FUJIFILM X-H2S – We Ask, FUJIFILM Answers

by Florian MilzMay 31^st, 2022

During NAB 2022, we got an exclusive first look at the brand new FUJIFILM X-H2S camera. Johnnie met with FUJIFILM’s Victor Ha to talk to him about what this new camera can do, what sets it apart, and who it is for. Also, Victor gave us a sneak peek into their new lens. Watch the interview above, or browse through the article for all the updates! Also, for a quick overview of the specs, you can read our article here.

The FUJIFILM X-H2S has been in the making for over 2 years and is aimed at motion production professionals who shoot narratives, documentaries, and commercial video work. This camera is a great option for a tighter budget, as it will be available for only $2,499.95.

The company decided to stick with the mirrorless body because FUJIFILM is known for great ergonomics and familiarity with its button and dial layout.

Key features

The main new feature of the new FUJIFILM X-H2S is internal ProRes recording in 3 flavors (ProRes HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes LT). Answering customer feedback, FUJIFILM decided to implement internal ProRes recording in order to cut down on transcoding time. ProRes is an edit-friendly codec that doesn’t need much power from your computer to work with.

The second great new feature is 6.2K Open Gate recording: it records the entire 3:2 sensor which is great when you use anamorphic lenses, for example.

Thirdly, the autofocus has been upgraded to take full advantage of the new stacked BSI (backside illuminated) sensor and the new processor. Combined with an enhanced algorithm, these new components allow for better autofocus tracking of people and things.

Another feature worth mentioning is the two types of external raw recording – ProRes Raw on Atomos devices and Blackmagic RAW on Blackmagic recorders.

The FUJIFILM X-H2S can record internally 6.2K up to 30p, 4K up to 120p, and up to 240 frames per second in HD.

New cooling accessory

According to FUJIFILM’s thorough testing, the camera can record for 80 minutes in direct sunlight before a high-temperature warning will pop up on the camera display, keeping in mind different shooting environments. In case you plan on stressing the camera (or want to be on the safe side), FUJIFILM is also releasing an additional cooling accessory. This accessory includes an actively powered fan that screws to the back of the camera and is powered by pogo pins on the back of the camera.

This accessory will not be included with the camera and will be an optional purchase.

New F-Log2 Picture Profile

In order to make use of the new sensor and processor, there is a new flat picture profile called F-Log2, which extends the Dynamic Range up to 14 stops. We will make sure to verify this with our own lab test soon. The camera can process the data in 14bit and then records it to a 10bit codec onto the memory card. Because of the new components, noise and signal are processed in different ways. This results in a new base ISO for F-Log2 of 1250 ISO, compared to the base ISO for F-Log, which is 640 ISO.

For everyone who does not want to shoot Log, there is still the Eterna film simulation, which is not as flat as F-Log but allows for great flexibility without the need to color grade heavily.

Victor also teased a new film simulation coming soon to FUJIFILM cameras, but no name or details have been announced.

Audio

The X-H2S includes both 3,5mm microphone and headphone jacks, which is a huge upgrade from the X-T4, which had a USB-C port, that could either provide power or allow for audio monitoring with a dongle. The audio performance is the same as the X-T4 and the new X-H2S will also be compatible with the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR Audio Adapter.

Battery life

FUJIFILM decided to keep the NP-W235 battery for the new X-H2S and you will be able to record in 4K 24p for one hour continuously using one battery.

In addition, there will be a battery grip available for the X-H2S and you can also power the camera using a power bank or other external USB-C source.

Wooden Camera accessories

FUJIFILM worked closely with Wooden Camera to release a custom camera cage for the X-H2S camera which gives you lots of mounting points for accessories and a top handle.

Wooden Camera will also offer a battery dummy with a pigtail cable which you can use to power the camera from a V-Mount battery or other power sources.

Another welcome accessory from Wooden Camera is a new stainless steel X-series to PL-mount adapter which will bring strong support for even heavier (anamorphic) cinema lenses.

Other notes

The camera can record 6.2K and 4K in ProRes (HQ, 422, and LT) and you will be able to simultaneously record a low-resolution HD ProRes proxy to the same CFexpress card.

At launch, there will be no option to de-squeeze the image from anamorphic lenses in the camera but this feature is on FUJIFILM’s roadmap.

The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) of the camera is a 5.69 million dot display with a higher refresh rate and more clarity, compared to the X-T4. The Diopter range remains the same.

New FUJINON XF 18-120mm f/4 lens

Victor also gave us a look at the new FUJINON XF 18-120mm f/4 lens which has been produced in cooperation with the FUJINON broadcast lens division. This lens features a power zoom rocker on the side of the lens, which can also be used for focusing. You can set the zoom speed and range of the zoom in the camera and the lens is said to be parfocal and have minimal focus breathing.

The new FUJINON XF 18-120mm f/4 features a constant aperture throughout the entire zoom range and will be available for $899.95.

Pricing

The FUJIFILM X-H2S will be available as body-only, so the customers can choose, whether they want to buy FUJINON XF lenses or use adapters and get cinema lenses instead. The price of the FUJIFILM X-H2S is $2,499,95.

The price of the cooling accessory for the FUJIFILM X-H2S is set to $199.99.

Link: FUJIFILM

What do you think about the new FUJIFILM X-H2S camera? Are you planning on buying this camera or are you waiting for the X-T5? We love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!