The FUJIFILM X-H2S mirrorless system camera, the new flagship model in the X Series, expands the range of compact APS-C cameras with advanced photo and video capabilities. The X-H2S marks the fifth generation of technology in the camera system established by FUJIFILM in 2012, whose models combine high image quality and a compact design with unrivalled colour technology.

At the heart of the X-H2S is the 26.16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor *1, which enables signal processing four times faster than the previous sensor generation *2. It is complemented by the X-Processor 5, which processes the image data delivered by the sensor at an even higher speed *3

The camera is equipped with a powerful autofocus system that enables reliable focusing on dynamic subjects even during continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second and when recording video in high-resolution 6.2K or 4K formats. Other features of the X-H2S, which adopts the proven operating concept of its predecessor, include in-camera five-axis image stabilisation over seven EV stops *4, a robust magnesium body and a wide range of connectivity options. Among other things, the camera is compatible with CFexpress Type B memory cards *5 and can be integrated into network environments via a separately available File Transmitter.

This makes the X-H2S the ideal choice for all professional photography and videography. It is suitable for use in wildlife, sports and press photography, and is particularly well-suited to small production teams.

X-Trans sensor and fifth-generation X-Processor

The X-H2S is significantly more powerful than previous X Series cameras. The reason for this increase in performance is the use of two advanced components: the X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor and the X-Processor 5. The new 26.16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor is the first BSI and stacked APS-C sensor to be used in the X Series. The abbreviation BSI stands for ‘back-side illuminated’, and ‘stacked’ means that the sensor is constructed from several layers stacked on top of one another. This chip design delivers significant performance improvements. For instance, the four times faster readout speed enables blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second*6 and a further significant improvement in autofocus. Furthermore, high-resolution video in 4K/60p quality can now be recorded without a crop factor. The videos are also less prone to the rolling shutter effect, which can occur when filming moving objects. The advanced X-Processor 5 processes data twice as fast as the previous flagship model in the X Series. It delivers improved resolution performance at low sensor sensitivity, reduced image noise at high ISO values, and significantly faster and even more accurate autofocus. The use of artificial intelligence enables highly precise subject-based AF tracking. The fifth-generation processor enables video recording in professional 6.2K/30p format with 10-bit 4:2:2 colour sampling. Additional video codecs are also supported. The camera is also compatible with high-speed CFexpress Type B memory cards. Despite the performance boost, the processor consumes less power, allowing for longer recording times.

Fast continuous shooting with AF tracking

The X-H2S offers high-precision autofocus even during rapid bursts and can shoot up to 40 frames per second with subject-based tracking and continuous adjustment of focus and exposure. During continuous shooting, the phase-detection AF pixels are evaluated independently of image generation, enabling three times more autofocus calculations than the previous flagship model*7 and thus lightning-fast focusing. The camera features an expanded buffer memory which, in conjunction with the electronic shutter, now allows up to 1,000 photos*8 to be recorded in rapid succession when a continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second in JPG mode or 20 frames per second in RAW mode is set.

Smarter and more powerful autofocus

The new image processor offers an object-oriented autofocus function with subject recognition and artificial intelligence. The algorithm, developed using deep learning technology, not only recognises and tracks human faces and eyes, but also reliably keeps animals, birds, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, aeroplanes and trains in focus. Thanks to this capability, the photographer can concentrate fully on the creative shooting process and the composition of the image. A new AF algorithm results in significantly improved prediction of subject movement. Thanks to this leap in development, the camera can track moving subjects with Zone AF with high precision, even in low light conditions. The X-H2S is therefore ideal for demanding wildlife and sports photography.

Advanced video functions

The camera can record high-resolution video in 6.2K/30p format with true-to-life 10-bit 4:2:2 colour sampling. It also offers the ability to record spectacular slow-motion sequences in 4K/120p quality, allowing explosive movements to be captured in extreme slow motion. With the new image sensor, the readout speed during video recording is reduced to 1/180 second, thereby avoiding the annoying rolling shutter effect and allowing object movement to be recorded very realistically. The improved autofocus performance is also evident during video recording. The AF functions for tracking fast-moving subjects are available during filming, as is the AF+MF function, which allows seamless switching between automatic and manual focusing. The X-H2S supports various video codecs, including three Apple ProRes codecs*9: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 LT. To optimise workflow, a proxy video with a reduced bitrate and resolution can be saved in parallel with the ProRes recording. The new F-Log2 mode allows video to be recorded with a dynamic range of more than 14 EV steps. This means that the recorded footage offers greater creative freedom in post-production than the previous F-Log mode.
The camera body has been designed to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the sensor and processor. This enables a significantly longer recording time of up to 240 minutes *10 in 4K/60p quality. The optionally available FAN-001 fan provides additional cooling for the body and enables longer recording times even at high ambient temperatures.

Advanced features and ease of use

The X-H2S features a new in-camera five-axis image stabilisation system. The sensor technology enables sharp images at shutter speeds up to seven EV stops slower, offering a decisive advantage in many situations. This makes it easy to shoot handheld during super-telephoto photography in low-light conditions, such as at dusk or in the dark. The electronic viewfinder also contributes to the X-H2S’s high level of user comfort. With 5.76 million pixels, 0.8x magnification and a refresh rate of 120 fps, it offers an optimal view of the subject. To ensure dynamic subjects can be tracked perfectly at all times, parallax errors and distortion – which frequently occur when the eye position varies – are effectively suppressed. The new flagship model has inherited not only the particularly robust body from its predecessor, the FUJIFILM X-H1, but also several popular features. For example, the top LCD sub-display, which allows camera settings to be read easily. The moulded handgrip, which was already a feature of the predecessor model, has been specifically redesigned at the request of users to enable fatigue-free shooting with larger lenses, even over extended periods. Thanks to valuable feedback from photographers worldwide, further improvements have been made, primarily concerning the camera’s handling. Among other things, the product designers revised the tactile feel of key controls: for instance, the pressure and release point of the shutter button have been optimised so that the release point can be controlled even more precisely when the button is half-pressed. There is now also a separate video button, which simplifies filming in conjunction with the tilting and swivelling LCD monitor (1.62 million pixels). Furthermore, the AF-On button has a new tactile response to further simplify the operation of the function. The shutter on the X-H2S is particularly durable and has withstood more than 500,000 exposures in internal tests. The X-H2S’s dual memory card slot supports not only conventional SD cards but also CFexpress Type B cards, allowing the camera’s full potential to be exploited during continuous shooting and video recording, amongst other things.*11

*1 X-Trans™ is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM
Corporation*2 Compared to the X-Trans CMOS 4
sensor*3 Compared to the X-Processor
4*4 In combination with the FUJINON XF35mmF1.4
R*5 CFexpress™ is a trademark or registered trademark of the CompactFlash Association*
6 High-speed continuous shooting without viewfinder blackout is only available
when using the electronic shutter*7 FUJIFILM
X-T4 mirrorless system camera*8 After switching on the camera
following a complete power-off*9 Apple ProRes is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the USA and other
countries*10 Measurement of recording time following a cold start of the camera and in conjunction with the VG-XH vertical battery grip, fitted with three batteries, at an ambient temperature of 25°C and the following settings: Overheating protection set to ‘High Temperature’ and bitrate set to ‘100 Mbps’. The recording time depends on the battery charge level and the memory card used. If the body overheats, recording will stop automatically.