Late last week Fujifilm announced a new addition to its X-Series lineup of mirrorless cameras in the form of the X-H2. The Japanese camera maker is christening it as its latest co-flagship camera, alongside the X-H2S that was released locally earlier in the year.

While the more compact X-H2S is impressive in its own right, what sets the new X-H2 apart from other flagship Fujifilm options is its new back-illuminated 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5.

The result, according to the company, sees the X-H2 boast the highest image quality in the history of the X Series.

To that end it is capable of capturing up to 160MP high-resolution stills, plus high-definition 8K/30P video, as well as offering a shutter speed as fast as 1/180 000sec alongside ISO125 as standard sensitivity.

If you are already contemplating purchasing an X-H2, Fujifilm South Africa says we can expect the new mirrorless camera in local stores by mid-September, which is only a few days away.

In terms of pricing, this may vary depending on the retailer, but the body of the X-H2 is expected to carry a price of R33 000 incl. VAT. There will also be a Fujifilm X-H2 and XF 16-80mm f/4 lens option going for a suggested price of R39 000.

“The X-H2’s new 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor has an improved pixel structure to efficiently bring in a greater amount of light. This means ISO125 (compared to ISO160 on the X-H2S) is available as a standard sensitivity, which is particularly beneficial during day-time outdoor shooting or to take advantage of fast lenses to produce beautiful bokeh,” notes Fujifilm of its capabilities in a press release sent to Hypertext.

“The use of the new sensor and resulting ability to control exposure time at a greater precision have improved the fastest shutter speed for the electronic shutter by approximately 2.5 stops – from the previous X-T4’s 1/32000 sec to a significant 1/180000 sec on the X-H2. This allows users to leave the aperture wide open in glary conditions such as a sunny beach or to capture a split-second motion in studio and other locations,” it adds.

A device we are very much interested in reviewing, as many others are too, hopefully we can get some hands-on time with the X-H2 later this year.