Big Fuji Announcements: X-H2 Camera, 2 Lenses, & Grip

Spencer Cox

Fujifilm just announced perhaps its most anticipated camera of the year, the 40-megapixel X-H2. With 20 FPS stills, 8K video, and subject-detection autofocus, the Fuji X-H2 aims to be a serious APS-C alternative to cameras like the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 — but for $2000 instead of $5500+. Alongside the X-H2, Fuji also announced two lenses (one for X-mount cameras like the X-H2, and one for G-mount medium format cameras) and a vertical file transmitter grip for the X-H2 and X-H2S cameras.

Fuji X-H2

Fujifilm X-H2 Camera Green Background
Fujifilm X-H2

The biggest headline of the day for Fujifilm is the X-H2 camera. Here are the camera’s specs:

That’s a whopper of a specification list. It harkens to speed/resolution beasts like the Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z9, and Sony A1, but with a price that’s thousands of dollars cheaper. The biggest tradeoff is that the X-H2 has a smaller APS-C sensor, which means it’s expected to perform about 1.3 stops worse in terms of high ISO and dynamic range compared to full-frame. (Granted, this is Fuji’s first use of the 40 megapixel sensor, and its performance may be a bit better or worse than the theory.)

Other useful features on the X-H2 beyond the specifications include a sensor-shift mode for 4x the resolution, an optional file transmitter grip (more on that in a minute), and RAW video capabilities when shooting 8K over an external monitor. One of my favorites features on the X-H2 – though also found on other Fuji cameras – is the pre-shot burst, which allows up to one second of 20 FPS back-in-time capture! (There’s an extra 1.3x crop when you shoot at 20 FPS, but if you drop down to 13 FPS, you can use the same pre-shot feature without an added crop.) All of these features are geared toward professional photographers in different disciplines, and they make the X-H2 a highly capable tool for almost any genre of photography.

I suspect the X-H2 will be in high demand for a while. You can pre-order it here for $2000 body only, or here for $2500 with the 16-80mm f/4 kit lens. The estimated shipping date is September 29.

Fuji 56mm f/1.2 R WR

Alongside the X-H2, Fujifilm also announced a lens for their X-mount cameras that’s sure to be popular: the second generation of their venerable 56mm f/1.2. Here are the lens’s specs:

The previous-generation Fuji 56mm f/1.2 has long been considered one of their best lenses, and a very popular choice for portrait photography. The new version seems to improve upon it in a number of ways.

First, the MTF chart of the new 56mm f/1.2 shows better performance across the frame, both at low spatial frequencies (contrast) and high spatial frequencies (detail). You can see the official charts here:

Beyond that, the new version has better close-focus capabilities, with a maximum reproduction ratio of about 1:7, compared to about 1:11 on the previous version. Finally, the new lens is now weather sealed! This was one of our few complaints about the prior version in our review.

Assuming that Fujifilm managed similarly high-quality bokeh, and perhaps improved the focusing speed of the lens a bit, there will be very little about the new 56mm f/1.2 WR to complain about. Fuji even kept the price the same on the new version, despite more than eight years that passed in the meantime.

As with the X-H2, I expect this lens to be in high demand. You can pre-order it here for $999. The estimated shipping date is September 29.

Fuji GF 20-35mm f/4

Today’s announcements weren’t all about the X-mount, with one new lens for Fuji’s medium format GFX cameras also being announced. The 20-35mm f/4 is the widest lens yet for the G-mount, with approximately a 16-28mm full-frame equivalent focal length. Here are the specs:

This is going to be a very exciting lens for Fuji’s medium format customers, in part because it’s the widest native lens for the camera system yet. (Previously, the 23mm f/4 R WR was Fuji’s widest prime, and the 32-64mm f/4 R WR was their widest zoom.) Considering how much Fuji has been pushing the GFX cameras for landscape usage, a native ultra-wide zoom will be extremely welcome.

The GF 20-35mm f/4 looks like it will have very good sharpness and contrast, based on the MTF charts:

While MTF charts don’t tell the full story of a lens’s performance, these are encouraging figures, especially for a wide-angle zoom. Read more in our article on how to read MTF charts.

The GF 20-35mm f/4 is available for pre-order here for $2500. The estimated shipping date is October 6.

Fuji FT-XH File Transfer Grip

The last announcement of the day from Fuji is a file transfer grip that’s compatible with the XH-2 and X-H2S cameras. This may sound like a minor announcement, but it’s a big part of making the XH-2 a viable APS-C alternative to cameras like the Nikon Z9.

Specifically, the FT-XH grip allows FTP data transfer and tethered shooting via wired LAN and wireless LAN with the supported cameras, and also allows USB smartphone tethering. It supports remote recording via wired or wireless LAN, allowing for up to four Fuji cameras to be controlled simultaneously.

For broadcast and event professionals, these capabilities can be essential, making Fuji’s XH-2 and XH-2S cameras viable for professional work. The FT-XH file transfer grip also has the features of a typical vertical grip, with an additional shutter button, built-in controls, and the capacity for two batteries.

The file transfer grip seems to be part of Fuji’s strategy of putting advanced features into accessories rather than built into the camera, making the base camera less expensive and allowing photographers to tailor the accessories to their needs. Something similar can be said about the optional cooling fan for video usage and external video recorder for capturing 8K RAW on the X-H2.

The FT-XH file transfer grip is available for pre-order at $1000. It ships October 27. If you don’t need the file transfer capabilities, the standard vertical grip for the XH-2 is the VG-H2, which is currently selling for $400.

Press Release: XH-2 and File Transfer Grip

Fujifilm Introduces FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless digital camera

Equipped with the new, 40.2MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor to deliver the highest image quality in the X Series lineup

Valhalla, N.Y. – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the launch of the FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless digital camera (X-H2). X-H2 features the new, back-illuminated 40.2MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor and the high-speed “X-Processor 5”, boasting the highest resolution in the X Series lineup in both stills and videos, as well as becoming the world’s first1 APS-C camera to enable 8K/30P Apple ProRes internal recording.

“X-H2 joining the flagship X-H family is not only huge for us at Fujifilm, but it is also especially significant for our consumers”, said Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “X-H2S, which debuted in May, excels in speed, perfect for image makers who create moving content. X-H2 delivers exceptional image resolution and quality that are ideal for those creating images in super-high detail. We listened to our customers and took their feedback to heart, creating this amazing family of X-H cameras that are tailor-made to their distinct specialties.”

Main product features:

New X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 

The high-resolution 40.2MP sensor of the X-H2 has a unique image-processing algorithm designed to enhance image resolution without compromising the signal to noise ratio, producing astonishing image quality. Exceptional image quality delivered by the new sensor is complemented with advanced features including minimum standard ISO125, and the fastest shutter speed available within the X Series (the electronic shutter has been increased by 2.5 stops from the previous model’s 1/32,000 sec, to 1/180,000 sec). This allows users to leave the aperture wide open in bright or high-contrast conditions such as on a sunny beach or a ski slope, or to instantly freeze motion down to a millisecond.

X-H2 is the first X Series camera featuring the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function, which is ideal for commercial photography and digital archiving applications that need hi-resolution images with flawless color accuracy. Using the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism to shift the image sensor with immense precision, 20 reference images are automatically created and later assembled in post-production using the dedicated “Pixel Shift Combiner” software. The result is a 160 Megapixel image, constructed from the total information available from each RGB pixel found on the X-H2’s new X Trans 5 CMOS HR sensor.

X-H2 also supports the HEIF image format, which delivers 10-bit image quality in files up to 30% smaller than standard JPEG files, continuing to expand Fujifilm’s reputation of delivering high-quality images straight out of camera.

Excellent performance for professional video production needs

With the new sensor, 8K movies can be recorded internally at 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit color. X-H2 has a heat-dissipating design — same as the X-H2S — to enable recording of 8K/30P video for up to 30 minutes2. X-H2 is also capable of producing high-quality 4K (4K HQ) video, which is oversampled from 8K as it is being recorded internally. The result is an image that makes maximum use of the camera’s high-resolution sensor to record video with optimal image quality.

X-H2 supports three Apple ProRes codecs; ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT, with the option to also record ProRes 422 Proxy3 to help streamline post-production workflows when editing in 8K.

With the help of X-Trans CMOS 5 HR, X-H2 is capable of delivering up to 2x of digital zoom with little-to-no loss in resolution, when recording video in 4K, even with a prime lens attached to the camera.

With Fujifilm’s FUJINON XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR lens, zoom movements seamlessly transition to the digital zoom function when the lens reaches its maximum focal length.

Combined with a compatible HDMI device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design, 12-bit 8K/30P RAW video output from X-H2 can be recorded as Apple ProRes or Blackmagic RAW, while the newly developed F-Log2 flat picture profile expands dynamic range up to 13+ stops, which broadens color-grading options in post-production.

Evolved autofocus (AF) performance to accurately capture details

X-Processor 5 features subject-detection AF based on deep learning technology that automatically detects and tracks a broad and diverse range of subjects, including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains.

The new, high-resolution sensor offers optimal ability to attain AF-S focus on a subject with high-frequency. Users can easily autofocus accurately in situations where AF-S is typically used, such as landscape and portrait photography. X-H2 also incorporates an AF prediction algorithm which has been improved from that of previous X Series models.

X-H2 is equipped with a focus meter as a manual focus assist during movie recording, allowing for more precise focus adjustment. It can also be used in combination with focus peaking.

The video AF algorithm has been optimized for autofocus accuracy, giving users a sense of confidence in using AF while filming 8K video.

Hardware and workflow that support users’ content creation experience

A 5-axis in-body IBIS4, made possible by X-Processor 5 and a sensing control function, gives the freedom to handhold in conditions that previously may have required support. In addition, the IBIS function enables the image sensor to be precisely shifted, for the camera’s Pixel Shift Multi Shot function.

X-H2 is equipped with a high-magnification and high-definition 5.76-million-dot EVF with 0.8x magnification. It boasts a smooth refresh frame rate of approximately 120fps and offers significant control over parallax and distortion which typically occurs when an eye position becomes displaced while using the viewfinder.

The body design is the same as X-H2S. With 79 weather-sealed points offering a high level of dust and moisture resistance, X-H2 is built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use and operate as normal in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The top panel LCD screen, adjustable AF ON button,1.62 million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor, and an independent movie recording button support comfortable operability.

X-H2 has one CFexpress™ Type B memory card slot and one UHS-II SD memory card slot. CFexpress Type B cards5 are needed to realize the full potential of X-H2’s professional video performance.

X-H2S / X-H2 can be combined with the file transmitter “FT-XH” to enable wired and wireless LAN tethered video recording6. Up to four X-H2S / X-H2 cameras can be connected simultaneously to enable the following operations from a computer browser:

  • Check and adjust camera settings for each camera
  • Simultaneously start and stop video recording for all cameras
  • Save, load, and copy camera settings7

Optional accessories:

VG-XH – Vertical battery grip (for the X-H2S / X-H2)

  • This vertical battery grip is dust and moisture–resistant and is designed to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). It operates with two of Fujifilm’s NP-W235 high-capacity batteries.
  • The grip’s button layout is designed to provide optimal operability whether holding the camera vertically or horizontally.

FT-XH File transmitter (for the X-H2S / X-H2)

  • This file transmitter features wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications capability, essential for in-studio tethered content creation or for creating sports/media content. It can also be used as a vertical grip with two of Fujifilm’s NP-W235 high-capacity batteries.
  • It can be combined with the X-H2S / X-H2 to support the following communication specifications:
    • FTP data transfer by wired LAN / wireless LAN / USB Smartphone tethering.
    • Tethered shooting by wired LAN / wireless LAN.
    • Remote recording function by wired LAN / wireless LAN; capable of controlling up to four X-H2S / X-H2 cameras from a browser at the same time.

FAN-001 Cooling fan (for the X-H2S / X-H2)

  • Specifically designed for the X-H2S / X-H2 to facilitate extended video recording and operation in high temperatures.
  • The fan can be attached to the rear of the camera body without a cable, supplying power and extending continuous video recording time as the camera heats up and otherwise when operating in high temperatures, thereby eliminating concerns of heat-related camera shutdown.

CVR-XH Cover kit (for the X-H2S / X-H2)

  • This cover kit for the X-H2S / X-H2 protects various terminals on the camera. Items included in the kit:
    • 1 x Sync terminal cover
    • 1 x Hot shoe cover
    • 1 x File transmitter / vertical battery grip terminal cover
    • 1 x Cooling fan terminal cover
    • 1 x Memory card slot cover

Pricing and Availability

FUJIFILM X-H2 mirrorless digital camera is expected to be available late September 2022, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,999.95 USD ($2,550 CDN) for the camera body and $2,499.95 USD ($3,200 CDN) for the X-H2 digital camera with XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR lens kit.

Pricing and expected availability for X-H2 accessories are as follows:

VG-XH Vertical Battery Grip: Available now at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $399.99 USD and $515 CAD.

FT-XH File Transmitter: Expected to be available in late October 2022 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $999.99 USD and $1,280 CAD.

FAN-001 Cooling Fan: Available now at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $199.99 USD and $260 CAD.

CVR-XH Cover Kit: Available now at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $19.99 USD and $26 CAD.

For more information about X-H2 and its accessories, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x-h2/

1 Based on market availability as of September 8, 2022, per FUJIFILM Corporation data.
2 Achievable when recording video at 25℃ from a cool start, with the auto power-off, temperature set at “High,” bitrate of 100Mbps, using the VG-XH vertical battery grip and three batteries. The recording duration depends on remaining battery charge and the type and capacity of the memory card used. When the X-H2 main unit heats up, video filming will automatically be terminated and be unavailable pending cool down.
3 Not available in 8K/30P or in 8K/25P.
4 When used specifically with the FUJINON XF35mmF1.4 R lens.
5 See the Fujifilm website for a list of verified compatible cards.
6 Update to the latest firmware is required for X-H2S when using this function.
7 Camera settings can be saved to computer or tablet device and can be loaded from computer or tablet device.

Apple ProRes™ is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

CFexpress™ is a trademark or registered trademark of the CompactFlash Association

Press Release: 20-35mm f/4 Lens

Fujifilm Introduces FUJINON GF20-35mmF4 R WR, a Compact and Lightweight, Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Valhalla, N.Y. – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of FUJINON GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens (GF20-35mmF4 R WR), a compact and lightweight, ultra wide-angle (UWA) zoom lens for GFX System cameras.

GF20-35mmF4 R WR’s focal length ranges from the UWA at 20mm to the wide-angle at 35mm (equivalent to 16mm – 28mm in the 35mm format). With the UWA coverage, the lens can freeze information-dense subject matters such as a wide landscape or cityscape with precise details in high resolution, powered by the large-format sensor1 in the GFX System.

“Photographers will be able to expand creative horizons with what is now our widest GF lens, with numerous options to beautifully freeze every detail in landscape, travel and architecture photography. It also has the added convenience of a constant F4 maximum aperture throughout its focal range, which ensures exposure consistency and fast, accurate autofocusing regardless of the focal length,” said Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Unlike traditional large-format photography gear which is heavy and bulky, the compact and lightweight design of GF20-35mmF4 R WR enables mobility for photographers on-the-go.”

Main product features:

UWA zoom lens offering premium image quality

The optical construction of GF20-35mmF4 R WR comprises 14 elements in ten groups, including three aspherical, one ED aspherical and three ED elements, for effective control of distortion and chromatic aberration. With these elements, the lens delivers high-resolution images of up to 100-megapixels with edge-to-edge sharpness at all focal lengths and aperture settings. The optical quality is further ensured through Fujifilm’s unique, Nano GI coating technology, which cuts down reflected light to minimize ghosting and flare, boosting sharpness, color and detail.

Compact design that brings mobility to large format equipment

Measuring just 4.4 inches (112.5mm) and weighing 25.6 oz. (725g), GF20-35mmF4 R LM WR has the filter thread size of 82mm despite being an UWA zoom lens, which allows photographers the versatility of choosing a variety of filters when creating landscape images. In addition, GF20-35mmF4 R WR uses an internal zoom mechanism, so its physical length and weight remain constant at every focal length.

A total of four aspherical elements are used in each of the lens groups to optimize the overall number of elements and their configuration, thus efficiently correcting aberrations to maintain advanced image quality while keeping the compact form factor. The concave lens surface of strong curvature, typically seen in UWA lenses, is applied with a specialized coating with even thickness to minimize ghosting.

As part of the design construction, magnesium alloy is used for components around the lens mount to make it lightweight and robust at the same time.

Rugged design for all conditions 

Like all FUJIFILM G Mount lenses, GF20-35mmF4 R WR features a weather-resistant design with 12 sealed points protecting the lens from dust and moisture, while also keeping it functioning in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water, fingerprints and other marks.

Pricing and Availability
GF20-35mmF4 R WR is expected to be available in early October 2022, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,499.95 USD and $3,200 CDN.

For more information about GF20-35mmF4 R WR, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/gf20-35mmf4-r-wr/.

1 Fujifilm’s GFX System products incorporate a large-format sensor that measures 55mm diagonally (43.8mm x 32.9mm) and is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor.

Press Release: 56mm f/1.2 Lens

Fujifilm Unveils FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR Mid-Telephoto Lens

Valhalla, N.Y. – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the launch of the new FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR (XF56mmF1.2 R WR) weather-resistant, mid-telephoto prime lens, the latest in the series of interchangeable lenses designed for the FUJIFILM X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. XF56mmF1.2 R WR, offering the 35mm equivalent focal length to an 85mm lens, is successor to the popular FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R lens, and now features significant improvements from that prior model in minimum focusing distance, image-resolving performance and beautiful rendering of out-of-focus background.

“XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm X Mount lens to feature an almost perfectly circular aperture, even at F4 or F5.6, resulting in a clean edge along a highlight, with minimal aberrations and distractions, that is especially pleasing when it is out of focus. This design allows beautiful bokeh with busy backgrounds melting away from their subjects to create an isolating effect untouched by any other lens,” said Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The new XF56mmF1.2 R WR lens offers a wide variety of creative applications such as portraits, weddings, street photography, table-top, and commercial photography — all situations that demand precise control over depth-of-field.”

Main product features

Outstanding image-resolving performance and stunning bokeh

The lens design, consisting of 13 elements in eight groups including two aspherical elements and one ED element, suppresses various types of aberration including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration to achieve edge-to-edge image sharpness and smooth bokeh. The eight elements used in the focusing group take high-refractive technology from FUJINON cinema lenses to minimize chromatic, spherical, and comatic aberrations. In particular, this technology helps to minimize light bleed within highlights, boosting image quality and subject detail to achieve advanced image resolution.

XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first Fujifilm X Mount lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture1, even at F4 or F5.6.

A fast, mid-telephoto lens for a wide range of creative applications

With a 56mm focal length (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm format) and the open aperture of F1.2, XF56mmF1.2 R WR is a perfect choice for portraiture, as it provides clear separation of the subject from its background. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced from its predecessor version to just 50cm2, due to improved resolving capability at minimum object distance (MOD). The reduced distance allows users to enjoy the appeal of this fast, mid-telephoto prime in a wide variety of situations beyond portraits, such as table-top, product and commercial photography.

Autofocus (AF) function driven by an evolved direct current (DC) motor for speed and accuracy 

A DC motor is used to drive the focusing group of eight elements and the aperture unit for precise AF, necessary to achieve XF56mmF1.2 R WR’s advanced image resolution from MOD and beyond.  The lens can attain focus quickly and accurately to freeze a decisive photo opportunity even when photographing with a shallow depth-of-field.

Also, an added feature of the bearing mechanism successfully minimizes friction that may arise when the DC motor is driving lens elements, to nearly eliminate motor noise and the impact on video/audio recording quality.

Protected from dust and moisture 

This compact and lightweight lens weighs just 15.69 ounces (445g) and measures nearly 3 inches (76mm). The lens barrel is weather-resistant in 9 places to ensure dust- and weather-resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains, fingerprints and other marks.

Pricing and Availability
XF56mmF1.2 R WR is expected to be available in late September 2022, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999.95 USD and $1,275 CDN.

For more information about XF56mmF1.2 R WR, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xf56mmf12-r-wr/.

1 As of September 8, 2022
2 Distance from the sensor surface; The minimum distance from the front end of the lens is approximately 41cm.

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