Cameras

Fujifilm X-H1 is company’s first truly video-centric camera

More substance over style

Published

February 16, 2018

Marvin Velasco

Fujifilm has made a reputation for itself with its classic-looking cameras and knack for coming up with a range of filters for all kinds of tastes. The X series of mirrorless cameras have been the flag bearers of the company, but none have really focused on video recording as much as the newly launched X-H1 we’re seeing right here.

It’s still a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera sporting an APS-C image sensor — which isn’t as large as a full-frame sensor, but helps keep the X-H1 more affordable and able to use Fujifilm’s growing selection of lenses.

Beginning March 1, you can buy the X-H1 for US$ 1,900 (body only). While that may still seem hefty to videographers on a budget, there’s more to the camera than just its professional design.

Fujifilm calls the X-H1 the best-performing entry in the entire X series line of mirrorless cameras. That’s a bold statement considering how great the X-T2 and X-Pro2 are, but there’s some truth to that.

For one, the X-H1 uses the same 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III found in the brand’s other high-end cameras. Combined with the X-Processor Pro image processor, it can shoot at an ISO ranging from 200 to 12800 and at a continuous speed of 14 frames per second.

What really sets it apart is the inclusion of in-body image stabilization. This means you can attach any compatible lens and you’ll have steady shots throughout your footage. As for the output itself, the maximum bit rate is at 200Mbps and you can hit up to 30fps for 4K content.

In terms of physique, it shares similarities with the medium format (and much pricier) GFX 50S. The most distinguishable feature is the monochrome display on top for a quick look at exposure settings, as well as dust and water resistance for outdoor shooting. There’s also a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD at the back and 3.69-megapixel electronic viewfinder.

There are more features geared toward serious videographers, but what’ll attract casual users more is the Eterna film simulation mode, which gives movies a more ideal, instantly attractive look, plus another mode to reduce flicker while shooting indoors under artificial lighting. Those who want to connect this to their smartphone will be glad to know there’s integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The X-H1 has all the makings of a great addition to a cinematographer’s arsenal, but only time will tell if it’ll be able to stand against the giants of Sony, Canon, and Nikon.

Related Topics:Fujifilm Fujifilm X-H1 X-H1

Cameras

Canon announces budget EOS R100 mirrorless camera

A good entry-level choice for creators

Published

May 26, 2023

GadgetMatch

Canon is expanding its full frame mirrorless camera lineup with the announcement of the EOS R100, set for a July 2023 release.

This will give content creators a more affordable option for their needs, while customers looking for their first mirrorless or interchangeable lens camera may also want to start investing with the EOS R100.

The camera comes with an APS-C-sized 24.2MP CMOS sensor which is capable of shooting high-quality images and up to 4K and FHD video recording at 24p and 60p, respectively.

Powered by the DIGIC 8 Image processor, the device can handle general photo tasks. It can work under low light with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800.

Its autofocus is also seen to be reliable and accurate, with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows users to shoot even fast-moving subjects.

The camera also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity so users can access content easily.

Price, availability

The Canon EOS R100 will be available by July 2023 starting at US$ 479.99 for the body.

When paired with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM value lens, the package will cost US$ 599.99.

For those who want to shell out extra bucks, the camera will retail for US$ 829.99 with both the RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lenses.

Cameras

Fujifilm releases X-S20 vlogging camera, lens, XApp

Making content creation more seamless

Published

May 26, 2023

GadgetMatch

Fujifilm released two new products during its X Summit Bangkok 2023 event to give content creators and vloggers more equipment to choose from.

First is the X-S20 digital camera, which succeeds the X-S10. The compact and lightweight vlogging camera comes equipped with the latest processor technology — X-Processor 5 — as well as improved battery life.

Along with its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the camera comes with an updated AF algorithm.

For instance, the Product Priority and Background Defocus shooting modes gives users more leverage for stills.

It also has the new “Vlog” mode that shall benefit creators, casual photographers, and even hobbyists.

The camera is capable of shooting 4K at 60fps, and FHD at up to 240fps. The device also has dual 3.5mm jacks, meaning a microphone and headphone can both be inserted at the same time.

New ultra-wide lens

Complementing the camera is the new Fujinon XF8mmF3.5 R WR UWA ultra-wide lens which comes with a field of view of over 120 degrees to capture vast backgrounds.

What’s great about the lens is that when it’s set at 36cm at f/8, everything can also be focused.

With low breathing, the lens is capable of fast auto-focus that can barely be noticed when it changes. This makes the lens a handy video shooting companion.

The built-in 62mm filter thread also allows users to add readily available filters, such as ND filters for wide apertures in bright conditions.

Fujifilm Xapp: Shoot from your phone

Fujifilm is also introducing the Fujifilm XApp, which makes tasks even more seamless for creators.

By simply connecting via Bluetooth, cameras like the X-S20 can wirelessly transfer images on a smartphone device.

The camera can even be operated remotely from the app. Users can take photos or videos without even pressing the shutter or holding the camera itself.

The app also has a liveview shooting feature, in case one needs to see what’s on the frame from a bigger screen instead of the viewfinder — in real-time.

Cameras

Canon is looking for a smartphone partner

Who will it be?

Published

May 22, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The world of cameras has been changing. For the past few months, the biggest names in the industry pulled out of the DSLR market to focus on mirrorless cameras. Of course, handheld cameras aren’t the only marketable products for a camera company. There are smartphones, too. According to a rumor, Canon is looking into a smartphone partnership for the future.

According to Digital Chat Station from Weibo, the camera company is actively searching for a partnership with a smartphone maker. Unfortunately, that’s it. The leaker has not revealed anything else regarding the company’s efforts to pursue partners.

However, it should be noted that camera companies have found a modicum of success in lending their talents to smartphones. OPPO, for example, recently inked a partnership with Hasselblad. Xiaomi also partnered with Leica around the same time. ZEISS, despite breaking up with Nokia last year, still has a partnership with vivo.

Given how the above companies volleyed between different smartphone companies, there are some potential names for a partnership with Canon. Nokia is one. There are also several Chinese companies who don’t have a co-engineered camera yet.

A partnership with Canon should spice things up for the smartphone company who gets the rub. Today, smartphone photography is just as important as actual hardware.