Camera ReviewMorten ByskovMarch 21, 2023Fujifilm X-H2 Review, Fuji X-H2 Review, Fuji XH2 Review, Fujifilm X-H2 Specs, Fujifilm X-H2 Image Quality, Fujifilm X-H2 in Action, Fujifilm X-H2 vs. X-H2S, Fuji X-H2 review, Fujifilm X-H2 reviewComment

Fujifilm X-H2 Review

Fuji X-H2 Review

The Top Tier High-Resolution Camera From Fujifilm

When I reviewed the Fujifilm X-H2S in November the one question that continually popped up was; I wonder what this camera would be like with the 40-megapixel sensor instead of 26-megapixels.

The 40-megapixel sensor is not the only spec difference between these two cameras but as a stills photographer, it is by far the most glaring feature setting them apart.

I will get further into spec differences below but in many ways, the X-H2 and X-H2S cameras are identical in looks, design, touch, and feel.

Fujifilm X-H2 and the XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR. Fujifilm X-H2 review. — Fujifilm X-H2 shown with the XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

This review will read best as a continuation of my X-H2S review as many parameters on the two cameras are the same.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for kindly lending me the Fujifilm X-H2 over a couple of weeks in late February and early March. I was able to take it on a couple of road trips in British Columbia which gave me a chance to try it out for landscape photography.

A beautiful lake along the Lougheed Hwy in BC with eagles sitting in the trees above the water. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Lougheed Hwy, BC, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/1.2

Introduction

With the X-H2S Fujifilm launched the first 5th-generation sensor line and processor in May 2022. At the X Summit event, Fujifilm promised us that a 40-megapixel version, X-H2, would arrive in the fall.

In September 2022 we were introduced to the X-H2, the first APS-C camera to feature a 40-megapixel sensor and 8K video.

Fujifilm essentially now gave us the option between two top-tier cameras. One focused on speed, the X-H2S, and one more so aimed at photographers or videographers looking for more resolution.

At the time this article was written the Fujifilm X-H2 retailed for $1,999.00.

The bridge crossing the Nicomen Slough near Dewney, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Nicomen Slough Bridge, BC. Fujifilm X-H2, XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/6.4

Fujifilm X-H2 Specs

40-megapixel, APS-C, X-Trans CMOS 5 backside-illuminated sensor
7-stop in-body image stabilization, IBIS
New PASM mode dial
Up to 20 fps. electronic shutter (1.29x crop), and up to 15 fps. mechanical shutter
Video: 8K 30p, 4K 60p, FHD 240p 10-Bit Video, ProRes Raw, Blackmagic Raw via HDMI
160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II card slots
NP-235 battery - Same at the Fujifilm X-T4
5.76m-Dot OLED electronic viewfinder
1.3 lb / 579 g (body only)
1.5 lb / 660 g (body with battery and memory)

Rear LCD and button layout of the Fujifilm X-H2 — The fully articulating LCD and button layout on the Fujifilm X-H2

Handling the Fujifilm X-H2

The X-H2 feels identical to the X-H2S and that is a good thing for the most part.

I am still surprised that you cannot recentre the focus point by double tapping the joystick and I find it quite annoying.

The few quibbles I had with the X-H2S are slowly but surely dissipating as I have used these cameras for a longer period of time now. Muscle memory is adjusting and the button layout and overall handling experience have grown on me despite early skepticism.

The Fujifilm X-H2 with the XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR — Fujifilm X-H2 shown with the XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

I no longer misfire shots as I did early on with the X-H2S. I have adjusted to the exposure compensation dial and enjoy the nicely recessed buttons which are easy to find.

I also enjoy the visual confirmation of settings on the sub-monitor and prefer the grey background with black fonts.

The quiet and dampened shutter sound was something I also had to get used to but as mentioned above, the more you use it, the more you come to appreciate it and it still feels determined and responsive. It is just not as loud and affirmative as an X-Pro3 for example.

Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/2

Fujifilm X-H2 in Action

This was my second time trying the 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and for a couple of days during this review period, I also tried out a Sony A7 IV. The Sony A7 IV has a 3.68m-Dot viewfinder and I could not believe the difference between these two EVFs.

The viewfinder on the X-H2 is far superior to the point where I almost could make a case that it is a deal breaker between these two cameras despite the fact that the A7 IV has many other luring specs.

I mostly shoot in single-shot mode but every now and then venture into a higher frame rate and continuous autofocus tracking. For the ski shot below I was using wide tracking and shot at 10 fps. using the mechanical shutter (the X-H2 can do 20 fps. with the electronic shutter and up to 15 fps. with the mechanical shutter).

Uffe Byskov is skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — My Cousin is skiing at Silver Star Mountain, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/4.5. The image was cropped to 38% of the original size.

The vast majority of my shots when tracking were in focus. Only in one scene when the skier was near the edge of the frame did I lose tracking and ended with a series of shots out of focus.

The eye-tracking was indeed very good but still not 100% accurate in the family photos I captured during the test period.

With more practice and possible firmware updates, I am confident that the keeper rate will increase. For the X-H2S, Fujifilm has already released a firmware upgrade (version 3.00) improving the autofocus performance. It is unclear if we will see such an upgrade for the X-H2 but it would make a lot of sense.

One of the benefits of having 40 megapixels at your disposal is the fact that you can crop to your heart’s content and still have a very usable image.

The above ski photo was cropped from a vertical image to approximately 38% of the original size and yet you still have 4786 x 3190 pixels from the original 7728 x 5152 file. The web image here is resized to 2500 x 1666 pixels. Please click to view a larger image.

The train track running along Kamloops Lake, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Kamloops Lake, BC, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/8

Fujifilm X-H2 vs. X-H2S

The stacked sensor in the X-H2S allows for a higher frame rate of 40 fps. vs. 20 fps. for the X-H2 (electronic shutter 1.29x crop) so you may consider this if your main genres are sports or wildlife photography.

In the spirit of being a high-resolution camera, the X-H2 features the pixel shift multishot mode where you can combine 20 images into a 160-megapixel file. You would need a tripod for this and it only really works for completely static images. The X-H2S does not offer this feature.

On the video side of things, the X-H2 offers 8K at 30p and 4K at 60P vs. 6.5K at 30p and 4K at 120P on the X-H2S.

The additional cost for the X-H2S and having a stacked sensor is $500.00 compared to the X-H2.

I only shoot stills and find the extra megapixel enticing in comparison to my current X Series cameras but if my main game was fast-paced sports, wildlife, or video, I would probably rethink this and sway more toward the X-H2S.

Here is a link to my full review of the X-H2S:

Fujifilm X-H2S Review

A mountain ridge in Lillooet, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Lillooet, BC, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/8

Fujifilm X-H2 - Image Quality

The lines are getting blurred when I compare X-H2 photos to my GFX 50R photos. We are talking 40 megapixels in the X-H2 vs. 50 megapixels in the GFX 50R.

I was a bit worried about how it would affect the overall look of images having this many megapixels on the smaller sensor but I think Fujifilm has done a fine job with the files. I was in doubt about how I would adjust sharpening in Capture One and settled on reducing it from the default 160 to 110 as I prefer a slightly softer look in my images.

The 40-megapixel sensor especially shines when it comes to landscape photography where you see a noticeable difference, even on your screen, from either the X-H2S or previous generation sensors from Fujifilm which are all 26 megapixels or lower.

Please click the sample images to view up to 2500 pixels wide.

An old Dodge camper van. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR @ f/1.2

Conclusion

As mentioned above the more I have used the X-H2S and now X-H2 the more I enjoy the overall experience.

These cameras have Fujifilm DNA with a mix of features and design clues derived from the GFX series and the X-H1 and then spiced up with a new feature set and speed bumps which make them strong contenders, no matter which platform you come from.

The X-H2 could rightfully get the “photography first” stamp that Fujifilm otherwise gave to the X-T5 and add to this 8K video using the full sensor which makes it quite attractive to hybrid shooters as well.

The Fraser River in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2. — Fraser River, BC, Fujifilm X-H2, XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/8

I mentioned the lines are getting blurred when compared with my GFX 50R but in truth, the GFX has its own look which sets it apart regardless of the number of megapixels. But with the X-H2 it doesn’t feel like you are missing out as much. You have the ability to crop and landscape images are rich in detail.

I am excited to see what you can do with the latest 5th-generation sensor and technology and also believe Fujifilm has picked the right strategy with the X-H2 and X-H2S.

These camera releases along with the X-T5 make a lot of sense and essentially it has become easier for the consumer to pick a camera that fits their vision and workflow without making too many sacrifices.

Looking into my crystal ball I look forward to seeing how this latest tech will be implemented in future cameras and cross my fingers that we will see an X-Pro4 and X100 VI later this year. This, however, is purely speculation and wishful thinking.

Please see the sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm X-H2 - Sample Images

Below are sample images from Vancouver. The images are processed in Capture One. Some photos may be slightly cropped and I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Nostalgic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.