Our photographic adventure takes us away from the territory of ultracompacts and brings us back to the realm of mirrorless cameras, where the supply is plentiful. Quite the opposite: there are more and more options among recommended cameras for enthusiasts, and although the initial investment tends to be a bit higher, it's definitely worth it in the medium term. One such option is the Fujifilm X-H1, with great photographic quality, built-in image stabilization, solid 4K capture at 200 megabits per second, and two very interesting slow-motion modes for those who want to experiment.
Completing the jump from an ultracompact to a mirrorless makes sense as long as you're comfortable with the change of rules. Some premium point-and-shoots are as expensive as a conventional mirrorless but have very important advantages in portability and ease of use. In contrast, those looking for a semi-professional experience will surely feel more comfortable with a mirrorless in their hands. If the plan is to stay just under 1,000 euros, there are options like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (with a great discount at the time of writing) or the Fujifilm X-E3, but if you're willing to go further, you should take a closer look at the Fujifilm X-H1.
Fujifilm X-H1: Flexible in any situation
Announced officially in February 2018, the Fujifilm X-H1 features a 24.3-megapixel effective CMOS sensor, accompanied by the X-Processor Pro image processor. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 200 to 12,800 with a Boost in both directions from 100 to 51,200, while its shutter speed ranges from 1/8000 to 30 seconds, or 1/32000 with the electronic system. Its main screen is three inches with 1.04 million dots of resolution, brings touch support, and is also articulating. The viewfinder uses OLED technology, its maximum resolution is 3.69 million dots, and it has 100 percent coverage with a magnification of 0.75x (35mm equivalent).
"It's not a mirrorless." That phrase is one of the first that comes to mind when we see the Fujifilm X-H1. The untrained eye could mistake it for a DSLR due to its overall size and weight. This initial detail forces us to recognize that the Fujifilm X-H1 is not the most comfortable option for a traveler or a photographer in constant motion. Even so, Fujifilm's JPEG engine and the possibility to process RAW in-camera guarantee very high-quality shots. In action or sports environments, the 325 autofocus points respond very well, especially if we take advantage of the phase-detection zone in the center of the sensor. Depending on the selected mode and the presence (or not) of the official VPB-XH1 grip, the burst on the Fujifilm X-H1 ranges between 5 and 14 FPS. If you want a "sports solution" better than what the Fujifilm X-H1 offers, you should know that all arrows point to the Nikon D500, but you'll have to pay more for it.
If we had to define the Fujifilm X-H1 interface in one word, it would be "intimidating." Some colleagues talk about an overload of controls, and honestly I can't blame them. The two dials that dominate the top of the camera (each with its corresponding lock button) modify ISO sensitivity and shutter speed. Of course, it's impossible to ignore the secondary screen on the right side, which shows eight camera settings simultaneously. Two of the programmable buttons (Fn1 and Fn2) are on the front of the Fujifilm X-H1. The Q button on the back serves as access to the quick menu, very close to it we find the joystick for focus control, and the screen can display more than 40 items, although that obviously depends on the chosen configuration. The official manual barely exceeds 300 pages, and I recommend reading it in full.
Video recording on the Fujifilm X-H1 is undoubtedly one of its most positive points. The camera offers 4Kp30, p25, and p24 at 200 megabits per second, with its limit extended to 15 minutes (or half an hour if you use the grip). Its 1080p modes at 100 Mbps also deliver excellent results, and slow motion at 100 or 120 FPS lets you experiment freely. The interface called Movie Silent Control is very useful when recording video, since it applies an override over the buttons and dials and moves all control to the touch screen. Connectivity isn't usually well developed in cameras that don't prioritize portability, but the Fujifilm X-H1 doesn't disappoint thanks to its combination of WiFi and Bluetooth.
Accessories for the Fujifilm X-H1
If the goal is to optimize the cost-benefit ratio, the most logical option is to buy the Fujifilm X-H1 with its VPB-XH1 grip for 1,280 euros. Adding a 16-55 to that configuration raises the price to more than 2,400 euros... which is absurd, and for such an amount we can always enjoy the oversampling of the Sony Alpha A7 III. Fortunately, the story is much more reasonable when looking for compatible accessories.
Batteries and power
With an average of 310 shots per charge, the Fujifilm X-H1 battery isn't terrible, but it doesn't break records either. The most effective way to combat that limit is adding the previously mentioned grip and a couple of extra batteries. Gloxy offers a NP-W126 module with very similar performance at low cost, and its hybrid 2-in-1 charger for home and car adds another element to the equation for recharging. 60 euros for two extra batteries and a charger? Not bad. The set is identified by the code "0712006549,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4242".
Tripods and supports
The body of the Fujifilm X-H1 weighs 673 grams with battery and memory card installed. If we add a lens and the grip, the final message is quite obvious. Sooner or later you'll need a tripod for Fujifilm X-H1, but don't worry, because we have two very good options for you. Two classics, in fact: on one hand, the standard edition of the Gloxy GX-T6662A, with a maximum working height of 1.62 meters and a maximum load of 10 kilograms. And on the other, the Clampod Takeway T1 with its G1 support. 40 kilograms maximum, greater stability in tripod mode, and as always, a very competitive price.
Backpacks and bags
The Fujifilm X-H1 has a magnesium alloy body that is 25 percent thicker than previous models, comes from the factory with dust and moisture sealing, and can also work in low temperatures (down to -10 degrees Celsius). In short, it's a very robust camera, but its basic weight and size parameters call for a good transport solution. That brings us to the Gloxy PRO AW backpack, available in three different sizes, with a modifiable padded interior and an external waterproof cover. Now, if you prefer the comfort of a sling-style bag, look no further than the Delta 400a Fancier, with enough space to carry the X-H1 without removing its lens. The set is identified by the code "Fancier400a,GloxyPRO".
Flashes
A bit of lighting for those moments when the environment betrays us. The Fujifilm X-H1 holds its own quite well in low-light situations, but it's not a good idea to push our luck. Among the flashes available, today we stick with two models. The first is official, the Fujifilm EF-42, with a guide number of 42, wide angles of movement, and a classic profile. The second is the Nissin i60A, which delivers more power (guide number 60), a color LCD screen, advanced controls, and wireless support. It costs 100 euros more than the Fujifilm flash, but it justifies it.
Lenses
Buy the complete kit, or look for a lens? Considering the current state of the market, I think the best approach for the Fujifilm X-H1 is to follow the second route. Two options to cover both ends. The Samyang 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS will meet all the requirements a wide-angle lens must face, with an angle of view of 98.9 degrees and a minimum focus distance of 20 centimeters. On the other hand, the Samyang VDSLR 50mm T1.5 will work wonders in both photography and video, courtesy of its factory optimizations. A "12+50" combo for under 900 euros. Fujifilm urgently needs to lower the price of its 16-55...
The Fujifilm X-H1 fits perfectly into the semi-pro category of mirrorless cameras. Its controls require a bit more attention, and its price situation isn't fully closed yet, but its overall performance is very solid in both images and 4K video. While there are cameras that tip the balance in favor of one function or another, the Fujifilm X-H1 keeps a good wildcard profile, and for some users, that's ideal. Good luck!
