Fujifilm X-H2S

The X-H2S brings with it a number of upgrades for Fujifilm’s X series, including a faster processor, a stacked image sensor and improvements to its burst mode and autofocus algorithm, designed to take it a step further in the high-speed photography market.

Introduction

Fujifilm recently unveiled the latest update to its X series mirrorless camera: the Fujifilm X-H2S.

The X-H2S marks the fifth generation of the series and comes with the new X-Trans CMOS 5 HS stacked image sensor and X-processor 5. It also has significant improvements in burst mode and autofocus, as Fujifilm’s goal is to push. More high-speed cameras on the market.

I had the opportunity to test my camera before Fujifilm’s launch event this May. Samples of all images shared in this review were shot in a prototype version of the camera.

Design and display

• X-H2S is lightweight but still durable
• It has fewer physical dials and switches than its predecessor
• Fujifilm added support for the CFexpress card

The Fujifilm X-H2S measures 136.3 x 84.6 x 92.9mm and weighs 660g, making it a relatively compact and lightweight camera. I had no problem carrying the X-H2S and found that it puts significantly less pressure on my arm than some flagship mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z9.

The X-H2S has a large textured grip designed to support larger lenses, which helps the camera feel secure in my hand even without a strap. It has more durable buttons than the X-T4, with a weatherproof design that catches up well to sudden heavy rain while wandering around London’s Covent Garden.

It also has five-axis in-body image stabilization with a 7.0-stop feature to support hand-held sports and low-light photography.

The camera features a 0.5-inch OLED color electronic viewfinder with a 5.76-million-dot resolution, 0.8x magnification and 120fps frame rate.

There is also a 3-inch LCD touch display with a 1.62-million dot resolution that can be rotated and tilted while shooting at different angles, which I found to be bright and responsive.

The X-H2S has fewer dials and switches than the X-T4 before, and more customization options have been pushed into the camera. I appreciate the reduction in the number of physical buttons because it makes the physical design of the camera feel much smoother with just the necessary controls on the display.

As far as connectivity goes, there’s an HDMI Type-A input, a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone and mic jack. In addition to the CFexpress Type B, there are two memory card slots with support for ordinary UHS-II SD cards.

Performance and features

• There is a new processor and image sensor that offers improvements across the board
• The camera has a 40fps blackout-free burst mode
• Subject-recognition AF can identify modes of transport as well as humans and animals

The X-H2S is powered by Fujifilm’s new processor and image sensor pairing: X-Processor 5 and X-Trans CMOS 5 HS.

The X-Processor 5 aims to improve image quality, reduce power consumption, and increase camera performance compared to previous X-Series shooters.

It also brings support for the HEIF file format, which is smaller than JPEGS without compromising on quality, but they do present some challenges for PCs. I got it by uploading images to my Mac, but PC users will probably need a third-party program like Photoshop or convert the camera to read files.

Meanwhile, the X-Trans CMOS 5 HS is a stacked 26.15-megapixel sensor that offers faster performance than CMOS 4, with a 40fps blackout-free burst mode and the ability to record video at 6K / 30p or 4K /. 120p

I found the images shot on camera to be bright and sharp, with bright colors and a decent amount of contrast in the show.

The hands-on environment made it difficult to truly test burst mode, as there were no fast moving vehicles or animals around. You will have to wait for our full review for the final verdict.

I did, however, get a decent feeling for autofocus in my time with the X-H2S.

The camera saw improvements in AF performance and algorithms, making it 3 times faster than the X-T4 and better overall overall for running things. Subject-recognition AF makes it possible for cameras to identify and track cars, motorcycles, planes and trains, as well as people and animals.

I noticed that the AF slowly made its way through Central London to people and cars and did a decent job of following them throughout the frame. I was particularly impressed with how quickly it was able to detect and track human faces.

The camera works equally fast on other things like flowers and symbols, though it doesn’t always understand exactly where I want it. Fortunately, the touchscreen is easy enough to adjust the focus and also has a joystick to set the focus points.

The X-H2S includes an NP-W235 Li-on battery, which Fujifilm claims will keep you up all day, although I won’t be able to confirm this for hours or so after spending time with the camera.

For those who want to upgrade the camera’s battery life up to 3x or increase performance in warmer climates, the company is releasing a vertical battery grip and a file transmitter grip accessory.