Over the years, I’ve spent time shooting with all sorts of cameras, the Fujifilm X-H2 included. I can confidently say it’s a standout option for both photographers and videographers, given its excellent blend of features for stills and video creation.
Whether you’re a professional looking to add to your gear or an enthusiast looking for a powerful tool, the X-H2 delivers a compelling balance of high-end features without sacrificing usability. From its 40MP sensor to its impressive video capabilities, this camera offers a wealth of options to cater to your creative needs.
In this review, I’ll break down its strengths and how it performs in real-world situations, while also giving you some insight into how to snag one of these highly capable cameras on the cheap! With that, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Build Quality and Design of the Fujifilm X-H2
- Sensor and Image Quality
- Fujifilm X-H2 Autofocus and Performance
- Video Features
- Connectivity and Usability Features of the Fujifilm X-H2
- Price and Value for Money
Build Quality and Design of the Fujifilm X-H2
As Andy Mumford discusses in the video above, the Fujifilm X-H2 feels solid in hand, a testament to Fujifilm’s dedication to craftsmanship. Its magnesium alloy body is not only rugged but also weather-sealed, making it reliable for outdoor shoots in challenging environments – which, as a landscape photographer, is where I’m typically found. Whether you’re on dusty trails, in damp conditions, or somewhere in between, this camera will prove to be durable and reliable.
The Fujifilm X-H2 is ergonomically sound, with a well-designed grip that provides comfort during long shoots. The button layout is intuitive, with easy access to essential controls like the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. Fujifilm’s signature dials for exposure compensation and shutter speed make manual adjustments quick and easy, even without taking your eye off the scene. The large, bright 5.76-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a joy to use, offering crisp detail and excellent color representation. It also provides a lag-free experience, which is crucial for action photographers who rely on instant feedback.
The 3-inch, 1.62-million-dot vari-angle LCD screen is fully articulating, a feature I appreciate for shooting from tricky angles or while recording video. It’s sharp and responsive, with touch functionality that makes navigating menus or selecting focus points quick and intuitive.
Sensor and Image Quality
Photo by Sebastian Qin on Unsplash (license)
At the heart of the Fujifilm X-H2 is a 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, one of the highest-resolution sensors you can find in an APS-C camera. The image quality from this sensor is simply outstanding. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, the level of detail is exceptional, even when zooming into the finest textures.
One of Fujifilm’s key strengths is color reproduction, and the X-H2 continues that tradition. The in-camera Film Simulations are a particular highlight. These built-in presets emulate classic film stocks, giving your images distinct looks right out of the camera. My personal favorites are Classic Chrome for a subtle, contrasty look and Velvia for vibrant colors, perfect for landscape shots.
Photo by Sebastian Qin on Unsplash (license)
Low-light performance is solid for an APS-C sensor, too. When shooting at higher ISO settings, noise is well-controlled up to ISO 6400, and even beyond that, images retain a good amount of detail. This makes it versatile for shooting indoors or in dimly lit environments, something you might find especially useful for nighttime street photography.
Fujifilm X-H2 Autofocus and Performance
Fujifilm has made impressive strides with autofocus in the X-H2. Its 425-point phase-detection AF system is quick and reliable in a variety of shooting conditions. Reviewers of this camera note that testing the X-H2’s AF on fast-moving subjects like wildlife and during action-packed events generates excellent results. The tracking is precise, especially with face and eye detection activated. It smoothly locks onto subjects’ eyes, making it ideal for portrait work or any situation where you need sharp focus on a person’s face.
What I love about the X-H2’s autofocus system is how customizable it is. You can adjust AF sensitivity, tracking speed, and zone size to match your shooting style. Whether you need a broader zone for unpredictable motion or pinpoint precision for a stationary subject, the camera adapts.
Continuous shooting is another area where the Fujifilm X-H2 excels. The mechanical shutter allows for burst shooting at up to 15fps, which is more than enough for sports and action photography. If you switch to the electronic shutter, you can shoot up to 20fps, though this comes with some limitations, such as rolling shutter distortion when panning quickly. Nonetheless, in most scenarios, the camera handles burst shooting with ease, and the buffer is deep enough to handle a heavy load of RAW files (up to 1,000 RAW frames in one burst).
Video Features
Videographers will be pleased with the Fujifilm X-H2’s extensive set of features. As Gordon Laing explains in the video above, the camera can record 8K video at 30p, which is an incredible resolution for an APS-C camera. While not everyone will need 8K, it’s great to have the option for those who want to future-proof their work or downsample for higher-quality 4K footage.
In 4K, you get 60p recording, and the footage is sharp, with rich colors and smooth motion. The X-H2 also supports F-Log2, giving you a wider dynamic range (more than 13 stops!) for more flexibility in post-production. I’ve found the F-Log2 profile particularly useful for shooting in high-contrast environments, allowing for greater detail in both shadows and highlights.
Stabilization is another strong point. The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system works beautifully, especially for handheld video. You can easily record walk-and-talk interviews without the need for additional stabilization gear, and the footage will come out steady and smooth.
The X-H2 also offers features like 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and ProRes RAW support via external recorders, making it a viable choice for more serious video production. For hybrid shooters who do both photography and videography, this camera is a powerhouse that can handle both tasks exceptionally well.
Connectivity and Usability Features of the Fujifilm X-H2
Fujifilm has made the X-H2 easy to connect and control remotely. It features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image transfer and remote shooting via the Fujifilm Camera Remote app. The app itself is straightforward, allowing you to quickly transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for immediate sharing or backup.
USB-C charging is another practical feature, especially when shooting on the go. You can charge the camera directly or power it through a USB-C power bank, which is great for extended shoots where swapping batteries might be inconvenient. Speaking of batteries, the X-H2 uses the same NP-W235 battery found in the X-T4, offering decent battery life (up to 720 frames per charge if the EVF is in economy mode).
Price and Value for Money
At its price point ($1,999 at the time of writing), the Fujifilm X-H2 offers excellent value for money, especially considering its array of high-end features. While it is positioned as a premium APS-C camera, it’s priced competitively compared to full-frame cameras with similar specifications. The X-H2 strikes a balance between performance and price, making it an attractive option for both professionals and serious hobbyists who want advanced features without the full-frame price tag.
For photographers, the 40MP sensor delivers image quality that rivals some full-frame models, and the customization of the autofocus system is ideal for those who shoot a variety of subjects. Meanwhile, videographers will appreciate the 8K recording, F-Log2 profile, and reliable in-body stabilization—all features that make the X-H2 stand out in the APS-C market.
Save Money by Buying Used
But you can get a Fujifilm X-H2 for cheaper if you buy used. I know buying used gear turns some folks off, but the ability to get a great camera for less money should be enough motivation to give it a try! Besides, there are many reliable and trustworthy online platforms where you can buy used gear. MPB is my personal favorite.
I’ve used MPB many times in the past, and whether I was buying, selling, or trading gear, it was always a pleasant and easy process. When buying gear, you can take solace in knowing that MPB’s technicians hand-inspect every camera and lens and provide a detailed description of the item so you know exactly what to expect. MPB also provides photos of each item so you can see it before buying (the images above and below are of an X-H2 that’s currently available on MPB).
When buying gear, you also get the advantage of a six-month warranty on most items, plus a seven-day return window if, for some reason, the item you get doesn’t meet your expectations. It’s that kind of worry-free purchasing experience that makes MPB such a standout platform for used gear.
Of course, if you have the current gear you no longer need, selling it or trading it into MPB not only helps you clear out your collection of stuff, but the money you get for it can be used to offset your upgrade to a Fujifilm X-H2. It’s a win-win! And with like-new versions of this camera currently priced at around $1,500, you can save a good chunk of change, too!
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