GEAR REVIEW. FUJIFILM X-H2S
and gives a massive performance boost to video. Its X-Trans CMOS is a back-side illuminated, 26.16-megapixel sensor that reads signals four times faster than the previous model, and the X-Processor 5 doubles processing speed. This means zero lag or blackout in the viewfinder, much faster and more accurate autofocus, virtually no rolling shutter and quick frame rates. It also unlocks a huge swathe of high-end video codecs and frame rates, including 6.2K shooting, 4K at 120fps and 240fps in HD, available in H.264 or H.265 with a choice of bit rates and compressions. There are 8-bit 4:2:0 and 10-bit 4:2:2 codecs, either in All- Intra or the more compressed Long GOP, including edit-ready Apple ProRes in different quality settings – 422, HQ and LT, as well as ProRes Proxy. A CFexpress Type B card is necessary to keep up, although a second slot fits SD media. With a V90-class SD card, it’s perfect for all but the most data-intensive codecs. The new sensor and processor each boost image resolution at low ISO and reduce noise at high ISO, with improved AF – thanks to AI tech that includes subject recognition. It detects and tracks not only human faces and eyes, but animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes and trains. Phase detection AF is uncannily accurate and rapid – and face/eye detection works superbly. TOTAL COMMAND The rear touchscreen allows for beautifully smooth focus pulls. On this, set the AF speed and how sticky it is. One particular feature is AF/MF: the camera works in autofocus until the focus ring is moved; at this point, it reverts to full manual focus. A push of the rear AF ON button re-engages AF – it’s very useful. A new body style and interface make it ideal for hybrid shooters, with a full-size HDMI and 3.5mm headphone jack, plus tilting and
“Controls include peaking and adjustable zebra patterns, front and rear tally lights – and an on-screen histogram to help nail exposure”
swivelling LCD that’s great for video. This latest Fujifilm is built for pro use, with good weather sealing. And its controls make sense for any advanced shooter, whether used to Fujifilm cameras or not. On the left of the top-plate is a dial allowing you to set PASM modes for still photography, plus quick access to filters, seven custom settings and video. The dial locks to avoid inadvertent changes, and the top-right features an LCD screen displaying information relevant to the settings. For video, that’s resolution, white-balance and gamma, frame rate, ISO, battery level and recording time, among a host of others. ISO and white-balance have their own dedicated buttons to the right of the screen, for fast changes. A small Rec button next to the shutter release will start video recording at any time – or in video mode, the usual shutter release controls recording. The rear has a touchpad and small joystick to
help navigate pages, as well as a ‘Q’ menu for fast access to most-used settings. Camera controls can be customised in all sorts of ways once you dig into the menus. The user interface is easy to navigate, and although menus are deep, they aren’t too complicated. It’s here where you set codec, frame rates, high-speed recording, gamma, audio, timecode, autofocus and just about everything else. Movie mode shows all your main settings at a glance, including
COOL CAM The add-on fan (top) is a nice touch, but only needed in very high temperatures. Movie menu (above) gives a clear overview
MAGNIFICENT Main mode dial has a staggering seven custom banks, more than most will use
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