Fujifilm X-H1 Image Quality

Review Date: June 4, 2018

Category: Advanced to Pro

Photoxels Editor’s Choice 2018 – Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

IMAGE QUALITY

The Fujifilm X-H1 features the same 24.3-MP resolution APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm) X-Trans CMOS III image sensor as in the X-T2 and so we can expect similar excellent results as on the X-T2.

We find the overall image quality of the Fujifilm X-H1 to be excellent at ISO 200 with low noise and excellent image detail. Image quality is very good up to ISO 1600. Noise starts to be visible at ISO 3200 with slight loss of detail but is still very usable up to ISO 6400. At the higher ISOs, images suffer visibly from noise and loss of detail.

Interchangeable Lenses

The Fujifilm X-H1 has an X mount. The Focal length multiplier is approx. 1.5x. In the above picture, we show the coverage using the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR [24-83mm equiv.] wide-angle zoom lens.

The FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens is a flagship standard zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 24mm to 84mm, and a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. The “WR” label designates it as being weather-resistant. It consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, including 3 aspherical lens elements to control spherical aberration and distortion, and 3 ED glass lens elements to reduce lateral chromatic aberration (wide-angle) and axial chromatic aberration (telephoto). This advanced optical design allows the lens to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range.

The X-H1 is the first Fujifilm mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization with up to 5.5 stops gain.

As of this writing, the X Mount Lens Roadmap lists 21 XF lenses, 2 MK Cinema lenses, 2 XC lenses and 2 Tele Converters currently available for the X mount, including 14 prime lenses and 9 zoom lenses, altogether covering focal lengths from ultra-wide-angle 14mm (21mm equiv.) to super telephoto 400mm (609mm equiv.), meaning that you should be able to find the right lens for the type of photography that you prefer.

The XF lenses are generally of very high quality. Some are even weather resistant (look for the “WR” label on the lens), making each of these an ideal pairing with the weather resistant X-H1.

There is one wide-angle zoom XF lens (XF8-16mmF2.8 R L WR) and one XF prime lens (XF200mmF2 R L OIS WR) planned for 2018. In addition, there are three ZEISS Touit lenses for the X mount (Touit 2.8/12, Touit 1.8/32 and Touit 2.8/50M). The X Mount Lens roadmap is updated regularly to reflect available lenses as well as planned lenses.

Macro

The closest focusing distance for the XF16-55mm is 30cm (1 ft) at wide-angle or 40cm (1.3ft) at telephoto. Of course, if macro photography is your thing, you may want to seriously consider the XF60mmF2.4 R Macro (which is currently available) or the XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro.

Autofocus

The X-H1 AF performance has been enhanced to better track a moving subject. Phase Detection AF range has been expanded by 1.5 stops from the previous 0.5EV to -1EV, while the minimum aperture requirement is also improved from F8 to F11, allowing easier focus acquisition in low light levels. While not instant, AF-C performance during zooming means better in-focus hits when shooting erratic subject movements (as in sports).

White Balance

As the above two pictures show, the Auto White Balance (AWB) is pretty good under artificial lighting [I have two energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs on the ceiling] but not quite accurate, giving a slight pinkish hue. [You may not quite see that if you are viewing this on a tablet.] The Fujifilm X-T2 allows WB to be easily set manually and this brings out the real colors. AWB works very well in natural light.

ISO Comparisons

You can set the ISO on the Fujifilm X-T2 from 200 to 12800, plus the ability to have extended output sensitivity equivalent ISO 100 (L) and 25600 (H) or 51200 (H).

The 100% crops above demonstrate that noise at ISO 200 is under control with excellent detail preserved. Noise starts to be visible at ISO 3200 but is still very usable up to ISO 6400. The noise, though, is more acceptable film grain-like than unacceptable digital noise, and so I would feel quite comfortable setting AUTO ISO to 6400. The grain might even be a welcomed characteristic for shooting some beautiful B&W low light scenes (e.g., using the ACROS film simulation filter). At higher ISOs, the presence of digital noise is visible at full image size and with visible loss of detail. Overall, a superb class-leading ISO performance.

Note that while there was no way to select ISO via menu on the X-T2, the “A” setting on the ISO dial on the X-H1 can be set to “COMMAND” in the MENU, allowing you to use the Front Command dial to set the ISO. You still have 3 AUTO ISO settings that you can set to your liking, allowing you to customize the Default Sensitivity, Max. Sensivity and Min. Shutter Speed. For Default Sensitivity, you can choose from ISO 200 to 12800. For Max. Sensivity, you can choose from ISO 400 to 12800. For Min. Shutter Speed, you can choose from 1/4 s to 1/500 s.

CA (Purple Fringing)

CA (Purple Fringing) does not seem to be much of a problem using the XF16-55mmF2.8 lens. In the above high contrast shot, there is no purple fringing.

Long Exposure

The Fujifilm X-H1 allows the use of a long shutter speed of 60 sec. This allows us to take some nice Night Shots. For this shot, I switch to Manual shooting mode, do some exposure experimenting and eventually settle on an aperture of F2.8 on the XF16-55mmF2.8 lens, a Shutter Speed of 60 sec. (set Shutter Speed dial to T and dial in 60 sec.) and ISO 400.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-H1 retains the superb image quality (with low noise and excellent sharpness) of the X-T2.

Next: Fujifilm X-H1 Photo Gallery

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Related Links:

– Fujifilm X-H1 Press Release
– Fujifilm X-H1 Specifications
– Fujifilm X-H1 Sample Images
– Fujifilm X-H1 Special Site
– Fujifilm X-H1 Catalogue

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