Fujifilm X-H2S Mini Review
Fujifilm X-H2S Review
Today marks the long-awaited announcement of the Fujifilm X-H2S.
Fujifilm UK sent me an early prototype of the camera a few months before, and whilst I didn't have long with it, I did have time to put it through its paces in terms of the much anticipated super fast sensor.
Fujifilm X-H2S Key Specification
According to the official press release:
"The X-H2S is a new flagship model boasting the highest performance in both stills and videos in the history of the X Series. This has been made possible by using the new stacked-layer back-illuminated 26.16MP 'X-TransTM CMOS 5 HS' sensor capable of reading signals four times faster than the previous model, and the high-speed 'X-Processor 5' boasting double the processing speed of the previous model."
Interestingly, Fujifilm refers to the X-H2S as a new flagship model. I'm sure, and hope, that the X-Pro range will also still keep that moniker going forward.
What I did with the Fujifilm X-H2S
I did not have it long, and it was a prototype. I wouldn't take a prototype to a wedding, so I took it up to the yard and just photographed the kids doing what they do best.
I shot the sequence below entirely on the XF50mm F1 lens (which is a fine, fast prime lens) to make things more challenging.
There is a lot of machine in this camera. I can't pretend to like the styling. Then again, I wouldn't say I like the styling of the X-T4 and the GFX100S, but I have those cameras too.
I fully understand that this camera needs to be stable, especially given all the excellent film functionality that has been added (such as unlimited recording, 6k, Apple ProRes, full-size HDMI etc.)
However, I didn't have the opportunity to test all of that, so I stuck the camera the on aperture priority at F1. Continuos focus, electronic shutter and fired away.
I was indeed, truly, astounded.
This short 30-second clip below contains some 900 images. All the images are JPEGs direct from the camera. Shot in Classic Neg film format.
I've dropped them into a Premiere Pro timeline and sequenced them at 0.01seconds.
Fujifilm X-H2S Review: 30 Seconds, 900+ Frames with the Fujifilm X-H2S
Testing the new Auto Focus System on the Fujifilm X-H2S
Fujifilm X-H2S Review: Selected frames from above photo-film
The camera boasts some incredible specs, all of which you can read about elsewhere and on YouTube etc.
For now, with my brief time with the Fujifilm X-H2S, I can say that I do believe this camera will appease those with an insatiable need for insanely fast and accurate auto-focus.
Whether that is sports photography, wildlife photography (check out my good friend Alan's glowing review), or Weddings where you want to shoot a lot of continuous shots, this camera might be the one for you. Potentially, this might be the camera that brings you back into the fold if you have switched brands and have been waiting for Fujifilm to up their game with auto-focus speed and sensitivity.
Fujifilm X-H2S Review: The Camera
Here are a few shots of the camera itself. If you love PASM dials and ease of use cameras - you will love the X-H2S.
The big grip makes it lovely to hold, and of course, it has the legendary shutter button that made its debut in the X-H1 all those years ago.
Fujifilm X-H2S Review: A few more selected frames from above photo-film
Here are a few more JPEGs from the sequence above. Remember, I put the camera into continuous focus. I did not have face/animal detection set on. 40fps and zero buffering. Incredible when you think about how far we have come from the XPro1 just ten years ago.
My Girl and a Horse
You can pre-order the Fujifilm X-H2S now in the United Kingdom from WEX...... and you know what, if I get enough weddings booked over the next few months, I might do that myself.
