The Fujifilm X-H1 is the top of the line camera in Fuji’s X-series line-up. But before its release, the Fuji X-T2 was arguably the most feature-rich choice and certainly a popular mirrorless cameras among many enthusiast and professional photographers. As a current or prospective X-T2 owner, or potentially as someone interested in the new Fuji X-H1, you might be wondering how it compares to the X-T2 in terms of features, ergonomics and specifications. We have put together this X-H1 and X-T2 comparison specifically to help you make the right choice, so let’s get started!
As always, it is important to note that this comparison is based purely on technical specifications and released product images. We have not had a chance to use the X-H1, but we have reviewed the Fuji X-T2 in detail. First, let’s take a look at the two side-by-side in a table comparison:
Fujifilm X-H1 vs X-T2 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Fujifilm X-H1 | Fujifilm X-T2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3 Million | 24.3 Million |
| AA Filter | No | No |
| Sensor Type | X-Trans CMOS III | X-Trans CMOS III |
| Sensor Size | 23.6×15.6mm | 23.6×15.6mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.9µ | 3.9µ |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 200-12,800 | ISO 200-12,800 |
| In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) | 5-Axis IBIS | No |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,000 x 4,000 | 6,000 x 4,000 |
| Image Processor | Dual X-Processor Pro | X-Processor Pro |
| Lens Modulation Optimizer | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic (EVF) | Electronic (EVF) |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 dots, 0.75x | 2,360,000 dots, 0.77x |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Diopter Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No (external unit as part of the package) | No (external unit as part of the package) |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250s | 1/250s |
| Storage Media | 2x SD, UHS-II Compatible | 2x SD, UHS-II Compatible |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 8 fps, Up to 14 fps with VPB-XH1 | 8 fps, Up to 14 fps with VPB-XH1 |
| Mechanical Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Electronic Shutter Speed Range | 1/32000 to 30 sec | 1/32000 to 30 sec |
| Electronic Front Curtain Shutter | Yes | No |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | TTL 256-zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted | TTL 256-zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted |
| Exposure Compensation Range | ±5 stops | ±5 stops |
| Autofocus System | 325-point Hybrid AF system | 325-point Hybrid AF system |
| Autofocus Phase Detection EV Sensitivity | -1 EV, usable up to f/11 | 0.5 EV, usable up to f/8 |
| Movie Recording Features | Up to 4K (4096 x 2160) @ 24p / 23.98p 200Mbps / 100Mbps / 50Mbps up to approx. 15min. | Up to 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 100Mbps up to approx. 10min. |
| Slow Motion Movie Recording | Full HD (1920 x 1080) HS @ 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p 200Mbps up to approx. 6min. | No |
| 4K Movie Mode Face Detection | Yes | No |
| Internal F-Log | Yes | No |
| LCD Size | 3.0″ diagonal LCD | 3.0″ diagonal LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen LCD | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Built-in Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Built-In Wi-Fi Functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Film Simulation Modes | 16 | 15 |
| Flicker Reduction | Yes | No |
| Interval Timer Shooting | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C – +40°C | -10°C – +40°C |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 673g with battery and memory card | 507g with battery and memory card |
| Dimensions | 139.8mm (W) x 97.3mm (H) x 85.5mm (D) | 132.5mm (W) x 91.8mm (H) x 49.2mm (D) |
| Battery | Li-ion battery NP-W126S | Li-ion battery NP-W126S |
| Battery Life | 310 frames | 340 frames |
| Body Construction | 25% Thicker Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Price | $1,899 | $1,599 |
While most of the specifications between the two cameras are very similar, there are some important and very distinct feature differences worth pointing out. First of all, the Fuji X-H1 has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is the first of its kind on X-series cameras. That alone is something that many photographers will argue make the X-H1 worth getting, since it can stabilize all X-series lenses. Lenses that do not have optical stabilization can get up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, whereas OIS-equipped lenses will get the best of two worlds depending on their OIS design and focal length. With stabilized lenses, the X-H1 is going to be far more usable than the X-T2 when shooting in low-light situations, making it a superb choice for street, event and travel photography.
Next, the Fuji X-H1 has a dual processor that allows for more throughput to allow more robust 4K video recording, less blackout time, faster focusing and faster overall operation of the camera. The camera also drives a 3.69 MP electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is superior to the one on the X-T2, although it does lose a little bit of magnification at 0.75x vs 0.77x on the X-T2.
Another distinct feature is the electronic front curtain shutter (EFCS), which can completely eliminate camera shake originating from the mechanical shutter – a feature that Fuji had previously only made available on the medium format Fuji GFX 50S camera. As explained in the linked article, EFCS can be extremely useful in many situations and I consider it to be a very important feature on a modern digital camera. In fact, EFCS along with IBIS are the two main reasons why I will be personally purchasing the Fuji X-H1…
Next, we come to video recording features. While the Fuji X-T2 had impressive 4K video recording features at the time it was released, the X-H1 pushes those features to the next level. In addition to all the standard 4K video recording options, the X-H1 can now shoot video at much higher bandwidths, up to 200 Mbps and its recording limit is capped at 15 minutes without a battery pack, and up to 30 minutes with a battery grip. Those who like to color-grade their videos can do that with the Internal F-Log feature, also something that previously did not exist on the X-T2. Unfortunately, the X-H1 still does not have a headphone input for video recording – it is only provided on the battery grip, just like on the X-T2. For shooting indoors, the X-H1 is equipped with a flicker-reduction feature, which does not exist on the X-T2.
The LCD is still the same 3.0″ diagonal with 1.04 million dots, but the X-H1 now has a touchscreen feature, which is certainly nice to have when viewing images, focusing or navigating the camera menu. Lastly, The X-H1 also comes with built-in Bluetooth and 1 extra film simulation mode called “Eterna”.
Ergonomic Changes
Aside from the above-mentioned feature differences, there are also important ergonomic changes. Take a look at the below comparison of the cameras from the top:
As you can see, the changes in ergonomics are significant. The Fuji X-H1 is like a mini GFX-50S, with its large and comfortable grip and a beautiful LCD display on the right side. Fuji removed the exposure compensation dial and put it into a smaller button to the right of the shutter release / camera on-off button. Personally, I really like this change, because that’s how Nikon DSLRs are organized as well and I am very used to dialing exposure compensation with a button. The large LCD screen is wonderful and it is fully customizable, so you can make it display only the information you care about.
The back of the camera also saw some heavy changes:
Fuji wanted photographers to be able to use gloves with the X-H1, so they made buttons larger and spaced them out a bit. This is another welcome change, because the buttons on X-series cameras are often too small to comfortable use with gloves on. The joystick is separated a bit and put a bit closer to the top of the camera, which should make it comfortable to use with the thumb. My personal favorite is the new dedicated AF-ON button and its excellent placement. Using the focus and recompose technique with the X-H1 is going to be a pure joy!
Obviously, all of these ergonomic changes made the X-H1 larger and heavier compared to the X-T2. The X-H1 is 166 grams heavier and noticeably larger compared to the X-T2. While for some photographers this might not be desirable, I personally welcome a more comfortable camera to hand-hold, even at the expense of slightly larger size and heavier weight.
Overall, the X-H1 looks like an incredible camera with a lot of great new features and a much more polished look and ergonomics. At $1,899 it is not a cheap camera by any means, but that’s what you pay to get the top-of-the-line Fuji X-series camera…
The battery life is lower than many but it lends to the convenience of charging while connected to the USB port which I use to transfer photos (I don’t want to risk damaging the SD card socket long term). When I turn the camera off, the battery charges. If I’m in a hurry, I will use the supplied charger. A larger capacity battery would place it outside of the USB spec for charging. For me this a great compromise.
Also, it is convenient that so many of their cameras use the same charger/battery including me old X-T2 and my wife’s X-T20 IMHO.
Ummm.. doesn’t X-H1 support 120 fps full hd slow-mo?
I had the X-T2 and was very happy. So many choices now, temptation to try each one.
But the X-T2 produced some wonderful photos, and the ergonomics made sense.
So–Just wondering… How hard would it be for Fuji to reengineer the core of the current battery? Seems to me that the size/shape could stay the same but the output could be maybe–20-25% more?
Fuji seems SO ON TOP of it that I believe they could pull this off.
Or: How hard would it be for Fuji to get the bigger GFX50S battery into the already bigger X-H1 body? One of the great thing about Fuji or Nikon is that there are only few types of batteries for a lot of bodies.
Getting the bigger NP-T125 battery of GFX into X-H1 would have made sense to me. Or at least getting these batteries into the grip (as Nikon does with two kinds of batteries in their grips -and if I add AA-types, it’s 3 kinds).
Thank god, the xp2 gets cheaper!
Who really buys that new cam? Its bigger but still have almost the same specs,but still lacks not having usb3. Cant beljeve it. Get a d750 and you are a real winner!
You don’t know what you’re talking about, Jk :)))
It’s an X-T2, not an XP2.
There are tons of new features in the new body, even if you don’t see it. To talk about “same specs” is sloppy, at best. Maybe you read only until the part with 24 MP?
X-T2 and X-H1 already do have USB-3 onboard. If you don’t believe, check the first hand specs from Fuji.
Nikon D600 user here, with a Sigma 35/1.4 and four current model Nikkors, along with an SB-910 flash. I also have a Fuji X100s, and like it for some uses, however the focusing system is too slow for active people (grandkids!). Actually, the 5+ year old Nikon D600 isn’t much better!
I’ve been eyeing the mirrorless market for a few years, waiting to make a move.
Imo, Fuji has created the best set of mirrorless lenses, other than super-teles. Sure, they have some inconsistencies in ergonomics as pointed out above, as do camera bodies. But then, so do most other makers products over time.
If I had to make a choice today, I would get a Sony A7R-III, which is slightly smaller and lighter than the new Fuji X-H1, including battery weight, even though the new Sony battery has far more capacity. Yes, I know it costs $1300 more than the Fuji, but that would be my choice today. The A7R-III’s extra resolution isn’t a priority for me, and an A7-III at lower cost would be fine (if it were available…)
So, I will wait for Nikon’s mirrorless products in APS and full-frame. I expect Nikon will have a good lens adapter from the beginning, so I can use my existing Nikkors. The Sigma 35/1.4 will probably need an update via the USB dock.
Nassim, by the way, the Fuji X-H1 apparently has USB 3.0. You might want to check the specs again as I think you had it listed as USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 and the body is charged by this socket – that was a pleasant surprise to me. Charged like in “every decent powerbank or USB adapter can charge the camera”. That’s something so simple and we Nikon users can only dream of. :)
Lovely review!
One thing to point out for the video part. The XH-1 can shoot 100fps and 120fps played back in different frame rates for slowmotion.
Also if you need to shoot in autofocus for video it has been improved much better than other Fujifilm cameras (but still not the best to depend on iffff someone might be interested in using autofocus.)
But I am sure Fujifilm will work on making it better with future firmware updates as always!
Fuji X-H1 does not have dual “X-Processor Pro” processors …it is a dual processor -always has been; exactly same as XT2 hence no 4k 60p etc
(It is an Arm processor). A pity as bigger battery and more powerful processor would have made this much more attractive. As a video focussed camera I don’t really see it challenging Sony or Panasonic for video.
I think the confusion came from the dual processor required for IBIS
If I still had my Fuji kit I would probably upgrade to this as it looks better in ergonomics than the X-T2. I liked the retro style for a while but I’m glad to see some of this faux retro going away. The exposure compensation wheel was annoying. I always had it in C anyway to control by dial. The problem for Fuji is that they have a very mixed up hardware user interface:
(Yes, I know the reasons for some of these, it’s the inconsistencies…)
1. Some lenses have marked aperture dials, some do not, one has none
2. Some lenses have push-pull manual focus, most do not
3. Some lenses have hard stops on aperture dials, some do not
4. Some cameras have a C for exposure compensation, some do not, some don’t have a dial
5. Some have an ISO dial that works one way, others another way
6. Some use a joystick for focus, some use a 4 way controller
7. The cameras can lie to you on your settings because there are half/third steps you can choose between shutter speed dial positions or there are modes that let you bypass what’s selected
And some other stuff. I really like Fuji, otherwise I wouldn’t have used them for 3 years, but they have created an awful overloaded system. And now that so many function buttons can be overloaded with different functionality… it is very hard to keep up with all the possible options.
I just sold my 5D mk II and all lenses after buying an xt20 and 18-55 kit lens, Then picked up a 55-230. Its a hard crossover from L series lenses and a big body, but – its what I did when I shifted from Nikon film cameras to Canon digital many years ago. Thing is, the depth of the menu options are making the changeover difficult.
The thing that sold me is simply the extraordinary way Fuji handles its JPEG processing and the superb sensor. Soo — with that said, I will pick up one of these bodies in 6 months or so – after I have mastered the XT20. Its not the size that changed me over as it is for many, it was the quality of the photos. I am good with a larger body as the 5D weighed in at 810 grams – so this is still a lightweight in comparison.
I think Fuju is working towards what so many of us that have shot for decades want – and they don’t seem to hold back as Canon and Nikon do in regards to quality of sensor – sooo – lets see how the ride goes.
Mahalo to Fuji for making such amazing machines. Now I have to move up to their potential.
Sean,
I’m also planning to move on from my 5D Mark II and current set of lenses (portrait, fixed focal length lenses) and buy an easier-to-carry-to-more-places sized package with more landscape-biased (wider) focal lengths as well as a good all-purpose zoom. Of course, I’m used to the image quality I get from my 5D mII and L-lenses. I was thinking of the XT-2 and now am intrigued by XH-1 with its IBIS, improved low-light autofocus, improved shutter dampening… basically the tech that allows sharper images in challenging situations (low-light, hand-held, subject-in-motion). since you came from the same gear I have I’d appreciate any put you might have.
I’m in a crisis, the X-T1 was so nicely done that, no matter how much effort Fuji put into the X-T2 and X-H1, I have little urge to upgrade.
The joystick alone makes it worth the move :)