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Fuji Just Released Their Brand New X-H1 Mirrorless Camera – Here Are My First Impressions As a Filmmaker

Until recent years, Fuji’s mirrorless offerings were always seen as incredible tools for photographers, but left a bit to be desired in the filmmaking department. Their cameras – like the X100T, the first Fuji I ever owned – offered incredible color science, gorgeous film simulation modes, a beautiful design, and stunning still image quality… But just didn’t have the video functionality needed to compete with Canon, Panasonic, or Sony.

Video always seemed to be a bit of an afterthought for Fuji, and while many of their cameras could in fact record 1080p video files, they didn’t do so particularly well. Or at least that’s how it was for a while.

Eventually, Fuji decided to step up to the plate (video-wise), and have since put out cameras like the X-T1, X-T2, and X-Pro2, each of which are clearly designed with the filmmaker in mind.

That said, these cameras – which are hybrids in many respects – lean more toward stills than video. They are capable of producing gorgeous video footage, but nonetheless they still feel like they are designed with the photographer in mind first. That isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for many filmmakers (myself included) as these cameras can outperform many from Sony and Panasonic in critical areas, namely color science. But at the same time there is no denying that they just didn’t have as many professional bells and whistles… Until now.

Enter the Fuji X-H1.

For the first time, Fuji have put out a mirrorless camera that (while still very much a hybrid) is more focused on video than stills. Much in the same way that the Lumix GH5S is clearly aimed at video shooters, the X-H1 seems to be as well. That’s not to say that it isn’t also loaded with incredible stills functionality, but for the first time video is at the forefront.

Just take a look at some of the X-H1 specs –

  • 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
  • X-Processor Pro Engine
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • Internal DCI 4K Video and F-Log Gamma
  • 4K @ 200 Mb/s
  • New Eterna Film Simulation Mode
  • 0.75x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3″ 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilt LCD Touchscreen
  • 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
  • 1080p at 120 fps; Flicker Reduction Mode
  • 1.28″ Sub-LCD Top Screen
  • Weather-Sealed Body; 2 UHS-II SD Slots
  • $1899

Notable highlights include internal F-Log, 5 Axis In-Body Stabilization, and the ability to record 4K at 200 Mb/s. All three of these additions will likely convince more filmmakers to switch over to Fuji, as these can be deal breakers for many.

The X-H1 still records in 8bit 4:2:0 – not 10bit like the GH5 – which is worth noting as the extra bit depth is certainly something that will be important for some. That said, I can say from first hand experience with the X-T2 (which I love and have owned for a while now), I rarely find myself shooting in any situation where the limitations of 8bit recording are noticeable.

Not to sound like a broken record, as I’ve said this on the blog many times before, but the best thing about Fuji’s cameras is their color science. It’s why photographers have been so enthusiastic about their cameras for years, and why I myself made the jump to Fuji after shooting with Panasonic, Sony, and Canon, each for varying lengths of time.

No camera will ever do it all, and there are always tradeoffs when you make a purchase. Take the recently released GH5S, which is an incredible camera in so many respects, but doesn’t necessarily replace the original GH5 as it lacks some crucial features, such as in-body stabilization.

I always try to explain to filmmakers (when asked what camera they should buy) to focus on their needs, not the specs. For me, color is a major need. I am somewhat obsessed with color grading and the effect that amazing color can have on audience perception, and for that reason I’ve really embraced Fuji’s cameras, despite the fact that they haven’t always had as many features as cameras like the A7S III or GH5.

Now with the X-H1 though, there is a lot less to sacrifice than ever before. Really, the biggest drawback is that the camera doesn’t shoot 10 bit – but does that really matter if you don’t see a difference in your final images? I will take an 8bit camera will brilliant color science over a 10bit camera with poor camera science any day. Not to say Lumix cameras have poor color science, but in my opinion they just aren’t nearly at the level of Fuji… Nor is Sony, who is even further behind.

As I mentioned in my initial review on the X-T2, one of the things I now look for when purchasing a new camera is the intention of the brand. In other words, I ask myself whether or not the brand is moving in a direction that I can buy into, as I hope to invest in not only a single camera, but multiple cameras from the same manufacturer over time.

That’s why I invested in the X-T2. It may not have been perfect in every way, but in the areas that mattered to me, it delivered in leaps and bounds. And most importantly made me believe that Fuji was committed to pushing the boundaries of their video capabilities over the long haul. This hunch was certainly re-inforced with the X-H1, as it tells me that Fuji is dedicated to remaining a major player in the mirrorless video market.

The icing on the cake are Fuji’s latest cinema lenses, now available in X-Mount: The MKX18-55mm T2.9 and MKX50-135mm T2.9

These gorgeous parfocal lenses are the antidote to many filmmakers complaints about some of Fuji’s older X lenses, which have notoriously been difficult to pull focus with. These professional zooms clearly solve that issue with true cinema housing, and I am certain we will continue to see the lens lineup expand in the near future.

Most importantly to me though, is that these lenses yet again signal where Fuji is headed. They tell me that Fuji is on the path to creating a robust filmmaking ecosystem in which their camera bodies and cinema lenses can work together in harmony. For that reason alone, I can see myself sticking with Fuji for the foreseeable future – at least with regards to my mirrorless needs.

Will I keep my X-T2? Probably. For now at least… It’s still an incredible camera and I don’t see any reason to sell it as stabilization/internal Log were never deal breakers for me – If they were, I never would have bought the camera in the first place! That said, when a project arises that calls for the X-H1, I wouldn’t think twice about the upgrade.

How about you? What are your thoughts on the X-H1 and where Fuji is headed?

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About Author

Noam Kroll is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker, and the founder of the boutique production house, Creative Rebellion. His work can be seen at international film festivals, on network television, and in various publications across the globe. Follow Noam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more content like this!

18 Comments

  • Hi Noam, I am so glad I stumbled across your website, i have learnt so much already and only read two blog posts.
    Are you able to recommend what lens i could use to start out with basic film making with Fuji X-T2, I only have 35mm and 56mm primes but i find that these are not at all suitable because you can hear the lens focusing noises.
    I have come across the MKX lens but my budget is on the low end.
    Thanks so much

    Reply
    • Hi Abi! Have you checked out the kit lens (18-55)? It’s quite good!

      Reply
  • The new update of X-T2 with F-Log an 120 fps – and the X-T2 come step to step closer to the X-H1

    Reply
  • Great to hear your thoughts on it Noam, will definitely be looking into this, you’re the third filmmaker in as many weeks to have mentioned Fuji in a positive light!

    Reply
    • Awesome! Glad to hear it… I think people are really starting to come around to Fuji.

      Reply
  • AJ
    at

    Noam,

    Your review of the Xt2 have been major in my decision to try Fuji. What fuji lenses do you like? I know you used the 35mm lens a bit, but do you have any other favorites from the fuji line up?

    Reply
    • Good to hear, AJ! I’ve actually been shooting recently with the kit lens – 18-55 – which is surprisingly good! The new X mount cinema lenses look incredible too.

      Reply
  • trey
    at

    I like my X-t2. I might get the X-H1 for the ibis and internal F-log features. I’m guessing that the new Eterna will be in the next firmware for the X-T2. I can see myself using these 2 cameras together.

    Not sure how realistic this is but if the X-T3 or X-H2 up the dynamic range to 14 or 15 stops, I would be very happy. Especially if they keep adding new simulated film modes that hold up and give the footage some character.

    I have been wanting an Ursa “Micro” ever since I got my Ursa Mini 4.6k. I think Fuji may beat Blackmagic to it. Dynamic range and color science are the 2 top features I look for in a camera.

    I use to be a Canon person but I’m switching to Fuji for stills and hopefully use these cameras for small low budget film projects.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Trey – agree with you about the dynamic range. If we could get 14 stops in a camera like this… What more can you ask for?

      Reply
  • Carsten
    at

    Did you had a chance to shoot with the X-H1? What are your impressions to the color output? Would you now shoot with Film simulations like ClassicPro or the new Eterna, or would you always shoot Log now?

    Yes, I ordered my X-H1. Can’t wait to get my hands on it…

    Reply
    • Awesome, congrats on it Carsten! I haven’t shot with the X-H1 yet, but will do a post on it (that will answer your questions) as soon as I get a chance to work with it.

      Reply
  • Great summary post Noam!

    I would also like to mention the X-H1 can do 10 bit 4:2:2 through a external recorder such as a Atomos. This proves that it really can keep up with the GH5’s.

    Glad to see that Fuji is dead serious about capturing the film market as well as the stills market. 100% proven by making the MK Cine Zooms, X Mount. This release will mean even greater competition, resulting in even better bodies from everyone else.

    Reply
    • Dennis
      at

      The output of the HDMI is 8bit 4:2:2, still great. 10bit is just to hard for a larger sensor, what Panasonic did with the GH5 is incredible but possible cos of the 4/3 censor. This is mentioned in an interview from The Camera Store with Fujifilm.

      Reply
      • Makes sense – everything gets more challenging with larger sensors, which is definitely one of the secret weapons of MFT cameras. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    • J. Russell Johnson
      at

      The HDMI output is 4:2:2, but unfortunately only 8bit due to the limitations of the same image processor as the X-T2. Also, the HDMI port is micro HDMI, which is bone headed. However, the camera interests me for Fuji optics and a perceptible difference in the nature of the Fuji image.

      Noam, if you chime in on this I’m wondering what you feel is the essential difference in image between the GH5 video vs the X-T2 video other than the lovely film simulations in the Fuji camera? I think I notice something, but it’s intangible. Something creamy about it, but it could be my imagination hyped by the Fuji marketing department.

      BTW, very enjoyable site you have.

      Thanks,

      Russ

      Reply
      • Thanks for clarifying this, Russ! I am with you – there is a certainly intangible quality about the “Fuji look” that is hard to put your finger on. Similar in the way it’s hard to describe what makes Cooke lenses so unique, or the Alexa look so strong. I think it’s the unique way in which the camera handles contrast, skin tones, and color balance, under just about every circumstance. It’s definitely not about dynamic range or detail, as many cameras have Fuji beat in those departments… Hard to say for sure what it is though!

        Reply
    • Good to know! The 10 bit would certainly change things for some filmmakers, but I believe this will only do 4:2:2 in 8 bit externally. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts here.

      Reply

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