FUJIFILM has just announced its new flagship APS-C sensor size, X mount video-orientated mirrorless photo camera, the X-H1 and it is safe to say that while developing this camera, FUJIFILM had us – the filmmaking community – in mind. FUJIFILM X-H1 The competition on capturing the hearts of filmmakers has just become tougher with the introduction of the new FUJIFILM X-H1. Built on the heritage of the successful FUJIFILM X-T2, the new higher-level camera is rolling out with included, additional features that are likely to appeal to many: The 5-axis in-body stabilization system, included F-log and the newly developed ETERNA film simulation picture profile, just to name a few. The new AF-ON button for fast focusing experience FUJIFILM X-H1 next to the VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip Ergonomics The new camera felt very robust in my hands and operating it was very similar to using the older X-T2, except for the newly added AF-ON button. (Very useful when shooting in manual focus mode and using the EVF. Just press this button and get your desired point instantly in focus). The new X-H1 is using a new vertical power booster grip. Personally I like to work with this grip as it adds more stability to my camera holding. And speaking of which: working with the booster grip also adds additional benefits, like being able to monitor sound via the included headphone socket, have a total of 3 batteries for longer shooting periods and last but not least, double the total length of the recording time when shooting in 4K, so 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes. Photo menu is totally greyed out. Perfect! Most camera video features are now under one roof FUJIFILM X-H1 Menu On the menu front FUJIFILM did a great job by eliminating (Greying out) most if not all of the unnecessary photo related menu entries when being in video mode. As far as I’m concerned, there is one point that can be improved: When wanting to re-adjust a parameter after fiddling with whatever function in the “SET UP” menu, the camera will take you back to the general video menu. This is a bit of an uncomfortable and time-consuming procedure, as at times, one will need to adjust that exact parameter again without starting all over from the main menu. ETERNA – The new film simulation by FUJIFILM Finally, built in F-Log FUJIFILM X-H1 Video Features This is the place to mention that the new camera is using the same sensor and processor as the FUJIFILM X-T2, but being the top camera model and in order to differ from the current X-T2, FUJIFILM added some significant beneficial improvements to the new X-H1. The most noticeable ones are: 5-axis in-body stabilization system. (Worked wonderfully with the tested FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR lens). The inclusion of a built-in “F-Log” Log gamma option. This much anticipated feature will help many with their creative filming and post production work. For those who would like to have instant “cinematic” colorful results, FUJIFILM is introducing their newly developed ETERNA film simulation picture profile. I’ve tried it, I like it, and I’ll be using it whenever there is no time to experiment or go through the process of a color correction session. On top of the above, it is worth mentioning the Dual SD slots with relay recording functionality, front and rear tally option, the ability to record 120fps in full HD mode, DCI 4K setting (24p only), silent video operation mode (see detailed explanation below in the “Pros” section), good lowlight performance and a high data rate recording of up to 200Mbps. This is also the place to mention a video feature, which is not yet functional, but will be so during the next month. I’m talking about the launch of FUJINON’s X mount MK lenses. Those high quality, lightweight and compact lenses will be a perfect match for the new camera and besides of benefiting from the 5-axis in-body stabilization system, I’m eagerly waiting to see what else this combo will bring. New Low Cut Filter for enhanced audio quality Picture and Sound Quality That’s where the new camera shines. There is something very cinematic in the look and feel of the picture and even the noise in high ISO settings (Like 5000) is not really disturbing (at times it looks like film grain). On the downside, it is truly a pity that FUJIFILM did not implement 4K 50/60p recording and when it comes to the recorded bit depth and color sampling, apparently the current sensor/processor combination is not able to record in the much desired 4:2:2, 10bit specifications environment. When it comes to audio, the built-in microphones will capture sound in 24bit / 48KHz quality but more important, the external audio sound recording quality is very impressive. One reason for this might be due to the fact that FUJIFILM added the possibility to disable the low cut filter in camera. This obviously gives a richer sound to any interview for example. (I haven’t seen this feature being implemented internally in other mirrorless cameras). Nice touch. Front Tally User Experience Its current firmware is where the camera scores the lowest for me. The three main obstacles are: somehow inconsistent continuous autofocus performance in video mode, an issue with manual focus and inconsistent sound performance. Continuous autofocus performance: I’m yet to solve this mystery… At times, this camera’s autofocus works like a treat and whatever I’m pointing it at, it will achieve perfect focusing. During other filming situations, the autofocus will hesitate or simply not work well. Bottom line – either I’m doing something completely wrong with my settings or the autofocus performance needs to be improved. I’ll keep exploring this and update my article if needed. Manual focus performance: It is great to have the ability to zoom-in while checking focus manually (The camera will automatically enlarge an inner part of the picture when in standby or recording mode) BUT, after being done with adjusting focus, the picture will not resize itself back to the original framing perspective. In other words, try to imagine working handheld during a documentary situation, focusing on a subject and then trying to blindly find the right (Disp/Back) button at the back of the camera in order to go back to your original framing. It’s almost impossible to do so without adding shaky camera movements. Inconsistent sound performance: While the recorded sound quality is truly exceptional for that type of camera, there are 3 sub issues with sound. The audio monitoring sound is distorted At times, when external microphone is being used and adjusting the audio menu to “Off”, audio can still be heard At times, when external microphone is being used and adjusting the audio levels, sound can be cut off, become muted and camera will freeze FUJIFILM X-H1 Pros (in no particular order) Truly nice 4K (DCI 4K) video quality! High speed video recording: In FULL HD 120 frames per second World camera (NTSC/PAL) Newly developed film simulation (ETERNA) Dual SD slots with relay recording functionality Silent video operation mode: Allows you to control settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and white balance with silent touch-panel operations on the rear monitor, preventing the camera from picking up operation noise from buttons and dials during video recording Front and rear Tally light indicators (Can be controlled via the menu) High recording video data rate. Up to 200Mbps Touch screen autofocus Good lowlight performance. ISO 3200 is very usable. 5 axis in-camera body stabilization High dynamic range “F-Log” log-gamma option Focus lever for pointing at desired focus points Accurate focus peaking In manual focus mode, touch screen focus can override In manual focus mode, distance chart is available Easy way to spot how much recording time is left on the SD card Good EVF. Makes manual focusing easy Enhanced audio recording quality with the built-in microphone (24bit / 48KHz) Audio levels can be adjusted during recording Audio quality is well above what we are used to having in such small cameras, when connecting an external microphone Plenty of customisable FN buttons, including a way to assign four functions to the LCD screen and execute those commands by swiping the screen to any of the four directions Histogram Good battery life. Having 3 of those batteries (one in camera and 2 in the handgrip) helped me to shoot throughout the whole working day without a problem. DCI 4K in up to 200Mbps FUJIFILM X-H1 Cons (in no particular order) No 4K 50/60p 4:2:0 8bit recording internally & 4:2:2 externally Lack of fully articulated screen No screen layouts to help with simulating 2,35:1 or any other ratio but 16:9 Lacks a headphone socket for monitoring audio when using the the X-H1 camera body only. The additional Vertical power booster grip is needed in order to monitor sound, as the headphone socket is located in it. 15 min recording time limit in DCI 4K (30 min in full HD and somewhere in between when choosing other resolutions), UNLESS you get the additional Vertical power booster grip. Then the limit is being extended to 30 min in DCI 4K Long 4K video recordings are split into 2:40 minutes segments (FAT32 4GB limitation) Inconsistent autofocus performance When ending a recording session it takes the camera this extra second to store the clip Average rolling shutter performance 120fps in full HD Issues that FUJIFILM can hopefully take into consideration and check if fixing them is possible: (in no particular order) Touch screen mode is set to AF. Camera is in manual focus mode. When tapping twice on the LCD screen (Or turning the lens focus ring), the picture will be zoomed in for easier focusing judgment which is fine, BUT, when tapping on the LCD on a point to focus, the camera will start recording instead of focusing. In manual focus mode. When in stand-by mode, turning the lens focus ring. The picture will “jump in” for easier focusing judgment BUT it will NOT “jump out” for the actual framing when pressing the record button. The same applies when already recording. Touch the focus ring, picture will zoom-in, but will stay like this and won’t go back to the original framing after a second or two. “Natural Live View” is nice when using it in combination with F-Log as it will allow to see and imagine how the picture will look like with a certain LUT on it. Unfortunately, this feature is also active in other film simulation modes, making it easy to mistaken the look you are after. Dynamic range is being stated in percentage. (400%, 200%). For us filmmakers who are talking in “stops language” this piece of information is a bit useless. I understood from FUJIFILM that different shooting modes are resulting in different dynamic range values, so how about pre-setting the camera to give the best possible dynamic range at any setting without the possibility to choose to lower it in the menu? Audio monitoring is somehow distorted with the headphones I’ve used. At times, when external microphone is being used, when adjusting the audio menu to “Off”, audio can still be heard At times, when external microphone is being used, when adjusting the audio levels, sound can be cut off, become muted and camera will freeze. The overall picture size and menu layout structure in the EVF will change when switching between the manual focus mode and one of the other autofocus modes. Very disturbing. The X-H1 equipped with the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR lens The lens used in this FUJIFILM X-H1 review was the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR. It is one of FUJINON’s flagship zoom lenses with a Full Frame focal length equivalent to 24mm – 84mm and a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the range. Here is a quick list of the Pros and Cons I found while combining it with the X-H1: Pros: Excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range Manual aperture ring Constant f/2.8 aperture Weather-sealed design Speedy focus motor Cons: No optical stabilization (Now less problematic with the newX-H1 5 axis in-body stabilization system) Constant f/2.8 aperture yes, but when zooming in it looks as if the aperture is changing Heavy FUJIFILM X-H1 with the vertical booster power grip Conclusion: With the introduction of the new X-H1 camera, FUJIFILM is slowly but surely closing the gap between its video orientated mirrorless photo cameras and the rivals. It is also very clear that FUJIFILM is very determined to listen and cater the needs of the filmmakers community. The thing is, that my above statement is relevant for present time and while this camera is nice to work with, it will have to go through one or two firmware update cycles, in order to fix some of the glitches mentioned in my review, and in order fo fulfil its true potential. On top, current models from other respected manufacturers with enhanced functionality – be it 4K50/60p frame rate, 10 bit recording, better color sampling or higher lowlight sensitivity – are aiming to capture that exact same crowd. So in short, is this camera offering enough to make one jump from his/her wagon to FUJIFILM’s train? Time will tell but the direction is extremely positive. A still taken from my timeline Camera settings used for most of the inserts in my review: DCI 4K 24p, 200Mbps, F-Log Film Simulation, Sharpness -4, Shadow Tone 0, Highlight Tone 0. NR -4. Edited on Adobe Premiere Pro latest edition. Color corrected with FilmConvert X-T2 preset. No sharpening added to the final video. Many thanks to Sakiko Takahashi and Natalie Behiri. What is your take on the FUJIFILM X-H1. Are you impressed with what this camera has to offer and can you see yourself updating your current gear with it? Share your opinion with us in the comment section below. The post FUJIFILM X-H1 Review And Sample Footage appeared first on cinema5D.
