, giving you even more flexibility when it comes to editing in post. If you’re worried about rolling shutter, the camera’s sensor has a readout speed of 1/180 seconds that should ensure subjects don’t seem wavy or wobbly when recording video.
With the heat-dissipating design, you can record 4K60p continuous video for a max recording time of 240 minutes. The X-H2S also has a fully articulating screen making it easier for vlogging, an electronic viewfinder with a 5.76-million dot panel, and five-axis in-body image stabilization that offers seven stops of stabilization.
As expensive as a full-frame —
With all these features, Fujifilm slapped on a $2,500 price tag to match. It’s pretty expensive for a crop sensor camera, but keep in mind that this one is an absolute workhorse with its photo and video capabilities. Fujifilm said the X-H2S will be available in early July, but is also working on a 40-megapixel version of the camera that will be announced in September.
To support the release of the X-H2S, Fujifilm dropped a bunch of new lenses with a broad range of applications. For general use, the company announced its Fujinon XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR lens, and for extreme telephoto zoom, there’s the Fujinon XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens. Fujifilm also just announced three new interchangeable lenses on its roadmap, including a fast prime lens, an ultra-wide prime lens, and a macro lens.
