Fujifilm Manager DPReview Interview: “We want DSLR Users Friendly Fujifilm X-H1”

Fujifilm Manager X-H1 Interview

DPReview interviewed Fujifilm manager Jun Watanabe about the Fujifilm X-H1.

Here some excerpts:

• IBIS: Q: Fuji said in the past IBIS not compatible with X-mount? A: We have spent the past two or three years developing a system where using both hardware and software, we can cover [the necessary] imaging circle. The most important thing is precision. Because a sensor with IBIS is a floating device, it has to be perfectly centered and perfectly flat. We had already achieved a sensor flatness tolerance down to an order of microns, but the challenge was to maintain this precision with IBIS.
• ETERNA: We wanted to create a more cinematic look, so we studied ‘Eterna’ – one of our cine film emulsions
• ZEBRA: We couldn’t add zebra because of hardware constraints. The processor cannot support it. It requires too much processing power. At this time, we’ve achieved the best possible performance for the processor.
• 10 bit: There are 10-bit cameras on the market, but we recommend using Eterna to short-cut the recording process. We think 8-bit is enough for good quality.
• SIZE: Professionals are generally more accepting of larger cameras, and [compared to DSLRs] the X-H1 isn’t that big. And we have had requests from some of our professional users for a bigger camera, especially those photographers that use our longer lenses. A bigger grip and more solid body were both requested.
• KAIZEN: it’s not impossible to imagine that the X-T2 might yet benefit from some of the advances present in X-H1.
• PROCESSOR: DPReview say that apparently there were internal discussions about including a dual, or even a completely new processor in the X-H1, but this would have added to development time, as well as cost. It’s possible too that some of the heat-management benefits of the X-H1’s larger internal volume compared to the X-T2 might have been nullified.

Read the whole interview at dpreview.

Fujifilm X-T3 Vs. Fujifilm X-H1

And since I get this question very often these days, the Fujifilm X-T3 will have a new sensor (less than 30MP) and also a new processor, as we reported here. So we can expect improvements over the Fujifilm X-H1, but probably also limitations, since the more powerful processor will be in an overall smaller body, so heat management will definitely be a challange to solve for Fujifilm. But the Fujifilm X-T3 will not have IBIS, and IBIS is indeed a mechanism that takes a lot of space in the X-H1, as Fuji Guy Billy told us here.

Overall I think that even when the Fujifilm X-T3 will be out later this year, there will be still enough reasons for many user to pick the Fujifilm X-H1 over the X-T3, first and foremost because of IBIS, but also the ergnomics and controls will be better for those guys, who feel like the retro controls slow down their shooting, or those who also work with big glass (such as the XF200mmF2).

Sure, Fujifilm could re-design the Fujifilm X-T3 to make it more similar to the Fujifilm X-H1, but personally I would consider this a huge error. Fujifilm should not change the much loved design, controls and ergonomics of the X-T2. Let the Fujifilm X-H1 be the camera that goes after traditional DSLR users, and the X-T3 keep 100% the original X-DNA.

Fujifilm X-H1 – $150 Bundle Savings: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
Follow FujiRumors on Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter
Fujifilm X-H1 Coverage: X-H1 facebook group + X-H1 facebook Page