Fujifilm has just announced a new flagship camera – the Fuji X-H1, which caters as much to photographer as well as it offers new features designed make it easier for you to shoot great looking video. The X-H1 was rumored for a while, and it is good to see Fujifilm going the Panasonic style and releasing a more video-oriented 4K mirrorless camera akin to the mighty Lumix GH5.
The Fujifilm X-H1 features the 24.3 megapixel APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS III sensor and the high-speed image processing engine X-Processor Pro from the Fujifilm X-T2. The X-H1 has a newly-designed robust and durable body, while incorporating a range of extremely useful features that support shooting in various scenarios demanded by professional photographers and videographers.
A huge new feature making its debut in the X-Series mirrorless with the X-H1 is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which has a maximum of 5.5 stops. The X-H1 also shoots 4K DCI (4096 x 2160) at 24p and when you drop to 1080p you can get super-slow motion up to 120fps for some silky smooth slo-mo. In 4K DCI you can also bump up the data rate to 200Mbps, which is nice, however it is worth to note that the X-H1 still records video in an 8bit 4:2:0 sub-sampled codec internally.
F-Log is now a built-in internal profile, unlike on the X-T2, which only had it on the HDMI output. Definitely a nice feature to have, however with the highly compressed 8bit codec, you’d need to be careful in post as you won’t be able to “stretch” your video footage too much in post.
There is also a new flicker reduction mode which enhances the quality of indoor sports photography. In addition, The X-H1 is the first camera in the X Series to include ETERNA mode, a new film simulation mode ideal for shooting movies. The ETERNA film stocks from Fuji were a preferred film stock for many cinematographers back in the day, and it is really nice to have it built-in the X-H1. The new profile has been designed to be applied in-camera, thus saving you lots of time in post; or in other words – for situations where you need a quick delivery straight from camera.
Check out this sample below, shot in 4K on the new FUJIFILM X-H1 in the new ETERNA Film Simulation profile:
The camera is also compatible with a range of other interchangeable lenses which are scheduled for release later this year. These include the MKX18-55mmT2.9 and MKX50-135mmT2.9 professional cinema lenses incorporating the X mount which are scheduled for release in May 2018.
The XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR, a wide aperture single-focus telephoto lens, and XF8-16mmF 2.8 R WR, designed to meet the needs of scenery or landscape photographers are also included, both of which are scheduled for release by the end of 2018.
Fujifilm X-H1 Highlights/Features
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- X-Processor Pro Engine
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p
- 1080p/120 super-slow motion
- Internal F-Log Gamma
- New ETERNA Film Simulation built-in
- 0.75x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3″ 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilt LCD Touchscreen
- 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
- Flicker Reduction Mode
- 1.28″ Sub-LCD Top Screen
- Weather-Sealed Body;
- 2 x UHS-II SD Slots
- Price:
- X-H1 Body $1,900 at B&H
- X-H1 + Battery Grip: $2,200 at B&H
- Available: Early March 2018
One very important note about 4K, UHD and Full HD video recording on the X-H1 – the camera is still limited to 15 minutes of continuous recording in 4K/UHD and 20 minutes in Full HD unless you add the “optional” Vertical power boost grip VPB-XH1 Exclusive for the X-H1, which is priced at $330 at B&H.
With the Vertical Power Booster Grip attached, individual movie recording time is extended up to approx. 30min. on both 4K and Full HD mode. This is a bit annoying as it adds not only extra bulk, but also extra cost to the package, but it is something that you’ll have to live with if you want to get on the Fujifilm X-H1 train and record video for longer periods.
The Fujifilm X-H1 is set to ship in early March for $1899.95 body only, or $2,199.95 USD with the vertical grip.
For more details, full specifications and sample images head over to Fujifilm.
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