Exploring the New Fuji X-H2S: Early Opinions and Evaluation
Fujifilm has recently unveiled the X-H2S, a new addition to their lineup of mirrorless cameras. This latest model boasts all-new stacked sensor technology, offering photographers and videographers a powerful tool for their creative pursuits.
The X-H2S comes equipped with the X-Processor 5 processor, ensuring swift and responsive performance. The camera's 26MP X-Trans CMOS APS-C sensor delivers impressive image quality, capable of capturing detailed shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the X-H2S is its video capabilities. It can shoot up to 6.2K/30p and 4K/120p 4:2:2 10bit video, providing a level of detail and colour accuracy that is hard to match. However, it's important to note that the 4K/120p video has a 1.29x crop, but this isn't cropped if the framerate is lowered to 60p in 4K mode.
The X-H2S also offers F-Log and F-Log2, improving dynamic range performance, offering a total of 14 stops of dynamic range. While F-Log2 offers more dynamic range than F-Log, it has a noticeable increase in rolling shutter.
The X-H2S is designed for speed, offering 15FPS in mechanical shutter mode and 40FPS in electronic shutter mode for stills. This makes it an ideal choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The camera body includes a CF Express card slot for increased read and write speeds, a full HDMI output, a headphone jack, and a hot shoe for external microphone connection, offering up to four audio channels.
However, for underwater photography, considering a similarly priced full-frame option such as the Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R6 might be beneficial due to the advantages full-frame sensors offer. As of now, there are no underwater housings available for the Fuji X-H2S suitable for divers. Nauticam is expected to produce a Nauticam Fuji X-H2S housing, but it has not been released yet.
For those interested in the X-H2S, it will be available for purchase in July 2022 at a US MSRP of $2499. The camera also comes with various subject tracking modes (animal, bird, automobile, motorcycle and bike, airplane, and train) which were not present in the older X-H2.
In conclusion, the X-H2S offers a compelling combination of speed, image quality, and video capabilities. However, for underwater photography, it may be worth considering alternative options or consulting with underwater photography gear specialists for the latest solutions.
- The X-H2S's video capabilities are impressive, focusing on 6.2K/30p and 4K/120p 4:2:2 10bit video, providing a level of detail and color accuracy that's hard to match.
- This new addition to Fujifilm's lineup, the X-H2S, is a promising tool for both photographers and videographers, particularly those with an interest in photography and technology.
- For those who enjoy underwater exploration and photography, it's worth considering a full-frame option such as the Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R6 due to the advantages full-frame sensors offer, as there are currently no suitable underwater housings available for the Fuji X-H2S.
- To enhance the camera's versatility, the X-H2S comes equipped with various gadgets, including a CF Express card slot, a full HDMI output, a headphone jack, and a hot shoe for external microphone connection, offering up to four audio channels.
- The X-H2S's focus on speed is evident, offering 15FPS in mechanical shutter mode and 40FPS in electronic shutter mode for stills, making it an ideal choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.