The days when APS-C sensor bodies still blushed in front of their full-frame cousins are over. Fujifilm proves it with two high-performance bodies: the X-H2 and the X-H2S. Accompanied by their best optics, these two devices are currently on sale with the Japanese manufacturer.
In recent years, the craze for boxes mirrorless with APS-C sensor has increased significantly. And for good reason: the main players on the market have released boxes that clearly no longer have anything to be ashamed of compared to traditional full-frame boxes.
Very high definition, super fast burst and autofocus sensors, they are now just as efficient and versatile as larger sensor bodies. Better still, their more compact format and their lightness also make them much more manageable, and in fact, they can be taken anywhere. This is particularly true for Fujifilm’s X Series bodies. With its X-H2 and X-H2S, the Japanese manufacturer has designed two cases designed for speed and precision.
The dedicated optical fleet is also very complete with its share of bright optics, in fixed focal length or zoom. Enough to cover almost all uses, all in a highly efficient compact format.
Currently and until January 16, Fujifilm is also offering reductions on Fujifilm X-H2S and X-H2 bodies, and on compatible optical equipment. The details of the offers valid on the FUJIFILM X|GFX eshop are as follows:
- The bare Fujifilm X-H2 APS-C body is available 2,049 instead of 2,249 euros ;
- The bare Fujifilm X-H2S APS-C body is available 2,549 euros instead of 2,749 euros ;
- the fixed focal length XF 8 mm f/3.5 R WR is 699 euros instead of 899 euros ;
- the fixed focal length XF 18 mm f/1.4 R LM WR is 999 euros instead of 1,099 euros ;
- the fixed focal length XF 23 mm f/1.4 R LM WR is 849 euros instead of 949 euros ;
- the fixed focal length XF 33 mm f/1.4 R LM WR is 749 euros instead of 849 euros ;
- the fixed focal length XF 56 mm f/1.2 R WR is 1099 euros instead of 1199 euros ;
- the XF 16-55 mm f/2.8 R LM WR zoom (1ʳᵉ version) is available 1,199 euros instead of 1,299 euros ;
- the XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR zoom + XF 1.4 TC converter is available 1,699 euros instead of 1,899 euros ;
- the XF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR zoom is 799 euros instead of 899 euros.
Fujifilm X-H2: as efficient in photos as in video
With its 40.2 million pixel APS-C sensor, the Fujifilm X-H2 is probably one of the most advanced cameras from the Japanese manufacturer. As well suited to sports photography with its burst at 15 frames per second as to video with the possibility of shooting 8K RAW externally, it offers excellent performance in all situations.
Equipped with hybrid autofocus, by phase and contrast detection, the Fujifilm X-H2 is extremely versatile. It offers, in fact, thanks to the presence of particularly effective detection algorithms, tracking of the human eye, animals, birds and various vehicles (car, motorcycle, plane).
Better still, the stabilization of the sensor on 5 axes makes it possible to avoid camera shake as much as possible in photos and jerky movements in video. Enough to offer the best possible image, whether you are more into portrait photography or sports photography.
Its ISO range is also wide. As standard, it covers a range from 125 (yes as standard, you read correctly) to 51,200 ISO in photos and up to 25,600 in video. Here again, Fujifilm promises to ensure excellent image quality in all situations, including when there is a lack of light. Shutter speed wise, the X-H2 also impresses with a maximum trigger speed of 1/180,000 seconds with the electronic shutter.
Finally, on the video side, Fujifilm has also pulled out all the stops with the implementation of 8K RAW at 30p internally and externally. The X-H2 also supports the following formats: Apple ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT. Better yet, for professionals, the X-H2 supports the F-Log2 standard designed for post-production.
To ensure ever more precise focusing, Fujifilm has also implemented focusing assistance when manual focus is active. Associated with focus peakingthis allows you to effectively keep the focus on the subject in any situation.
The Fujifilm X-H2 is therefore aimed at demanding photographers and videographers who need a versatile and fast body in all situations. It also received a very good rating of 8/10 from the editorial staff.
Until January 16, 2025, Fujifilm is offering a 200 euro reduction on the purchase of the bare case, which increases to 2,049 euros on the Fujifilm eshop.
Fujifilm X-H2S: its burst is heavy
Positioned a little higher in the manufacturer’s price range, the Fujifilm
Clearly oriented for sports photography and video, this APS-C body tickles the best products in the sector, including full format which will have difficulty competing with such a sophisticated technical sheet for such a low price. This is all the more true since until January 16, the X-H2S body goes from 2749 euros to 2549 euros on the Fujifilm eshop.
For this price, you will be able to benefit from an impeccable technical sheet including the presence of a 5th generation X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor and an “X-Processor 5” processor which allows for some technical feats. The most impressive undoubtedly remains its burst of 40 frames per second without blackout and with AF/AE tracking.
On the autofocus side, the Fujifilm X-H2S also offers very good performance. Equipped with hybrid autofocus (contrast measurement and phase detection), it benefits from brand new algorithms which allow better tracking of moving subjects, even in low light circumstances.
The firm’s engineers also took particular care in detecting subjects via the X-Processor 5 processor. The latter benefits from a system of deep learning and can thus recognize a significant quantity of moving subjects. Among them, human faces/eyes, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes, trains, and many more.
The video is not left out either with numerous shooting options including the possibility of being able to film continuously for 240 minutes in 4K/60P. A small feat where more professional boxes generally cut off the recording at 60 minutes. Like its little brother, the Fujifilm X-H2S supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT formats and can shoot in F-Log2.
The Fujifilm X-H2S also received an excellent score of 9/10 during its review by the editorial staff.
Fujifilm XF optics: designed to fully exploit the X Series bodies
To accompany its cases, the manufacturer offers an extremely complete optical catalog.
If all X-mount optics are designed for the brand’s APS-C devices, some have been specially created to accompany X cameras. Among them, we have selected the following essentials:
The XF33 mmF1.4 R LM WR fixed focal length lens benefits from a 100 euro discount
Perfect for portraits, this fixed focal length is equivalent to 50mm in full frame. Very bright, it allows you to aperture at f/1.4, which promises a beautiful depth of field and a soft and harmonious bokeh.
With a weight of just 360 grams and a silent motor (the famous Linear Motor), this optic ensures rapid and silent triggering. Stamped WR (weather resistant), it can be used in almost all weather conditions.
The XF50-140 mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR zoom benefits from a 200 euro discount
Essential to any camera, this extremely versatile zoom, which is equivalent to a 76 – 213 mm in full format, allows you to go from portrait to wildlife or sports photography in the blink of an eye.
Very bright with its constant f/2.8 aperture, the premium optics (its little red badge attests to this) allows you to photograph all types of scenes, from portraits to wildlife photography. It also benefits from theOptical Image Stabilisation (OIS) which guarantees exceptional sharpness in almost all conditions. This lens is finally compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, to extend its focal range, if necessary.
Other lenses are finally available on promotion on the Fujifilm eshop until January 16, 2025:
