X-H2 - Revenge of the Hybrids
Strangely, this decision didn't trigger much of an internal debate.
Last year I reviewed a pre-release of the X-H2s, from which I came away rather impressed. I then used that camera again for a few weeks, to shoot the X-T5 promotional film (a much appreciated loaner from the fine folks at Fujifilm Canada). And during this last experience, three things became abundantly clear:
The X-T5's 40MP sensor is stunning.
Life's too short to ever shoot another video project with my X-T3.
A flipping viewfinder can be darn handy.
So despite my affection for the X-T5 and my historical preference for traditional bodies, I quickly followed-up that gig with an order for the X-H2—the one without an S.
It arrived a few weeks ago. [1]
The X-H2 and X-H2s are almost indistinguishable: same build, same button placement, same LCD, card slots...ergonomically, they follow the same design ethos. In fact, most of that original review and pictures fit the X-H2. The main difference lies in the sensor each camera uses: a stacked 26 MP sensor for the X-H2s; a 40 MP sensor for the X-H2 (same as the X-T5).
Each one offers different advantages RE resolution and overall performance, so the choice really depends on the type of work you do. For me, the X-H2 made the most sense: I get more resolution for stills, all the performance I need for video, and all the features that wowed me during the X-T5 film production.
The elephant in the room is obviously the camera's design, with it's use of a PSAM + Custom Settings dial. Here's what I wrote in the X-H2s review:
The X-H2s follows in the footsteps of the GFX 100s and GFX 50s II: the PSAM dial also houses C1-C7 custom settings. These are powerful. A C setting holds a complete configuration of the camera—providing hardware recall of every single parameter (as far as I know). Which means the camera can go from a simple street shooter, to a very specific and complex video rig—complete with frame rate, resolution, bit rate, shutter speed, film sim, custom display etc—with one turn of a dial.
Video parameters are complex creatures that typically need to be modified, on the fly, for a variety of technical or aesthetic reasons. So this feature alone changes the game for me, and I actually prefer having a hardwired dial for direct control. When combined to IBIS and the fully articulated LCD, the camera really provides me with a completely unique shooting experience. [2]
It's not just a timesaver for video work, however. For example, every time I have an interior shoot I go through a checklist of settings I need to dial-in:
Set the camera to aperture priority.
Turn off Auto ISO and set the lowest ISO value.
Turn on the Self-Timer function and set it to 2 sec.
Make sure the camera is in Raw+F mode.
Select either CC or NS film simulation.
Set Preview Manual Exposure to ON.
SIDEBAR
Custom Settings (C1-C7) can be locked, or set to auto-update. I keep them locked, which means any changes made while shooting will be reset if the camera is powered down, or if the dial is turned to another option. But it's important to note the locked function doesn't affect PSAM settings:
If I set the X-H2 to A, turn on the Acros film simulation, and set +2 Highlights +3 Shadows, this becomes the base setting across all PSAM.
The camera always retains any changes made to settings while using one of the PSAM options.
So all PSAM functions act like one, "old school", custom setting. If I want the X-H2 to behave like my X-Pro3, I set the dial to A, S, or M.
None of this takes huge amounts of time, but it does need to be checked before every shoot. With the X-H2 I just turn the dial to C2 and press the lock button. Done. And of course, switching from this to a completely different editorial, or studio configuration is just as fast. This also means I'm not using these for styling, the way I've used custom settings on all my Fujifilm cameras for the past decade. It's really just about switching technical setups. But my intentions for this body aren't the same either, so taking a different approach, despite compromises, is fine by me. I knew this going in.
This camera isn't a crush: my pulse doesn't quicken at the sight of the X-H2 on my desk, my heart doesn't flutter. It's a machine that will likely remain a machine. I'm treating it as such. But I'm stoked by the new possibilities, and so far I've been nothing but pleased with it.
And I really do love this sensor…
…
In 2018 I was all set to purchase an X-H1. This was the only Fujifilm body with IBIS at the time, and the design felt like the perfect companion to my GFX. My mind was made up, the order was in, I was excited about it...and then the X-T3 was released, my friend Jonas wrote a beautiful review, and I switched on a whim, at the very last minute. I have no regrets: looking back, I know it was the right decision.
But so's this one.
Call it Revenge of the Hybrids.
P.S Something worth mentioning: only faster SD cards appear to work reliably with this camera. The slower cards I own (that still work perfectly in older bodies) will randomly fail with write errors. But:
The ones that fail are all Lexar cards (I've had them for awhile).
I had similar issues with the X-T5, but chalked it up to pre-production bugs.
The faster cards are Lexar as well, but so far I've had zero issues with them (stills or video). I'll obviously be adding CF to the mix, but I'll be sure to check Fujifilm's official compatibility chart, just in case.
…………………..
Stock constraints are still a thing. I'd almost moved on TBH.
Compared to other bodies I own.
