Camera ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMarch 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 review2 Comments

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, one question kept coming up: I wonder what this camera would be like with the 40-megapixel sensor instead of the 26-megapixel sensor.

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 that sets them apart.

I will discuss the 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 for two weeks in late February and early March. I took it on a couple of road trips in British Columbia, allowing me 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

In May 2022, Fujifilm introduced its first 5th-generation sensor line and processor with the X-H2S. During the X Summit event, Fujifilm confirmed that a 40-megapixel X-H2 version would be coming 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 gave us the option of choosing between two top-tier cameras. One focused on speed, the X-H2S, while the other was aimed at photographers or videographers seeking higher resolution.

When 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
5.76 m-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, which is a good thing for the most part.

I'm still surprised that you can’t recenter the focus point by double-tapping the joystick, and I find that quite annoying.

The few quibbles I had with the X-H2S are slowly dissipating as I've used the camera for longer. Muscle memory is adjusting, and the button layout and overall handling experience have grown on me, despite my initial 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.

I also had to get used to the quiet and muffled shutter sound, but as mentioned earlier, the more you use it, the more you come to appreciate it. It still feels decisive and responsive; it just isn’t as loud and assertive 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 5.76 m-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 3.68 m-dot viewfinder, and I could not believe the difference between these two EVFs.

The X-H2's viewfinder is so far superior that I almost could make a case that it's a deal breaker between these two cameras, despite the A7 IV having many other enticing specs.

I mostly shoot in single-shot mode, but occasionally I venture into higher frame rates and continuous autofocus tracking. For the ski shot below, I used a wide tracking shot and shot at 10 frames per second using the mechanical shutter. The X-H2 can capture up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter and 15 frames per second 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 track and end up with a series of out-of-focus shots.

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

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

One of the benefits of having 40 megapixels is 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 its original size, 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, compared to 20 fps for the X-H2 (with an electronic shutter and 1.29x crop). 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 Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode, which allows you to combine 20 images into a 160-megapixel file. You'll need a tripod for this, and it works best for completely static images. The X-H2S does not offer this feature.

On the video side, the X-H2 offers 8K at 30p and 4K at 60p, compared to 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 megapixels enticing compared to my current X-Series cameras, but if my main focus were fast-paced sports, wildlife, or video, I would probably rethink this and lean 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

When I compare X-H2 photos to my GFX 50R photos, the lines are getting blurred. The X-H2 has 40 megapixels, while the GFX 50R has 50 megapixels.

I was a bit worried that having this many megapixels on the smaller sensor would affect the overall look of the images, but I think Fujifilm has done a fine job with the files. I was unsure about how to 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 in landscape photography, where you can see a noticeable difference, even on your screen, compared to either the X-H2S or previous-generation Fujifilm sensors, which are all 26 megapixels or lower.

Please click the sample images to view them 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've used the X-H2S and now the X-H2, the more I've enjoyed the overall experience.

These cameras have Fujifilm DNA. They combine features and design cues derived from the GFX series and the X-H1 with a new feature set and speed improvements, making them strong contenders, regardless of which platform you use.

The X-H2 could rightfully get the “photography first” stamp that Fujifilm otherwise gave to the X-T5. 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 can crop and landscape images that are rich in detail.

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

These camera releases, along with the X-T5, make a lot of sense. Essentially, it has become easier for consumers to choose 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. I'm crossing my fingers that we'll see the X-Pro4 later this year. This, however, is purely speculation and wishful thinking.

Please see the sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-H2 at B&H Photo

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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.