FUJIFILM X-H2S Released – 6.2K Resolution, Open Gate and Internal 10-bit Apple ProRes HQ/LT/Proxy

Camera News

by Olaf von VossMay 31^st, 2022

FUJIFILM just lifted the curtain on its new APS-C flagship camera: The FUJIFILM X-H2S camera sports a 26.16MP X-Trans sensor, enabling internal recording of 4:2:2 10-bit Apple ProRes HQ/LT/Proxy in up to 6.2K/30P and 4:2:2 10-bit h.265 in up to 4K/120p and FHD/240p.

This is the highly anticipated successor of the original X-H1 camera from back in the day. As the first model of the new X-H2 series, FUJIFILM decided to launch the X-H2S first. And it records internally in 10-bit 4:2:2 Apple ProRes HQ/422/LT or Proxy flavors. 12-bit ProRes Raw and BRAW (Blackmagic) external recording in 6.2K (6240 x 4160) via the full-size(!) HDMI port is also possible.

The X-H2S is the first APS-C digital camera of its kind to feature Fujifilm’s 26.16MP X-Trans CMOS 5 sensor, which is a stacked, back-side illuminated sensor with a signal reading speed up to four times faster than FUJIFILM’s previous X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor (check out our X-T4 review here).

FUJIFILM X-H2S

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: Yes, there is an optional fan to prevent the FUJIFILM X-H2S from overheating, but according to the manufacturer, the camera has a heat-dissipating design that allows continuous video recording in 4K/60p for about 240 minutes. If you’re working under high temperatures, the optional fan is there to maintain those 240 minutes. So you don’t necessarily need the fan, it’s an optional tool, nothing more, nothing less.

For external recording, the camera can output video in F-Log2 profile, which, according to FUJIFILM, provides a dynamic range of up to 14+ stops.

Body design

The X-H2S incorporates the design features of FUJIFILM’s previous X-H1 camera, such as a large grip that works well with heavy lenses, an LCD display on the top panel for users to quickly check settings, and a highly-robust body that should withstand heavy professional use.

As a nice touch, FUJIFILM has added a standalone video recording button. In terms of recording media, the X-H2S features dual memory card slots, supporting one CFexpress Type B and one SD card. The camera sports a flip-out 1.62-million-dot, vari-angle LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder with a 5.76-million-dot panel with a magnification of 0.8x.

Stabilization and other feature

The camera features an all-new five-axis, in-body image stabilization mechanism, which offers a claimed image stabilization of up to 7 stops.

FUJIFILM leveraged deep learning technology to improve subject-detection AF and zone AF, by refining the camera’s ability to track moving subjects in low-contrast environments. Subject Detection and Tracking have also been expanded from the human face and eyes to now include animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and even trains.

The FUJIFILM X-HS2 is not a “video-only” camera, it’s a true hybrid and on the still photo side it also has some tricks up its sleeves: the X-H2S can apply AF / AE tracking in blackout-free continuous shooting conditions of up to 40 frames per second, and can create over 1,000 frames continuously with the high-speed burst shooting mode set to 30 frames per second (JPEG) or 20 frames per second (RAW).

Accessories

There are a couple of dedicated accessories available for the new FUJIFILM X-H2S camera: two battery grips, the aforementioned fan, and a so-called cover kit for covering various ports on the camera to protect them from dust and other debris.

Both battery grips fit two FUJIFILM NP-W235 high-capacity batteries, but the File Transmitter grip also sports wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications
capability. With it, you can:

• FTP transfer by wired LAN / wireless LAN / USB Smartphone tethering
• Tethered shooting by wired LAN / wireless LAN
• Remote recording function by wired LAN / wireless LAN; capable of controlling up to four X-H2S cameras from a browser at the same time

The fan can be fitted to the rear of the camera body without a cable, supplying power, extending continuous video recording time at high temperatures, and eliminating concerns of heat-related camera shutdown. As stated above, you don’t need it unless you’re shooting in high-temperature environments. A fan is certainly not exactly what you want on your camera, but this solution to have it handy when needed might be a reasonable compromise, in my opinion.

Pricing and availability

The FUJIFILM X-H2S will be shipping in early July and the price is set at $2,499. The accessories will also launch in July (except for the File Transmitter battery grip):

• VG-XH Vertical Battery Grip: $399
• FT-XH File Transmitter: Available in September 2022 / $999
• FAN-001 Cooling Fan: $199
• CVR-XH Cover Kit: $19.99

One more thing

Since this camera seems to be very interesting for indie filmmakers, you, our valued readers, should stay tuned to this publication, as we will be launching a contest very soon, where you might have the chance to get your hands on the camera! Keep your eyes peeled!

Link: FUJIFILM

What do you think? Would this be your next APS-C camera for video/stills in 2022? Share your thoughts in the comments below!