The new APS-C flagship in a practical test: Fujfilm X-H2S

Fujifilm is known for its retro-style APS-C cameras. From the outside, the cameras all have an analog touch, but from the inside, they offer state-of-the-art features and performance.

One camera, however, stands out a bit because it is not only ultra-modern on the inside, but also carries this feeling to the outside. We're talking here about the X-H1, released in 2018, which stood out from the other Fujifilm models with a modern shoulder display and an integrated image stabilizer.

Now, 4 years later, ÖÄ fresh wind is coming to the X-H series again. This is the X-H2s.

Around the Fujfilm X-H2S

Housing

As with the X-H1 back in the day, we have a somewhat modern touch with the body. Instead of the typical dials for ISO, shutter speed +amp; compensation, there is a mode dial on the left and a large shoulder display on the right. Also added are a number of adjustment knobs for ISO, white balance, and optional free assignment. On the back, things have changed as well. The buttons have all been moved towards the display. The joystick has also been enlarged and has found a new position next to the viewfinder. This gives us a larger gripping area for the thumb and overall also a more ergonomic way of working.

Like the X-T4, the display can now be rotated and tilted for high or low shooting angles. However, there is still one conspicuous feature on the display, which we will explain to you below. In terms of ports, we have the obligatory 3.5mm jack for microphone and headphones, as well as a USB C port for charging and data transfer AND, fortunately, a full-size HDMI port. As for why that's exciting for filmmakers again, clarify on the topic of video. The X-H2S has 2 card slots, one CF Express Type B and one UHS II SD. Thus, we also have the possibility to store high data rates quickly, which is enormously important for this camera.

Video

At that time, the X-H1 had a special status among Fujifilm cameras, because it was the only model with an IBIS, i.e. a stabilized sensor. Because of the stabilizer, it was therefore also used a lot in video productions. The X-H2S naturally incorporates all of this and brings several major updates for professional videographers. For one, the IBIS now corrects up to 7 stops, with Fuji even looking to improve the whole thing with a firmware update. The camera supports recording a maximum of 6K at 30fps in ProRes Raw to the CF Express card. 4K 120fps, as well as 1080p at 240 fps in ProRes are also possible here. Via. HDMI output, we can also record the whole thing in BMD RAW with a suitable recorder, which is why we're especially happy about the full-size HDMI port. Internally, as well as externally, up to 14 f-stops of dynamic range are possible here.

In our runtime test, the camera shut down on its own at 6K 30fps in 4:2:2 10 bit MP4 after 49:42 minutes and at 4K 120fps at 43:12 minutes due to overheating. The room temperature was around 23 degrees during the tests. However, Fuji has a smart solution so that this is no longer a problem, where we come back to the conspicuousness on the display. Small contacts are hidden behind the display under a cover, as well as two small holes. Fuji offers an external fan for the X-H2S, which is easily attached to the back of the camera with two screws and is also supplied with power via the camera, as well as being controllable in the menu. This keeps the form factor of the camera nice and light and compact, but Fuji still gives us the ability to cool the camera when we need it. For photographers, this feature will be absolutely unnecessary, but for all filmmakers, it's a useful accessory. Important here, the display can of course no longer be folded in and the fan is also not included with the camera.

Autofocus

Of course, we also worked on the autofocus in particular. We have real-time detection of humans, animals and vehicles here, i.e. cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, etc. Of course, this works in photo and video mode and also at all speeds. In our example here, we have set the subject detection to motorcycle/bicycle, but you can also see here that the eye and head are still detected and the focus is primarily on the person.

Connectivity

For connectivity, Fuji has also come up with something... Just like with the external fan, the primary goal here is to keep the form factor relatively compact, which is why no LAN port was built directly into the case. So if you want to shoot directly to an FTP server via LAN or 5 GHZ Wifi, you can use the optional file transmitter battery handle here.

The camera also has a small USB port on the bottom, in addition to the contacts for power consumption via the battery handle. The file-transmitting battery grip plugs in down there, so we have all the options we need. This not only adds more batteries and buttons to the camera, but also more ports.

For those who don't need that, there is of course also a normal battery grip without LAN and WiFi modules. Another nice feature: We have the possibility to use the camera as a webcam natively and even in 4K 30fps.

Target group +amp; Price

But now let's get to the target group. The Fujifilm X-H2S doesn't have the "S" in its name for nothing. The camera clearly positions itself next to Sony's Alpha 1, Nikon's Z9 and Canon's R3 and is also a real competitor to the three top cameras.

It is interesting for professional photographers in the field of spot, wildlife, reportage, etc., as well as for professional filmmakers, such as wedding videographers, documentary filmmakers and so on. The X-H2S also positions itself in a very attractive price range when you look at the competition.

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