Fujifilm x-h1 review; Fuji just dropped several major releases in early 2018. Started by releasing low entry rugged compact called Fujifilm FinePix XP130 on January, later on the Japanese imaging company released its new classy mirrorless the Fujifilm X-A5.
And now, before the X-A5 may not be fully distributed yet, we see another mirrorless camera was just dropping off. It’s Fujifilm X-H1, Fuji’s first mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization and claimed to deliver great delicacy in video shooting. Aimed as the successor of the previous X-T2, this mirrorless device targets the high end camera market, going face to face against Panasonic Lumix G9. The question is, does this camera perform really well as claimed by the manufacturer? Let’s find it out on the Fujifilm X-H1 review below.
Fujifilm X-H1 Review
Fuji claimed that X-H1 is today’s highest level from Fuji’s mirrorless line up that’s specified for video shooting. This larger APS-C sensor camera is based on the previous X-T2 with several upgrades in house. Major upgrade from the X-T2 can be found on the viewfinder that is now is getting bigger, and the presence of top-panel LCD which is now a bit resembled to what we see on Panasonic GFX 50S. Moreover, the grip design is also changed, and several buttons are added. Then, what about the features? You can see it clearly in this Fujifilm X-H1 review.
Fujifilm X-H1 Review; Design
Overall, Fujifilm X-H1 shares the similar look to what can be seen on X-T2 but with a larger body dimension. Fujifilm X-H1 review suggests that the dimension stretches in 139.8 x 97.3 x 85.5mm, and weights for about 673g. This weight is a little bit heavier due to the use of magnesium alloy material on the camera body that is said to be 25% thicker than the X-T2.
That’s why the camera looks solid even if it has typical Fuji’s retro design with quite details on it. Furthermore, what makes it more special is that Fuji has given this camera an advance sealing capability. It is scratch, dust, freeze, and splash resistance.
Some other design upgrades from the X-T2 are on the top plate, which now is completed with top-panel LCD for viewing status, deeper hand grip for easier handling, and the additional AF-On buttons, which obviously the things that most photographers will like it.
Move to the viewfinder, it is such a big jump Fuji has made here. The viewfinder is nicely done, and the eye cup feels just right. It’s so comfortable to use. This viewfinder is 0.5 inch OLED EVF (0.75x mag) screen with 3.69 million dots for creating 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. 100 fps of refresh rate in this viewfinder makes sure you won’t missed any details in frame.
Moving to the rear side of the camera, here we find 1,040k dots 3-inch LCD touchscreen that can be tilted up and down. And what makes it different is that this LCD can also be tilted out to the side. With unique tilting technique and bright punchy colors it has, clearly this display is not something most of the brands offer.
Talking further about control, Fujifilm X-H1 review claims that control feels so solid and weighted. The dials and joystick are well placed and easy to reach to make sure that setting up control will not be so difficult on this camera. And as what we see on other premium camera in the market, Fujifilm X-H1 adopts dual SD card slots which are UHS-II compatible.
Fujifilm X-H1 Review; Features
Instead of introducing new sensor for flagship product, Fujifilm seems prefer to use the same sensor found on X-T2, which is X-Trans CMOS III sensor with 24.3 MP resolutions. By this, we bet that both cameras result on the relatively same image quality due to the same sensor use. ISO performance is great, so typical Fuji’s ISO. It ranges from ISO 100 all the way up to 12800. However, it still can be extended from ISO 100 to 51200.
Another promising feature based on this Fujifilm X-H1 review is In-body image stabilization with 5-axis system, which is the best among competes. As said before, Fujifilm X-H1 is Fuji’s first mirrorless camera who ever used it.
With this technology, X-H1 is capable to reduce shake up to 5.5 stops. Speed reaches 14 fps of continuous shooting with electronic shutter. But, when using mechanical shooter the speed decreased down to 11 fps with optional grip, and without grip it turns down to be 8 fps.
Fujifilm X-H1 Focusing System
In the focusing system, Fujifilm X-H1 employs Intelligent Hybrid AF autofocus. It has 325 focusing points which are spread all over the frame, makes you are free to choose on what area the camera should be focusing on. Not only that, this focusing system uses on-sensor phase-detection and contrast-detection, which turn the focus point much faster.
Fujifilm X-H1 Video Capability
Video recording is definitely one of the selling points of this camera. Fujifilm X-H1 Review says that the camera can record in both DCI and 4K formats. In 4K, the camera reaches 30, 25, and 24fps. While in Full HD 1080p, the recording capability reaches up to 120fps. DCI 4K with 4096×2160 resolution and Cine 4K format are also available.
All of these modes are offered at 200Mbps. With this capability, it’s obvious that Fujifilm X-H1 is upper hand in the game. However, one little disappointing thing is that the 3.5mm headphone is available only on the optional battery grip. Without buying this grip, Fujifilm X-H1 does not have any headphone jack.
Fujifilm X-H1 Review; Battery and Connectivity
The W-126S battery which is used in the latest generation of Fujifilm’s X camera series is used in this Fujifilm X-H1. With this battery, the camera is able to reach 310 shots in one single charge. Indeed, this battery capacity is a little disappointing for professional user.
But for everyday average use, this battery life is quite enough. Charging can be done via USB socket even if the camera also comes with dedicated external charger. While for the Connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available to share the shooting result instantly or simply to control your camera remotely via smartphone.
Fujifilm X-H1 Price And Release Date
We arrive at the end of this Fujifilm X-H1 review. And to conclude everything’s up, we say that this camera is a nice flagship from Fuji. The build quality is superior, the in-body stabilization system is great, and the auto focus is stellar too.
However, we think that this camera is not that “flagship” since some technologies are still taken from the previous camera such as the sensor, which is the most essential part of the imaging device. Not only that, we also think that Fuji needs to increase the battery capacity for their flagship as well.
In conclusion, this flagship is worth to be considered for you who are looking for a tough mirrorless with great video recording capability. As for the price, Fujifilm X-H1 is priced around £1,699 for body only, and £1,949 for body with new battery grip. To get it, you need to wait at least until March 2018 when the camera start shipping.
Prasetyo.E
Have big interest in art, writing, history, movie, and literature. Spend most of the time in reading, watching movie, and writing. In here! Writing about manuals from some well known electronic products. Some kinds of manual such as user manual, owner manual.
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