Anybody using a Fuji X-H1 yet?
If so, what do you think?
I noticed it's on sale for $250 off and I don't know if that's a good sign or a bad sign.
Mike
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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:
Nick: "I've used one almost since it came out, it is my 'work' camera—my primary tool for weddings (part time) and any video work. For travel or personal shooting I tend to take the X-T2, simply because it is smaller and lighter. At weddings or events I shoot tele (56mm) on the X-H1 and wide (16/23mm) on the X-T2.
"I love the X-H1. Image quality is the same as the X-T2, but the IBIS works really well, especially for video, since none of the primes I use have IS. Video quality is excellent, and it has many options not on the X-T2, even though the X-T2 got some recent upgrades via firmware, it's still not at the same level. The Eterna profile for example is beautiful.
"Despite preferring the smaller body for travel, for hard use the X-H1 has a much more solid grip, comparable to the Nikon SLRs I used to use. I thought I'd love the AF-ON button, which I used religiously on Nikon, but I haven't really migrated back to using it, maybe since the X-T2 doesn't have one, and I use both cameras equally.
"The X-H1 also has fantastic shutter sound (very quiet, but satisfying) and really good feel on the two-stage shutter button. I find the X-T2 quite unresponsive in comparison. Overall the X-H1 just feels more solid and more professional, and I don't feel like an amateur next to my friend with a 1DX if you care about such things!
"Otherwise I don't have any complaints about the X-H1, that don't apply to other Fuji bodies. I'd have liked a bigger battery since the grip is quite large, but it was nice not to have to buy new ones. And for events I always use the battery grip anyway, which can get me through most of a full day. Focus speed is good, but always has room for improvement, especially in low light.
"They have gone away from the vintage aesthetic a little, e.g. no exposure compensation dial, but in most cases I find the changes to be an improvement."
Stephen Scharf (partial comment): "I have one and I absolutely love it. I think its the best interchangeable-lens X-cam Fujifilm has released to date...."
[See the rest of Stephen's excellent, detailed comment in the Comments section —Ed.]
The discount on the X-H1 likely has more to do with the impending announcement of the X-T3 than any success or lack thereof of the X-H1.
Posted by: Matt | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 03:57 PM
I do. I’ve had the XH1 all summer, and I like it a lot. It is a bit larger and heavier than the XT2, which I also have, and I’m trying to decide which to keep. The sensor and image quality are the same, and I’m not much of a video guy, so the XT2 is more sensible, but I do like the grip and shutter on the XH1 better, and the IBIS is helpful with the 90 f/2 and the 16-55 f/2.8 lenses I have. Basically, half my lenses handle better on the larger body/grip, the other half on the smaller one. I’ll probably keep both cameras. Some people bemoan the loss of the dial for exposure compensation, but I just set that to the rear thumb dial, which I like better, and I really like the info screen in it’s place.
I guess I would say it’s a very nice camera, but not as a replacement to the XT2, unless you want the IBIS and/or higher spec video. I really really like that shutter though...
Posted by: Curt Gerston | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 04:04 PM
What an ugly, unattractive, uncomfortable-looking device!
It looks like an implement designed to bring pain to the skin of the face and hands.
Did anybody design it, or did it just come out from under the rocks all by itself?
I'm trying hard to think of the name of the 50s camera that if reminds me of in its aesthetic charm.
:-)
Posted by: Rob Campbell | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 04:48 PM
I've had mine for a couple of months now and like the camera. I'm comparing it to the X-T2. In all, I think the X-H1 is a real upgrade and I am using it as my main camera with the X-T2 as a backup or my street camera with the 27mm lens on it.
The good is easy. IBIS makes my somewhat shaky hands happy when shooting primes, though it isn't a substitute for proper handling. I also like the larger rubber cup around the EVF. I can smash my glasses against it comfortably and get no light leakage when I shoot in the desert.
The back touchscreen is useful when I use a tripod, which I'm doing a lot, as my recent obsession is night landscape shooting. I'm not sure I'd use it much off tripod as focusing is a bit slow through the touch interface. I'm happy with the joystick for hand held work.
I hope that Fuji will make all the menus accessible through touch in one of their Kaizen updates. The bigger grip makes holding the camera easier. On the whole I like the ergonomics of the camera. It's bigger but I don't notice the weight difference unless I pick up one camera then the other.
I don't care for the top LCD screen. It was cool the first time I used the camera, but all the information is accessible every shot through the viewfinder or back screen. This is one SLR idea that isn't necessary on mirrorless. The exposure comp dial was more helpful.
I'm shooting some video and I don't care for the fact that the battery grip is necessary to fully utilize the video features. It's not the weight that I mind. I use a tripod for that. With a camera this big there should be a way to include a headphone jack and better heat reduction so we could have fuller access to video features in camera. The Eterna film simulation works well for video as a sort of quick and dirty log substitute.
Fuji seems to continue to make the small things better with each new camera. The buttons are easier to feel than the X-T2 and the EVF has a higher resolution, which makes manual focusing easier.
I think the current $250 discount reflects the price the camera should keep. I think Fuji, like many companies, puts a premium on its newer products above normal price/cost calculations.
Posted by: Michael McKee | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 05:13 PM
I've got both an X-T2 and an X-H1, and I find myself moving more and more to the X-H1. It fits the hand neatly (my hands are probably average sized), has weight but not too much, and balances with the lenses very well, including the big (for Fuji) telephoto zooms. It just feels solid and trustworthy, and so far it is both of those things. I haven't tracked closely how the image stabilization helps, but I don't seem to have so many coffee habit failures as before. I'm sorry to have lost the exposure compensation dial of the X-T2, but when I need it the X-H1's slightly less intuitive method works well enough. I'm likely to skip the X-T3 and wait for the X-H2. So I'm one happy camper, though I recognize that those with steadier hands may not feel quite so positive.
Posted by: Michael | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 05:37 PM
I've been loving my X-H1, particularly for birding https://prometheus.med.utah.edu/~bwjones/tag/fuji-x-h1/ but also for using older lenses and lens adapters. The in body stabilization makes a huge difference, especially with older telephoto lenses like the old Canon and Nikon reflex lenses: https://prometheus.med.utah.edu/~bwjones/2015/10/500mm-reflex-lens/
Posted by: Bryan William Jones | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 06:34 PM
Thanks to the Sony A7 III, I can't imagine it has many users: it's overpriced.
The top of the crop market is probably about $1,400, video-first cameras perhaps excluded.
Posted by: jseliger | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 07:00 PM
I have one and I absolutely love it. I think its the best ILC X-cam Fujifilm has released to date. It also produces the best image quality I've seen from a Fuji ILC X-cam (see more below).
That being said, I think a lot of people do not understand what use-case this camera was intended for and a number of folks bought it without understanding this. Even though it uses the exact same sensor and image processing engine as the X-T2, I think a lot of folks thought it was an "upgrade", only to find that its image quality was, for the most part, no different than an X-T2. That being said, I find produces the best image quality I've seen from a Fujifilm ILC X-cam, and I have specific reasons as to why I think that is (IMO, it has to do with being able to achieve and maintain incredibly tight optical tolerances).
It is an upgrade but not in the way most folks think. It's an upgrade in 4 key areas:
1) IBIS: primarily for use in stabilizing the camera for video, though it also works great for stills.
2) AF performance: The camera has dual chipsets for improving AF processing performance, particularly when shooting action or racing in Continuous High-Speed where AF acquisition, AF lock, and AF tracking are important.
3) a larger size and grip, which was requested by many of Fuji's professional X-Photographers
4) Improved weather resistance and body finish.
5) Last, but certainly not least, a considerably stronger, stiffer and more robust body with a significantly stiffer and reinforced lens mount for mounting the new 200mm F/2 prime, which weighs about 5 lbs, and for mounting the new line of MK Cine lenses, again, while maintaining both the optical tolerances these lenses require, and the tolerances between the lens flange, lens mount and sensor (these tolerances for some dimensions are less than 0.1µM (that's 1/10 of a micron, folks!).
As for features: it has some notable improvements over the X-T2:
1) the 3.7 million dot EVF: this EVF is amazing, bright, clear, fast and also supports fast refresh rates and shorter EVF blackout times. The EVF is considerably better than the already excellent EVF on the X-T2.
2) The metering accuracy is exemplary: as good as the GFX50S, which makes editing photos in post a snap. Files require a minimum of editing, often just setting black and white points for the histogram.
3) The shutter button and mechanism: the X-H1 has the smoothest, silkiest, best damped, and quietest mechanical shutter I've ever experienced on any camera, ever, hands-down. There is absolutely no "breakover" to cause any movement or shutter shock that would conflict with IBIS functionality. It is also adjustable for its preload so you can fine-tune the amount of force it takes to actuate the shutter.
4) The touch screen is quite good, and can be configured to have both active and inactive zones so that you can use it for LCD functions, but not have your cheek or nose actuate it if you are a left or right-eye photographer.
5) The e-ink submonitor on the top deck is very useful and functional. I know a lot of folks have griped about Fuji removing the comp dial, but in practical use, its absolutely not a problem because you can configure the camera so that the comp switch is always on, and then can be easily activated and adjusted by depressing the rear (or front) command dial once and then rotating it to set comp. Easy.
While I was originally kind of upset at the missing comp dial because I really like the "retro-stye" analog knobs, in real-world use, I've found that I now prefer having the e-ink sub monitor. It makes viewing control settings, battery capacity, card slot, shooting mode info, etc., all available and customizable independently for use in shooting stills or video. I've found it works really well when shooting on a tripod (e.g. landscape or product in a studio) and when you are using the camera low to the ground (as is often done in studio or in video scenarios), or in other positions or situations where it is very cumbersome to try to use the EVF or rear LCD. It also shows information like the number of frames remaining, file quality, the card slot selected, battery capacity, etc. even when the camera is OFF. This is really useful. The indication of remaining battery capacity, in particular, is really nice, because I can check the battery capacity before heading out to the track.
I think the best way to think of the X-H1 vs the X-T2 (or forthcoming X-T3) is this way: if you use a Canon 5D-series and find it really meets your needs well, an X-T2 is a better camera for you, and you don't need an X-H1. If, on the other hand, like me, you need a very tough, robust, built-like-a-tank Canon 1D-series body that can take a beating, mount big, heavy and long lenses, and/or need to shoot professional stills or video in truly "hard-core" professional use-cases, the X-H1 is the camera for you.
Posted by: Stephen Scharf | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 07:14 PM
I have one, at the discounted price(I paid $1459 open box)it’s a steal, it’s better than the xt2 in every way except size but that can be a big plus to most people with larger hands. I use mine for everyday stuff and keep the shutter count low on my gig camera, an A7iii.
Posted by: Iran | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 07:29 PM
The graphite silver XT-2 is bar none the prettiest camera, the most lovely piece of photo jewelry, I have ever seen. But the XH-1 is a better and more practical camera. The deeper hand-grip makes all the difference in usability for me, as I have rather large hands. The IBIS is wonderful, making it usable down to absurdly slow shutter speeds. Image quality is excellent, certainly good enough for prints up to 18 x 24" or so. Married to Fuji's gorgeous 56 mm f/1.2, it's probably the perfect compact portrait camera. The XH-1 is very solidly built. The loss of the dedicated exposure compensation dial compared to the XT-2 bugs me more than it should, considering the endless control customization you can apply.
That's actually my biggest contrarian gripe. The XT-2 and XH-1 work best in my hands either set for completely manual control using those wonderful retro dials, or like a glorified point and shoot, auto-everything including ISO. The endless menu options, firmware updates and customization choices I find annoying rather than empowering; I just want to take pictures. I don't want to waste endless hours on a deep dive into obtuse options and permutations of a computer with a lens attached.
The digital viewfinder is....well, it sucks less than most. I love the bright, clear viewfinders of full frame D-SLR's. I know it's a matter of taste, and many folks really like the synthetic video viewfinders of mirrorless cameras. I tolerate them.
Take this with a grain of salt; I'm a pretty idiosyncratic photographer. I still prefer using a Canon 5DSr on a heavy tripod when I'm photographing deliberately. I quite literally never shoot video, for which the XH-1 is reputedly quite good. And I almost never compose using the rear LCD, unless I'm shooting down at ankle level.
Posted by: Geoff Wittig | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 07:42 PM
No, I haven't used one yet, but I have been thinking about it. Really don't need any more gear, but stabilising all those primes is an attractive option for low light work, and for older hands. Plus it's the best option if you want to shoot video with a Fuji. Otherwise it's mostly just a larger X-T2 with a better EVF and an electronic front curtain shutter. There are a few reports on Fuji forums of some issues, like random freezing of the camera, but it's not clear how common these really are.
Why is there a decent discount at present? Well, Fuji play this particular marketing card quite often. But also it and the Pro2 are about to be overtaken by the imminent X-T3, and when it is, if you want the particular features that the older two cameras offer you're going to have to forgo the new features of the X-T3, so they're going to have to be discounted. Especially if the X-T3 comes in under the price of the X-T2, as is being rumoured.
Posted by: Brian Stewart | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 08:05 PM
It seems likely it is a bad sign ... given it got 'trounced' by the Sony A7III?
Posted by: Michael Hill | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 08:57 PM
Good sign for you to buy. You can use your beloved Fuji lenses and it has the IBIS yo so desperately crave;)
Posted by: Bill La Via | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 09:17 PM
I probably should know more about this camera than I do since I am a Fuji user. What little I read about it seemed to imply it was basically an X-T2 with improved video. Maybe the price drop has to do with the supposed soon to be release X-T3 with improved video. If the X-T3 has better video I'm not sure what the purpose of this camera would be. The odd thing is the X Pro and X100 cameras (which I use) never seem to drop in price. They are the same price now as when I bought them at release.
Posted by: Stanleyk | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 09:35 PM
It feels like a price correction; it was priced too high with 2k Full Frame cameras around. And yes, the XT-3 coming soon is a factor, but I think that Fuji was trying to set a the bar a little too high for a crop frame.
Admittedly, I wanted the camera on specs, but it just doesn't feel right in my hands - The X-T2, even without IBIS, is such a better camera for me that I understand why the X-H1 hasn't;t taken off very fast.
Posted by: Rob L. | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 10:31 PM
I, too, think the camera very ugly. I am sure it is good but I much prefer the X-Pro or the XT2
Posted by: Chris | Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at 09:34 AM
I rented an X-H1 for a long day of shooting on visit to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's house in Pennsylvania, and a nearby house, Kentuck Knob, that he also designed (not nearly as good, but has an interesting sculpture garden FYI).
I have had an X-T1 graphite since they came out. The X-H1 is a bit larger and heavier, though not uncomfortably so. Grip is far better.
I didn't mind the removal of the exposure comp dial as TBH I always turn it the wrong way. When I'm looking through the viewfinder and adjusting it, I intuitively think turn it clockwise for more light, but that's actually underexposing. I just can't get my brain to switch. So I found the dial on the X-H1 far easier.
The Q menu button I was constantly hitting by accident given it's (convenient and easier to find) placement on the corner of the thumb grip. So the Q menu was often up when I went to take a shot, which was annoying. Others have remarked on this also.) And the shutter sound is to die for. (I quickly adjusted to the light touch shutter button though I can easily see how some will find it maddening)
Battery life seemed atrocious even compared to the not-so-great X-T1 (can't say how it compares to X-T2). The "S" spec battery that came with the rental wasn't great, and my non-S batteries from my X-T1 lasted only a 1-200 shots.
IBIS with 10-24 (also rented) worked very well. With care I could get down to a 1/2 shot of waterfall.
Am waiting to see what the X-T3 brings. While the X-H1 has some good improvements, I'm not sure if its higher price, bigger/size weight and battery issues will be enough to make the difference over the X-T3. And it's not really a very good looking camera in the Fuji tradition (the X100S was the gateway drug for me into Fuji - looks and camera personality matter to me).
Posted by: Adam Richardson | Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at 09:52 AM
Whoops; that yo should be you. Seriously, I think you should spring for it. I suspect the price drop is meant to keep interest (and sales) up since it’s not the new kid on the block anymore and to hopefully move some inventory before the new Nikons hit.
Posted by: Bill La Via | Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at 10:20 AM
The only X-H1 feature I covet is the IBIS and I don't see me replacing my X-T2 just for that. The X-T2 is the most enjoyable camera I've had since my D300.
I have never held, much less used an X-H1, but using Steven Scharf's analogy. I'd I'm in the Canon 5D camp.
cheers
Posted by: Jack Stivers | Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at 11:34 AM
It's funny how people keep comparing the X-H1 to the A7iii. They don't compare the Nikon D500 to the Nikon D750 in the same way, but the differences are comparable.
The A7iii is a FF enthusiast camera built down to a price with adequate build quality, iffy weather sealing, last year's EVF, and a nice new sensor.
The X-H1 is Fuji's pro model, with bulletproof build quality, excellent weather sealing and an EVF to die for.
This overlap has always existed between pro-grade APSC and consumer grade FF cameras. It's not all about the sensor (but don't tell anyone...)
Posted by: Steve Jacob | Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at 04:03 PM