Fujifilm North America Corporation has announced the launch of the Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless digital camera, which features the new, back-illuminated 40.2MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor and the high-speed “X-Processor 5.” It’s dubbed the “world’s first” APS-C camera to enable 8K/30P Apple ProRes internal recording.
The high-resolution 40.2MP sensor of the X-H2 has a unique image-processing algorithm designed to enhance image resolution without compromising the signal to noise ratio. Advanced features include minimum standard ISO125, and the fastest shutter speed available within the X Series (the electronic shutter has been increased by 2.5 stops from the previous model’s 1/32,000 sec, to 1/180,000 sec). This allows you to leave the aperture wide open in bright or high-contrast conditions such as on a sunny beach or a ski slope, or to instantly freeze motion down to a millisecond.
X-H2 is the first X Series camera featuring the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, ideal for commercial photography and digital archiving applications that need hi-resolution images with flawless color accuracy. Using the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism to precisely shift the image sensor, 20 reference images are automatically created and later assembled in post-production using the dedicated “Pixel Shift Combiner” software. The result is a 160MP image, constructed from the total information available from each RGB pixel found on the X-H2’s new X Trans 5 CMOS HR sensor.
X-H2 also supports the HEIF image format, which delivers 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEG files.
With the new sensor, 8K movies can be recorded internally at 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit colour. Like the X-H2S, the X-H2 has a heat-dissipating design to enable recording of 8K/30P video for up to 30 minutes. X-H2 is also capable of producing high-quality 4K (4K HQ) video, which is oversampled from 8K as it is being recorded internally.
X-H2 supports three Apple ProRes codecs; ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT, with the option to also record ProRes 422 Proxy3 to help streamline post-production workflows when editing in 8K.
With the help of X-Trans CMOS 5 HR, X-H2 is capable of delivering up to 2x of digital zoom with little-to-no loss in resolution, when recording video in 4K, even with a prime lens attached to the camera.
With Fujifilm’s Fujinon XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR lens, zoom movements seamlessly transition to the digital zoom function when the lens reaches its maximum focal length.
Combined with a compatible HDMI device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit 8K/30P RAW video output from X-H2 can be recorded as Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW, while the newly developed F-Log2 flat picture profile expands dynamic range up to 13+ stops, which broadens colour-grading options in post-production.
X-Processor 5 features subject-detection AF based on deep learning technology that automatically detects and tracks a broad and diverse range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains.
The new, high-resolution sensor offers optimal ability to attain AF-S focus on a subject with high-frequency. You can easily autofocus accurately in situations where AF-S is typically used, such as landscape and portrait photography. X-H2 also incorporates an AF prediction algorithm which has been improved from that of previous X Series models.
X-H2 is equipped with a focus meter as a manual focus assist during movie recording, allowing for more precise focus adjustment. It can also be used in combination with focus peaking.
The video AF algorithm has been optimized for autofocus accuracy, giving you a sense of confidence in using AF while filming 8K video.
A 5-axis in-body IBIS4, made possible by X-Processor and a sensing control function, gives the freedom to handhold in conditions that previously may have required support. In addition, the IBIS function enables the image sensor to be precisely shifted, for the camera’s Pixel Shift Multi Shot function.
X-H2 is equipped with a high-magnification and high-definition 5.76-million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification. It boasts a smooth refresh frame rate of approximately 120fps and offers significant control over parallax and distortion which typically occurs when an eye position becomes displaced while using the viewfinder.
The body design is the same as X-H2S. With 79 weather-sealed points offering a high level of dust and moisture resistance, X-H2 is built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use and operate as normal in temperatures as low as -10°C. The top panel LCD, adjustable AF ON button, 1.62 million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor, and an independent movie recording button support comfortable operability.
X-H2 has one CFexpress Type B memory card slot and one UHS-II SD memory card slot. CFexpress Type B cards5 are needed to realize the full potential of X-H2’s professional video performance.
“X-H2 joining the flagship X-H family is not only huge for us at Fujifilm, but it is also especially significant for our consumers,” says Victor Ha, Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, Fujifilm North America Corporation. “X-H2S, which debuted in May, excels in speed, perfect for image makers who create moving content. X-H2 delivers exceptional image resolution and quality that are ideal for those creating images in super-high detail. We listened to our customers and took their feedback to heart, creating this amazing family of X-H cameras that are tailor-made to their distinct specialties.”
The Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless digital camera is expected to be available late September 2022 for an MSRP of $2,550 for the camera body and $3,200 for the X-H2 digital camera with XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR lens kit. Accessories are available to work with it including the VG-XH Vertical Battery Grip ($515), FT-XH Transmitter (late October; $1,280), FAN-001 Cooling Fan ($260), and CVR=XH Cover Kit ($26).
Fujifilm also introduced a pair of new lenses, the Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R WR mid-telephoto lens, and the Fujinon GF20-35mmF4 R WR.
The Fujinon XF 56mm telephoto lens is a weather-resistant, mid-telephoto prime lens that offers a 35mm equivalent focal length to an 85mm lens. As successor to the Fujinon XF 56mm F 1.2 R lens, it features significant improvements in minimum focusing distance, image resolving performance, and rendering of out-of-focus background.
“XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm X mount lens to feature an almost perfectly circular aperture, even at F4 or F5.6, resulting in a clean edge along a highlight, with minimal aberrations and distractions, that is especially pleasing when it is out of focus,” says Victor Ha, Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, Fujifilm North America Corporation. “This design allows beautiful bokeh with busy backgrounds melting away from their subjects to create an isolating effect untouched by any other lens. The new XF56mmF1.2 R WR lens offers a wide variety of creative applications such as portraits, weddings, street photography, table-top, and commercial photography – all situations that demand precise control over depth-of-field.”
The lens design, consisting of 13 elements in eight groups including two aspherical elements and one ED element, suppresses various types of aberration including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration to achieve edge-to-edge image sharpness and smooth bokeh. The eight elements used in the focusing group take high-refractive technology from Fujinon cinema lenses to minimize chromatic, spherical, and comatic aberrations. In particular, this technology helps to minimize light bleed within highlights, boosting image quality and subject detail to achieve advanced image resolution.
XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm X Mount lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture, even at F4 or F5.6.
With a 56mm focal length (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm format) and the open aperture of F1.2, XF56mmF1.2 R WR is a perfect choice for portraiture, says Fuji, as it provides clear separation of the subject from its background. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced from its predecessor version to just 50cm, due to improved resolving capability at minimum object distance (MOD). The reduced distance allows users to enjoy the appeal of this fast, mid-telephoto prime in a wide variety of situations beyond portraits, such as table-top, product and commercial photography.
Autofocus (AF) function driven by an evolved direct current (DC) motor for speed and accuracy
A DC motor is used to drive the focusing group of eight elements and the aperture unit for precise AF, necessary to achieve XF56mmF1.2 R WR’s advanced image resolution from MOD and beyond. The lens can attain focus quickly and accurately to freeze a decisive photo opportunity even when photographing with a shallow depth-of-field.
Also, an added feature of the bearing mechanism successfully minimizes friction that may arise when the DC motor is driving lens elements, to nearly eliminate motor noise and the impact on video/audio recording quality.
This compact and lightweight lens weighs just 15.69 ounces and measures nearly 3 inches (76mm). The lens barrel is weather-resistant in nine places to ensure dust- and weather-resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains, fingerprints and other marks.
The Fujifilm XF56mmF1.2 R WR is expected to be available in late September 2022 at MSRP of $1,275.
Meanwhile, the Fujinon GF20-35mm F R WR ultra-wide-angle zoom lens (October, $3,200) is a compact and lightweight lens for GFX System cameras.
GF20-35mmF4 R WR’s focal length ranges from the UWA at 20mm to the wide-angle at 35mm (equivalent to 16mm – 28mm in the 35mm format). With the UWA coverage, the lens can freeze information-dense subject matters such as a wide landscape or cityscape with precise details in high resolution, powered by the large-format sensor1 in the GFX System.
“Photographers will be able to expand creative horizons with what is now our widest GF lens, with numerous options to beautifully freeze every detail in landscape, travel and architecture photography,” adds Ha. “It also has the added convenience of a constant F4 maximum aperture throughout its focal range, which ensures exposure consistency and fast, accurate autofocusing regardless of the focal length. Unlike traditional large-format photography gear which is heavy and bulky, the compact and lightweight design of GF20-35mmF4 R WR enables mobility for photographers on-the-go.”
The optical construction of GF20-35mmF4 R WR comprises 14 elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical, one ED aspherical, and three ED elements, for effective control of distortion and chromatic aberration. With these elements, the lens delivers high-resolution images of up to 100MPs with edge-to-edge sharpness at all focal lengths and aperture settings. The optical quality is further ensured through Fujifilm’s unique, Nano GI coating technology, which cuts down reflected light to minimize ghosting and flare, boosting sharpness, colour and detail.
Measuring just 4.4 inches (112.5mm) and weighing 25.6 oz. (725g), GF20-35mmF4 R LM WR has the filter thread size of 82mm despite being an UWA zoom lens, which allows photographers the versatility of choosing a variety of filters when creating landscape images. In addition, GF20-35mmF4 R WR uses an internal zoom mechanism, so its physical length and weight remain constant at every focal length.
A total of four aspherical elements are used in each of the lens groups to optimize the overall number of elements and their configuration, thus efficiently correcting aberrations to maintain advanced image quality while keeping the compact form factor. The concave lens surface of strong curvature, typically seen in UWA lenses, is applied with a specialized coating with even thickness to minimize ghosting.
As part of the design construction, magnesium alloy is used for components around the lens mount to make it lightweight and robust at the same time.
Like all FUJIFILM G Mount lenses, GF20-35mmF4 R WR features a weather-resistant design with 12 sealed points protecting the lens from dust and moisture, while also keeping it functioning in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water, fingerprints and other marks.