Fujifilm X-H1 Review

Product: Brand Name: Fujifilm
Product: description: Fujifilm X-H1
Product: image url: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2019/06/27/Fujifilm_X-H1_Specs_1.jpg
Product: title: Fujifilm X-H1
Video: url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsnJty9zSQ
Video: description: Testing the photo and stills capabilities of Fujifilm's latest mirrorless camera. With 24-megapixels, in-body image stabilisation, 8fps/14fps and 4K video it seems to have it all.
Video: headline: Fujifilm X-H1 Hands-on Review
Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2019/06/27/Fujifilm_X-H1_Review.png
Article: description: The Fujifilm X-H1 might not get all the accolades of some of Fuji's other cameras, but as we note in this Fujifilm X-H1 review, this camera is more than capable for enthusiast and even professional shooters.
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Photo by Pedro Mac on Unsplash

The Fujifilm X-H1 is a relatively new mirrorless camera released in February 2018. 

This camera shares many components with the Fujifilm X-T2, and it provides very good image quality and even better video recording capabilities. It is very stiff, versatile and rich in features, built around a 24MP sensor and with the capability to capture 4K video. 

Unfortunately, the X-H1 hasn’t received deserved attention, because it has been outshined by the X-T3 and X-T30 which were released shortly after. However, although these new cameras offer more powerful features, the X-H1 still beats them in a few areas.

If you are not familiar with the Fujifilm X-H1, read this review and find out if this might be the camera you are looking for. 

Table of Contents

Fujifilm X-H1 Specs

 

At the core of the Fujifilm X-H1 is a 24MP X-Trans APS-C sensor. This sensor does not have an optical low-pass filter, but it uses the aperiodic color filter in order to reduce moiré and false colors in images.

The camera works great in low-light conditions. It has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to 12800 which can be boosted to ISO 100 – 51200. In fact, the Fujifilm X-H1 uses the same sensor and processor as the X-T2, so there are no big differences in terms of image quality between these two models.

However, the Fujifilm X-H1 is the first camera in the X Series that features a built-in five-axis image stabilization mechanism. This is very useful for shooting images in low-light conditions since it allows you to create sharp images even at slower shutter speeds.

In addition to the X-Trans sensor, the Fujifilm X-H1 uses the powerful X-Processor Pro engine, which is guaranteed to give the best possible performance when it comes to the camera’s speed and precision.

For example, because of its high-performance processor, the Fujifilm X-H1 acquires focus in approximately 0.06 seconds. In addition, the camera has 325-point hybrid AF system and you can choose among three different focus modes: Single AF, Continuous AF, and Pre-AF option.

The Fujifilm X-H1 also produces great results if you are interested in action photography. It offers a continuous shooting speed up to 14 frames per second with an electronic shutter and a burst rate of 8 fps with a mechanical shutter.  

Learn more about the features and capabilities of the Fujifilm X-H1 in the video above by Kai W.

 

Buy New X-H1 Buy Used X-H1

 

Fujifilm X-H1 Body & Design 

 

The Fujifilm X-H1 measures 5.5 x 3.8 x 3.4 inches and weighs 23.7 oz. (including batteries) which makes it is the bulkiest camera in the X Series. Being a mirrorless camera, the X-H1 is still both compact and lightweight, although it wouldn’t go on the list of the most compact mirrorless cameras ever. Among other things, this is because of its strong build and large grip.   

 For framing a shot, you can use either an LCD monitor or EVF (electronic viewfinder).  The LCD screen measures 3 inches and has a 1,040,000-dot resolution. Additionally, it is tiltable and touchscreen sensitive, which is convenient for repositioning focus area and shooting stills and videos from complicated angles.

The EVF has a 3,690,000-dot resolution and offers a 0.75x magnification. Moreover, the viewfinder has a 100 fps refresh rate. Overall, if you prefer framing with a viewfinder, the X-H1 will provide you with satisfying results.

On top of the camera (just near the shutter release button), there is a helpful LCD display where you can check the camera’s settings before you release the shutter.

The Fujifilm X-H1 uses NP-W126S battery and you can take approximately 310 shots before it’s exhausted. A good thing is that you can charge the camera via USB. In case you want to transfer media from the camera to smart devices, you can use either WiFi or Bluetooth connection.

Learn more:

Fujifilm X-H1 Build & Handling 

To be fair, the Fujifilm X-H1 is not the most intuitive camera, especially if you are accustomed to using models manufactured by other competitive companies such as Canon or Nikon. However, after only a few days of working with the camera, everything should feel very natural.

At first glance, the camera looks strong, and indeed it is. The X-H1 is fully made out of magnesium-alloy and it is weather-sealed against water, dust, and cold temperatures as well. There are 68 points of weather sealing on the body while even the buttons and dials are encased in rubber seals. This means you don’t have to worry about moisture and dust getting into the camera’s body. However, this does not mean the camera is water-proofed or undestroyable, so take necessary precautions while using it.

Some photographers complain about the X-H1’s ergonomics, especially about its very large and deep grip. On the one hand, having a huge grip is good since the camera will feel comfortable in the hand even if you use it for extended periods of time. On the other hand, this comes with certain disadvantages. For example, the shutter dial - which is placed on the top of the grip - sometimes feels too far to reach. Moreover, the large grip adds up a few inches to the X-H1’s size and weight.  

 

Buy New X-H1 Buy Used X-H1

 

Fujifilm X-H1 Video Performance 

The Fujifilm X-H1 improves the video capabilities of its predecessor. While the Fujifilm X-T2 features UHD 4K recording at up to 30p, the Fujifilm X-H1 offers DCI 4K video at 23.98 and 24p (at a 200 MB/s bit rate).

Overall, this camera is great for shooting video. In addition to 4K capabilities, the X-H1 offers Full HD video at up to 120p, F-Log support, and "ETERNA" mode. 

If you plan to use this camera for videography, consider buying a vertical power booster grip which will extend individual recording time up to approximately 30 minutes on both 4K and Full HD mode.

Learn more:

Fujifilm X-H1 Lenses 

The Fujifilm X-H1 uses the X mount. The company suggests you to start using this camera with Red Badge Zoom lenses such as the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR, XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR, and XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens.

If you are more into videography then you should go for the Fujinon Cine Lenses such as the MKX 18-55mm T2.9 and MKX 50-135mm T2.9 lens.

If you are not sure which lenses to choose for the Fujifilm X-H1, check out the video above by Jared Polin. 

Fujifilm X-H1 Price

Although it has been a bit underestimated, the X-H1 is a powerful device, and it will make art in the right hands. 

The price of the camera has dropped over the last year, and now you can buy a new one for only $1,299.00 (including the vertical power booster grip). That said, if you don’t mind buying used equipment, you can buy it even cheaper. 

Check out the inventory on MPB, where you can find a large selection of used photography equipment. At the moment, you can buy a used Fujifilm X-H1 for a price as low as $949.00, which will leave you with some money to buy lenses and other accessories to complete your kit.

Learn more about buying and selling used gear in my complete MPB review.