My Initial Thoughts On The New Fujifilm X-H1

As a counterpoint to the introduction of the new Fujifilm X-H1, I decided to take out my Olympus
E-M1 mark II to remind myself that Fujifilm cameras are not the only ones which produce
excellent images and pleasing colors. (click to enlarge)
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens @ 28mm; 1/250th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 200

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Wow!  Fujifilm has done it again!  From everything I"ve read and seen over the past two days, the X-H1 appears to be another excellent camera from Fujifilm.  I predict it will be a best seller.  But....  I don't think I'll be buying one.  Why?  Well, its too bad it has the same X-Trans III sensor and same image processor as my X-T2 or it would be a no-brainer to buy it along with the power grip.  Unfortunately, it will have the same image quality as my current camera so I would have a very difficult time justifying spending $2200 US for this fabulous new tool.  But that doesn't take away anything from this new camera.

That being said, here are some of my initial thoughts about the new Fujfilm X-H1:

H is for hybrid, obviously.  Will an X-T3 be introduced at Photokina as rumored or will this new flagship camera take the place of the XT series?  Just a thought.  Will sales of the new X-H1 cannibalize sales of the X-T2 and can Fujifilm afford another full featured line of cameras?

The X-T2 is larger than the T1.  The H1 is larger than the T2.  That is the wrong direction for me.  My 5 year photographic journey has been and continues to be going toward smaller, lighter, less expensive photo gear but keeping high image quality.  This looks as big as a decent sized DSLR.  In my mind, the X-T2 is just the right size but the Fujifilm lenses are still bigger than what I want to carry around.  But I understand the necessity of the bigger H1 body with IBIS and all of its necessary infrastructure packed inside the body.

Speaking of IBIS.  That is one feature I really have wanted.  5-axis as well.  That is a BIG positive for me.  I'm a fan of IBIS and, contrary to what some say, IBIS is a good thing, not a detriment—if engineered properly.

The top panel LCD seems to be wasted space.  We didn't need it before and I"m not sure why we need one now.

I don't mind having to push the EV compensation button, then rotate the dial to engage EV compensation.  That's the way my Nikons were and am very comfortable with that.  It is just as quick if not quicker than moving the EV dial as it is now.

It looks like a few of the Fn buttons are missing.  Don't see as many as are on my T2.  Strange.  Is this my imagination?  A couple of more could have been put in place instead of the secondary LCD on the top plate.

I like the AF-On button.  AF-On is my preferred method of autofocusing.  I would use that instead of the shutter button to actuate AF all the time.  I always worked that way in the past.  I have my X-T2 set up for the AE button to act as an AF-On button but it is too far to the left on the camera body and the button is too flat against the plane of the camera back.  The X-H1's appears to be just right—and the buttons appear to have more relief from the plane of the camera body.  That is also a good move.

The X-H1 has an improved electronic viewfinder (EVF).  Faster as well.  That is always welcome but, really, there is nothing wrong with the one in my X-T2.  But one could make an easy case for "more EVF pixels and faster EVF" is always better.

The video stuff is wasted on me.  If you want any comments on video, I'm not your guy.

The focus system has been improved with a couple layers of sub-sampling in each AF point.  That should made it more sensitive, more accurate and faster.  In fact it will focus down to -1 EV from +0.5.  If Fujifilm does what they have done in the past, they will send out a firmware update with the focusing improvements to apply to the T2 and X-Pro2 as well.  That would be a nice gift for us T2 owners.  

The new Eterna film simulation really doesn't hold much interest for me.  It looks nice but we already have many, many choices in film simulations.

Love the touch screen LCD.  Can select focus and fire off a frame just by touching.  I guess Fujifilm finally caught up to Olympus and others.  I love using the touchscreen to pick the exact focus point and fire the shutter when my E-M1 Mark II is on a tripod.  But with the H1 you can't touch the LCD screen to select menu items, only Q-menu items.  Wonder why?  

The Power Grip is definitely needed as it holds two additional batteries and the X-H1 eats batteries more quickly than the T2.  I guess IBIS is the reason?

$2200 for camera and Grip.  I can't justify spending that kind of money for, essentially, just getting the IBIS and an improved EVF.  If Fujifilm introduced a new sensor and new image processor, that would make this camera a game changer.  I would already have it on order.

Oh!  One more thing.  I like how Fujifilm moved the shutter button forward.  I've been advocating that since I first owned the X-T1.  Moving the shutter button forward is a much more natural position when properly holding the camera.  Thanks Fujifilm.

Most likely I will skip this iteration of the X-H1 and wait until the next generation sensor comes out.  This is too much money for really only getting IBIS, which basically it comes down to for me.

But...this is another Fujifilm masterpiece!
Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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