Reviews |Fujifilm X-H1 vs Fujifilm X-T2: Key Specs Compared

Fujifilm X-H1 vs Fujifilm X-T2: Key Specs Compared

Review

Fujifilm has announced the X-H1 which has many features in common with the hugely popular X-T2. In this Fuji X-H1 vs X-T2 comparison, we examine the two cameras to identify their key differences.

Sensor and Processor

Although the X-H1 is above the X-T2 in Fujifilm’s camera line-up, is has the same 24.3Mp X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro processing engine. This means that the new camera produces the same quality images.

IBIS

The X-H1 is the first Fujifilm X-Series camera to offer in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). This is claimed to extend the safe handholding shutter speed by up to 5.5EV.

Including this in the X-H1 means that in some situations it may be able to capture a sharper image than the X-T2.

Video

While the X-T2 is 4K-enabled, it records 3840×2160 footage at 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p and 100Mbps. The X-H1 raises the game with 4096×216 recording at 24P / 23.98p.

Furthermore, the X-H1 can record up to 15minutes of that 4K footage to a memory card, the X-T2 can only manage 10 minutes worth.

Viewfinder

Both cameras have a 0.5-inch type viewfinder but the X-H1’s has a significantly higher resolution with 3.69million dots on the OLED unit rather than the X-T2’s 2.36million dots. That’s the same resolution as the GFX 50S’s viewfinder.

Screen

Like the X-T2, the X-H1 has a 3-inch LCD with 1,040,000 dots, however, on the X-H1 it’s mounted on a 3-way tilting bracket instead of 2-way device. This means that whichever way you rotate the X-H1 to shoot vertical images, the screen can be flipped out to give a clear view.

In addition, the X-H1’s screen is touch-sensitive and it can be used to adjust settings via the Quick Menu (but not the main menu), set AF point and access four features via gesture control.

The screen also facilitates Silent Touch Video operation which allows shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, mic level, wind cut, headphone volume, Film Simulation mode and white balance to be adjusted via the screen. It’s useful for making silent adjustments during video recording.

Film Simulation Modes

The X-H1 introduces a new Film Simulation mode called Eterna that is specifically designed for people wishing to use their video footage direct from the camera. It has a lower contrast and saturation than the Standard Provia setting.

Autofocus

The X-H1 has the same 325/91 point Intelligent Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system as the X-T2 but Fuji has improved phase detection autofocus (AF) algorithm for the X-H1 so that it is 1.5EV more sensitive. 

With the X-T2 each AF area is divided into 5 data points, but with the X-H1 each area has 60 data points, which makes it more able to detect a subject.

In addition, the system operates with apertures as small as f/11, so it can function when the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is used with the XF2X TC WR teleconverter. The X-T2’s operates down to f/8.

According to Fujifilm, the success rate of the X-H1’s phase detection system in low-light or with high-frequency subjects is boosted from 57% with the X-T2 to 75%. 

Design and Build

Fujifilm has used 25% thicker magnesium alloy for the X-H1’s body and this makes it 2x tougher. In a nod to Fuji’s lens roadmap, it also has a ribbed frame for internal strength that enables it to support big, heavy lenses. With this in mind, the X-H1 also has a much heftier grip on its front.

A larger heat-sink plate enables the X-H1 to deal with the heat generated by shooting 4K video and using the IBIS.

Both cameras are weather and dust-resistant, but the X-H1 is also freeze-proof down to -10C.

Control Layout

Naturally, Fujifilm has plumped for the traditional exposure control layout for the X-H1 as it has proved very popular. However, unlike the X-T2, the X-H1 doesn’t have a dedicated exposure compensation dial. Instead, there’s a button that is used in tandem with the rear dial. If you prefer, however, it’s possible to set the front dial to adjust exposure compensation directly.

Another key difference between the X-H1 and X-T2 is that the X-H1 has an AF-on button on the back for back-button focusing.

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