Fujifilm X-H2 & XF 56mm F/1.2 R WR Hands-On Review With Sample Photos

It doesn't seem very long since Fujifilm introduced the Fujifilm X-H2S to the world but soon snapping at its heels is the new Fujifilm X-H2 - an APS-C mirrorless camera that's aimed at Pro photographers and videographers but this time, detail in images takes priority over moving subjects. 

As well as the Fujifilm X-H2, there's also a new Fujifilm XF 56mm F/1.2 R WR lens that we paired with the X-H2 when taking photos so you can see how both perform below. 

For the GFX Medium Format, the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm F/4 R WR lens has been announced but we didn't get the opportunity to get hands-on with this lens so we'll let you know what we think of it when we get it in for a full review. 

Fujifilm X-H2 Features

With the X-H2, it was all about attracting high-speed shooters such as sport and wildlife photographers who may not have looked in the direction of the X-series before. With the X-H2, it's all about the detail with a 40MP X-Trans 5 HR BSI BSI CMOS sensor with X-Processor 5, improved autofocus and 160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot for generating images with a higher resolution. 

Those who regularly shoot video will find panning is improved, there's a new menu for movie mode, you get 5-axis DIS along with subject detection AF, AF + MF and HDMI RAW output. 

8K video at 30P can be captured for 160min body only or for 240min with the added fan when temperatures don't go over 25 degrees C which when you compare it to the Canon R5 or Sony A1, is impressive. 

Fujifilm X-H2 Key Features:

• 40MP X-Trans 5 HR BSI BSI CMOS sensor
• X-Processor 5
• Fujifilm X mount lenses
• Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
• 3inch vari-angle touch LCD
• Top LCD screen
• Simplified design (less dials and switches to offer more customisable options)
• PSAM dial 
• Improved AF
• IBIS with 7 stops
• 160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
• CF-Express Type B/ UHS-II Card Slot
• 8K/30P, 6.2K/30P, 4K/60P, 1080/120P video recording
• 3.5mm mic and headphone ports
• Battery - 680 frames (1760 frames with optional grip)

Design-wise, the X-H2 is rather indistinguishable from the X-H2S with the same styling, grip, screen and EVF. It also shares the same mechanical shutter, battery and several other features, too. 

Fujifilm X-H2S/X-H2 Common Features:

• Camera Body Design
• Camera operability
• Image processing engine
• LCD and EVF
• Dual Card Slots
• Same connectors and ports
• Battery and accessories

Here's a comparison of the main features of the X-H2S and X-H2 side-by-side: 

Fujifilm X-H2 Handling

From looking and holding the X-H2, you can't tell it apart from the X-H2S feeling well-made and solid in the hand without feeling bulky. You can get an excellent hold of the deep grip when capturing images or simply carrying the camera around. We spent an hour or so with the X-H2 in London and not once did we feel like we needed to pop a strap on the camera as the grip and overall design make it feel ergonomically lovely in the hand. The rubberised texture wrapping around the camera also ensures your hands/fingers don't slip. The rear of the camera also has a raised area for your thumb to hold on to, increasing grip and trust in that you can carry the X-H2 around in just one hand. 

The shutter button falls nicely under the thumb and with just a couple of buttons along with a small LCD screen and PSAM control dial sitting on top, the overall look of the camera is slick and simple. Fujifilm has done away with a lot of dials and switches which doesn't please everyone but instead, they offer more customisable options so you can really make either camera your own. It also means you can quickly switch modes without specific settings and they can be used for photo and video. 

As the overall design is the same as the X-H2S, we won't go into much detail when discussing the layout as we'll be saying the same things as we did for the X-H2S (see the X-H2S hands-on for more details on camera features) but the 3.2inch vari-angle display offers a clear, crisp view when in use and the EVF features a large rubber eyecup to help make the camera more comfortable to use when you hold it up to your eye.

Overall, the X-H2 looks great, feels great and performs well.

Fujifilm X-H2 Performance

We didn't have too long with the X-H2 but we can safely say that it's capable of producing exceptional JPEG images straight from the camera. Colour reproduction is excellent and there is plenty of detail in the photos. The Auto Focus was very accurate and the film simulations added some creative flare to shots. It doesn't track quite as quickly as the X-H2S but it's certainly not slow by any means. 

Fujifilm X-H2 Other sample images

Value For Money

The Fujifilm X-H2 will be available from 29 September 2022 with a body-only price of £1899. It will also be available as a kit with an XF 16-80mm lens priced at £2299. This is less expensive than the X-H2S so if quicker frame rates aren't essential for you, and you need more megapixels then the newer X-H2 could be the camera for you. The price point also makes it good value for money when you compare it to cameras from the likes of Sony and other competitors.

Early Verdict

We won't comment too much on our final thoughts until we've put the X-H2 through our full review process but so far, we're impressed with the image quality straight from the camera and also how it feels in use with it being comfortable to hold and easy to use, feeling rather intuitive actually. 

We look forward to putting the camera through its paces in a full review very soon.  

In the meantime, have a read of our Fujifilm X-H2S review and you can see sample photos captured with the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR.