This is Yitu Technology (formerly "Camera Notes")
Not long ago, Fujifilm released the X-H2S, the flagship product of the 5th generation X series cameras. This is the first APS-C format mirrorless camera using stacked CMOS. It is also the only non-full-frame camera currently capable of both subject recognition AF and 4K120p high-speed video shooting. Together with the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens that debuted at the same time, it provides a new combination of high performance and portability for ecology and bird photography.
The evolving body
X-H2S uses the 5th generation X-Trans sensor (back-illuminated stack type) and the 5th generation X-Processor processor. Compared with the flagship product of the 4th generation X series camera, the X-T4, The upgraded improvements of X-H2S include:
image sensor:
X-Trans CMOS 5 HS image sensor adopts a stack structure and has a reading speed more than 4 times faster than the previous generation product. This is an important foundation for achieving high-speed focusing, high-speed continuous shooting, and high frame rate video shooting. The official claims that the rolling shutter when shooting 4K 30p F-Log 2 video is about 10.6ms (14bit reading, the shorter the better), while the X-T4 is about 16.6ms (12bit reading). In addition, X-H2S also supports flash synchronization under electronic shutter (synchronization time 1/125 seconds), which is also not supported by earlier products.
image processor:
X-Processor 5 has twice the processing speed of the previous generation product and is an important foundation for achieving higher continuous shooting speed and crop-free 4K60p video shooting. In addition, the new processor also includes new features such as AI-based subject recognition, 10bit 4:2:2 HEIF format, Apple ProRes encoder, and CFexpress B-type memory card. Moreover, the power consumption of the new processor has actually been reduced: compared with the X-T4 that uses the same battery, the X-H2S has extended both the number of photos taken and the 4K video recording time.
Judging from the current situation, only flagship mirrorless cameras can be equipped with stacked sensors, which means that the new sensor of X-H2S is difficult to spread to mid-range products as before (such as X-E4 and X-S10 will use the same Same imaging core as X-T3/X-T4). Therefore, I think the new features of the X-Processor 5 processor will have a greater impact on future X series and even GFX series cameras.
Autofocus:
As early as 2010, Fujifilm launched the F85 EXR digital camera that supports pet recognition. After upgrading the imaging core, especially the image processor, the X-H2S finally supports object detection AF based on deep learning. Objects that can currently be detected include animals, birds, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains. Not only does it have the most recognition types among products on sale, but it can also achieve object detection in photos/videos.
My main experience this time was bird photography. In the tree scene, the X-H2S’s ability to identify birds is even better than products from competitors priced at more than 40,000 yuan.
â–˛Can quickly identify birds even when blocked by branches
High-speed continuous shooting:
Prior to this, Fujifilm Insects' "cheating skills" (it was very obvious when I photographed the cliff sand swallow this time) . Thanks to the evolution of the processor and sensor, as well as the new CFexpress B-type memory card, the X-H2S has brought continuous shooting speed and continuous shooting capabilities to a new level.
- Blackout-free continuous shooting has been increased from about 30FPS to about 40FPS, and continuous shooting at 30FPS and higher speeds no longer has 1.25x screen cropping.
- The number of continuous shooting shots at 30FPS+lossless compressed RAW has been increased from about 35 to about 250 shots, and the number of continuous continuous shooting shots at 20FPS+lossless compressed RAW has been increased from about 37 shots to about 1000+ shots——Yes, That means unlimited continuous shooting.
- 30FPS + pre-shooting, X-T4 can shoot the first 20 shots + the last 20 shots with 1.25x crop, while the X-H2S can shoot the first 30 shots and the last infinite shots without cropping.
Here I must once again recommend Fujifilm’s “pre-shooting” function, which makes shooting takeoff and predatory actions easy.Fujifilm's "pre-shooting " function not only supports RAW file storage, but has also spread to mid-range products such as X-E4, X-T30, X-T30 II, and X-S10. The only thing I need to remind everyone is that after turning on the "pre-shooting" function, the camera starts shooting by half-pressing the shutter button, so the heat generated after long-term use will be more obvious than ordinary shooting, and the power consumption will be greater.
â–˛ Use pre-shooting mode to capture the flying version of Cliff Sand Swallow
â–˛ Use pre-shooting mode to capture the moment of Cliff Sand Swallow taking off
Video shooting
"X-H" has been the most focused on video shooting among Fuji X series cameras since its birth. product line. X-H2S has the blessing of new sensors and processors, and its video capabilities have also been improved to a new level:
- supports 6.2K 30p and 4K 60p video shooting without cropping (X-T4 has cropping at 4K 60p)
- Supports 4K 120p and 1080 240p high-speed video shooting (both can choose 10bit 4:2:2)
- Can obtain greater dynamic range through 14bit output and F-Log 2
- Supports ProRes encoder, optional 422LT, 422 , 422HQ has three levels of compression ratio (1080p high-speed video can also be saved as ProRes)
What I care about most here is naturally 4K 120p and 1080 240p high-speed video shooting. Not only can 24p playback be set, but focus and sampling will not be lost. It is no exaggeration to say that the video recording capabilities of the X-H2S have reached the best level among consumer cameras. Whether it is resolution/ frame rate or encoding format, it can meet the requirements of professional users.
â–˛Screenshots of 4K video, the picture details are very good
â–˛10x slow motion recorded at 1080p 240p
Of course, such a high-standard recording format will inevitably generate a lot of heat during recording. The X-H2S is also the first camera to officially provide active cooling accessories. The fixing screw holes and power supply interface for the "back clip fan" are reserved below the LCD screen. The fan working mode can also be set in the menu. The outdoor exposure environment in summer and the high heat of the CFexpress B-type card will still have an impact on the recording time.
â–˛ High bit rate formats such as ProRes recording require the use of CFexpress B-type card
â–˛ Fixed screw holes (two in total) and power supply contacts reserved on the back of the fuselage
Control and expandability
In addition to performance improvements, X-H2S There are also many improvements in terms of control and scalability. Here we focus on the viewfinder : the resolution is increased from 1280Ă—960 to 1600Ă—1200, and the picture is more delicate; the magnification is increased from about 0.75 times to about 0.8 times, and the viewing field of view is larger; a new refresh rate equivalent to 240fps is added mode, there will be no framing lag when facing high-speed moving objects.
â–˛ The display information of shoulder screen can be customized
â–˛ During video recording, resolution, frame rate , LOG and other information can also be displayed
Other improvements:
- Large size dot matrix shoulder screen
- Anti-shake capability from approx. Level 6.5 is improved to about 7.0
- More sealing points on the body
- Standard size HDMI interface
- The transmission speed of the USB interface is increased to about 10Gbps
- Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi
â–˛Full-size HDMI interface and 10Gbps USB-C interface, in addition to cable clip reserved screw holes
Fuji X-H2S is a flagship product with high-performance shooting and high-standard video. Whether it is focus recognition, pre-shooting function or video recording specifications, it can bring great help to ecological photography, especially bird photography. Of course, the body alone is not enough, so Fujifilm launched the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens at the same time. This is an internal zoom super-telephoto zoom lens with an * equivalent focal length of approximately 229-914mm. It is the best partner for the X-H2S for ecological photography.
* The equivalent coefficient of Fuji APS-C frame is about 1.523x
Lenses that fill the gap
In fact, after the release of X-T3, ET noticed that Fuji’s “pre-shooting” function would bring great convenience to bird photography. But in the past, Fujifilm didn’t have many super telephoto lenses to choose from, which largely limited the possibilities for ecological themes. Therefore, since Fujifilm announced the development of the XF150-600mm lens in September 2021, I have paid close attention to it.
specifications
The size of the super telephoto lens mainly depends on the clear aperture (you can roughly divide the focal length by the aperture) rather than the frame. Under common filter specifications such as 82mm, the telephoto end can basically only reach 400mm. F5, 500mm F6.7, 600mm F8. Compared with the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 lens plus a 1.4x teleconverter, the native focal length is more secure in terms of imaging quality and focusing performance.
F8 aperture will definitely limit the shooting scene, preferably outdoors with plenty of sunlight. However, when shooting in dense forests, we can also use electronic shutter and timer shooting to reduce camera shake and use a lower shutter speed. Fuji cameras can use timed shooting + continuous shooting, which is very useful when shooting at slow shutter speeds.
* Combining pixel density and frame, X-H2S paired with XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR is basically equivalent to a full-frame 60MP body paired with a 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens and a 1.4x teleconverter. photography ability.
â–˛ You can use a very common 82mm aperture filter
â–˛ Use a lightweight tripod and electronic shutter for continuous shooting, and you can get clear images at 600mm and 1/25 seconds
Image quality
Super telephoto lens The focus of competition is naturally the telephoto end. The maximum aperture is already F8, so F8 must be fully open. XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR adopts a rather complex optical design of 24 elements in 17 groups. At least with the 26MP X-H2S, there is no problem with the image quality at the telephoto end - I also tried to install a 1.4x teleconverter during shooting. At this time, the equivalent focal length reached about 1280mm, and the image details were still the same. It's satisfying. So I am also looking forward to the performance of this lens on future 40-megapixel sensors.
â–˛ 24 elements in 17 groups structure contains 3 ED lenses and 4 super ED lenses
▲ 4" within zoom " absolute It's a trait that people either love or hate. Its advantage is that it improves the sealing of the lens and has basically the same center of gravity at each focal length. During movement, there is no need to worry about changes in the focal length of the lens that will affect the shooting response speed or cause accidental bumps. But the price is that the length of the lens cannot be shortened, and it is not as convenient as external zoom products when carrying. I have the largest Tianba lens barrel, which can barely fit the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR. This way I don’t need to carry a backpack when I go out, or I can only put water, clothes and other daily necessities in the bag.
â–˛ Internal zoom, the length of the lens body remains unchanged throughout the zoom range, and the center of gravity is basically constant
Controllability
XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR has a focus preset function common on telephoto cannons. For example, if you first preset the focus for a frequently moving distance, then when the focus is out of focus during tracking shooting, you can quickly bring the focus back through the front button of the lens.
â–˛ With focus limiter and focus preset function
It is worth mentioning that the pins of XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR have dovetail grooves, so that they can be fixed on Aka without a quick release plate. Standard gimbal. There will no longer be the embarrassment of forgetting to bring a quick release plate to the shooting location, and it also avoids twisting compared to using a quick release plate.
â–˛ The lens pin has a dovetail groove and is compatible with the Aka standard gimbal
Other performance
This shooting experience was relatively rushed. It was basically a tripod shooting or car shooting, so I didn’t have any experience with the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM. For more in-depth experience and testing of the anti-shake capability of OIS WR. In terms of focusing, the linear motor is smooth and quiet in both photo and video shooting. I feel that I have not been able to use the best focusing performance of this camera lens combination for this shooting. I will try different focus parameter settings if I have time.
Buying Suggestions
Today, when full-frame cameras are getting cheaper and cheaper, the most important breakthroughs for high-end non-full-frame cameras to maintain product competitiveness are body design, focus continuous shooting, video shooting and lens groups - and Fuji X series cameras Putting these features together is an important reason why the X series still has strong vitality to this day.
Of course, the price issue cannot be avoided: the X-H2S is priced at 16,700 yuan, making it the most expensive X-series camera ever. The most cost-intensive part is definitely the stacked sensor. In addition, the value of ProRes encoder and 5.76 million-dot EVF cannot be ignored. The key is that I can’t find any other product that combines high-speed focusing and 4K120p video shooting within 20,000 yuan. I want to bring out my own expression pack again...
Compared with the body, XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM The price of OIS WR is more down-to-earth. After all, the current price of XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is about 12,000 yuan. For those who mainly shoot ecology and birds, XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR should be available for shopping immediately. The car is gone. I tried its performance on the X-S10 and X-T4 for a while, and the focusing was also very fast, but without the support of subject detection, it can actually meet the shooting requirements of many scenes.
In short, this set of Fujifilm body lenses does provide a new option for ecological bird photography. Friends who plan to take up bird photography in the near future can go and experience it offline.
More real-shot samples
â–˛ 600mm | F10 | 1/250s | ISO-160
â–˛ 150mm | F5.6 | 1/250s | ISO-220
â–˛ 600mm | F8 | 1/1000s | ISO-640
â–˛ 150mm | F6. 4 | 1/400s | ISO-640
â–˛ 500mm | F7.1 | 1/500s | ISO-1600
â–˛ 380mm | F11 | 1/500s | 0â–˛ 520mm | F8 | 1/500s | ISO-160
â–˛ 600mm | F8 | 1/250s | ISO-3200
â–˛ 600mm | F8 | 1/500s | ISO-1250
▲ 255mm | F6.4 | 1/125s | Tu Technology is composed of a few veterans who don’t want to lie down , the main content includes mobile phones, computers, photographic equipment, and digital cool games. We look forward to your attention and interaction.
