Hi ,

Today, Fujifilm announced the brand new X-H2 camera body. Coming on the heels of the X-H2s, which was introduced back in May, the new X-H2 brings a whole new level of unmatched image quality and performance to the X Series line, and it will be available later this month.

With its 5th generation Back Side Illuminated 40.2-megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor and lighting fast X Pro Processor 5 image processing chip, the X-H2 has 1.5 times the number of pixels as the previous models, twice the processing speed and a native ISO of 125.

This allows for unparalleled resolution, image clarity, autofocus speed, incredibly high signal-to-noise ratio, high magnification macro capabilities, 8K video and a ridiculously high maximum electronic shutter speed of up to 1/180,000 second.

In short, the new X-H2 offers an incredible array of creative options and performance upgrades that will allow you to capture truly stunning imagery and video, no matter what you shoot. 

Now, I realize this all sounds like an ad, so I'll quickly run down the basic upgrades of the X-H2 and then give you my thoughts on the new camera and how it compare to the co-flagship X-H2s. (You can read the full specs of the camera here at Fujifilm's website.)

X-H2 Upgades

• 40MP High Resolution
• 160MP Ultra High Res Imagery with Multi-Shot Pixel Shift
• ISO 125
• 8K 30p video and 4K HQ using 8K oversampling
• RAW Output via HDMI
• HEIF Straight out of Camera Image format, for 10-bit images that are 30% smaller than standard JPEGs
• Apple Pro Res and F-Log2 Support
• MF Assist Focus Meter for more precise focus when shooting video
• New AI/Deep Learning Controlled Subject Detection Autofocus for more accurate tracking
• 7 Stops of IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)

Those are just the basics. The big things. Just about every single aspect of the camera, inside and out, has been upgraded and optimized for maximum performance to reflect and support the next generation of technology, skill and creative ideas. 

Although I have not seen the X-H2 or the X-H2 in person yet, it's clear to me that Fujifilm has pushed the envelope in a huge way with these two models. With the X-H2, you get a camera that's designed for the highest quality still image reproduction. With the X-H2s, you get speed and faster shooting options.

In addition to the 40mp sensor, the X-H2 has a feature called PIXEL SHIFT, which captures 20 individual frames with a single press of the shutter button. Using the IBIS system, the camera shifts the sensor a half-pixel between each frame before combining all of the frames into one, ultra high res 160MB image, with almost no false colors visible.

It also supports HIEF image format, which is the same format your smartphone uses. This allows for very high quality images straight out of the camera. For those of you who like to shoot JPEGs with your Fuji cameras, this gives you even better results.   

With regards to autofocus, the X-H2 and X-H2s both have the new Subject Detect AF. On paper, the fastest AF speed and tracking performance for moving subjects available on the X-H2 is still basically the same as what's on the X-T4. However, this new system helps improve tracking with advanced Face/Eye detection and specific subject detection, for both moving and non moving subjects. Of course, with the X-H2s, tracking is improved even further. 

And although the X-H2s has the faster firing rate of up to 40 fps with no blackout, up to 1,000 consecutive frames at 30 fps, and 1,000 RAW frames at up to 20 fps, the regular X-H2 is no slouch. It will still fire at 20 fps (1.29x crop) and 15 fps at full resolution. That's as fast as most people need. The X-H2s also does high speed (slow-motion) 4K at 120p.

So, what does this mean for you? 

The X-H2 and X-H2s which is in stock right now, are clearly designed for maximum performance, but they're both still X Series camera at heart. They still have all of the same wonderful creative features that you're used to, like the film simulations, and they still have a very similar form factor and usability. The "X-H" style layout is a little different from the X-T and X-Pro models, but it's similar enough that you would be able to make an easy transition were you to move up either of these models. 

In my mind, the X-H2 would be a completely capable camera for just about anyone who wants the most capable tool to push your creativity to maximum levels, especially if you're looking to upgrade from an older body. It's only those who shoot very fast action or fast motion video who would benefit from the X-H2s. The X-H2 will still handle the kinds of action that most people shoot, even fast birds in flight, and it does amazing pro-quality video.

If you already have one of the most recent X Series models, then you may not want to jump up right away, unless you're not quite happy with the performance of your current camera. Whether it's the H2 or the H2s, though, either will be a very significant upgrade if you do want to go up.

At $1,999, the X-H2 is $400 less expensive than the "S" model, so pound for pound, that's my recommendation for nearly every type of photographer. 

Preorder the X-H2 - Shipping is slated for Sept. 29

As soon as I get one of these cameras hand, I promise I'll do a full review video, but if you want to just take my word for it that the new X-H2 is a truly amazing camera, you can preorder it here and maybe even have it by the first week of October. 

You can see the full features of the X-H2 and X-H2s on Fujifilm's website. 

Thanks for reading and please let me know if you have any questions.