Pro Quality in a Mirrorless: The Fujifilm X-H1

By Tamara Wilm

It’s fair to say that mirrorless has come a long way since it first debuted. Perhaps no recent camera demonstrates this better than Fujifilm’s new X-H1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. Let’s check out why it takes mirrorless beyond convenience and into the world of the professional.

Part of Fujifilm’s popular X Series, the X-H1 has in-body image stabilization which can compensate for up to 5.5 stops of camera shake. It also has a five-access system that provides blur-free images with just about any lens you can use with the body. A 325-point autofocus system ensures accuracy.

Of course, arguably the most important aspect is the camera’s 24.3MP full APS-C X-Trans CMOS III image sensor and X-Processor Pro engine. This combination means that the X-H1 can be used for professional photo work. The DCI 4K 24 fps shooting capabilities also enable professional video. Slow motion video can be captured in the high-speed video mode at Full HD 1080p. The camera also has a built-in mic with 24-bit/48 kHz recoding.

The X-H1 has an electronic viewfinder and a 3-way tilting LCD screen. You can use both to create your images, and the rear LCD for reviewing footage. The viewfinder is 0.5” and has 0.75x magnification and a 3.69m-dot resolution with a 100 fps refresh rate. The rear touchscreen LCD is 3.0”, and has the aforementioned 3-way tilting mechanism which helps you to shoot at numerous angles, including portrait.

In addition, the body of the X-H1 features a number of improvements over older cameras in the X Series. The shell is a 25% thicker magnesium-alloy, and is sealed against dust and water.

Buttons and grips on the camera are larger for ease of use, and a 1.28” sub-LCD top screen lets you view and change settings with ease and precision. The camera also has dual SD card slots. The body also has locking dials and levers, front and rear command dials, and a dedicated focus lever.

Fujifilm is known for their outstanding film history—if the company’s name wasn’t already a tip off of that fact. So it’s no surprise that this camera has simulation modes based on some of their classic film types. ETERNA is designed to look like cinematic film with low-key colors and rich shadows. Other film effects include monochrome and color options. Grain Effect mode recreates the look of old photos.

By adding a Vertical Power Booster Grip to the camera the X-H1 gains boost mode, which lets you use multiple batteries at the same time. This translates into faster shooting speeds in burst mode. The continuous shooting period is then increased to 30 minutes. The grip also has a focus lever, AE-L, AF-ON, and Fn buttons. Not to mention a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Who says compact can’t mean serious, professional performance? Certainly not Fujifilm. The X-H1 has the image quality and design features that pros need in order to do their work, without weighing down the gear bag. Consider this one serious crossover.

Thanks for reading!