Fujifilm X-H1 Review

The Fujifilm X-H1 is the newest and most advanced X Series mirrorless camera family member. It is positioned at the top of the line, above the X-T2 and the X-Pro2.

The X-H1 offers a comprehensive specification, including in-body image stabilization, which is a first for a Fujifilm camera. This is something that you would expect from a camera that is geared at severe amateur photographers, professionals, and videographers alike.

It shares a lot of technology with its brothers, so the issue is whether the X-H1 delivers enough unique features to separate itself from the rest of the Fujifilm X Series line. So let’s look at this thing more closely…

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Fujifilm X-H1 Features

It was with the X-Pro2 that we first saw Fujifilm’s 24.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III CMOS sensor. Since then, this sensor has been included in other Fujifilm cameras, such as the X-T2, the X-T20, and the X100F. In addition, it is used in the Fujifilm X-H1.

It is a sensor that has certainly impressed us in the past, but the relatively modest ISO range of 200-12,800 (expandable to 100-51,200) seems a little conservative in comparison to some potential rivals; for example, the Nikon D500 has an extended sensitivity range that reaches an ISO equivalent of 1,640,000.

Fujifilm X-H1 Build Quality

The X-H1 is dust-proof and water-resistant. In addition, it is meant to function well in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, which is what you would expect from a camera that is marketed toward both severe amateur photographers and working professionals. It is comparable to the X-T2 in these regards; however, to highlight the professional credentials of the X-H1, the magnesium alloy used for the shell of the X-H1 is 25% thicker than the magnesium alloy used for the surface of the X-T2. In addition, it features a high-quality scratch-resistant coating.

The X-H1 is a hybrid camera that takes its design cues from the X-T2 and the medium-format GFX 50S. The most obvious influence of the GFX 50S is the pronounced handgrip, which can be found on the X-H1. This provides a far more satisfying grip than the X-T2, particularly if you want to shoot for extended periods.

Fujifilm X-H1 Autofocus

The Fujifilm X-H1 utilizes the same hybrid autofocus system (featuring both phases- and contrast-detection AF) as the X-T2, but Fujifilm has tweaked the AF algorithm to enhance the performance even further, and it has also improved the sensitivity of the phase-detection AF; it is now sensitive down to light levels as low as -1EV, compared to -0.5EV on the X-T2, and this is complemented by the

Additionally, suppose you use or are planning to use teleconverters with moderately slow lenses, such as the XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. The good news is that the minimum aperture has been expanded from f/8 to f/11 on the X-H1, allowing phase-detection autofocus to be used even at slow apertures. The bad news is that this means that the teleconverter you use will need to be compatible with

Fujifilm X-H1 Performance

As Fujifilm’s flagship camera, you would expect the X-H1 to provide some performance benefits over cameras lower down the line. However, the X-H1 has the same burst shooting rates as the X-T2, which is maybe a bit surprising considering the X-status. H1’s

Both cameras have the capability of shooting at eight frames per second when the mechanical shutter is chosen, and when an SDHC UHS-II card is attached, they can record 31 raw files that have been compressed at this rate. However, compared to the Nikon D500, which can take 200 raw files compressed at ten frames per second (granted, with an XQD card), the Fujifilm X-H1 appears to be a somewhat unremarkable camera.

When using the electronic shutter, the Fujifilm X-H1 can shoot up to 14 frames per second (for 27 raw files). However, when the optional VPB-XH1 battery grip is added to the equation, the camera’s burst rate climbs to an impressive 11 frames per second.

Fujifilm X-H1 Image Quality

The image quality of the Fujifilm X-H1 is not inferior to that of other cameras in the X Series because it utilizes the same 24.3-megapixel X-Trans III CMOS sensor. On the contrary, we have found in the past that this is one of the best APS-C sensors available; it performs a fantastic job of resolving detail, and the captured colors are difficult to criticize in any way.

Although it is somewhat disheartening to find that the relatively conservative ISO range compared to specific competitors, the X-H1 more than makes up for this shortcoming with how effectively it handles noise. Images captured at the lower end of the sensitivity range display are apparent; you will need to scrutinize them to find any evidence of luminance (grain-like) noise in areas of flat, blocked color.

When you reach ISO3200 and then again at ISO6400 and ISO12,800, you’ll notice that colors get a little less saturated, and chroma (color) noise becomes more apparent. However, luminance noise doesn’t become much of an issue until you reach that ISO setting.

Fujifilm X-H1 Specs

Body type	SLR-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Image ratio w h	1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	X-Processor Pro
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	X-Trans
Image
ISO	Auto, 200-12800 (expands to 100-51200)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	100
Boosted ISO (maximum)	51200
White balance presets	7
Custom white balance	Yes (3 slots)
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
CIPA image stabilization rating	5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Fujifilm RAF, 14-bit)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	325
Lens mount	Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Tilting
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live View	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	1.13× (0.75× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution	3,690,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/32000 sec
Exposure modes	ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual
Built-in flash	No (Small external flash included)
External flash	Yes
Flash modes	Auto, standard, slow sync, manual, commander
Flash X sync speed	1/250 sec
Drive modes	PanoramaAdvancedSingle shot continuous L/M/HBracketVideo
Continuous drive	14.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Modes	4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.0
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone or wired remote)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	310
Weight (inc. batteries)	673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
Dimensions	140 x 97 x 86 mm (5.51 x 3.82 x 3.39″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Fujifilm X-H1 Verdict

The Fujifilm X-H1 is undoubtedly the company’s most cutting-edge X Series camera due to its extensive collection of newly developed and improved capabilities. These include the introduction of an EVF with brilliantly high resolution, sophisticated 4K video recording, touchscreen control, and an overall sturdier design. In addition, IBIS has arrived.

This last aspect may be what keeps the X-H1 from captivating our imagination in quite the same manner as many of the X Series cameras that came before it, notably the X-T2. The substantially thicker body of the X-H1 will surely appeal to certain people, and it should assist it in balancing better when used with more extensive and longer lenses. However, because of its size, it loses part of the X Series DNA that has made cameras like the X-T2 a solid favorite among photographers.

Fujifilm X-H1 Pros & Cons