In With The New: Fujifilm X-H2s First Look

A few months ago I was in a room with Andreas from Fujifilm UK, Joe from Fujifilm Ireland and my good buddy Kim Farrelly. We had the privilege as official X-Photographers of seeing new product and looking at roadmap additions. I’ve already spoken about the XF150-600mm that we first saw that day. I was trying it with a preproduction X-H2s and I knew the second that I laid hands on that I wanted it. It’s a very different beast to the X-T4 I’ve been using, obviously more in keeping with the X-H1 predecessor. I also got to try the new 18-120 superzoom designed for video, and to pair with this camera.

As July rolled on, I called to order. After an initial emailing saying stock was low, I got another saying I’d have one on Tuesday. Yay! Unfortunately though I’m currently out of action with Coronavirus. I still unpacked to have a look. Here’s some quick observations before using it properly:

  • The battery slot is 90 degrees to the X-T4’s, making for a larger and more comfortable grip. Bearing in mind that I’m 160cm, it’s still really comfortable in my hands.

  • The T series dials are replaced with a more traditional PASM dial, and a dedicated ISO button. Shutter (and Aperture where required) are on the dials.

  • The top screen showing settings is great. The whole camera feels like the GFX where this comes from.

  • It looks substantial and heavy, but it’s light for the size.

  • Same battery as the X-T4.

  • The joystick is very different and I need to stretch with my hands or reposition my grip to reach it.

  • Same flip screen as the X-T4, but it’s flush at the bottom and has a nook for easier access.

  • Shutter Speed it the front dial. I’m still used to this from Canon, so delighted it’s the default.

  • On the side are USB-C, full sized HDMI, Mic and Headphone sockets.

  • The strap connectors are flush with the body, so nothing loose rattling around.

  • Battery strength indicator shows on the screen even when the camera is turned off.

The H series is a lot more expensive than the T series. In US Dollars, it’s $2499 vs $1699 currently. Time will tell if it’s worth that. Given how much faster everything about this camera is, I suspect it will be. I’ll follow up with another post when I’ve done a variety of shoots with it. The X-H2s is now the flagship X Series camera, with the T series now being the lead prosumer camera.

Previous
Previous

Making Backgrounds with Boris FX Optics

Next
Next

Orla Gartland