FUJIFILM X-H2 Released – New 40.2MP Sensor and 8K30p Internal ProRes

Camera News

by Olaf von VossSeptember 8^th, 2022

Today is the day: the brand new FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless camera has just been unveiled. FUJIFILM is proud to introduce a new 40.2MP sensor, the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR, which, along with an X-Processor 5, fuels the internals of this new camera. Filmmakers can internally record up to 8K30p in Apple ProRes 422 HQ (4:2:2 10-bit).

Don’t be confused by the naming scheme here: after the release of the X-H2S, this FUJIFILM X-H2 is the latest model in the FUJIFILM lineup.

And while The X-H2S (Lab Test here) was all about speed with an underlying 26.1 MP sensor, the new FUJIFILM X-H2 sports a 40.2MP APS-C sensor.

Further confusion might arise when comparing the sensors of the two cameras, as the names are quite similar: the 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 5HS APS-C sensor of the X-H2S features a stacked BSI (backside illuminated sensor) design. In contrast, the new X-Trans CMOS 5HR sensor of the FUJIFILM X-H2 offers a higher resolution of 40.2 MP, but lacks the stacked design of the HS sensor of the X-H2S.

Vikor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, puts it like this:

X-H2S, which debuted in May, excels in speed, perfect for image makers who create moving content. X-H2 delivers exceptional image resolution and quality that are ideal for those creating images in super-high detail.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the new FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless camera and what it has to offer, especially for us filmmakers!

FUJIFILM X-H2

According to FUJIFILM, the lowest standard ISO setting of the new X-H2 camera is only 125, which is quite unique in times of high-ISO cameras. Also new is the insanely fast shutter speed (for photos) of 1/180,000 sec.

The X-H2 offers a feature called Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot, which uses the camera’s IBIS system to move the sensor slightly (but precisely) as it captures 20 reference images. These images are then combined into a high resolution 160MP still image using a dedicated software called Pixel Shift Combiner. While not necessarily a feature for filmmakers, what this camera has to offer in terms of resolution is remarkable!

OK, now for the features that are more interesting for filmmakers: The FUJIFILM X-H2 can internally record up to 8K30p (8K = 7680 x 4320px) in ProRes 422 HQ. According to FUJIFILM, this is possible for up to 30 minutes straight. But as we all know, recording such high-resolution footage generates a lot of heat, so FUJIFILM states that those 30 minutes are only

achievable when recording video at 25°C from a cool start, with the auto power-off, temperature set at “High,” bit rate of 100Mbps, using the VG-XH vertical battery grip and three batteries. The recording duration depends on remaining battery charge and the type and capacity of the memory card used. When the X-H2 main unit heats up, video filming will automatically be terminated and be unavailable pending cool down.

If you want to make sure that the camera stays cool for as long as possible, you should use the dedicated fan accessory for the X-H2 or X-H2S, which attaches directly to the camera body behind the LCD screen (no cables required).

Three Apple ProRes flavours are availble:

• ProRes 422 HQ
• ProRes 422
• ProRes 422 LT

Also available is ProRes 422 Proxy for streamlined workflows, but this option is not available when recording 8K30p / 8K25p.

Other video specifications are as follows:

• 8K30p / 8K25p internal recording
• 6.2K ProRes internal
• 4K UHD/DCI HQ (oversampled from 8K) @ 60p
• 4K UHD/DCI (line skipped) @ 60p
• Full HD @ 240p

4K and digital zoom

If you do the math on the pixel dimensions of the new 40.2MP sensor, you arrive at a 2x digital zoom factor (aka sensor crop) when shooting in 4K without losing any resolution. This may sound like a cheap trick, but I think it could come in handy sometimes (at least if you don’t need the 8K resolution in the first place).

Indeed, when filming with Fujifilm’s FUJINON XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR lens, zoom movements seamlessly transition to the digital zoom function when the lens reaches its maximum focal length.

RAW recording

Combined with a compatible HDMI monitor/recorder from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, the X-H2 can output 12-bit 8K30p RAW video to these devices to record Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW externally.

In addition, just like the X-H2S, the FUFIFILM X-H2 features the new F-Log2 flat profile, which offers a dynamic range of up to 13+ stops.

Autofocus

The FUJIFILM X-H2 is equipped with a little graphical indicator called focus meter that serves as a manual focus assist during video recording. This should be helpful for precise focus adjustment, and it can also be combined with focus peaking.

As for autofocus, the new camera (or processor) supports subject detection AF, which uses Deep Learning to detect a variety of different subjects and objects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes, and trains.

According to FUJIFILM, the video AF algorithm has been optimized for autofocus accuracy, which is certainly helpful when filming in 8K, as it’s not easy to nail focus at such high resolutions.

Other features

The X-H2 is equipped with a high-magnification and high-resolution 5.76-million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification. It sports a smooth refresh frame rate of approximately 120fps, which is indeed nice.

The LCD screen is a vari-angle 3″ LCD with 1.62 million dots. As for IBIS, the X-H2 has a 5-axis IBIS system that seems quite capable in Boost mode, as judged by our colleague Johnnie’s review.

Just like the X-H2S, which is looking just about identically at first glance, the X-H2 offer weather-resistant sealing. The X-H2 has one CFexpress Type B memory card slot and one UHS-II SD memory card slot. However, CFexpress Type B cards are needed to get the most out of this camera, especially when working with high resolutions and/or frame rates.

Pricing and availability

The FUJIFILM X-H2 is expected to be available late September 2022, and it is priced $1,999. If you want to get a kit lens with it, you can opt for the body plus XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR zoom for $2,499.

As for accessories, there are two handgrips available, the VG-XH Vertical Battery Grip ($399.99) and the FT-XH File Transmitter ($999.99). The optional cooling fan sells for $199.

Link: FUJIFILM website

What do you think? Would this camera suit your needs better than the X-H2S? Share your experiences in the comments below!