Fujifilm X-H1 Review

The Fujifilm XH-1 shown with a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — The Fujifilm XH-1, seen here with a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

Fuji X-H1, Long-Term Camera Review

Is the X-H1 Relevant in 2020?

I acquired the Fujifilm X-H1 as soon as it was released in the spring of 2018. I had a few video assignments on the calendar and I needed a solid performer, a camera I could trust in a working situation.

This review will not follow my usual pattern as I have a few notes from 2018 I want to share before moving on to my take on the X-H1 in 2020.

Fujifilm X-H1 - Initial Impression April 2018

April 2018 - Three weeks and 3000 frames in, the Fujifilm X-H1 has been put through the initial paces. The camera fits the spot for me, as a second X-series camera, the other camera being an X-Pro2. I use these cameras professionally and for personal projects.

Fujifilm X-H1, fresh out of the box, spring of 2018.

The Most Advanced X Series Camera

After the initial setup, the Fujifilm X-H1 has proved to be more advanced than any other X-series camera. This shouldn’t be a surprise but the camera seems to have a "life of its own”.

Overall the experience is very different from the X-Pro2. It has a more extensive menu system, touchscreen ability, tilt screen, IBIS, and better video features.

During a week-long shoot in Northern Alberta and after some frustration, I finally turned off most of the touch screen options as I constantly found myself in a menu of sorts when I wanted to shoot. For some, the touchscreen option may be awesome. It is great that you can turn it off and on I guess.

The weather sealed setup, Fujifilm X-H1 and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR on a day with snow — Weather-sealed set up. Fujifilm X-H1 and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

Buttons and Dials

New motor skills have been learned. I often had my ISO or shutter speed at an unintended setting. I would forget to lock the dials and would bump them inadvertently. Yes, this is on me. I have to learn to tame a new beast. Also, the drive selector is easily put in the wrong position by mistake.

And why not put S (single shot) and video mode at complete opposite ends of the dial? This way you would know to yank it all the way around. In video mode, the dial is placed by the camera strap and can be hard to get to, especially while wearing gloves.

I prefer the eyecup from the X-T1 which can be seen here. Fujifilm X-H1 with the EC-XT S Small Eyecup

Shutter, Memory Cards, and Glitches

After a few weeks, I am finally used to the new shutter button and it is okay. It does take some getting used to and triggers much easier than on my X-Pro2. As for memory cards: I use a Lexar 2000x UHS-II card in slot 1 and 633x in slot 2.

These may not be the best cards for this camera and I feel another expense coming up. (I ultimately ended up with a couple of Sandisk Extreme Pro, 300MB/s HC II SD cards, and have had no issues with these).

I experienced one lock-up and had to restart the camera. Auto ISO settings were reset but nothing else was reset. I was testing the Electronic First Curtain shutter when it locked up. I am glad it has only happened once.

For my gig, I avoided using the first curtain shutter option and had no issues. Later on, I wanted to try it again, and at some point, the camera shot just black frames. (These issues were resolved via firmware upgrades).

Fujifilm X-H1 with the XF 14mm f/2.8 and ND Filter on a tripod shooting a long exposure — Fujifilm X-H1 with the XF 14mm f/2.8 R with ND and Polarizer filter doing a 40 sec. exposure

VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip

Personally, I don’t need the grip but got it anyway due to a deal that includes two batteries and the grip has the headphone out. My biggest lens is the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR and currently have no plans to get the bigger zooms.

The ability to charge two batteries in the grip simultaneously has come in handy. The audio out may also come in handy but I wish it had been in the camera instead.

Fujifilm X-H1 with XF 35mm f/1.4 R and VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip

Video on the X-H1

I have mostly been shooting at 1080p. Glancing over my footage, it looks good but too early to say if I can shoot stabilized footage without my Zhiyun Crane V2 gimbal. For a week-long gig, I shot a bunch of footage and barely used the gimbal. I found the IBIS very good as long as I didn’t walk.

It works very well with the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR. I was expecting it to be better with my XF 14mm f/2.8 R for filming while walking. Below is a short video I did for a wine tour company in the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

Switching between the video mode and photo mode, however, is not as easy as I had anticipated. Especially if you use manual exposures for video.

It is about five steps to switch depending on your settings and takes too long when you are on a job. I am glad I worked with two cameras and could dedicate one to video. (The X-T4 has solved this issue and has a one-button switch which is a major advantage for a hybrid shooter.

I have used a couple of on-camera mics. The Røde Video Mic ME and the older Røde Video Mic. I have run into a bug.

Whenever I adjust the level it just drops to zero after you pick the level. You either have to change the shooting mode or turn the camera off and back on and the desired level is in place.

(This issue was fixed in a firmware update shortly after). I have also used the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit with a lav mic with no issues.

Morten Byskov on a video assignment with the Fujifilm X-H1 with the XF 14mm f/2.8 and Rode Video Mic ME, and Zhiyun Crane V2 gimbal. X-Pro2 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R — The Fujifilm X-H1 on a video assignment in 2019. Left to right: Zhiyun Crane V2 gimbal, X-Pro2 with XF 35mm f/1.4 R, X-H1 with XF 14mm f/2.8 R, and Rode Video Mic ME.

IBIS, Image Stabilizer

This is starting to sound rather negative. The X-H1 is far from that. It can be a joy to shoot with after you have it set up for your style/needs. The EVF and IBIS make a huge difference along with the solid feel of the camera.

IBIS for stills has been very helpful in several situations for me. For studio portraits shooting with my XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR, I can keep the shutter speed a bit lower and have rock-solid shake-free photos.

And shooting in a production factory environment I managed to keep my shutter speed around 1/8th of a second, ISO at 200, f/4, and no problem. Sharp images, rich in color without high ISO noise. The mentioned photos were taken in a location where bringing a tripod was not possible.

Fujifilm X-H1 in 2020

The Fujifilm X-H1 has been discontinued but if you are in the market for a new X-H1 you may be able to find a copy out there and the low pricing may lure you in. At the end of the life cycle, you could find the X-H1 for as low as $1,099.00 including the grip.

That equals good value and flexibility for the money. Things are moving so quickly in the camera market so depending on when you read this make sure to check the latest prices. You should also be able to scout out decent deals on the used market.

Fujifilm X-H1 with the VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-H1 with the VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip and XF 90 mm f/2 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-H2 vs. X-T3 and X-T4

In September 2019 I tested the Fujifilm X-T3 and did a comparison to the X-H1. I won’t repeat it here but If you would like to read my thoughts, check the link to my Fujifilm X-T3 review here:

Fujifilm X-T3 Review

The only thing I will add is the pricing change of a new X-T3, now reduced to $999.00 after the introduction of the Fujifilm X-T4. If you are looking for a new camera and don’t need a vertical grip, this new price could be attractive. Keep in mind the X-T3 has the same sensor as the new X-T4.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest it is hard to ignore the Fujifilm X-T4, which now includes new and lighter image stabilization, IBIS, in a more compact body.

It has a fully articulating screen (great for Vlogging), the latest sensor, fast processing, better battery life, and a host of other features.

At $1,699 US the X-T4 is a step up and does not come with a battery charger so you may incur more expenses before you are fully set up but overall it looks like an attractive package.

You can read my full X-T4 review here:

Fujifilm X-T4 Review

The top LED of the Fujifilm X-H1 is a welcome feature

Fujifilm X-H1 Image Quality

Coming from the X-Pro2 I knew what to expect from the X-H1 as the two cameras share the same sensor, the X-Trans III. The only notable difference is the fact that I had downplayed the effectiveness of IBIS.

I will include sample images below and will try to pick images where I specifically decided to use the X-H1 over my X-Pro2 where I could utilize either the higher 11 fps. frame rate or the IBIS. If I wanted optimal image quality I would grab the X-H1.

Fujifilm X-H1, XF 35mm f/1.4, XF 14mm f/2.8, a wallet, and a glass of water — Coffee stop in Aarhus, Denmark with the X-H1, XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 14mm f/2.8 R

Conclusions

I will spill my beans here in the conclusion. I ended up selling my X-H1 in the fall of 2019 leading up to a long period of travel.

The goal was to travel with a light kit and I would only bring my X-Pro2. While I recognize and have taken advantage of the features in the X-T and X-H series I will admit my heart is leaning towards the X-Pro series and thoughts of the upcoming X-Pro3 also helped trigger the sale. Cameras come and go and someone else is now enjoying a fine X-H1.

One disappointing aspect of the X-H1 ownership was the sudden deprecation that occurred in January 2019, only 10 months after the camera was released. While you should expect tech items such as cameras to depreciate, rarely have I seen a camera plummet as in the case of the X-H1.

I believe it was caused by two new cameras released shortly after the X-H1. The introduction of Fujifilm’s own X-T3 and Sony’s A7 III were both digging into X-H1 sales. It is water under the bridge now but has made me think twice before deciding if I want to be an early adapter of new gear.

I enjoyed the features and image quality coming from the X-H1. I also ended up using the grip from time to time, namely for portrait sessions. The IBIS made the X-H1 my most frequently used camera on our Iceland Road Trip.

Pros

Excellent handling with built-in grip
New top display
IBIS, image stabilization

Cons

Buggy until firmware fixes were available
High depreciation only months after it was released

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-H2 at B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm X-H1 - Sample Image

The sample images below are processed in either Lightroom or Capture One Express. Some images are slightly cropped and on some of the images, I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Classic Chrome, Velvia, Pro Neg. Hi, and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.