First look: capture travels in rich detail with Fujifilm’s new X-H2

Fujifilm has long been adored by travellers, with its suite of lightweight, powerful and easy-to-use mirrorless digital cameras appealing to both novice and pro photographers alike.

That trend continues with its latest release: the Fujifilm X-H2.

On sale later this month, the new X-Series model – a twin flagship with its high-speed sibling the X-H2S, which launched in May – is all about high-res photography, allowing you to capture fine details and rich colours, whether you’re exploring an exotic market or gazing out across an untamed landscape.

This is made possible thanks to some truly impressive technology under the hood.

On sale in September, the X-H2 will retail in Australia for $3,399.

Among the X-H2’s roll call of features are a new back-illuminated 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, delivering less noise and improved detail, and a high-speed X-Processor 5.

Advanced auto focus technology, made possible by the new processor, is another standout. It automatically detects and tracks a subject – from human faces to birds, dogs, cars, planes, trains and motorcycles – ensuring it remains in focus at all times, even as it moves.

A good example of using this could be when capturing a bird on safari, with the camera locking onto the “face” of the target in a tree hundreds of metres away, even if you can barely see it.

Auto focus allows the camera to track the eyes of a subject.
Russell Ord

Executive Traveller enjoyed a sneak peek at the X-H2 earlier this week, and just like the X-H2S, it’s sturdy yet lightweight – a model you could easily pop into your bag for travel.

The ergonomic design will also be instantly familiar to those who’ve used Fujifilm cameras, as are the multiple customisable buttons which allow you to set your preferred controls.

The electronic viewfinder is lightning quick too, with almost no lag when raising it to your eye.

Novices who prefer to let ‘auto’ do the heavy lifting will definitely appreciate the auto focus, although it’s the professionals who will really be able to unlock the camera’s full potential.

The X-H2 is designed as a hybrid, offering features for both photographers and videographers.
Tom Hegen

Fujifilm says the twin flagships are about choice, with the X-H2 excelling with slower-moving targets, whereas the X-H2S comes into its own in high-speed performance situations.

This two-pronged approach – one model for high resolution and the other for speed – is a concept Canon and Nikon have both followed for years, though it’s a first for Fujifilm.

Other advanced features of the X-H2 include five-axis in-body image stabilisation, minimum standard ISO125, maximum shutter speed of 1/180,000 sec with electronic shutter, and Pixel Shift Multi-Shot functionality, a first in an X-Series camera.

The X-H2 excels in low-light situations.
Russell Ord

Ideal for handheld shooting in low light, it comes with an upgraded in-body image stabilisation system too, with better shake detection, which is said to deliver up to 7EV of shutter speed compensation. This works across both stills and video mode.

It’s also dust and water resistant, with Fujifilm going so far as to suggest you could throw a bucket of water on it or shoot standing in the pouring rain and it wouldn’t miss a beat.

However, with an RRP of $3,399 in Australia, only the bravest would want to test that...