Today, Fujifilm announced a series of new camera gear, including the X-H2 mirrorless camera, featuring a high-resolution 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. The camera offers the highest resolution in Fuji’s X series lineup, and is also the world’s first 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.”

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

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 a minimum standard ISO 125, 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 1/32,000s, to 1/180,000s). This allows users to leave the aperture wide open in bright or high-contrast conditions.

X-H2 is also the first X Series camera featuring the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. Using the camera’s IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor with immense precision, 20 reference images are automatically created and later assembled in post-processing using the dedicated Pixel Shift Combiner software. What results is a 160-megapixel image, constructed from the total information available from each RGB pixel found on the sensor.

The 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 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 like the X-H2S to enable recording of 8K/30P video for up to 30 minutes. It’s also capable of producing high-quality 4K video, which is oversampled from 8K as it is being recorded internally.

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

Evolved autofocus performance

The camera’s 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. The X-H2 also incorporates an AF prediction algorithm, which has been improved over previous X Series cameras.

Pricing and availability

The X-H2is available for preorder at B&H Photo for $2499. It is expected to be released in late September 2022.

Updated XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

In addition to the X-H2, Fujifilm also announced an updated 56mm f/1.2 R WR lens for X mount cameras. The lens features significant improvements over the previous model, including a better minimum focusing distance, image-resolving performance and improved rendering of out-of-focus backgrounds.

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.

It is also the first Fujifilm lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture, even at f/4 or f/5.6.

The XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR is available for preorder for $999. It will be available in late September 2022.

Compact, lightweight wide-angle: The GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

Finally, Fujifilm announced the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR for medium format GFX system cameras. The optical construction of GF 20-35mm f/4 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.

The GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is available for preorder for $2499. It is expected to be available in early October 2022.