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FUJIFILM X-H1 Fujimirrorless targets indy filmmakers The new X-H1 and
matching pair of cine zooms show Fujifilm is really getting serious about movies F ujifilm is the latest manufacturer to produce a mirrorless camera targeting independent filmmakers with its new X-H1, and is also launching its current MK cinema zoom lenses in an X-mount to match. The MKX 18-55mmT2.9 and MKX 50-135mmT2.9 cinema lenses will go on sale in May but the X-H1 hits the shops on 1 March. The X-H1 has a newly-designed body that features five-axis in-body image video spec that Fuji has improved over the current XT-2 flagship mirrorless camera, with a big increase in quality and resolution. The X-T2 records 4K at 30p in 100Mbps and can only output an uncompressed 4K signal in 8-bit 4:2:2 F-log to an external recorder. The new X-H1 can shoot DCI 4K at 4096×2160 to an internal SDmemory card at up to 200Mbps in F-log. The bit rate can be set at 50, 100 or 200Mbps in 4K or DCI 4K. The X-H1 can also shoot in full 1080 HD at 120p for slow-motion footage, and there is a 400% dynamic range option to give 12 stops of range. The X-H1 is the first camera in the X Series to include Fujifilm’s new Eterna film simulation mode. This gives a cinematic film look, with understated colours and rich shadow tones. The camera also comes with a higher- quality internal microphone for 24 bit/48 kHz audio recording, with time codes. The heart of the camera is the same APS-C size X-Trans CMOS sensor with 24.3 million pixels and no low-pass filter, which already features on the X-Pro2 and X-T2. But the dust-resistant and water- resistant body has been beefed up for pro stabilisation – a first for Fujifilm’s X-series of cameras. But it’s in the
“The X-H1 can shoot DCI 4K at up to 200Mbps”
use, using thicker magnesium alloy. It’s also been strengthened around the lens mount for larger cine-style lenses. The viewfinder has a 3.69-million dot resolution with a display time lag of just 0.005 seconds and a frame rate of 100 frames per second. The three- inch rear screen is now a touchscreen and does not fully articulate, but tilts in three directions. That’s of limited use to filmmakers as one of those is when the camera is used in portrait orientation. For stills use, the camera has lots of modifications from the X-T2 such as a new grip, refined shutter button, larger control buttons, quieter mechanical shutter and a dedicated AF-ON button on the back of the camera. There’s a new flicker reduction mode for sport photography and the phase-detection autofocus has been improved. One issue with using the camera for video is that there is no headphone socket, and the only way to get a headphone socket is to buy the additional battery grip. This adds two more batteries, which increases shooting time significantly – using the grip, the maximum period for shooting movies in 4K is around 30 minutes. The grip also adds more control buttons, and for stills shooters improves performance for burst shots and reduces the interval between shots, shutter time lag, and EVF blackout.
ABOVE AND RIGHT The X-H1 is the Fuji camera filmmakers have been waiting for. Cine zooms now come in X-mount.
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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2018
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