News Fujifilm hits fifth gear
Never one for half measures, two lenses have been added and the roadmap updated XF optics on the horizon
X-H2S sports updated X-Trans sensor built for speedy stills and pro-level video
is a super-telephoto, compatible with Fujifilm teleconverters. Add the XF2X TC WR and get a 35mm equivalent of 1828mm. Internally, it has 24 elements in 17 groups. That includes three ED and four Super ED, minimising axial chromatic aberration. The result is a high-performing machine weighing just 1605g, which stays a constant size through the focal length range, thanks to its internal zoom design. Add a 5EV-benefit optical image stabiliser, weather proofing at 19 points, matte silver finish to keep cool in extreme heat and AF driven by a linear inner focus motor, and this is a lens with serious appeal to wildlife and action photographers. The price is £1899. Finally, Fujifilm has three additions to its lens roadmap: an XF56mm f/1.2 Mk II, XF30mm f/2.8 R Macro and XF8mm f/3.5. fujifilm.com/uk
Fujifilm’s new XF18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR is a hybrid zoom, with fully electric zoom drive and normal manual operation to suit stills and video use. A constant f/4 6.7x zoom, it covers the 35mm equivalent focal length range of 27-183mm – the core photographic span for most people. Featuring 15 elements in 12 groups, three aspherical and three ED lenses suppress aberrations and distortion. It gives a magnification ratio of 0.2x, with minimum working distance of just 46cm from the front element. Focusing is handled by a lightweight inner focus group of elements working with a linear motor, for AF as quick as 0.02sec. The XF18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR is due to go on sale in September at a price of £899. A second release is the XF150- 600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR. A 150-600mm focal length range equals 229-914mm in the 35mm format: this
Fujifilm’s X-H2S is the first X Series camera to house the fifth-generation X-Trans sensor, with a feature set sure to appeal to stills and video creators. Resolution is 26.1 megapixels, so the same as the CMOS 4 sensor, but the focus is very much on speed. Fujifilm has said that a higher-resolution APS-C sensor is on its way. The X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor is back-side illuminated, but stacked too, making it capable of reading signals four times faster than before. Following in the footsteps of earlier X-Trans sensors, it employs a 6x6 pixel. This ‘random’ array keeps the risk of moire down – and there’s no need for an optical low-pass filter. Couple this with the X-Processor 5, which has double the speed of the previous generation, and you have a seriously quick camera.
The X-H2S can shoot at 40fps blackout-free using the electronic shutter. At this speed, you get around 175 compressed Raws with AE/AF tracking. Drop down to 30fps and receive over 1000 JPEGs in continuous shooting. For a similar number of Raws (lossless compressed or compressed) in a burst, set 20fps. Switch to the mechanical shutter and the top shooting rate is 15fps, with the potential of 1000+ JPEGs or uncompressed Raws. A fast sensor/processor duo triples the number of calculations in phase detection information, to give excellent AF performance, even at these rapid shooting rates. AE/ AF tracking is thus more accurate. An improved prediction algorithm boosts the camera’s ability to track moving subjects in low light and zone AF, while subject recognition AF has been improved with deep-learning technology. This new system can detect and track human faces/eyes, but also animals, bikes, birds, cars, planes and trains. The X-H2S’s predecessor, the X-H1, was very much video-orientated, and this model has a strong feature set too, including some AF benefits for stills. Its sensor enables internal recording of 4:2:2 10-bit video at 6.2K/30p, and the camera supports
4K/120p for high-definition slow motion. The sensor’s readout speed is as short as 1/180sec, to keep rolling shutter effect to minimal levels. Dual memory card slots, supporting CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II, are found on the body. You will need the former to get the most of continuous shooting skills – a list of compatible cards is on Fujifilm’s website. For pro videomakers, the X-H2S has a heat-dissipating structure to enable 240 minutes of 4K/60p video. For even more performance, including shooting in high temperatures, the optional Fan-001 is available. This fits at the rear of the camera body, behind the articulating monitor, costing £169. Optional accessories include the VBG-XH grip at £399. An FT-XH file transmitter with LAN connectivity is due this September for £949. The X-H2S is available in black and the body-only price is £2499, with availability this month. fujifilm.com/uk
KEEPING COOL An optional fan fits on the camera back for video shooting
The Photography Show & The Video Show 2022 takes place at the NEC, 17-20 September All roads lead to the NEC
LCE opening up in Oxford London Camera Exchange is a popular photo retailer, founded back in the fifties. Since then, its reputation for top service, stocks and an extensive product range has only grown. The number of stores increased, too, with 26 spread across England. That’s going to be 27 in early August, after the opening of an Oxford branch on New Inn Hall Street. lcegroup.co.uk
Our industry gathers for the UK’s biggest expo aimed at enthusiasts, pro photographers and videomakers. Over 250 exhibitors will be attending, with a programme of more than 400 talks and masterclasses from 350+ speakers. Don’t miss it. Adult entry is £14.95, over-60s and children 14-17 cost £11.95. For tickets or to register, visit below. photographyshow.com
MASS GATHERING TPS is a chance to get hands-on with new kit
6 Photography News | Issue 100
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