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Fujifilm X-H1 Review

Fujifilm X-H1 Review

Mirrorless system cameras are very much in vogue and have ensured that Fujifilm has returned to the interchangeable lens camera business. The retro-style X-system camera convinces not only with its successful design, but also with the use of APS-C sensors and high-quality lenses. With the top of the range model, the X-H1, Fujifilm has a hot iron in the fire. We have extensively tested this “photo iron” with the XF 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR.

Short evaluation

Pros

  • Good colour rendering
  • Bracket function with +/-12 EV
  • Fast autofocus
  • Ergonomic housing

Cons

  • Touchscreen cannot be used in all menus
  • Right energy hungry
  • Quite massive housing
  • Functions often hidden unnecessarily in the menu.

The housing of the X-H1 has been redesigned and is made of a 25 percent thicker magnesium alloy than the X-T2, which means greater stability. The robustness is underlined by the dust and splash water protection as well as the particularly hard and therefore scratch-resistant surface coating. In addition, the camera is frost-resistant to -10 °C. At the suggestion of professional photographers, Fujifilm wants to have optimized the operability of the X series at a total of 19 points. This includes the much more pronounced handle, with which the X-H1 should lie better and safer in the hand than all other X system cameras. In addition, the buttons on the back of the camera have been enlarged and the grip of the dials improved. An AF-On button on the back and a focus lever for convenient adjustment of the focus point are now helpful.

Fujifilm X-H1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1 with XF 18-55 mm. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The X-H1 with XF 16-55 mm complement each other both in terms of quality and design.

 

Fujifilm X-H1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1 socket terminal. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The 24 megapixel APS-C sensor of the X-H1 is already known from the X-Pro2 and X-T2: It is the X-Trans CMOS III with its special color filter arrangement, which resembles the film grain and makes a low pass filter superfluous. But Moirés should not be there. In addition, phase autofocus points are integrated on the sensor, which are now already light-sensitive from -1 EV and not only from 0.5 EV. This means that F11 can still be used to focus open apertures, for example the 100-400 mm with double teleconverter, which has F11 instead of F5.6 as open aperture at the long end of the focal length through the converter. Furthermore, the autofocus should now be able to focus better on fine structures such as fur, and Fujifilm also wants to have improved the performance of the continuous autofocus (AF-C), especially when zooming.

Fujifilm X-H1 closure unit. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1 recoil spring. [Photo: Fujifilm]

For the first time in an X system camera, the image sensor for image stabilization is movably mounted. Up to 5.5 f-stops longer exposure times should be possible without blurring. Three axial accelerometers and three axial gyro sensors are designed to accurately measure blur, and the dual processor calculates the necessary compensation 10,000 times per second. Furthermore, thanks to laser technology, the sensor should be aligned absolutely parallel to the image plane.

The powerful X-Processor Pro is designed for fast data processing of photos and videos. This allows videos to be recorded in 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second and stored at high quality of 200 Mbps. In Full HD, 120 frames per second allow up to 5x slow motion. Furthermore, the X-H1 has time code and F-Log recording directly to the SD card, the dynamic range should be around twelve f-stops. Fujifilm also emphasizes the high sound quality of the built-in stereo microphone, which operates at 24 bit / 48 KHz.

Fujifilm Portrait Handle VPG-XH1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1 with VPG-XH1 portrait handle. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1.with portrait handle VPB-XH1 and XF18-55 mm. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1 with portrait handle. [Photo: Fujifilm]

For continuous shooting, a flicker reduction mode is intended to improve exposure in artificial light. The film simulation modes are also on board, with the new Eterna mode offering subtle colour reproduction with detailed depths, giving the user plenty of creative freedom in post-production. Furthermore, Fujifilm has optimized the shutter to be vibration-free and particularly quiet. In addition, an electronic first shutter curtain can be activated, but a silent electronic release is also possible. The photos are stored on SD cards, with the dual slot of the X-H1 recording two of them at once. The camera also has a WLAN connection. This enables remote control and wireless transmission of images.

The chassis blank. The chassis of the X-H1 is made of a magnesium alloy and gives an idea of how robust the camera is. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The mobile monitor of the X-H1 has a resolution of 1.04 million pixels and a very precise touch function. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Fujifilm X-H1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

A highlight of the X-H1 is the improved electronic viewfinder. It offers 0.75x magnification in 35mm equivalent and resolves fine 3.7 million pixels. The repetition rate of 100 frames per second is intended to ensure a smooth display, with a delay of only 0.005 seconds. The rear 7.6-centimeter screen with a resolution of 1.04 million pixels is somewhat more conventional. But it’s a touch screen that can be swivelled up, down and to the side or folded down. In addition, the shoulder display was taken from the GFX 50S medium format camera. It displays the most important acquisition parameters on a diagonal of 3.25 centimetres.

Fujifilm offers the VBP-XH1 portrait format battery handle as an optional accessory or as a set with the camera. It is also dust- and splash-proof and offers two more battery places in addition to the one in the camera. This should expand the recording capacity to 900 photos. In addition, a boost mode can be activated on the handle, which increases the performance of the camera in many respects. For example, the already short dark time is shortened for continuous shooting. In addition, the continuous shooting rate increases, the autofocus becomes faster and 4K video shots are possible with 30 minutes at a time. In addition to the portrait shutter release, the battery handle provides additional controls such as a focus lever, AE-L button, AF On button, control dial, Fn button and Q button. Additional connections are also available: a headphone socket and a power supply socket, whereby the power supply is included in the scope of delivery. It recharges the two batteries of the handle within two hours.

Ergonomics and workmanship

The Fujifilm X-H1 with the XF 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR is much, but by no means a dainty camera. This is also heavy with 14 cm width, 9 cm height and about 8.6 cm depth. The weight of the camera is about 660 grams including memory card and battery. Together with the XF 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR, the camera weighs in at just under 1.3 kilograms. Fortunately, Fujifilm has succeeded in giving the X-H1 a really handy handle. The recessed grips are deep enough to accommodate medium-sized hands. In addition, there is a really lavishly proportioned thumb recess on the back. Despite these ergonomic aids, it is advisable to hold the camera securely with both hands.

The magnesium alloy housing makes a valuable and very robust impression. The “leathering” consists mainly of a pleasantly soft rubber with leather embossing. Only the left and right flaps are made of plastic. However, the difference to the softer rubber coating cannot be seen. The X-H1 proved that the camera not only gives the impression of robustness during testing, when it was exposed to a short rain shower during a photo excursion. With 94 seals, the X-H1 is protected against splash water and dust.

A closer look at the camera reveals a large number of functional elements. The shutter release button, on/off switch, and exposure-compensation button are located on the top of the camera. On the other hand, the two large swivel wheels that can be fixed by pressure switches and the monochrome OLED info display dominate the upper side. While the left wheel is for ISO sensitivity, the photographer can adjust the exposure time on the right wheel. Selector switches are located below the large rotating wheels. Below the exposure times, you will find the selection of the exposure metering mode, and below the right-hand rotary control, you will find the selection options for modes such as special effects, continuous advance, video recording, and bracketing.

The back of the camera consists of about 2/3 of a 3″ touchscreen monitor (7.5 cm). This achieves a maximum brightness of 620 Cd/m². The monitor can be folded up 90 degrees and down 45 degrees. In addition, the monitor can be unlocked and folded up to 45 degrees to the right. When folded in this way, it ensures better handling in the frog and bird’s eye view in portrait and landscape format. At first glance, this mechanism needs getting used to. In practice, however, the whole thing turned out to be surprisingly functional.

Fujifilm X-H1. [Photo: Fujifilm]

In this view, the rotating wheels and the large OLED info display are easily recognizable.

Gesture recognition on touchscreens is more common than ever with smartphones and tablets. Also the monitor of the X-H1 makes no exception here. In addition to the usual gestures for zooming in and out (pinch in and pinch out), the camera can activate and deactivate functions by wiping in one direction. The wiping goes quite well by the hand and you can quickly get used to the speed range that the wiping recognizes as command input. Other controls on the rear include a small joystick, a control pad, dedicated function keys and a small rotary knob. Another small rotary knob is located below the shutter release button on the front of the camera. An additional function key on the front and the mode switch for autofocus complete the camera controls.

The operating concept of the X-H1 is basically successful, but some settings are unnecessarily complicated. For example, when the photographer fades in a grid, he must first activate the grid in the menu and then add the grid to the display menu so that it can be displayed with the display button when switching through. The photographer has three different ways to navigate through the X-H1 menu. The first possibility is the joystick, which makes the menu entries quickly and precisely navigable. To confirm the menu item, simply press the stick briefly once. The second method is to use the control pad, which is as precise as the joystick. The third and last method is performed using the rotary knob on the handle and on the back. The front rotary knob switches through the main category of the menu and the rear rotary knob switches through the entries in the category. The selected entry is confirmed by pressing the rear rotary knob. Unfortunately, the touchscreen monitor cannot be used everywhere for menu navigation. Why Fujifilm also does without a complete integration in the X-H1 is incomprehensible. The touch screen can only be used to select functions in the “Quick Menu”. The small “Q” button on the rear panel opens the “Quick Menu”. This allows the photographer to make quick adjustments, such as changing the image format, compression or recalling a user profile. A total of seven of these can be stored.

When working, the rotary controls and the control pad are of course entrusted with other tasks. For example, the directional pad buttons contain the “shortcut” for white balance, movie simulation, and AF point selection. As is usual for cameras in this category, the X-H1 can also be individually adapted. The photographer can not only create his own menu with the functions that are important to him, but can also assign new functions to function keys, setting rings, the Quick menu and also functions for the wipe directions of the camera.

In contrast to the housing, the lens bayonet appears under-proportioned.

In addition to the monitor, an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of around 3.69 million pixels is available to the photographer. This viewfinder is pleasantly large with a 0.75x magnification factor equivalent to a small picture and is also well suited for spectacle wearers. A diopter compensation is available for minor eye defects. The eye sensor is located below the viewfinder. It is able to switch between monitor and viewfinder when there is something in its sensor area. However, this does not necessarily have to be an eye. This switch is particularly annoying when the photographer uses the “Wipe” function on the monitor and wipes it up with his finger. The chance is very high that the eye sensor will jump on and switch to the viewfinder. In principle, this is not a big problem, but it consumes more power and the camera cannot be used during the short switching time. Fortunately, this sensor can be deactivated. The photographer must then switch between the viewfinder and monitor using the small switch on the side of the viewfinder.

The flash shoe for system flash units is clearly visible on the viewfinder. Fujifilm or compatible flash units can be mounted on this. The X-H1 comes with the small EF-X8 attachable flash. This pop-up flash does not have its own power supply and settings must be made from the camera menu. Due to its design, the flash has a large distance to the optical axis of the lens. This prevents shadows on the one hand and reduces “red eyes” on the other. The flash has a flash number of about 9 at ISO 100 and a measuring distance of one meter. In addition, the photographer can connect flash units via a sync plug, the connection for which is located on the front of the camera under a screwed-in plastic hood.

The connection options of the X-H1 are manifold. In addition to the wireless WLAN connection, the photographer can transfer the images to a connected computer via USB-3.0 (Superspeed). A micro HDMI interface is available for connection to a television. There is also a 3.5 mm jack plug socket for a stereo microphone. The 2.5 mm jack plug connector is intended for the compatible but optional cable release RR-90. The two memory card slots are located on the opposite side, i.e. on the handle. Both compartments can accommodate SD form factor memory cards and SDHC, SDXC or UHS-I memory cards. In addition, both memory card slots are UHS-II compatible. If two memory cards are used, the photographer can choose from different memory management options. For example, videos and photos can be stored on different cards. It is also possible to use the second memory card as a mirrored backup.

The connection socket terminal of the X-H1 contains the microphone connection, the USB interface, the Micro-HDMI interface and the 2.5 mm connection for the cable remote control (from top to bottom). [Photo: Fujifilm]

The X-H1 is powered by a 7.2 Volt 1,200 mAh lithium ion battery (NP-W126S) in the bottom of the camera. According to Fujifilm, this will provide enough power to take about 310 pictures. On the bottom there is also a 1/4 inch thread for connection to a tripod. The thread is of course located in the optical axis of the lens. In addition, the camera has a connector for the optional battery handle (VPB-XH1). This handle has not only a portrait shutter release and a splash water protection but also contains two more batteries and a charging function that allows all three batteries (1x camera and 2x handle) to be charged at once. In addition, the handle offers a headphone output with 3.5 mm jack. The handle significantly increases the range of the camera. The use of the handle is particularly useful if the photographer wants to activate the camera’s power amplification mode. This mode “overclocks” the camera processor and generally makes the camera faster. Although this mode can also be activated without the handle, this is not recommended as the power consumption of the camera increases drastically. Without the handle, however, the X-H1 is not slow or makes a sluggish impression. However, the X-H1 doesn’t seem to be particularly energy-efficient even without activating the power-amplification mode.

We have tested the camera with the XF 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR and the lens is really fine. On the one hand it fits the X-H1 and on the other hand all the rotating rings run smoothly and the aperture switch on the lens brings back memories of analog lenses. At just under 680 grams, however, it is not a lightweight. How the camera-lens combination performed in the image quality test is explained in the “Image Quality” section of this test report.

Equipment

According to Fujifilm, the “H” in the type designation stands for “High Performance”. This makes Fujifilm not only fixed to the speed. The photographer searches for motive programs in vain and even semi-automatic machines are not visible on any of the setting wheels. Fujifilm takes a different approach when selecting operating modes. The auto mode is marked with a red “A” on the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed dials. On the XF 16-55 mm lens, the setting behind aperture 22 is also marked red on the aperture ring. Each “red” position means that the value is determined by the camera. This allows the photographer to switch from one semi-automatic machine to the next at any time and quickly switch to manual mode. But what to do if you use a lens that doesn’t have an aperture ring? Then the aperture can be easily adjusted by turning the small front wheel. The set aperture values can then be seen on the viewfinder/monitor. Of course, an automatic aperture control can also be set for such lenses.

On the bottom of the camera you can see the tripod thread and the rubber cover that protects the connectors for the battery handle.

The operating modes are switched on the X-H1 via the left-hand selector switch below the ISO setting. Here the photographer can call up the panorama function and also the special effects. Special effects include classics such as the miniature effect, blur or selective color, and many more. However, it is not possible to incorporate special effects into the images during playback. The switch also has the continuous-advance function with three speed levels. These range from 3 to 14 frames per second and can be adjusted per setting. In addition, an extensive exposure series function is available. This enables bracketing with a maximum of nine shots and an exposure distance of three EV. That makes at the end then maximum +/- 12 f-stops exposure distance. This switch is also used to switch to the video function. The concept of these ring-shaped switches for selecting different operating modes and the exposure measurement method makes sense. Unfortunately the snap-in points of the switches feel spongy and it is recommended to fix the upper selection wheels for ISO and exposure time with a push button. Otherwise there is a danger that the settings will be changed unintentionally.

Fujifilm also doesn’t blur with the video function and so the X-H1 can take 4K shots with 4,096 x 2,160 and 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. However, only the lower resolution (3,840 x 2,160) achieves 30 frames and a maximum of 200 MBit per second. FullHD (1,920 x 1,080) allows a maximum of 60 frames per second at a maximum data rate of 100 MBit per second. Slow motion shooting can be performed at a maximum of 120 frames per second in Full HD resolution. The camera can also write a video timecode and an F log to the memory card during recording. The sound recording is recorded via the automatically or manually adjustable internal stereo microphone. Alternatively, a microphone with a 3.5 mm jack plug can be plugged into the camera if the internal 24 Bit / 45 KHz microphone is no longer sufficient.

The XF 16-55 mm is not the smallest lens, but it delivers excellent image results.

For Fujifilm, it is a question of tradition to give one’s own analogue film material a place in one’s own digital cameras. The X-H1 is no exception and offers the photographer film simulations of legendary Fujifilm films. The Provia is used as the camera’s default setting. But also the legendary slide film Velvia with its natural colour rendering is part of the game, as well as the soft Astia. Even studio films like the NS160 made it into the film simulations in two variations. As Pro Neg standard for soft portraits and as version with harder contrast than Pro Neg Hi. New in the X-H1 is the film simulation for video recordings. Here the photographer has at his disposal the simulation of the Eterna film material, which is characterised by soft colours and a good shade tone.

Like other Fujifilm system cameras, the X-H1 also works with a so-called hybrid AF system. This means that the recording sensor has both a contrast autofocus system and a phase AF system. While the contrast autofocus covers the entire field of view, the AF phase is limited to a large area around the center of the image. A total of 325 AF points are available to the photographer, arranged in a 25 x 13 grid. In addition, autofocus points can be combined to form areas. These can then be positioned using the joystick or touchscreen. Object tracking is also available. This works much better than the recently tested X-T100 (see further links). The speed of the camera together with the lens can be seen. With 0.18 seconds focusing in wide-angle and 0.3 seconds in telephoto, the X-H1 is clearly not one of the “lame ducks”.

The IBIS (In Body Image Stabilisation), an integrated image stabiliser that moves the sensor, celebrates a premiere in the X series. Until now, Fujifilm’s image stabilizer was traditionally located in the lens. The stabilizer of the X-H1 works over 5 axes and should allow up to 5.5 f-stops longer exposure times. According to the manufacturer, the dual processor calculates the necessary compensation up to 10,000 times per second and then lets the 5 axes of the stabilizer move the sensor. It is supplied with data from three axial sensors and three gyro sensors. The advantage of stabilization in the camera is that every lens – even adapted analog lenses – can be stabilized. If the mounted lens has an image stabilizer, the camera’s internal stabilizer is deactivated when the lens stabilizer is activated. Unlike other system cameras such as the Sony Alpha 7 III, the X-H1’s stabiliser is audible when shooting. With video recordings, on the other hand, only a soft, soft noise can be heard which, however, does not reach the video with normal level control.

The X-H1 in combination with the XF 16-55 mm is no handbag camera.

We found the triggering really pleasant. The mechanical lock has a pleasantly rich sound and causes only minimal vibrations in the case. In addition, the camera has an electronic shutter. Together, both shutter types can achieve exposure times from 60 seconds up to 1/32,000 second.

No modern camera today does without wireless connectivity and the X-H1 is no exception. Fujifilm offers a free app for iOS and Android, which is essential if you want to connect a smart device to your camera. The app uses the Bluetooth function to set up the camera for WLAN connection. The smart device can then be used as a Live View remote control via WLAN connection. Most camera functions are retained and can be adjusted. In addition, image and video data can be easily transferred to the smart device and distributed in social media. If the photographer wants to equip his pictures with position data (GPS), he must permanently pair the smart device with the camera via Bluetooth. With the app, however, the camera cannot be integrated into an existing WLAN network. This integration is possible, but must be done by the photographer himself in the camera. With such an integration, data can be transferred significantly faster from the camera to a computer or server.

The XF 16-55 mm is easy to handle and hold thanks to generous rings and rubber linings.

The so-called “Tethered Shooting” also supports the X-H1. Although this is not a wireless connection, it is a special type of connection between the camera and the computer. In the Tethered Shooting, the camera is connected to a computer via a USB cable and the shots taken land immediately on the computer and not on an inserted memory card. The Tethered Shooting is often used in studios and wherever the camera has a fixed setup.

Picture quality

The Fujifilm X-H1 has an APS-C CMOS sensor with a resolution of slightly more than 24 megapixels. We have tested the camera with the set lens XT 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR and have come to the following conclusions:

The sharpness drop of the lens is very low in all focal length ranges towards the edge. Even at higher aperture settings, the sharpness decreases only slightly, but the images are resharpened by the image processor. But Fujifilm has adjusted this so well that the sharpness remains stable over the aperture settings and doesn’t suddenly increase or decrease sharply. Vignetting is minimally visible in all focal lengths when the aperture is open. However, the determined curves show a small “bump” at the edge of the picture. This indicates that the camera has activated a slight vignetting correction. The lens has the maximum light fall-off at F2.8 and 55 mm focal length adjustment. This is 0.4 EV, not even half an f-stop. Also the distortion at the edges is still good. Chromatic aberrations are only slightly visible in the medium focal length.

The battery and memory card compartment are hidden under different flaps.

With the resolution the X-H1 has provided a positive surprise. The camera manages to resolve almost 61 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) in the center of the image with the aperture open at 50 percent contrast in 35mm equivalent. The resolution decreases to about 44 lp/mm with the same aperture towards the edge. At aperture 5.6, the resolution values from the center to the edge of the image are closest in all three focal lengths.

Image noise is determined by various factors. One of the most important is the signal-to-noise ratio, which is measured in decibels. Values in excess of 35 dB are preferred. The X-H1 achieves good values of about 40 dB. Only at ISO 3.200 does the critical limit of 35 dB fall below. The appearance of the image noise is also an important factor. Brightness noise is perceived by people as less disturbing than colour noise. The noise of the camera is fine-grained through the bank and the disturbing color noise is hardly visible in all ISO levels. The brightness noise only becomes visible from ISO 6.400. The image processor keeps the texture sharpness above 1.1 for a long time. Values above 1 indicate that the image processor has rotated the focus. The finest details are visible up to ISO 3,200, after which they are incorrectly recognized as noise and eliminated by noise reduction.

The input dynamics show how many f-stops the camera can handle. With the X-H1, the input dynamic is almost eleven f-stops and that’s decent. The input dynamic remains surprisingly high up to ISO 25.600 and then drops to a normal value. There is also nothing wrong with the output tone values. At ISO 100, the camera reaches almost 256 brightness levels, which is slightly less than 8-bit. The camera falls below the critical limit of 7-bit, i.e. 128 tonal gradations, at about ISO 6,400.

The color rendering of the X-H1 is very good. The camera reproduces the test chart with only minor adjustments and “defuses” only slightly too drastic magenta, cyan and green tones. The color depth is in a good range up to ISO 25,600 and reaches a maximum of 23 bit, thus about 8.39 million colors.

Bottom line

With the X-H1, Fujifilm keeps its promise of “high performance” and even delivers a switchable “power amplification mode”. However, this reduces the range of the battery noticeably. The ergonomics of the Fujifilm camera are very good, the hands quickly find their place and the photographic functions are easily accessible. Also the processing is beyond any doubt. Unfortunately, the touch screen in the menu navigation can only be used as a display. After all, the touch function works at least in the quick selection menu. Fujifilm could also polish the menu structure a little, since further functions are often stored in the depths of the menus. However, there is also the possibility to create your own menu with the functions that photographers need again and again. The range of functions for photo and video is very high, so that a proud new owner of the X-H1 will often have the manual in front of his nose. The image quality of the APS-C camera is excellent, but this is also due to the very good combination with the high-quality lens. The connection options leave nothing to be desired, regardless of whether the X-H1 is to be integrated into a WLAN with a smart device or connected to a computer via cable. All in all, with the Fujifilm X-H1 set and the XF 16-55 mm 2.8 R LM WR, the photographer gets a photographic powerhouse that will faithfully support him in every photographic situation. However, it is recommended to purchase a second battery when purchasing the camera.

Fact sheet

Fact sheet
Manufacturer Fuji film
Model X-H1
Sensor CMOS APS-C 23.6 x 15.8 mm (crop factor 1.5
)24.3 megapixels (effective)
Pixel pitch 3.9 µm
Resolution (max.) 6.000 x 3.376 (16:9)
Video (max.) 4.096 x 2.160 24p
Lens Fujifilm XF 16-55 mm F2.8 R LM WR (zoom lens)
Video viewfinder EVF, 100 % field coverage, 3,690,000 pixels resolution, 1.13x magnification (sensor related), 0.75x magnification (KB equivalent), diopter compensation (-4.0 to 2.0 dpt)
Monitor 3.0″ (7.6 cm)
Disbandment 1.040.000 pixels
tiltable yes
rotatable
swivelling yes
Touchscreen yes
AV connector HDMI Output Micro (Type D)
Fully automatic yes
Automatic motif control
Program automation yes
Program shift yes
Aperture priority yes
Aperture priority yes
Manual yes
Bulb long time exposure yes
HDR function
Panorama function yes
Exposure metering Matrix/multi-field measurement (256 fields), center-weighted integral measurement, spot measurement
fastest shutter speed 1/8.000 s
Flash included attachable flash
Synchronous time 1/250 s
Flash connection Hot shoe: Fujifilm, standard center contact
WLAN yes
NFC
GPS external, permanent smartphone connection
Remote release yes, cable release, cable release, remote control via Smartphone/Tablet
Interval shooting yes
Storage medium
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I, UHS II)
Slot 2
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I, UHS II)
Sensitivity
automatic ISO 200-12.800
manually ISO 100-51.200
White balance
automatic yes
manual measurement yes
Kelvin input yes
Fine correction yes
Autofocus yes
Number of measuring fields 325
Speed 0.18 s to 0.30 s
AF auxiliary light LED
Dimensions (mm) 140 x 97 x 86 mm
Weight (ready for operation) 671 g (housing only
)1.325 g (with lens)
Tripod socket in optical axis
Zoom
Zoom adjustment manual on lens
Battery life 310 images (according to CIPA standard)
– = “not applicable” or “not available”

Short evaluation

Pros

  • Good colour rendering
  • Bracket function with +/-12 EV
  • Fast autofocus
  • Ergonomic housing

Cons

  • Touchscreen cannot be used in all menus
  • Right energy hungry
  • Quite massive housing
  • Functions often hidden unnecessarily in the menu.

Fujifilm X-H1 Datasheet

Electronics

Sensor CMOS sensor APS-C 23.6 x 15.8 mm (crop factor 1.5
)24.3 megapixels (effective)
Pixel pitch 3.9 µm
Photo resolution
6.000 x 3.376 pixels (16:9)
4.240 x 2.832 pixels (3:2)
4.240 x 2.832 pixels (3:2)
4.240 x 2.384 pixels (16:9)
4.000 x 4.000 pixels (1:1)
3.008 x 2.000 pixels (3:2)
3.008 x 1.688 pixels (16:9)
2.832 x 2.832 pixels (1:1)
2.000 x 2.000 pixels (1:1)
Picture formats JPG, RAW
Colour depth 24 bits (8 bits per color channel), 42 bits (14 bits per color channel)
Metadata Exif (version 2.3), DCF standard
Video resolution
4.096 x 2.160 (17:9) 24 p
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 30 p
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 25 p
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 24 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 120 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 60 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 50 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 30 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 25 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 24 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 60 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 50 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 30 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 25 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 24 p
Maximum recording time 20 min
Video format
MOV (Codec H.264)
Audio format (video) PCM

Lens

Lens mount
Fujifilm XF

Focusing

Autofocus mode Phase comparison autofocus with 325 sensors, autofocus working range from 1, contrast autofocus
Autofocus Functions Single Auto Focus, Continuous Auto Focus, Area Auto Focus, Tracking Auto Focus, Manual, AFL Function, AF Assist Light (LED), Focus Peaking, Focus Magnifier
Focus control Depth of field control, dimming button, Live View

Viewfinder and Monitor

Monitor 3.0″ (7.6 cm) TFT LCD monitor with 1,040,000 pixels, anti-glare, brightness adjustable, color adjustable, tiltable, with touchscreen
Info display additional info display (top)
Video viewfinder Video viewfinder (100 % field coverage) with 3,690,000 pixels, 1.13x magnification factor, diopter compensation (-4.0 to 2.0 dpt)

Exposure

Exposure metering Center-weighted integral measurement, matrix/multi-field measurement over 256 fields, spot measurement, AF-AE coupling
Exposure times 1/8,000 to 30 s (Auto
)1/8,000 to 30 s (Manual)
1/32,000 to 30 s (Electronic Shutter)
Bulb with maximum 3,600 s Exposure Time
Exposure control Fully Automatic, Program Automatic (with Program Shift), Aperture Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual
Bracketing function Bracket function with maximum 9 shots, step size from 1/3 to 3 EV
Exposure compensation -5.0 to +5.0 EV with step size of 1/3 EV
Sensitivity to light ISO 200 to ISO 12.800 (automatic
)ISO 100 to ISO 51.200 (manual)
Remote access Remote release, cable release, cable release, remote control via smartphone/tablet
Picture effects High Key, Low Key, Miniature Effect, Monochrome, Selective Color, Sepia, Softer, Toy Camera, 2 more Image Effects
White balance Auto, Cloudy, Sun, White balance bracketing, Fine tuning, Shadow, Underwater, Fluorescent lamp with 3 presets, Incandescent light, from 2,500 to 10,000 K, Manual 3 memory locations
Color space Adobe RGB, sRGB
Continuous shooting Continuous shooting max. 14.0 fps at highest resolution and max. 40 stored photos, 14 fps max. 17 compressed raws or 23 uncompressed raws
Self-timer Self-timer with interval of 2 s, special features: or optionally 10 seconds
Timer Timer/interval recording with max. 999 recordings, start time adjustable
Shooting functions AEL function, AFL function, live histogram

Flashgun

Flash no built-in flash availableFlash shoe
: Fujifilm, standard center contactFlash connection socket
: F-plug
Flash range Flash sync time 1/250 s
Flash functions Auto, Fill-in flash, Flash on, Flash off, High speed sync, Slow sync, Flash on second shutter curtain, Red-eye reduction, Master function, Flash exposure compensation from -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV

Equipment

Image stabilizer Sensor shift (optical)
Memory
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I, UHS II)
second memory card slot
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I, UHS II)
GPS function GPS external (permanent smartphone connection)
Microphone Stereo
Power supply Power supply connection
Power supply 1 x Fujifilm NP-W126S310
images according to CIPA standard
Playback Functions Red eye retouching, crop images, image rotation, protect image, highlight / shadow warning, playback histogram, playback magnifier, image index, slide show function, zoom out
Voice memo Voice memo (PCM format)
Face recognition Face recognition
Picture parameters Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Noise Reduction
Special functions Electronic spirit level, grid display, pixel mapping, orientation sensor, live view, user profiles with 7 user profiles
Ports Data interfaces: Bluetooth, USBUSB type
:USB 3.0 SuperSpeedWLAN
: available (type: B, G, N)
AV connectors AV output: HDMI output Micro (Type D
)Audio input: yes (3.5 mm stereo microphone jack)
Audio output: no
Supported direct printing methods DPOF, Exif Print, PictBridge
Tripod socket 1/4″ in optical axis
Case Splash-proof, frost-proof up to -10 °C
Features and Miscellaneous X-PRO Image ProcessorUltrasonic Sensor Cleaning5-Axis Image StabilizerFlicker ReductionElectronic

Viewfinder with Eye SensorExposure Correction
Video +/- 2 EV2
to 5x Slow
Motion400% Dynamic Range Video RecordingTimecode
Recording and F-Log Recording Direct to SD CardDynamic Scope Bracketing
(DR 100%, DR 200 %, DR 400 %)
ISO Bracketing ( /- 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV)
Hybrid AFZone AFDigital

split image indicatorFilm simulation

:

Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Eterna, Pro Neg. Hi, Pro Neg. std, Monochrome with colour filters (yellow, red and green), Acros, Eterna (video)
Lens modulation OptimizerRAW conversion4K video

maximum 15 minutes recording (with optional handle maximum 29 minutes)
Full-HD video maximum 20 minutes720P
video maximum 29 minutesWorld time clockHeadphone output

(3.5 mm jack) in optionally available battery handle

Size and weight

Dimensions W x H x D 140 x 97 x 86 mm
Weight 671 g (ready for operation)

Other

included accessories Fujifilm BC-W126 Charger for special rechargeable batteriesFujifilm
EC-XH-W (eyecup)
Fujifilm NP-W126S special rechargeable battery shoulder strap
, housing cap, operating instructions, EF-X8 attach flash, flash shoe cover,
optional accessory Fujifilm VPB-XH1 Rechargeable battery/battery handle

Fujifilm Releases Firmware Updates for X-T3, X-H1 and XF80 mm

Fujifilm announced that firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T3, X-H1 and GFX 50S and for lenses are expected in December of the same year. Shortly before Christmas, Fujifilm will deliver most of these updates. In addition to the update for the X-T3 and X-H1, a lens firmware update for the XF80 mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR is included.

The firmware update of the Fujifilm X-T3 brings the camera body up to version 2.00 and delivers exactly what our author Benjamin Kirchheim wrote in the November 14 message and a little more. So the recording of HDR videos will be possible after the update. The HLG standard is supported. But this only works with H.265 compression (HEVC), not with H.264. This means that devices must support this codec, which is the case with current HDR devices. Furthermore, after the update, a video with F-Log can be saved to the SD card and simultaneously output with movie simulation via HDMI. However, the limitation is that this only works in 4K and FullHD with a maximum of 30 frames per second. Also the 4K interframe noise reduction is not possible when using this function. In addition, the output is via HDMI without status display.

Also new is the display of the colour temperature in Kelvin on the monitor or electronic viewfinder. A small icon is also displayed if the camera is supplied with continuous current. Slow shutter speeds for video recordings are also no longer a problem after the update. Thus DCI4K can be recorded at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second with a shutter speed lower than the frame rate. All-Intra is possible with the maximum bitrate of 400 MBit at H.264. The photographer has to wait a little bit for an announced feature that didn’t make it into this update. The announcement said that the video file size may exceed the 4 gigabyte limit if a memory card of 32 gigabytes or larger is inserted in the camera. This feature was released early 2020.

The firmware update 2.00 for the X-H1 contains the promised improvement for the image stabilizer. The sensor shift stabilizer and the optical image stabilizer of the lens then work together, with the sensor stabilizer taking over three of the five axes and the lens image stabilizer taking over the other two. According to Fujifilm, an improvement of up to 2.5 f-stops is possible depending on the combination. For this the lenses need separate firmware updates (see further links). Furthermore, the update improves the image stabilization during pans in video recordings and in the live image. In contrast to the X-T3 update, the X-H1 can store video files of more than 4 gigabytes after the update if an SD card with 32 or more gigabytes is used. In addition, the color temperature in °Kelvin is now displayed in the viewfinder and on the monitor. An icon to indicate a permanent power supply is also included.

Fujifilm XF 80 mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The latest firmware update in the bundle brings the macro lens XF80 mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR to version 1.11 and includes “only” the compatibility of the stabilizer combination with the X-H1.

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