The Fujifilm X-H1 is a new mirrorless camera part of the X Series. It has been placed at the top of the series, above both the X-T2 and the X-Pro2.
The X-H1 features a comprehensive specification, which you would expect from a camera aimed at severely enthusiast photographers, professionals, and videographers alike. This camera is also the first Fujifilm camera to feature in-body image stabilization, which is an industry first.
It does share a lot of technology with its brothers, so the issue is whether or not the X-H1 delivers sufficient new features to separate itself from the rest of the Fujifilm X Series line. Let’s have a more in-depth look…
Fujifilm X-H1 Features
The 24.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III CMOS sensor is used in the Fujifilm X-H1, the same sensor used in the company’s X-Pro2 back in 2016, and which has subsequently been used in other Fujifilm cameras such as the X-T2, the X-T20, and the X100F.
It is a sensor that has certainly impressed us in the past. Still, the relatively modest ISO range of 200-12,800 (expandable to 100-51,200) appears slightly conservative compared to some potential competitors. For example, the Nikon D500 has an extended sensitivity range that reaches an ISO equivalent of 1,640,000.
While Fujifilm’s engineers may have taken it easy in the sensor area, they have worked hard on other aspects of the X-H1. The most exciting development is the inclusion of image stabilization built directly into the camera’s body (IBIS for short).
Fujifilm consumers have been forced to make do with a limited selection of optically stabilized Fujinon lenses due to the lack of sensor-shift anti-shake technology found in mirrorless cameras produced by Sony, Panasonic, and Olympus.
Fujifilm X-H1 Build Quality
The X-H1 is both dust-proof and water-resistant. It is meant to work in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, which is what you would expect from a camera marketed for serious photography fans and professionals. It is comparable to the X-T2 in these regards; however, to emphasize 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. 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 prominent handgrip is a carryover from the GFX 50S, which inspired the X-design. H1’s When compared to the X-T2, this provides a lot more satisfying grip, which is essential if you want to shoot for extended periods.
The 1.28-inch LCD that can be seen on the top of the camera is another feature taken from the GFX 50S. This displays all of the critical shooting information, but it does so at the expense of the dedicated exposure compensation dial on the X-T2; instead, there is a little exposure comp button next to the shutter release, and, just as we discovered when shooting with the GFX 50S, it’s a little bit awkward to use this in conjunction with the rear command dial.
Fujifilm X-H1 Autofocus
The Fujifilm X-H1 uses the same hybrid autofocus system (featuring both phase- and contrast-detection AF) as the X-T2. Still, Fujifilm has tweaked the AF algorithm to enhance performance further. Additionally, Fujifilm has 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.
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 at slow apertures. The bad news is that this means that the teleconverter you use may not be compatible with the
Fujifilm X-H1 Performance
You would expect Fujifilm’s flagship camera, the X-H1, to give some performance benefits over cameras lower down the line. However, possibly to your surprise, the X-H1 has the same burst shooting rates as the X-T2, which is a bit disappointing.
Both cameras can shoot at a rate of 8 frames per second when the mechanical shutter is chosen, and when an SDHC UHS-II card is attached, they can record 31 compressed raw files at this rate.
Compared to the Nikon D500, which can shoot 200 compressed raw files at ten frames per second (granted, with an XQD card), the Fujifilm X-H1 seems to have a more pedestrian level of performance.
If you choose to use the electronic shutter, the X-H1 can shoot at a rate of 14 frames per second (for 27 raw files). However, if you add the optional VPB-XH1 battery grip to the equation, the camera’s burst rate increases to 11 frames per second when using the mechanical shutter.
Fujifilm X-H1 Image Quality
Image quality is not compromised by the fact that the Fujifilm X-H1 utilizes the same 24.3-megapixel X-Trans III CMOS sensor as the rest of the X Series cameras. This is one of the most excellent APS-C sensors available, as we have discovered in the past. It performs an excellent job of resolving detail, and the captured colors are challenging to criticize.
The X-very H1’s limited ISO range is rather disappointing compared to some of its competitors; nevertheless, the camera more than makes up for this shortcoming with its excellent noise reduction capabilities.
Images captured at the lower end of the sensitivity range display are apparent; to find evidence of luminance (grain-like) noise in areas of flat, blocked color, you will need to examine the image in great detail.
When you reach ISO3200, and again when you go to ISO6400 and ISO12,800, you’ll notice that colors get a little less saturated, and chroma (color) noise becomes more noticeable than before. The only time luminance noise becomes a problem is when you reach ISO3200.
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 shotContinuous 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 most sophisticated X Series camera, thanks to various new and improved capabilities. However, because of its size, it loses some essential X Series DNA that has helped cameras like the X-T2 become fan favorites. It’s a decent camera, but it doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to becoming superb.
