Camera Reviews / Fujifilm Cameras / Fuji X i Now Shooting!

26.10 Megapixels	Fujifilm X	APS-C size sensor

Fujifilm X-H2S Review -- Now Shooting!

by Jeremy Gray
Preview posted: 05/31/2022

Updates:
08/30/2022: Gallery Images posted
09/30/2022: Hands-on Review added
10/05/2022: First Shots lab sample images added

Click here to jump to our in-depth Fuji X-H2S Product Overview

Fujifilm X-H2S Hands-on Review

Is this Fujifilm's best hybrid camera?

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 09/30/2022

The Fujifilm X-H2S – which has since been joined by the higher-resolution X-H2 – is a fascinating successor to 2018's X-H1. At that time, the Fuji X-H1 was an outlier in the Fujifilm X Series lineup. The camera was larger, featured a bigger grip and sported a large information display on top. It looked like a hybrid between the GFX series and the X Series. "Hybrid" is a fitting word since the X-H1 was also Fujifilm's most "hybrid" camera yet. The new flagship camera was the first X Series camera to include in-body image stabilization and the first to record DCI 4K video with internal log (F-log) recording.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 238mm (357mm equiv.), F8, 27s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

However, despite significant advances in technology, a more robust design, IBIS, and improved performance across the board, the X-H1 fell a bit by the wayside as Fujifilm developed and released other new APS-C cameras, like 2020's X-T4, which included an upgraded processor and new 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS IV backside-illuminated image sensor. It seemed like an X-H2 was perhaps in the offing back then. However, it didn't happen, and the X-H series has been dormant.

This spring, the X-H series awoke from its hibernation with a roar. Enter the Fujifilm X-H2S, Fujifilm's most highest-performance X Series camera ever. The X-H2S is all-new, inside and out, and it's an extremely impressive camera. Speed is the name of the game with the X-H2S. Inside its SLR-style body is a brand-new 26.1-megapixel stacked X-Trans CMOS 5 HS image sensor, super-fast X-Processor 5, AI-powered autofocus, and much more. If the new X-H2, which was just announced, is all about resolution, the X-H2S is all about agility. This camera shoots at up to 40 frames per second at full resolution with full AF/AE. It's fast.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 274mm (411mm equiv.), F6.4, 1/2500s, ISO 5000. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

There's no doubt that on paper, the Fuji X-H2S is an absolute beast of a camera. It lives up to every bit of its flagship billing. However, photos aren't captured on paper – well, Fujifilm's popular Instax line might have something to say about that – they're captured in the real world, where subjects are unpredictable, and light is ever-changing. Does the X-H2S perform well here? And perhaps more importantly, is it worth its $2,500 price point, which puts it well into full-frame camera territory? Let's find out.

Fujifilm X-H2S key features and specs

• New flagship X Series camera
• SLR-style body
• Weather resistant body
• Improved ergonomics and controls
• Brand-new 26.1-megapixel stacked BSI X-Trans CMOS 5 HS image sensor
• High-speed readout and reduced rolling shutter
• X-Processor 5
• Up to 15 frames per second (mechanical shutter) and 40 fps (electronic shutter) at full-resolution with AF/AE
• 7 stops of in-body image stabilization
• 3-inch 1.62M dot vari-angle LCD
• EVF with 0.8x magnification, 5.76M dots and 120fps refresh rate
• Dual card slots (1x CFexpress Type B / 1x UHS-II SD)
• 6.2K/30p video
• DCI 4K/120p video
• FHD/240p video
• Full-size HDMI Type A
• Internal Apple ProRes (4:2:2 10-bit)
• New F-Log2 with expanded dynamic range
• $2,499 (body only)

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 34mm (51mm equiv.), F9, 1/50s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Fujifilm X-H2S design and handling: An excellent design but a major departure

There's a lot to like about the X-H2S. Some aspects of the camera are universally praised. However, concerning the camera's design, this is where the X-H2S and subsequent X-H2 are a bit polarizing. A big part of the X Series' appeal has been camera design and handling. Cameras with dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation have been the norm. However, a quick peek around the rest of the industry shows that most cameras, especially those aimed at enthusiasts and pros, feature more traditional mode dials and customizable buttons. While I personally love using a dedicated aperture ring on a Fuji XF lens in conjunction with a shutter speed dial, it's undoubtedly a slower approach to camera control.

The Fujifilm X-H2S looks quite similar in overall shape to the X-H1, although there have been significant changes to the control dials, button layout, EVF and display.

The X-H2S is about speed inside and out. You'll find a typical PASM dial to control shooting mode and buttons you use alongside the command dials to control ISO and exposure compensation. Is something of value lost with this approach? I think so. However, is it a bad tradeoff? Absolutely not. What good is a camera that shoots at 40 fps if you're wasting valuable time fiddling with dials?

Gone are dedicated shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation buttons. The X-H2S uses a more traditional mode dial instead. It's a polarizing change, but one that makes the X-H2S a faster camera to operate.

Something not lost with the X-H2S is style. Man, the camera looks good. It's modern and yet somehow a bit classic. It's not as classic as something like the X100V, but it still sports the Fuji charm I enjoy. Of course, full disclosure, I am a Fuji shooter myself, so I've got a bit of bias. That said, it's an easy camera to like.

If you've never shot with the X-H1, the X-H2S may initially strike you as slightly large for a Fuji X Series camera. The X-T4's dimensions (W x H x D) are 134.6 x 92.8 x 63.8mm (5.3 x 3.7 x 2.5 in.) and it weighs about 607g. On the other hand, the X-H2S is 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6mm (5.4 x 3.7 x 3.3 in.) and weighs 673g. The height and width aren't so different, but the X-H2S's depth is quite a bit larger. This is almost entirely because of the X-H2S's prominent front grip. The beefy grip makes the camera a bit more voluminous, but it's worth it because it's an excellent grip. I was especially grateful for the large front grip when shooting with the new, reasonably large XF 150-600mm telephoto zoom lens. I've always found the X-T4 to be a bit too thin when using large, heavy lenses. Your mileage may vary.

Alongside a great front grip, the X-H2S also includes a large e-ink information panel. I'm used to a display like this from my time using Fujifilm GFX series cameras, but it's something absent from the X-T4. Instead of a top display, that camera includes ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation dials. Tradeoffs. I prefer the X-H2S's overall control approach, but I understand why some photographers prefer physical dials.

There are a couple more important displays to discuss. The X-H2S's rear panel is 3-inches and has 1.62M dots. It's sharp and bright. It's also a vari-angle display, which works very well for stills and video. The display can be flipped entirely around to use as a self-facing display or to protect the screen when the camera is packed away, which is a nice touch.

 

The camera's electronic viewfinder is also excellent. It's an all-new EVF with 5.76M dots – up from 3.69M on the original X-H1 and the X-T4. The X-H2S's EVF has 0.8x magnification, which is an improvement over 0.75x. In use, the EVF is excellent. The camera also does a good job in most situations of automatically switching between the EVF and rear display, something Fujifilm says it's improved with the X-H2S. The EVF can refresh at 120fps when using the camera in its "Boost" performance mode, which is super smooth. It's a very nice EVF, and I think it's Fujifilm's best yet in the X Series.

There have been some other minor adjustments to the control layout and button arrangement. Fujifilm has also put a lot of care into the camera's shutter release. It features a lighter touch and delivers better half- and full press operation. Thanks to more pronounced designs, the camera's different buttons are easy to locate by feel.

Overall, the X-H2S is a well-designed camera. Its controls are intelligently placed and easy to use. Controlling the camera is swift, which is especially important given that it's a flagship, pro-level camera.

Image quality: Stacked sensor delivers great image quality

At the heart of the X-H2S is a new image sensor. While it may not represent a megapixel improvement over the X-T4's sensor, the new sensor is significantly different thanks to its stacked design. The X-Trans CMOS 5 HS is Fuji's first stacked image sensor, and the impressive architecture unlocks serious performance. We'll discuss performance further a bit later.

As for image quality, it's excellent. The camera's native ISO range of 160-51,200 delivers impressive image quality across much of its range. Considering low ISO performance, raw and JPEG images are sharp and detailed, with impressive dynamic range and great color. It's easy to get amazing-looking images straight from the camera, thanks to Fujifilm's Film Simulations. While there's no need to discuss every Film Simulation in the camera, suffice it to say, you'll find something you enjoy from the lengthy list of options. Personally, Velvia is one of my favorites thanks to its rich colors and punchy contrast. For black and white photography, the ACROS Film Simulation options are excellent. It's never been so simple to capture a nice black-and-white shot in-camera.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 34mm (51mm equiv.), F9, 1/50s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

There's a lot to gain by shooting in raw, too. At low ISO settings, the files offer a lot of latitude for making extensive adjustments to shadows and highlights. As you increase shadow detail, you do introduce a bit of visible noise, but it's generally fine-grained and not distracting.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 18mm (27mm equiv.), F4, 1/45s, ISO 160. Original JPEG image. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 18mm (27mm equiv.), F4, 1/45s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

As you increase ISO, image quality remains quite nice. Considering JPEG images straight from the camera, the X-H2S applies reasonably good noise reduction in the camera. You lose a bit more detail than if you processed raw files yourself, but the results look good and aren't overly "digital" or muddy-looking.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 600mm (900mm equiv.), F8, 1/150s, ISO 12,800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

When working with raw image files, you can process high ISO shots to have an impressive amount of detail without accepting a lot of noise. I prefer more detail, even if it comes at the cost of additional visible noise. The extra noise isn't distracting most of the time, especially when viewing images online or when making prints.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 600mm (900mm equiv.), F8, 1/2000s, ISO 4000. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Importantly, even though noise levels increase alongside the ISO speed, color rendition and dynamic range remain quite impressive as expected. You lose some dynamic range as you increase ISO, as is always true, but image quality remains very usable up through ISO 12,800. If you need to push the ISO further, you can, although it comes with a rather high cost.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 57mm (85mm equiv.), F11, 1/3s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Overall, the X-H2S delivers great all-around image quality. In-camera JPEG images look excellent and are highly tunable to your preferences, thanks to Fujifilm's industry-leading Film Simulations. Raw images are similarly impressive, offering good dynamic range, significant flexibility during post-processing, and great tonality. It will be very interesting to see how the X-H2's 40MP sensor compares to the X-H2S's 26MP stacked sensor, but if you're worried about 26MP coming up short concerning sharpness or detail, it's a misplaced worry.

Autofocus and performance: AI-powered AF shines alongside high-speed shooting

Autofocus

With the X-H2S, Fujifilm has joined its competitors in the AI arms race. The X-H2S utilizes "Deep learning technology" to recognize different subjects, including humans, animals, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. You can cycle through different subjects in the camera's quick menu – the X-H2S won't automatically detect the subject otherwise. However, it's worth noting that there's an additional setting for face/eye detection for human subjects, as there have been prior X Series cameras. The AI AF will also detect the face/eye of animals, and there are two categories for animal AF: mammal and bird. Interestingly, the bird AF worked for me when photographing insects and amphibians, and I've heard that it works for reptiles, too, which is a nice bonus.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 520mm (780mm equiv.), F7.1, 1/800s, ISO 800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

A slight usability note with the X-H2S. If you enable AI subject detection, like for animals, while face/eye detection (for people) is enabled, the face/eye detection will be disabled. The face/eye detection is a separate menu setting from the AI subject detection options. That said, AI subject detection will identify the eyes of a subject if they're visible and large enough in the frame. However, if you disable AI subject detection mode, you must manually re-enable the standard face/eye detection setting again.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 468mm (701mm equiv.), F9, 1/640s, ISO 500. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The overall autofocus system isn't much different from the one featured in the X-T4, although the improved sensor readout speed and more powerful processor result in significantly faster AF performance. However, the introduction of AI subject detection is critical. It's a highlight feature of the X-H2S. So how well does it work?

Considering it's the first iteration, I think it works well. When using it for wildlife, the camera accurately identified the subject most of the time, even in low light situations. However, performance dipped a bit when a bird or mammal wasn't facing the camera. There were also occasional situations where a subject was obvious to me in the frame, but the camera didn't pick it up quickly. It's not the best AI AF I've seen in a camera, but it's still very good. In most situations, it works better and quicker than I could if I manually moved the point around, especially when photographing moving subjects. The AI system works with existing AF settings, so you can combine spot AF for manual precision and AI for subject detection if you want. For example, if using spot AF with AI subject detection enabled, the camera will still focus on a detected subject, even if it's outside the selected autofocus area.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 274mm (411mm equiv.), F6.4, 1/2500s, ISO 5000. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Before moving on to the next section, I want to briefly outline an issue that popped up here and there during my time with the X-H2S. With AI subject detection enabled, the camera has a slight propensity to find faces where there are none. When photographing birds, sometimes leaves or bark on a tree would be identified as an animal, which is especially frustrating when the camera locks onto the pseudo subject while the real subject is visible in the frame. It happened just a handful of times but was quite frustrating. No autofocus system is perfect, and deep learning technology will only improve with time, so this is a minor nitpick.

Overall, the autofocus performance is excellent. The X-H2S features Fujifilm's best AF technology to date, and it's a noticeable improvement in speed and accuracy compared to Fujifilm's previous high-end cameras, which were no slouches. The introduction of AI technology is great, although not without its issues. I expect it to improve further with future updates. I wouldn't hesitate to utilize the impressive AI technology, even though it's not 100% perfect.

Performance

The stacked sensor affects autofocus and also plays a major role in the X-H2S's overall performance. The X-H2S can shoot full-resolution raw images at up to 40 frames per second with full AF/AE. Yes, that's right, 40 fps. That's fast.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 150mm (225mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 2500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

There are a couple of caveats. The X-H2S's autofocus system doesn't always keep pace with the camera's shooting speed, depending on the situation and the lens you use. And you must use the electronic shutter to achieve these speeds. Neither of these realities is surprising. The camera's electronic shutter is quite good. The sensor's fast readout speed allows for reduced rolling shutter, and I didn't have any noticeable issues with rolling shutter artifacts during my time with the camera.

If you don't want to use the electronic shutter for whatever reason, you can use the camera's mechanical shutter. Using the mechanical shutter, the X-H2S still shoots at up to 15 frames per second, which is plenty fast for many situations. When using the MS at 15fps, you also benefit from increased buffer depth, so that's an interesting tradeoff.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 391mm (587mm equiv.), F7.1, 1/800s, ISO 1600. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

That said, buffer depths are impressive, especially when using a CFexpress Type B card like I did. With a fast card, you can capture around 200 RAW images before the camera slows down at 40fps. As for JPEG images, you can capture slightly more, although the bigger advantage here is that the buffer clears in just a few seconds versus about 10 seconds for raw+JPEG. If you slow the camera down to 30fps, which is still very fast, the buffer depth increases by around 50% for raw images and the JPEG buffer is practically endless (greater than 1,000 shots). At 15fps, the raw buffer is more than 400, by the way. The buffer depth performance is really impressive.

A small nitpick about the camera's generally good user experience. To enable shooting speeds greater than 15 fps in the drive menu, you must dive into the camera's menu and enable the electronic shutter. Having it on Mechanical + Electronic isn't sufficient, you must disable the mechanical shutter. This is frustrating behavior. I think it would be better if you could select a fast drive mode and the camera overrides your existing shutter mode settings, and then tells you that it's changing the shutter type to electronic only. The camera doesn't even tell you why 20, 30 and 40 fps speeds are grayed out if you have the mechanical shutter enabled.

Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at 600mm (900mm equiv.), F8, 1/250s, ISO 12,800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Overall, the X-H2S's performance is stellar. The electronic shutter is well-implemented, and the performance it allows is excellent. I wish the AF could keep up with the camera's top shooting speed more reliably, but 40 fps is a very tall order.

Video: An excellent choice for hybrid users

While I'm primarily a stills photographer, I can confidently say that the X-H2S is Fuji's best video camera ever. It doesn't have the same resolving power as the X-H2, but the X-H2S packs just about every video feature a hybrid shooter wants, including 6.2K video, internal ProRes and a new F-Log2 recording option.

For heavy video users, the X-H2S and X-H2 are compatible with a new optional cooling fan accessory. The cooling fan increases recording time, especially in high ambient temperatures. At normal temperatures, you can record 4K/60p for about four consecutive hours, but if you're in hot temps (40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit), the cooling fan increases recording from about 20 minutes to around 50 minutes, which is a significant gain.

Fujifilm X-H2S 4K video compilation #1 3840 x 2160 at 24 frames per second. See bottom left corner of individual clips for shooting information. Download edited video (351 MB .MP4 File)

The X-H2S records 4K/60p video, as mentioned, and there's no crop factor. You can also shoot 6.2K video at 29.97p, which is a 3:2 aspect ratio video. If you need DCI 4K or 4K UHD video at 120p, that's also possible, albeit with a 1.29x crop. You can also shoot FHD video with a 1.38x crop at up to 240p or 120p without a crop.

As I said, I'm not a video shooter, so features like F-Log2's 14+ stops of dynamic range, HDMI RAW output, HLG video, internal ProRes 10:2:2 recording, Blackmagic RAW through HDMI to an external recorder don't mean as much to me as they do to hardcore video users. However, it's immediately evident when using the X-H2S that it's a very capable hybrid camera. The camera includes a dedicated video settings menu, good ergonomics for video and an articulating display. More importantly, the camera delivers great video quality. I shot a lot of 4K/24p video clips, and I like that the camera lets me select an actual 1/48s shutter speed. It's a relatively small detail, but it matters.

Fujifilm X-H2S 4K video compilation #2 3840 x 2160 at 24 frames per second. See bottom left corner of individual clips for shooting information. Download edited video (355 MB .MP4 File)

At high ISO settings, image quality degrades, as expected, but it remains quite good even as high as ISO 12,800. There's a noticeable dip in dynamic range and fine detail, but the quality is still totally usable, in my opinion. I also like that you can use Film Simulations for video, meaning it's straightforward to fine-tune your video's look without worrying about color grading or video editing. Of course, if you want to grade the video, the new F-Log2 is great.

For what it's worth, I find that the continuous AF tracking during video is a bit worse than it is during stills photography. However, the camera's autofocus remains quite impressive during video recording. The subject detection AF remains during video recording, but you can't tap on a subject for the camera to track as you can with some other cameras. That's a minor nitpick, but it'd be nice to be able to identify a subject myself and have the camera try to follow it.

Fujifilm X-H2S 4K video compilation #3 3840 x 2160 at 24 frames per second. See bottom left corner of individual clips for shooting information. Download edited video (1GB .MP4 File)

Overall, the X-H2S is a great camera for video. It has more options than I could ever need, but it appears to check all the boxes of heavy video users and hybrid creators. Fujifilm has pulled out all the stops with the X-H2S, ensuring it's the company's best-ever camera for hybrid users.

Fujifilm X-H2S Hands-on Review Summary

The X-H2S blends usability and performance to deliver an outstanding all-around experience

What I like most about the Fuji X-H2S

• Great ergonomics
• Impressive EVF
• Good image quality
• Very fast shooting performance with mechanical shutter (15fps) and electronic shutter (40fps)
• Reliable autofocus
• Excellent video features

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R WR OIS lens at 26mm (39mm equiv.), F11, 1/7s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

What I like less about the Fuji X-H2S

• AI subject detection is occasionally unpredictable
• Not everyone will like the change to the controls (i.e., lack of dedicated dials for exposure controls)

What I dislike about the Fuji X-H2S

• Continuous AF can't quite keep pace with 40fps shooting

The Fujifilm X-H2S is the best choice for wildlife and action photographers in the Fujifilm X Series. If you need high-res shooting, the new X-H2 might be more up your alley. However, if you want speed, the X-H2S is for you.

The camera incorporates a new, excellent design with great operability. The new stacked sensor is also excellent, delivering impressive image quality and breakneck shooting speeds. While the improved autofocus system doesn't always keep pace with the X-H2S's fastest shooting speeds, it still performs very well in most situations. Likewise, the video performance is also impressive.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR lens at 17mm (26mm equiv.), F11, 20s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

There's very little not to like about the X-H2S and a lot to love. It's Fujifilm's best X Series camera, although I've yet to try the new X-H2. I'm guessing that both cameras will offer similarly high-quality performance, albeit with a different point of emphasis. The X-H2S is all about speed, whereas the X-H2 gives up a bit of agility for more resolution. Which one is the better camera depends upon your needs, but what's immediately clear is that both are fantastic flagship cameras.

 

• • •

 

Fujifilm X-H2S Preview

by Jeremy Gray | Preview posted: 05/31/2022

The Fujifilm X-H1 launched way back in early 2018. At the time, it launched as a brand-new flagship Fujifilm X Series camera, complete with an SLR-styled design and impressive hybrid functionality and performance. However, the X-H1 fell a bit by the wayside. As Fujifilm launched the X-T4 with a new X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and new X-Processor 4, a combo which later made its way into even more affordable, compact cameras, the X-H series remained stuck in the previous generation. It was disappointing not to see a new X-H camera with the latest and greatest Fujifilm tech. However, that changes now with the brand-new Fujifilm X-H2S flagship camera. The X-H2S ushers in a new generation for Fujifilm and packs a serious punch, rivaling high-performance full-frame mirrorless cameras and besting every APS-C camera on the market – at least on paper.

Equipped with a brand-new stacked X-Trans CMOS 5 HS image sensor and the new X-Processor 5, the Fujifilm X-H2S promises to deliver the best-ever performance in an X Series camera. It's important to note the stacked sensor – the first of its kind for Fujifilm – because the new sensor design drives much of the camera's promised performance. This is a "hands-off" preview, meaning we've yet to try out the camera for ourselves, but by all accounts, the X-H2S is an exciting camera for Fujifilm X photographers. Without further ado, let's dive in and see what the new flagship offers.

Fujifilm X-H2S key features and specifications

• New flagship X Series camera
• SLR-style body
• Weather resistant body
• Improved ergonomics and controls
• Brand-new 26.1-megapixel stacked BSI X-Trans CMOS 5 HS image sensor
• High-speed readout and reduced rolling shutter
• X-Processor 5
• Up to 15 frames per second (mechanical shutter) and 40 fps (electronic shutter) at full-resolution with AF/AE
• 7 stops of in-body image stabilization
• 3-inch 1.62M dot vari-angle LCD
• EVF with 0.8x magnification, 5.76M dots and 120fps refresh rate
• Dual card slots (1x CFexpress Type B / 1x UHS-II SD)
• 6.2K/30p video
• DCI 4K/120p video
• FHD/240p video
• Full-size HDMI Type A
• Internal Apple ProRes (4:2:2 10-bit)
• New F-Log2 with expanded dynamic range
• $2,499 (body only)

Fujifilm X-H2S design: Streamlined SLR-style camera promises improved usability

Commiserations for Fujifilm's trademark shutter speed dial. It's gone on the X-H2S. However, this omission isn't designed to upset hardcore Fujifilm fans or kill the soul of the Fujifilm X Series. Rather, the omission – and many other inclusions – underpins a move toward improved usability, speed and workflow. The X-H2S is all about speed, so it makes sense to ensure that clunky mechanical dials don't slow you down. After all, if you're shooting at 40 frames per second, you're interested in capturing the moment, not dialing in a shutter speed or ISO value with a mechanical dial on the top of the camera. We love Fujifilm's dials, but ultimately, a flagship camera must be designed around usability, not style. Further, adding more buttons means additional customization and controls that are always usable through remote shooting applications.

However, that's not to say that the X-H2S doesn't ooze style. It looks good. It has a lot in common with the original X-H1 in terms of fit and finishes, but the X-H2S looks a bit more modern and nearly every aspect of its control layout has been reconsidered and, as far as we can tell, improved.

Before diving into the specifics, let's briefly discuss the overall size of the X-H2S. It's a bit larger than something like the X-T4, but it's smaller than the original X-H1. The X-H2S's dimensions (W x H x D) are 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6 millimeters (5.38 x 3.66 x 3.33 inches). The camera's minimum depth is 42.8mm (1.69 in.), not including the protruding front grip. The X-H2S weighs 660 grams (23.28 ounces), including the battery and memory card. The X-H1's dimensions are 139.8 x 97.3 x 85.5mm (5.50 x 3.83 x 3.37 in.) and it weighs 673g (23.74 oz.). The X-H1's minimum depth is 39.5mm (1.56 in.). Aside from the minimum depth, which doesn't matter given that the camera has a front grip, the X-H2S is smaller across every dimension. Plus, it's lighter. As we'll see, Fujifilm has included even more physical controls and useful buttons despite the slightly shrunk down camera body.

Looking at the X-H2S's front. While the camera is smaller overall, the front grip is larger, which should be more comfortable when using larger, heavier X-mount lenses. Gone is the physical S/C/M switch to control the autofocus drive mode. In its place is a customizable function button that you can use to cycle through autofocus drive modes or other settings if you desire. The focus mode button, plus the other function button, are more pronounced and have an improved surface, improving usability when you aren't looking at the controls. The X-H2S should be easier to use "by touch," so to speak.

Moving to the top of the camera, there's quite a lot different about the X-H2S compared to its predecessor. The X-H1 featured two mechanical dials, one for ISO and another for shutter speed. You see a similar pair of dials on other Fujifilm cameras, like the original GFX 50S, a camera whose design heavily inspired the X-H1. If you look at the X-H1 side-by-side with the GFX 50S from the top, apart from the different sizes, the cameras are nearly identical. The X-H2S loses these dials, replacing them with a single traditional PASM mode dial with seven custom "C" positions. This mode dial is located to the left of the viewfinder. To the viewfinder's right is a nice e-ink backlit display, like what you see on the GFX 100S, and four buttons: REC, ISO, WB (white balance) and an Fn (function) button. Like the front buttons, these are larger, more pronounced and easier to "feel."

The shutter release is perhaps the most important button on a camera. At the very least, it's the one you use the most. The X-H2S's shutter release has been redesigned and offers a "lighter" half-press position and easier operation between the "half" and "full" press positions. The camera's power switch is located by the shutter release, meaning you can swiftly turn the camera on and start shooting.

The back of the X-H2S also looks a lot different. The Delete and Playback buttons remain in the top left corner, although the Delete button now doubles as the drive mode button. The rear display is now a vari-angle display, working better for video applications. The 3-inch display has 1.62M dots, up from 1.02M dots on the X-H1. To the right of the display, a lot has changed. There's a larger autofocus joystick, and it's moved up a bit. The AE-L and AF-ON buttons are repositioned. The Q button has moved next to the display, where it used to be located on the thumb rest. The directional buttons are similar, and presumably, each direction can be programmed to a custom function. The DISP/BACK button is unchanged but now doubles as a Bluetooth function button. Although, again, even if buttons look similar, materials quality is said to be better, and the buttons should feel nicer to use.

As for ports, the X-H2S includes a full-size HDMI Type A port, headphone jack, mic jack and USB-C (USB 3.0) connector. The camera has dual card slots. One is a CFexpress Type B slot, which is important given the camera's performance, and the other is a UHS-II SD card slot.

Before finishing this section, let's talk about the electronic viewfinder. It's a new EVF with a 5.76M dot display. The X-H1's EVF has 3.69M dots. The X-H2S's EVF has 0.8x magnification, up from 0.75x, and a 24mm eye point. Fujifilm told us that the automatic detection is significantly better with the X-H2S thanks to its improved design and eyepoint. The camera will be less finicky when switching between the EVF and rear display. The EVF refreshes at up to 120 frames per second when using the camera in its "Boost" performance mode.

Image sensor: Brand-new 26.1-megapixel stacked X-Trans sensor promises improved performance and speed

The X-H2S is equipped with Fujifilm's fifth-generation X-Trans CMOS HS image sensor. Why "HS?" It stands for "High Speed," and as we'll see, the sensor offers speed in spades. It's a backside-illuminated sensor, meaning that the sensor's wiring layer is beneath the photo-diode structure. This allows light to travel more efficiently through the sensor to reach its photo-sensitive components. This isn't Fujifilm's first backside-illuminated sensor. The X-Trans CMOS 4 is also back-illuminated.

The X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor does have a new trick up its sleeve, with a stacked structure. The stacked structure features four times the number of A/D converters and transfer circuits found in the non-stacked fourth-gen sensor, resulting in significantly faster readout speed and improved rolling shutter.

The 26.1-megapixel sensor offers the same resolution as the previous-gen sensor. It includes the same roughly 100% phase-detect autofocus coverage, but the rolling shutter is improved from 1/40s (stills) and 1/60s (video) to 1/151s (stills) and 1/180s (video). The sensor also allows for improved video resolution, performance and features, but more on that a bit later.

The native ISO range is 160-51,200, like the older sensor, and the electronic shutter speed ranges from 15 minutes to 1/32,000s.

Autofocus and performance: AI-powered AF and super-fast shooting speeds

While the autofocus system isn't fundamentally different from the X-T4's, the X-H2S's AF should still be improved compared to the X-T4, especially when shot against the X-H1. Fujifilm says that the X-H2S delivers three times faster autofocus than the X-T4. The stacked sensor allows for faster information readout, resulting in more AF calculations and improved overall speed.

The X-H2S also includes new autofocus algorithms, resulting in better autofocus prediction, accuracy, and tracking. Zone AF subject detection and low contrast autofocus performance are said to be especially better.

By incorporating artificial intelligence, which is all the rage these days in new cameras, the X-H2S uses "Deep learning technology" to recognize humans (face/eye), animals (including eyes), automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles, airplanes and trains. It's worth noting that "animal" and "bird" are separate in the camera's subject detection menu. And yes, you will need to manually select the subject for detection, like most other cameras, but unlike the Nikon Z9. You could map this function to a custom dial or button if you'd like, but we imagine switching subjects in the menus won't be too much of a hassle.

The stacked X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor is paired with a new X-Processor 5. The new processor has a 1GHz main CPU, up from 608MHz in the X-Processor 4. The X-Processor 5 also includes a 600MHz sub-processor that solely handles in-body image stabilization. The IBIS system is newly developed, by the way, and promises up to 7 stops of shake correction.

Thanks to the stacked image sensor – and its fast readout speed – and the more powerful X-Processor 5, the X-H2S can shoot at up to 40 frames per second using its electronic shutter. At 40fps, the camera shoots full-resolution raw images with full AF/AE capabilities. Compared to the X-T4, which shoots at 30fps, but only in a 1.25x crop mode, the X-H2S is not only quicker, but it captures higher-quality images at its fastest shooting speed. Further, the X-T4 performs AF/AE calculations at a max speed of 40fps, whereas the X-H2S performs AF/AE calculations at 120fps.

When using the mechanical shutter, the speed drops, of course, but only down to 15fps, which is still very fast and up among the fastest cameras with a mechanical shutter. The mechanical shutter is extremely durable, too, as it's rated for 500,000 actuations. Fujifilm also told us that the mechanical shutter is so quiet that the engineers had to add a bit of an artificial sound, just so the photographer knows when the shutter opens and closes.

In terms of buffer depth, Fujifilm states that when using the electronic shutter at 40 frames per second, the X-H2S can record 184 JPEG frames or 174 raw (compressed) images. At a slightly slower but still swift 30fps, the JPEG buffer increases to 1,000+, and the raw buffer is 270 shots. When using the mechanical shutter at 15fps, the JPEG buffer remains extremely high at 1,000+ images and the raw buffer increases to 400. Of course, we'll need to test these numbers, and we assume that these specs apply to the CFexpress Type B slot and not the UHS-II SD card slot, but we'll see. If the camera matches its specs, the buffer depth is very impressive and will allow photographers to capture a lot of action, even at fast continuous shooting speeds. Buffer clearing will also be interesting. CFexpress Type B cards typically perform very well in this regard.

Wrapping up this section with battery life, the X-H2S uses the same NP-W235 lithium-ion battery as the X-T4, GFX 50S II and GFX 100S. In "Economy" mode, the camera can shoot at up 720 frames (LCD) or 610 (EVF). When used in "Normal" mode, the number drops to 580 and 550, respectively. Finally, when using "Boost" mode, which allows for the 120fps refresh rate for the EVF, the camera promises 530 shots (LCD) and 390 shots (EVF).

If you want better battery life, you can add the new optional vertical grip ($399). This accepts two batteries and increases the "Boost" battery life to 1410/1040 shots and the maximum battery life when using the LCD up to 1850 shots. Of course, all these battery performance specs are CIPA ratings, which, in our experience, almost always underreport real-world battery performance, sometimes by a significant amount.

Video: A true hybrid camera

When the X-H1 launched, it was Fujifilm's best "hybrid" camera to date, packed to the gills with numerous "firsts" for an X Series camera, including DCI 4K recording and the Eterna Film Simulation. These two features have since made their way into subsequent X Series cameras. The X-H2S includes a few "firsts" of its own, including 6.2K resolution video, internal Apple ProRes recording and new F-Log2.

The X-H2S also has an optional accessory aimed at heavy video users, Fujifilm's first attachable cooling fan. The fan attaches behind the display after you remove a small plate. The X-H2S cooling fan allows users to record about 50 minutes of continuous 4K/60p footage in 40° Celsius ambient temperatures (104° Fahrenheit). Without the fan, the camera will overheat after 20 minutes, which is still impressive considering its 4K/60p video in sweltering temperatures. When considering 4K/60p video at 25° C (77° F), you can record with or without the cooling fan for 240 consecutive minutes.

Looking closer at video specs, the X-H2S's 6.2K video is in a 3:2 aspect ratio and 29.97p. There's no crop factor. There's again no crop when shooting DCI 4K video, and the camera can shoot at up to 59.94p. If you want DCI 4K or 4K UHD video at 120p, an impressive spec, there's a slight crop – 1.29x. For FHD video, you can shoot at up 240p (1.38x crop) or 120p (no crop).

The new F-Log2 option offers up to 14+ stops of dynamic range for 6.2K and 4K/30p video. It's 13+ stops in other video modes. Even still, the original F-Log promised "only" 12+ stops. The camera also records HDMI RAW with 13 stops and HLG video with approximately 12 stops. When shooting F-Log2, the base ISO is 1250. For F-Log, it's 640. The X-H2S supports internal Apple ProRes recording, which is a big deal for intensive video users. The internal ProRes recording is 10-bit at 4:2:2. The X-H2S has a full-size HDMI port if you want to record externally, and the camera can record ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW through HDMI to an external recorder.

We're excited to try out the new video features in the X-H2S, especially the camera's autofocus. All the new AI works in both stills and video.

Pricing and availability: Coming in early July for $2,499

The Fujifilm X-H2S will be available on July 7 for $2,499. A standard vertical grip will arrive on the same day for $399, although it's unclear if the grip will include any extra batteries. The optional $199 X-H2S Cooling Fan will arrive on the same day, as well.

There will be a second vertical grip, a File Transfer Grip, that will arrive in September for $999. This grip includes an Ethernet socket, an extra USB-C port for smartphone tethering and 802.11ac (170Mbps) speed and a 2x2 MIMO antenna. The X-H2S body itself can transfer at up to 60Mbps over Wi-Fi.

We're looking forward to getting hands-on with the Fujifilm X-H2S as soon as possible. Stay tuned to Imaging Resource for more news on the camera and hands-on impressions as soon as possible.