The Fujifilm X-H2S is probably one of the most anticipated Fujifilm cameras and it doesn’t disappoint! It is also Fujifilm’s most advanced and capable APS-C mirrorless camera. It features a new 5th generation X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor and X-Processor 5. Photographers and filmmakers alike can now create at the pace of life and the speed of their imaginations.

Intro to Fujifilm X-H2S

The X-H2S brings more speed and power than ever before in a Fujifilm X-series camera. The new stacked sensor and processor allow for incredible speed of up to 40fps when using the electronic shutter.

Key Features:

• 26MP APS-C Stacked CMOS sensor with X-Trans color filter pattern
• Continuous shooting at up to 40fps with no blackout (15fps with mechanical shutter)
• Improved AF tracking and subject recognition AF
• 10-bit HEIF output (ideal for true HDR capture)
• Image stabilization rated at up to 7 stops
• 6.2K ‘open-gate’ video from sensor’s full 3:2 region
• DCI or UHD 4K video from full width, up to 60p
• Slow-mo DCI or UHD 4K from up to 120fps capture (with crop)
• Choice of codecs including ProRes HQ, Std and LT options
• F-Log 2 from 14-bit readout gives additional dynamic range
• 5.76M dot OLED viewfinder with 0.8x magnification and up to 120fps refresh
• CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD slots
• Optional cooling fan for longer video capture times
• Choice of two optional grips, the VG-XH battery grip and FT-XH file transmitter

Improved Features

Buttons

The shutter buttons general feel has been adjusted to improve useability when half pressed. This allows you to release the shutter exactly when you want to.

There is now a standalone Rec button which makes the experience of video recording with a Vari-angle LCD screen a lot more pleasant. It also helps to keep video and photo operation seperate.

The shutter button’s durability has been optimized to withstand 500,000 uses during performance and quality testing.

Dual Memory Card Slots

Same as the X-H1 there are dual memory card slots but this time the X-H2S features 1x UHS-II SD card slot and 1x CFExpress Type-B slot. You can now draw out the full capability of the cameras fast, continuous stills shooting and video performance with the high-speed data processing of CFExpress Type-B cards.

Improved Video Recording

Before we forget this is a hybrid camera, so it needs to be able to offer more than just high speed and impressive photo shooting. We see the video improvement in the X-H2S take Fujifilm as a camera brand to new heights in the video world. The Fujifilm X-H2S offers internal 10-bit 4:2:2, ProRes 422 and ProRes HQ recording. Externally (through its Full sized HDMI port), it can record ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW.

To record ProRes RAW you will need to use either the ATOMOS Ninja V or Ninja V+. To make use of the Blackmagic RAW you will need to use the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G. Both the 5″ and 7″ will work, the size is just preference to your shooting style.

We also see the introduction of F-Log2, which Fujifilm have claimed can provide up to 14+ stops of dynamic range.

Recording times

Up to 90 minutes of record time can be internally recorded with a single battery (NP-W235) at a wide range of resolutions and frame rates. up to 6.2K/30p in Open Gate 3:2, 4K/120p and Full HD/240p.

X-H2S meets FPV

Dunedin production company Double Vision had the privilege of putting the X-H2S to the test in some real life situations. They built an FPV drone to hold the X-H2S and shot mountain bikers on FPV, gimbal, tripod and handheld.

Checkout the full video below as well as a BTS making of the film.

BTS, the making of…

Internal Recording modes

The X-H2S digital camera supports internal recording of 4:2:2, 10-bit Apple ProRes HQ/ ProRes 422/ ProRes LT, and ProRes 422 Proxy at resolutions of up to 6.2K/30P and 4:2:2, 10-bit h.265 videos in frame rates as fast as 4K/120P and FHD/ 240p. ProRes will require the use of a CFexpress Type B Card.

File size, Frame rate, Bitrate

• [6.2K(3:2)] 6240 x 4160 | 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p | 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps
• [DCI4K(17:9)] 4096 x 2160 | 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p | 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps
• [4K(16:9)] 3840 x 2160 | 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p | 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps
• [Full HD(17:9)] 2048 x 1080 | 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p | 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps
• [Full HD(16:9)] 1920 x 1080 | 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p | 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps
• [DCI4K(17:9) High speed rec.] 4096 x 2160 | 120p/100p | 720Mbps(recording)/360Mbps(recording)/200Mbps(recording)
• [4K(16:9) High speed rec.] 3840 x 2160 | 120p/100p | 720Mbps(recording)/360Mbps(recording)/200Mbps(recording)
• [Full HD(17:9) High speed rec.] 2048 x 1080 | 240p/200p/120p/100p | 720Mbps(recording)/360Mbps(recording)/200Mbps(recording)
• [Full HD(16:9) High speed rec.] 1920 x 1080 | 240p/200p/120p/100p | 720Mbps(recording)/360Mbps(recording)/200Mbps(recording)

• *For recording movies, use a CFexpress Type B card or SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher.
• *For recording movies in 360Mbps, use a CFexpress Type B card or SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher.
• *For recording movies in 720Mbps, use a CFexpress Type B card or SD memory card with Video Speed Class 90 or higher.
• *Selectable bitrate will be changed depends on the setting.
• *Apple ProRes codec can be only recorded to CFexpress Type B card
• *Bitrate for Apple ProRes codec is not selectable.
• *Recording time can become short depending on the temperature and/or shooting conditions

Decreased rolling shutter

The sensor’s readout speed of 1/180 seconds when recording helps minimize rolling shutter on moving subjects or when the camera itself is moving. A heat-dissipating design brings the 4K/60P continuous video recording time to approximately 240 minutes, while the optional FAN-001 cooling fan accessory assists with maintaining similar levels of performance in high-temperature conditions.

Accessories

Fujifilm released a few accessories for the camera. We see there is a removable fan to help with any over-heating issues, 2x vertical battery grips and a cover kit.

FAN-001 Cooling Fan

A removable cooling fan. This was an interesting choice by Fujifilm. Instead of internally building a fan you can buy it as an accessory to take on and off and use when you please. It keeps the size and weight of the camera down being able to add it on when needed. It clips onto the back of the LCD screen and is powered by the camera.

VG-XH Vertical Battery Grip

Like with the other X-series flagship cameras there is a vertical battery grip that allows for easy use when switching from landscape to portrait shooting. It also allows you to add 2x extra NP-W235 batteries for longer shooting periods. The grip also features a mode switch where you can switch between Regular, Eco and Boost mode for the high intensity shooting situations or when you want to preserve battery as much as possible.

FT-XH File Transmitter

The file transmitter grip features a Ethernet and USB port for Tether shooting, Live streaming or fast file transmitting to your computer. It can also hold up to 2x NP-W235 batteries.

CVR-XH Cover Kit

Because we know how many times we loose the small bits and covers of the camera when out in the field shooting. You now can buy the protective covers separately in case you lose or damage them.

Photogear Availability of Fujifilm X-H2S

The Fujifilm X-H2S is available for Order or Pre-Order now with Photogear. We are expecting stock to arrive early July 2022. All pre-orders will receive a FREE Smallrig cage for the X-H2S.

Browse all new Fujifilm releases for the X-H2S: https://photogear.co.nz/new/fujifilm-new/