The latest Top Gun movie used a range of Fujinon cine lenses to capture acrobatic as well as low flying jets.
Claudio Miranda, ASC, the award-winning cinematographer behind “Top Gun: Maverick“, shares behind the scenes footage, stories from the set, and all the ins and outs of selecting and working with the gear used to create this history-making film.
This is not green screen nonsense. The whole point of the movie was “how much can we capture?” Top Gun is a movie about getting it in-camera. […] Some of the cameras were rigged in really impossible places. And all these things needed different kind of lens qualities.
I made a list of what can fit and have great range and still be IMAX-worthy.
Top Gun was more about long lenses, so we used the Premier 75-400mm T2.8-3.8 all over the place. […]
During the middle of the movie we actually had a chance to get a hold of the Premista 28-100mm T2.9. It was amazing. I wish we could have kept it but unfortunately it was only one in the world at the time. We loved the full frame aspect of it, it was sharp, it was straight, it was like you went to the wide end of the lens and there was no bowing, there was no barreling. One of the only full frame zooms I know that’s acutally decent enough to shoot with.
[…]
What I do love about the Fuji zooms, all of them, from the Premista to the Premiers, there is no oddball barrel distortion when you’re zooming, or there is no vignetting, there is no softening towards the edges, it’s all straight. .We just like how the Fujinon lens maintains its field of view througout the zoom range. If you get a flare in the zoom, it does not fog the lens. It’s a beautiful zoom, the coatings are great.
Fujifilm will use Blockchain to optimize supply network for digital camera parts. As reported by the Japanese site Newswitch here (google translated):
As risks such as natural disasters and international situations increase, we minimize procurement concerns and prevent situations such as tightening supply and demand (spurping) of parts just before delivery. Take advantage of the characteristics of the blockchain, which is difficult to illegally rewrite data, to ensure the reliability of transaction information. We will manage the plans and history related to production and distribution in real time to reduce the occurrence of inventory shortages and excess inventory due to delays in information sharing, which is an issue.
The ordering side will be informed of the arrangement schedule in advance, and the order side will be able to share the production situation, and even if unexpected situations occur, they can report it via chat immediately.
It also supports transaction automation. In the demonstration experiment, the period from ordering to the start of production was shortened. Because it is difficult to tamper with the data, there is no need to introduce dedicated software tailored to the ordering company or license it, which reduces the burden on business partners.
We developed a “digital trust platform” in-house by applying the research results of blockchain technology conducted at Fujifilm’s Informatics Research Institute (Kaisei Town, Kanagawa Prefecture). After full-scale operation, we will consider expanding the target product.
Every ever so creative idea to handle the supply issues better is very welcome. Let’s see how this one works out.
A patent has been registered by Fujifilm that shows a Fujinon XF 60mm f/2.5 Macro OIS. Digicame-info, who spotted the patent and reports here, writes:
There are several examples with different lens configurations, but all of them are macros of 60mm f/2.5 and include an anti-vibration lens group (OIS). The focusing lens (GF1, GF2) moves internally, so it’s inner focus. Will one of these examples be the successor to the current XF60mm f/2.4 R?
You know what I think about patents. In 10 years of blogging I have shared hundreds of those on FR, and maybe only one became real (and I think even that one, we rumored it before the patent even surfaced).
Applicant: Fujifilm Corporation Publication number: P2022083846 Application number: P 2020195417 Released:2022-06-06 Name of invention: Image sensor and imaging device
[Issue] We provide an imaging lens with good aberration correction even in proximity shooting conditions, and an imaging device with this imaging lens.
In recent years, with the high pixelization of the image sensor, it has been requested to have an image lens with a good aberration correction even in proximity shooting conditions.
This disclosure is based on the above circumstances, and the purpose is to provide an imaging lens with a good aberration correction even in proximity shooting conditions, and an imaging device with this imaging lens.
Example 1 (60mm f/2.5) Focal length 58.210 F number 2.5 Total angle of view 26.64 Maximum image height 14.2
So far we know (and it has been well documented) that the Fujifilm X-H2S has a vastly improved dynamic range performance in video over the the previous generation sensor, with 14+ stops compared to the previous 12 stops).
But so far we don’t have any word about the dynamic range or ISO performance for stills. And that makes sense, as it is pre-production and we better wait for the final thing before we make any judgments.
With this disclaimer printed clearly on top of the article, I’d like to share a video overview of the X-H2s plus new lenses shared by Ringfoto.
It’s in German, so let me translate the part I’d like you to hear.
Martin at Ringfoto shows samples he took with the Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 of his cute dogs running around. He talks very positively about the autofocus.
Then he addresses the concern that f/8 at 600mm (900 equiv.) might be perceived as too slow by some, as you will have to shoot at higher ISO. But here is what he says:
Opposite to other X-Trans cameras, the X-H2S has four analogue-to-digital converters [admin note: X-T4 & Co have two A-D-C]
Thanks to the new sensor and new technology inside the camera and the four analogue-to-digital converters, my feeling with this pre-production X-H2S at this point is that ISO performance on X-H2S is 1.5 stops better than on the X-T4, which would be sensational.
I want to be careful for now, but it looks very promising.
So what is Ringfoto talking about when they mention the analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?
We know the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T4 (and all other ISOless or ISO invariant Fuji cameras) have two analogue-to-digital converters. On the X-T3 it works like this: every image recorded under ISO 640 “travels” through one ADC, and every image above ISO 640 goes through another ADC. This helps to improve noise performance.
This can have the paradoxical effect that an image taken in camera at ISO500 can be more noisy than an image taken in camera at ISO800 or even ISO1200, because after ISO640 the other ADC kicks in to improve performance, as you can see at the photonstophotos technical chart here.
What’s important for us to know in this article, is that those analog-to-digital converters are a good thing when it comes to noise performance.
And now that we know thanks to Martin that the Fujifilm X-H2S has four AD-converters as opposed to two ADC in the previous X-Trans cameras, then this could indeed explain what Martin observed: a sensational improvement in ISO performance.
Now, to my knowledge Fujifilm has not made any public statement about the increased number of ADC or about the improved ISO performance in stills.
All we could observe until now is that in video the noise performance is shockingly good, as documented also by Gerald Undone and we reported here.
My final word?
Well, there is no final world.
I will wait for final production samples to be tested side by side with other Fujifilm cameras. And this is what also Martin at Ringfoto said, that he wants to validate (or not) his impression with a final production camera.
And once he did that, I will do my job, report and translate his findings for you.
Now, the main specs of this camera are known. But going through the various video coverage, I’d like to highlight a few things that given the massive amount of information some might have missed.
All you read below can be found in the videos of our live blog coverage.
-Featuring a newly-developed back-illuminated, stacked sensor and a high-speed image processing engine
-Flagship model that boasts the fastest continuous-shooting, AF and video performance in the history of the X Series
-A highly robust camera body featuring a powerful image stabilization mechanism and various interface options to cater to broad-based professional needs
TOKYO, May 31, 2022 – FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) announces the launch of the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-H2S” (X-H2S) in July, 2022. The camera joins the lineup of the X Series of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras renowned for their outstanding image quality, delivered with Fujifilm’s proprietary color reproduction technology.
The X-H2S is a new flagship model boasting the highest performance in both stills and videos in the history of the X Series. This has been made possible by the use of the new back-illuminated, stacked, 26.16MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS”*1 sensor capable of reading signals four times faster than the current device*2, and the high-speed “X-Processor 5” boasting double the image processing speed of the current device*3. The camera also features blackout-free burst shooting of up to 40 frames per second*4 and high-performance AF system that uses AI to detect a subject. Furthermore, it can film 6.2K/30P and 4K/120P video and record high-definition footages. The highly-robust body packs other features including the five-axis in-body image stabilization that offers up to 7.0-stop advantage*5 and extensive interface options including the dual card slot supporting a CFexpress™ Type B card*6, catering to the shooting needs of professional photographers.
In 2012, Fujifilm released the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-Pro1” featuring an image sensor and an image processing engine developed in-house. Since then, the company has evolved these devices over the last decade in pursuit of advanced image quality and portability. The launch of the latest model “X-H2S,” featuring the newly-developed X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS sensor and the X-Processor 5 image processing engine, heralds the arrival of the fifth generation of the X Series.
Main features of the X-H2S
The camera delivers the highest performance in the history of the X Series thanks to the newly-developed sensor “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS” (APS-C sensor) and the high-speed image processing engine “X-Processor 5.”
“X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS” sensor
A 26.16MP image sensor that maintains the back-illuminated structure but adopts the stacked-layer design to quadruple the signal readout speed compared to the current device*2
A newly-developed processor with double the processing speed compared to the current device*3.
The camera can achieve blackout-free continuous shooting of up to 40 frames per second and performs three times the number of calculations in phase detection information compared to the current model*7 to deliver AF/AE tracking in the burst mode, ensuring to capture a decisive photo opportunity.
The camera has improved image resolution at low ISO sensitivity compared to the current model*7, while suppressing noise at high ISO sensitivity to produce superior image quality.
The camera’s subject-detection AF function uses AI technology to identify animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains, accurately tracking an intended subject.
The camera can record 6.2K/30P and 4K/120P video in 4:2:2 10-bit. The ability to record high-speed 4K/120P video means a split-second action of a fast-moving subject can be presented in smooth slow-motion with fine details. Furthermore, the sensor`s readout speed during video recording has been reduced to as fast as 1/180 seconds, mitigating the rolling-shutter effect and presenting a moving subject naturally.
The camera supports three Apple ProRes codecs*8, namely ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 LT. When recording ProRes, the X-H2S also supports proxy recording such as ProRes 422 Proxy, streamlining the overall workflow from filming to post-production.
The camera supports a CFexpress™ Type B card, capable of writing data at high speed and thereby drawing out the X-H2S’s full potential in burst shooting and video recording.*9
Fujifilm will continue to enhance the appeal of the X Series including the X-H2S (carrying an APS-C sensor), GFX Series including the GFX100S (carrying a large format sensor) and extensive lineup of interchangeable lenses to promote photography / videography and the joy of shooting stills and videos.
*1 X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
*2 In comparison with the X-Trans™ CMOS4, carried in the current camera models.
*3 In comparison with the X-Professor 4, carried in the current camera models.
*4 High-speed continuous shooting free from the viewfinder blacking out, preventing users from seeing the subject; This is only available when using the electronic shutter.
*5 When mounted with the FUJINON Lens XF35mmF1.4 R.
*6 CFexpress is a trademark or registered trademark of the CompactFlash Association.
*7 Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T4.”
*8 Apple ProRes is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
*9 See the Fujifilm website for a list of memory cards that have been verified to work with this camera
1. Product features
(1) Best burst-mode performance in the history of the X Series to capture a decisive photo opportunity
This camera is equipped with the newly-developed “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS sensor, which has a signal readout speed about four times faster than the current device to achieve blackout-free continuous shooting of up to 40 frames per second. It controls phase-detection pixels independently when displaying images in the Live View mode during burst shooting to triple the number of phase detection calculations from the current model. AF/AE tracking is maintained even during high-speed continuous shooting of 40 frames per second, ensuring to capture a decisive photo opportunity.
The X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS and the X-Processor 5 are complimented with high-capacity buffer memory to significantly increase the number of frames that can be continuously recorded in the burst mode. When using the electronic shutter, the camera can shoot at up to 30fps in JPEG and 20fps in RAW, recording over 1,000 frames continuously in the burst mode.*10
The high-magnification and high-definition EVF boasts the magnification ratio of 0.8x and a resolution of 5.76 million dots. It offers improved visibility thanks to strong suppression of parallax and distortion that occur when an eye position becomes displaced while using the viewfinder. Its 120fps frame rate displays images smoothly, allowing users to accurately keep track of a fast-moving subject.
*10 At the time of a cold start in the operating environment at 25℃ (with the camera body starting at the temperature the same as or lower than the external atmospheric temperature). This is only possible when using the electronic shutter and in the JPEG mode. Note that the number of frames that can be recorded depends also on the remaining level of battery charge and the type / capacity of memory card used.
(2) Updating the algorithm to substantially improve AF performance
The use of the X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HS and the X-Processor 5, coupled with the update of AF prediction algorithm, have led to a major boost in the camera’s capability to track a moving subject and autofocus accurately in Zone AF or in low-contrast conditions. This means a subject that keeps on moving can be accurately tracked, such as athletes and wild animals.
The camera features a subject-detection AF function, developed with deep learning technology, while retaining the conventional Face / Eye AF. It uses AI to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains. The camera automatically tracks a targeted subject while keeping it in focus, allowing users to concentrate on shutter opportunities and framing.
The camera supports the AF+MF function, in which users can make a manual focus adjustment after AF during not only shooting stills but also recording video. This enables greater accuracy in tracking a fast-moving subject while shooting video.
(3) Enhanced video performance to cater to diverse videographic needs
The camera can shoot 6.2K/30P and 4K/120P video in 4:2:2 10-bit, recording high definition footage while retaining rich color information. The ability to record high-speed 4K/120P video means a split-second action of a fast-moving subject can be presented in smooth slow-motion with fine details.
The sensor’s readout speed during video recording has been boosted to as fast as 1/180 seconds. The rolling-shutter effect is well-controlled to present a moving subject naturally.
The camera supports three Apple ProRes codecs, namely ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 LT. When recording ProRes, the X-H2S also supports proxy recording such as ProRes 422 Proxy, streamlining the overall workflow from filming to post-production.
Another new feature is F-Log2 capability with dynamic range expanded up to 14+ stops. This enhancement enables video recording with enriched tonality, thereby broadening post-production potential.
The camera has a new heat-dissipating structure to substantially increase the maximum video-recording time. 4K/60P video can be recorded for an impressive 240 minutes*11 to cater to the needs of professional video production. Attach the optional cooling fan “FAN-001” to enable extended video recording even in high-temperature conditions.
*11 At the time of a cold start in the operating environment at 25℃, with the Auto Power Off set for “High,” Bitrate setting at 100Mbps, the vertical battery grip “VG-XH” attached and three batteries used. The recording time depends on the remaining level of battery charge and the type / capacity of memory card used. Note that the camera may automatically stop recording video when the body temperature rises beyond threshold.
(4) Enhanced operability to assist users’ shooting experience in a variety of situations
The camera features an all-new in-body image stabilization mechanism, which offers a new sensing control function to detect and correct fine camera shakes, delivering five-axis stabilization that gives up to 7.0-stop advantage. Users can comfortably choose to hand-hold the camera to shoot sports with actively-moving subjects or in low light conditions such as nightscape.
The new camera inherits the popular design features of the FUJIFILM X-H1, such as an LCD display on the top panel for users to check settings any time, and a highly-robust camera body that withstands heavy professional use. Improvements include the shutter stroke when the shutter button is half-pressed, load adjustment to the AF ON button, and materials used for buttons for enhanced operability. The design of the large grip has been brushed up to make it even easier to hold for added comfort.
A standalone video-recording button has been added for enhanced video operability in combination with the 1.62-million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor on the rear panel, which can be positioned in a range of angles to enable filming exactly as intended.
The camera features dual memory card slots supporting CFexpress™ Type B and SD cards. Use the CFexpress™ Type B card to draw out the full potential of the X-H2S’s fast continuous shooting and video performance.
2. Optional accessories
(1) Vertical battery grip “VG-XH” (dedicated to the X-H2S)
The vertical battery grip can load two of the high capacity battery “NP-W235.” It is also dust and moisture resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10℃ for advanced practical applications.
The grip features various buttons in convenient locations for vertical shooting to provide the same level of operability with horizontal shooting.
(2) File transmitter “FT-XH” *12 (dedicated to the X-H2S)
This file transmitter features wired LAN connectivity and high-speed wireless communications capability, essential for in-studio tethered shooting or sports / media shooting. It can be also used as a vertical grip and fits two of the high capacity battery “NP-W235.”
It can be combined with the X-H2S to enable the following:
① FTP transfer by wired LAN / wireless LAN / USB smartphone tethering
② Tethered shooting by wired LAN / wireless LAN
③ Remote Rec function by wired LAN / wireless LAN; Capable of controlling up to four X-H2S cameras simultaneously from a browser on a smartphone, tablet device or computer
*12 Due to be released in September 2022
(3) Cooling fan “FAN-001” (dedicated to the X-H2S)
This cooling fan can be attached to the rear panel of the camera body without a cable, supporting long hour shooting and video recording in a high-temperature condition. The power can be supplied to the fan from the camera body.
(4) Cover kit “CVR-XH” (dedicated to the X-H2S)
Items contained in the cover kit for protecting various terminals on the camera.
1 x Sync terminal cover
1 x Hot shoe cover
1 x File transmitter / vertical battery grip terminal cover
1 x Cooling fan terminal cover
1 x Memory card slot cover
Since the day FujiRumors unveiled that there will two Fujifilm X-H2 cameras, the whole internet world was sure: one is going to be the video centric version, and the other the still oriented one.
The main theory out there:
Fujifilm X-H2S is the video oriented version
Fujifilm X-H2 high resolution is the stills oriented version
But in my eyes this differentiation makes no sense at all, and never did.
I mean, we know the non stacked 40MP Fujifilm X-H2 will shoot 8K video. So why is it considered the stills oriented version? Isn’t 8K something videographer might also appreciate?
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.
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.
