X-Trans Unlocked: Fujifilm X-H2S will Certainly be X-Trans, but Unknown if 40MP X-H2 is X-Trans or Bayer

X-H2S: Stacked and X-Trans

Now that we have told you that the 40MP Fujifilm X-H2 will not have a stacked sensor, another question has been automatically answered with 100% certainty: the Fujifilm X-H2S will have an X-Trans sensor.

So how can we be so sure about it?

Well, because back at the epic X summit in September, Fujifilm did announce that a new “stacked BSI X-Trans sensor” would be launched in 2022.

So, with the Fujifilm X-H2 not having stacked sensor, we are left with the Fujifilm X-H2S. Hence, we can be sure that the X-H2S will have an X-Trans CFA.

X-Trans Unlocked

Now, you know that I consider X-Trans a wonderful thing, but even more so if combined with a stacked sensor.

Why?

Because the stacked sensor can circumnavigate some of the challenges represented by the X-Trans CFA (mainly the 20-30% increased processing power needed), hence it would allow us to retain the image quality advantage of X-Trans without sacrificing on features and speed, where Bayer usually has advantages.

The power of X-Trans is about to get unlocked. :)

X-H2 with Bayer or X-Trans?

And what about the Fujifilm X-H2 with 40MP? Will it be X-Trans too?

Well, I don’t know yet.

What I know is that the higher the megapixel, the thinner the image quality advantage of X-Trans becomes (although an advantage will still remain there even at high megapixel). At least that is my understanding after having heard Fuji Guy Billy back in 2016 saying why Fujifilm went with Bayer CFA on the high resolution GFX cameras

But if one would go with X-Trans for image quality, Bayer has other important advantages (such as less power hungry, easier to implement more features, less expensive).

Personally I’d not be mad if it was a Bayer sensor. But if somehow Fujifilm would be able to make a 40MP X-Trans Fujifilm X-H2 work fast and pack tons of features in it, then I’d still love to have it in X-Trans and pay the extra money to get it over Bayer. But again, I’d be happy also with a Bayer sensor for the high res X-H2.

Anyway, I hope this question will not remain unanswered for too long. I am working on it and will let you know as soon as I can.

In the meantime, feel free to drop your preference and thoughts in the comments.