I Bought An X-H1; Some Additional Thoughts And Some Additional Images

Undecided or leftover paint?. (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/320th sec. @ f/16; ISO 200

This is the second part of my initial thoughts about the Fujifilm X-H1.  You can find the first part here.  As I mentioned in Part I, this not a camera review, but having almost 50 years of experience with more than 50 cameras, I thought I would pass on to those who may be interested in this camera, my opinions as to how I find it compared to my other my other Fujifilm cameras as well as other cameras I have owned.  For a more complete sense of my thoughts, you may want to read Part I before reading this.


The Menus, both the "Q" menu and the main camera menu system, are largely the same as all of the other Fujifilm X series cameras.  I had no trouble quickly finding for what I was looking and, if you have owned Fujifilm cameras, you should have no trouble finding what you need.  Configuring the camera the way it best suits you is straightforward and familiar.  The one obvious addition to the menu is the in-body-image stabilization (IBIS) items, which allow you to turn the function on or keep it off as well as configure it to be activated upon half press of the shutter or continuous in operation.  I have not interest in  video so I have never looked at the video features or menus on any of my Fujifilm cameras.  Sorry about that. (For those of us who have no interest in video, I wish camera makers would make a line of cameras with no video functions at all, which should reduce the price.  I'm forced to pay for features which I will never use.  I'll just keep hoping, I guess.)

Great Blue Heron (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm; 1/1000th sec. @ f/6.4; ISO 200

Also, I have never used the remote camera app, which I plan to explore in the next week or so.  I have used the Fujifilm X-RAW Studio program and I find that works exactly the same as in my other Fujifilm cameras.  If you have not tried it, you should.  Converting RAW images to JPEGs with X-RAW really does better job than does most of the aftermarket editors.  Of course, it is limited in function, but the quality of the images is really nice.

Previously, I mentioned the shutter button and its new position.  The button is not threaded as are the shutter buttons on the X-T cameras so you have to use either use the 2 or 10 second delay or an electronic shutter remote release when the camera is mounted on a tripod.  You can pick up an inexpensive electronic shutter release easily from any of the major online retailers.  They don't cost much and my experience is the cheap ones work well.  Canon compatible remote releases are compatible with Fujifilm cameras.  There are lots of those around.

The most remarkable aspect of this new shutter  (I'm not saying its good nor bad) is that the release pressure is very light.  It's as light as any camera I've owned and lighter than probably almost all of them, if not all of them.  Is this a problem?  It has not been for me.  I adapted rather quickly to it and haven't had any issues with tripping the shutter before I was ready or going back and forth between cameras.  I've used the camera with fleece gloves and was able to sense the half-press point without issue.  

There is an aspect of this minimal pressure shutter that may be deemed as positive.  Needing only a minimum amount of pressure to trip the shutter may allow for potentially less camera movement when using slow shutter speeds which might allow the IBIS mechanism to better compensate for movement.  In other words, the soft touch induces less movement with the downward push of your finger.  A shutter requiring more pressure may somewhat negate the full benefit of IBIS.  In reality, I don't know if this would hold true but potentially—depending upon your skills (and age).

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is excellent, in my opinion.  It is bright, colorful and can resolve fine details.  It is the same one as is in the new X-T3 and I find it almost life-like.  It has 3.69mp of resolution and has very little lag.  I find it is easy to see my composition through it.  In the future I can never (never say never?) see myself giving up EVFs for optical viewfinders.  In my opinion, there are just too many benefits that I judge important to me that cannot be implemented with current optical viewfinder technology.  For example, viewing the histogram in the viewfinder or the viewfinder image getting lighter or darker with change of exposure settings are two features alone are invaluable.  

With my Fujifilm cameras I normally turn off the film simulations in the EVF and use "Natural Live View" which provides the closest reproduction to an optical viewfinder when it comes to seeing into the highlights and shadows.  That is the one benefit to optical viewfinders.  To me, seeing the film simulations in the EVF is secondary to seeing as closely as possible what my RAW files will look like before I press the shutter button. 

Derelict (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/340th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

The other important aspect with using "Natural Live View" is that the "Blinkies," representing blown highlights (you can turn that feature on), don't appear nearly as quickly.  What does this mean?  It means that you can see a much more accurate representation of your exposure in the EVF than the JPEG preview gives you when a film simulation is employed.  And, if you set your film simulations to compress your highlights (+2), the Blinkies appear even more quickly.  In the past I tended to underexpose my files because I saw those Blinkies appear causing me to reduce the exposure to ensure my highlights weren't blown. That, in effect, made me underexpose my images as the Blinkies represented the settings in the film simulations and not what the actual RAW file exposure will look like.  With Natural Live View, the exposure more closely represents the dynamic range of the RAW file and not a JPEG from a film simulation.  Now, my exposures are much more accurate.

Speaking of electronic viewfinders, I think there are only two better EVFs in the market today.  The EVFs in the new Panasonic S1 and S1R full frame cameras (5.7mp) as well as the Leica SL EVF (4.4mp) have higher resolution.  I have no complaints about the viewfinder in the X-H1, however.  I find it a definite step up from the EVF in my X-T2.  I'm thinking that the 3.69mp EVF in the X-T3 and X-H1 is pretty much the current industry standard and the Panasonic and Leica EVFs are where all manufacturers of mirrorless cameras will be going in the future.

One of the reasons this camera is attractive to me is the in-body-image-stabilization or IBIS.  The lens that I use most often use with my Fujifilm cameras is the 16-55mm f/2.8, which does not have internal image stabilization.  Superb lens, by the way.  Even though I have felt I really haven't needed image stabilization, mostly, there are times when IS with this lens (or camera) would have and will help.  I will probably mainly use this camera with the 16-55 and use my X-T3 with some of my other lenses that have internal image stabilization, such as the 10-24mm f/4 IS, the 50-140mm f/2.8 IS or the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lenses.  

As an aside, Fujifilm just introduced a wonderfully performing 8-16mm f/2.8 lens with no internal image stabilization.  I haven't considered this lens prior to now because of the lack of IS.  From the testing I've seen and sample images made with this lens, it seems to perform much better on the edges and corners and across the frame at wider apertures than does the 10-24mm f/4 OIS lens.  But it is expensive, much larger and heavier.  Knowing myself pretty well I suspect I'll keep the thought of one day purchasing it in the back of my mind now that I have a camera with IBIS.

Sunset in Assateague National Wildlife Refuge (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/250th sec. @ f/13; ISO 200

As another aside, I'm awaiting the upcoming Fujifilm 16-80mm f/4 IS lens.  Can that lens take the place of my tried and true 16-55?  Who knows?  It should be out later this year.  It will provide, at the cost of speed, a longer reach focal length increasing its versatility as an all around lens to keep on the camera.  Will it produce images on par with the 16-55?  That is what will tell the tale.

After buying the X-H1, I immediately updated its firmware, which included improvements to the IBIS system.  I have no complaints with the IBIS in the X-H1.  It works well, in my opinion.  In some preliminary tests, I have handheld this camera and lens at 16mm down to 1/4 second and recorded consistently sharp images as well as 1/10 second at 55mm. With the 50-140mm f/2.8 lens, I've had success down to 1/20th second at 140mm.  I'm sure younger and more skilled photographers could do better but at 67 years of age, I'll take that.  If I need slower shutter speeds I'll get out my tripod.

I will say the IBIS in this camera is not as sophisticated nor effective in my tests as the IBIS in my Olympus E-M1 Mark II coupled with the extraordinary 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens, but I wouldn't expect it to be.  I am able to handhold the Olympus combination for up to 1 full second and record sharp images.  I've read that some can handhold that combination steady for a much longer time.  That being said, Olympus is deep into several generations of IBIS and this is Fujifilm's first attempt with it.  As I mentioned, I have no complaints.  The IBIS in the X-H1 works well and I'm sure Fujifilm's next generation will be even more effective.  Who knows, they may offer another firmware update in the future to increase the effectiveness in this camera.  They are known for taking care of their photographers better than any other company, in my opinion.

A quick mention of the Power Grip as it was included in this "kit" price.  When I first bought into Fujifilm X cameras, I bought a grip with my X-T1 because use of the grip added function, speed and versatility to features within the camera body.  It shouldn't be that way and that was remedied with the X-T3, but it is a fact of life with the X-T1, X-T2 and X-H1.  When the grip is attached, you get three times the battery longevity (rated at about 1000 shots but in reality many more), a "Boost" setting which gives you a faster EVF  refresh rate, faster autofocus, and faster burst mode (frame rate).   You also get the benefit of a vertical grip with shutter button, joystick and other operational buttons.  What you sacrifice is weight and size.  Its a trade-off each person has to decide if he or she is willing to make.  Those who need the extra power and speed will welcome it.  Those who do contemplative photography may not need the extras the power grip provides and will be perfectly happy without the addition.

At first, I didn't like using the Power Grip on my X-T cameras.  I only used it when I had my longer lenses attached as it provided better balance.  The extra "Boost" was not really needed most of the time.  I soon found myself leaving it on all the time and the size and weight became transparent.  I didn't even notice it.  That is how I have operated both my X-T2 and X-T3 for the past few years.  However....

Gathering Storm, Deadrise work boats, Bull Island, Virginia (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 42mm; 1/200th sec. @ f/11; ISO 200

Remember in my last post I asked you to "hold that thought" about how I didn't like how the X-H1 felt in my hands?  Well, I didn't.  Just as I did with my X-T2 and X-T3, immediately I used the X-H1 with the Power Grip.  As soon as I took the two pieces out of the box, I attached them together.  But it just didn't feel "right" to me. I was a little disappointed.  That may be why I didn't pick this camera up to use it much between January and a few of weeks ago.  I thought maybe the reason why the camera didn't feel "right" was because I had gotten so used to the shutter button being on the top plate of my other Fujifilm cameras, that not rotating or needing to rotate my hand backwards to reach the shutter felt unusual.  It didn't feel the Fujifilm camera way.  

One day a few weeks ago, I happened to take the Power Grip off (I don't remember why) and quickly discovered the Power Grip was the difference in feel and comfort.  The Power Grips on the X-T1—X-T3 series cameras provided an addition to the smallish "bump" on the front of those cameras, making for more secure hand holding.  The X-H1 Power Grip did not add to what was on the camera as the larger grip was already built into the front of the X-H1.  That was the difference.  The difference was feel.  It is a remarkable difference to me.  Without the grip the camera feels good.  The X-H1 is almost the same size and shape as my Olympus E-M1 Mark II (see the comparison illustration in my last post) so the feel is now very familiar.  I find the camera much more comfortable to me without the grip than with it.  I now plan to mostly use it in that manner.  I will use the grip if I think it is needed for a specific subject or other reason.

Cross in wetlands (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 42mm; 1/200th sec. @ f/11; ISO 200

The LCD is the same as on the X-T3.  It is just fine.  It works as designed and I have no complaints.  It is a touch screen, which I now enjoy.  In the past, I was not a touch screen enthusiast.  My M4/3 cameras changed my mind, especially with the ability to touch the LCD, immediately focus where I touched and then make an exposure.  I have used that on my E-M1 Mark II when mounted on a tripod.  I find it very useful for not having to continually bend down, look through the EVF, set the focus point on where you want to focus, then make an exposure.  By composing with the LCD and touch to focus and expose, I find the process much more expedient.  The ancillary benefit is that it saves the backs of us old people as we don't have to bend down as much!  Lol.

The LCD has three-way articulation.  It rotates up 90 degrees, down 45 degrees and, if you rotate the camera to the left to make a vertical image, the LCD will swing up 45 degrees as well.  The benefit of the three-way screen is that when making a low or high vertical shot, the screen tilts in your direction so you can clearly see it.  I have used this feature countless times in my other Fujifilm cameras.  It is not a "flippy screen," thank goodness, and that suits me just fine.  In fact, I hope they never implement flippy screens on the X-T series cameras as trying to use the camera on a tripod, with an L-bracket attached, simply does not work.  I understand why some individuals, like video enthusiasts and vloggers would like a flippy screen so they can see themselves, but for still photographers a flippy screen ruins the tripod experience—totally!  YMMV and probably does. 

X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm;
1/400th sec. @ f/11; ISO 1000

The LCD screen, being touch enabled, allows you to swipe up, down, left and right to activate functions.  Each of those actions can be assigned a function and I have done so.  I have found, in addition to the histogram in the EVF, the 4-color histogram initiated with a swipe is a huge benefit.  It is not unusual for one channel (red, blue or green) to be blown out while the luminance histogram in the EVF fails to show any highlights up against the right side of the histogram.  Another function is the 4-way leveling function.  The EVF gives you left to right leveling with the green line, but the one you can employ on the EVF also provides pitch.

Finally, the LCD screen allows you to touch to focus, touch to focus and make an exposure as well as you can move the focus point with your thumb as you look through the EVF.  I use the touch to focus and expose method quite often, coupled with a 2-second shutter delay, when my camera is mounted on a tripod.

After reading through the User's Manual (yes, I read every one of them as I have found that there are features, abilities, settings, etc., that don't get mentioned by those who review cameras), I went into the menu and set up the camera almost identically to how I have my X-T2 and X-T3 set up.  As I said, everything is very familiar.  That way, for example, all of the Q-menu items are exactly the same, located in the same positions.  My film simulations are set to be identical as are the function buttons with the exception of a couple.  There is no AF-On button on the X-T2 or X-T3 (I had my AE-L button set for the AF-On function in those cameras) and, as I wrote in the last post, I have changed the functions of the marked Exposure Compensation button and the front function button.  After all had been set, I was ready to go out and use the camera in the fashion I normally do.

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The operation of the camera is pretty much identical to the X-T series cameras.  There is not much difference.  I don't notice the small difference in size and weight.  It is like anything else, once you start using it, differences become transparent.  If you like the X-T1 and X-T3 cameras, you will probably like this camera as well.  As I have mentioned, the IBIS works well and I've used it in situations where I needed a slower than normal shutter speed and it hasn't let me down.  I'm glad it is in the camera.  In fact, IBIS is one of the reasons I purchased it.

Tools of the trade (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 37mm; 1/250th sec. @
f/8; ISO 500

I find the image quality with the X-H1 about indistinguishable from the X-T2 and X-T3. The X-H1 has the same sensor and processor as the X-T2, so naturally, the image quality should be identical.  I have read that some photographers have remarked that the X-H1 has better image quality than the X-T2, but I have not really seen a noticeable difference.  If I do notice a difference over time, I'll update you on that.  Even though the X-T3 has a new, 26mp sensor and a new processor, I really haven't seen a difference in image quality in that camera as well.  Some reviewers have mentioned they thought there a bit more digital noise in the X-T3 files than the X-T2/X-H1 files.  I really don't see a difference.  Now that I'm using Topaz Labs AI Clear as my noise reduction program, noise is no longer an issue for me at just about any ISO.  That being said, I'm very happy with the image quality from all three cameras.  When it comes to satisfaction for me, the handling of the camera and those Fujifilm colors cannot be beaten.  I will admit that in the back of my mind I really want a full frame mirrorless digital camera, but I'm so happy with my Fujifilm cameras, that I keep talking myself out of that notion.  Lol.  (But who knows?  Want versus need is a completely different thing). However, I've not owned a digital camera that gives me more satisfying colors and image files.  Don't buy this camera for better image quality if you already own either the X-T2 or X-T3.  I don't think you won't see any practical differences.  

Would I buy this camera again?  Yes, it is an excellent camera in every way and now an excellent value as well.  I chose not to consider this camera at its introductory price 12 months ago, but at the current price, I think it gives a photographer a very good value for what you get.

How do I think I will use this camera?  I suspect I will use it for everyday photography.  Since it has the IBIS system, I will keep my 16-55mm f/2.8 lens attached.  That should give me a very good camera/lens combination that will serve in most conditions I will encounter.

Crab pots (click to enlarge)
X-H1, 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 20mm; 1/200th sec. @ f/8; ISO 500

What about the X-T3?  Will I sell it and, if not, how will I use it?  I won't be selling the X-T3, that is for sure.  The two main differences that I see between the X-T3 and X-H1 are the IBIS system and the focusing capabilities.  My plan for using the X-T3 is with my lenses that have image stabilization built-in and I will use it when I need faster focusing and focus tracking with fast moving subjects.  The focusing system is superior in the X-T3.  That system is scheduled to get a firmware upgrade next month so it will be even better.  Also, since the facial and eye recognition will improve with the firmware update, I will probably use the X-T3 for family events and when photographing people in general.

In conclusion, I want to make a general statement about using Fujifilm gear.  This is my personal opinion, based upon many years of using more camera systems than I care to remember.

In thinking back to Spring of 1970 when I first fell madly in love with photography (using a Minolta Hi-Matic 7 35mm fixed lens camera) and all of the many cameras and camera systems I've owned and used, I think the Fujifilm gear I now have is about as satisfying as any I've ever owned and used. Over the years I've owned cameras that had better image quality, such as my 4" x 5" cameras.  I've owned digital cameras with more dynamic range and more pixels, such as my Nikon D800E and D810.  I've owned smaller very high quality cameras, such as my Olympus M4/3 cameras and lenses.  I've owned more prestigious cameras in their day, such as my Leica M6's, M7's and R8's.  I've carried and used cameras for a much longer time than my Fujifilm cameras, such as the 20+ years that I hauled a huge Pentax 6X7 and 4 lenses around the country (which I still own!).  But when you take into account the usability, feel, size, price, features, weight, lens quality and selection as well as image quality, I have to say that my Fujifilm gear gets the prize for being the all around best I've ever owned.  Other cameras can do better at certain things but considering all aspects for an all around camera system, my Fujifilm gear, I think, is the best.  And the X-H1 fits right into this mold.  Everything about the Fujifilm cameras is so satisfying to me.

What about the criticisms of less than optimum RAW conversions?  I don't think that is an issue any longer.  There are many RAW converters out there that are excellent.  You should be able to find more than one that suits you if you don't like what Adobes gives you.

Your opinion certainly will be different from mine but Fujifilm has checked all the boxes and hit all the buttons for me and my photographic needs.  There has much been said and written about whether APS-C sensored cameras will have a long term future as the industry and "influencers" are pushing everyone toward full frame, but if there were no more camera advances from this day forward, I think my Fujifilm gear would serve me perfectly for the rest of my photographic life and the types of photography I practice.  Strong statements, but true for me.

"Good Hearted Woman" and Friends. (click to enlarge)
X-H1; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/200th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

One last thing.  Those of you who regularly read this blog know that I also use an Olympus E-M1.2 and a number of Olympus lenses.  Some of you also use Olympus gear.  None of what I have written is meant to take anything away from Olympus.  No, my Olympus gear is not as easy or as satisfying to use as my Fujifilm gear simply for the reason that Olympus packs so many more features into their cameras that the menus are necessarily much more extensive and complicated causing the occasional frustration when trying to find something or invoke a particular feature.  That being said, I love my Olympus gear and the images I make using it.  I own and use both for differing reasons.  I have been trying for almost two years now to decide which system to sell as I have too much stuff and I simply cannot make that decision as I really want to have the advantages and pleasures I derive from both systems.  So, Olympus and M4/3 fans, don't dismay.  I think the M4/3 gear produces every bit as good images as my Fujifilm gear, I just have to work a little bit harder in getting the color the way I want it.

That is about it.  If I have missed anything that may be of interest to you, leave a comment and I'll answer you to the best of my ability.

In the mean time, I will be heading out with my photo gear, wandering the countryside looking for the old, worn out, unique and subjects of a bygone era that will soon disappear forever. (and...I'm not talking about myself or my friends! LOL)

Join me over at Instagram @dennisamook or my website, www.dennismook.com. 

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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