Fujifilm X-H2 swaps shooting speed for a potent pixel count
Joins X-H2S at the top of Fuji's CSC tree
The all-new X-H2 is a significant step up for Fujifilm’s compact system camera range. It’s the first to say goodbye to the 20-ish megapixel sensors that have long been a mainstay for the line-up, in favour of a higher resolution 40.2 megapixel sensor good for 8K video recording.
Physically there’s not much to separate the X-H2 from the superb Fujifilm X-H2S we reviewed earlier this year. Both are packing the same X-processor 5 image processor, have the same EVF/fold-out touchscreen/OLED status display triple threat, and the same 5-axis, 7 stop in-body image stabilisation. The latter should counteract shaky hands even at slower shutter speeds, while you can go to a record-setting 1/180,000sec in the other direction.
It delivers double the resolution of its sibling out of the gate, but the X-H2 also has a multishot mode that combines a pixel-shifted burst of 20 snaps using Fuji’s PC software to create giant, 160MP shots.
Continuous shooting has taken a back seat to overall resolution, but the X-H2 is still no slouch, managing 15fps RAW shooting at full resolution, or a slightly cropped 20fps using the electronic shutter. Subject detection autofocus makes a return, along with a whopping 425 manual AF points.
Dual card slots make a return, with a choice of UHS-II SD and CFexpress Type B. CFexpress is essential for video recording at 8K/30fps or 4K/60fps, with 10-bit, 4:2:2 colour in the ProRes format. 4K recording at 120fps isn’t found here, only on the X-H2S, which also has an extra stop of dynamic range.
The X-H2 can also output BlackMagic RAW over HDMI, with a full-size port on the side along with headphone and microphone ports for monitoring. There’s no 30 minute recording limit, and it should stay cool enough for almost three hours of continuous 8K recording (as long as you’re not shooting in a desert).
Fuji also launched two new lenses alongside the X-H2. First up, the XF 56mm f/1.2, a portrait lens for X-series cameras that’s set to cost £999 when it lands later this month. It has a shorter 50cm focus distance compared to the old model, new optical elements to reduce chromatic aberrations on the X-H2’s higher pixel count sensor, and more aperture blades for smoother bokeh.
GFX owners haven’t been left out: the medium format GF 20-35mm f/4 ultrawide is coming in October, and should cost a substantial £2349.
The Fujifilm X-H2 remains aimed at professionals, or hobbyists with deep pockets. It’s going on sale towards the end of September, and will set you back less than the speedy X-H2S. Expect to pay £1899 for the body-only, or £2299 for a kit with an XF16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR lens.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
