DPReview New vs Old XF 56mm f/1.2 Studio Test – Not Sufficient Difference to Justify Switch to New 56 for Lab Test

When DPReview published their studio lab test of the Fujifilm X-H2, they used the old Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R for their test.

But as Fujifilm has openly said, the Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R is not capable of taking full advantage of all the 40MP edge to edge also at maximum aperture. Fujifilm writes:

The list specifies our selection of lenses that have high resolution performance from edge to edge at maximum aperture, allowing you to fully experience all that the 40MP sensor has to offer. Lenses not listed will also allow you to experience the improved resolution performance of the 40MP sensor.”

To be clear: all Fujinon lenses will experience a sharpness boost. But not all will be able to resolve all the 40MP even wide open across the entire frame.

Many rightfully asked DPR to re-test the studio lab scene using the new Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R WR, and so they did. Their conclusion:

Our interpretation is that there is a slight contrast benefit to the use of the new 56mm F1.2R WR vs. the non-WR lens; in the widget above we’ve tried to highlight the area of greatest difference. In our judgment the difference is not sufficient, at the aperture value the test scene is shot at, to justify breaking consistency with previous Fujifilm models tested in our setup.

This isn’t a comment on the new lens: we’d expect to see greater differences at wider apertures, and we’ve found the autofocus performance to be improved over the older version. But neither of these are pertinent to the selection of our standard Fujifilm test lens, so we’ll stick with the original 56mm F1.2R for now, to maintain perfect continuity in the studio comparison feature our site provides.

It shall be noted at this point that DPR used the lenses at f/5.6 on Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujifilm X-H2.

I find it a pity that they won’t change the lens. At f/5.6 the performance might be similar in the center, but as you can see from the screenshots I have shared above (or here and here), in RAW I see an sensible advantage for the new Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R WR. I think they could just simply use the new lens for testing going forward.

But we appreciate DPR going the extra mile and testing it on the new XF56mmF1.2 R WR. If you don’t shoot wide open a lot and don’t mind slightly softer corners, then the original Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R is still a great option (especially now that it is super discounted).

You can access the DPR comparison studio lab test here.

Fujifilm Promises Major Firmware Updates also for X-T5 and X-H2: New AF System of X-H2s? (and Where the Catch is)

The Promise

Fujifilm has released a major firmware update for the Fujifilm X-H2s.

From the tests we could see so far, we can now say that the autofocus tracking is about at the same level of the very best (but much more expensive) full frame cameras out there. Not perfect, like nothing, so improve it further, Fuji!

The question I now get TONS of times via email is: will my Fujifilm camera “xy” also get the same firmware of the Fujifilm X-H2s?

So here is what I can say about it.

During the recent new years greetings, right after launching the new X-H2s firmware, Fujifilm also promised major firmware updates will come for other 5th generation cameras, too.

5th generation cameras are all those cameras featuring the new 5th generation processor, which at the moment are:

So, while Fujifilm did not specifically mention the new AF system, it is easy to assume that major firmware coming in 2023 for X-T5 and X-H2 might include also the vastly improved AF algorithm.

But again, that’s not a rumor, but an educated guess based on what managers officially said here.

Where is the Catch?

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Fujifilm Firmware Updates for X-H2s (Improved Subject Detection and Tracking), X-H2, FT-XH File Transmitter Grip and XC15-45


Fujifilm has released firmware updates for the following gear:

Down below all the details and download links.

Rumors and Discussions

Firwmare Details

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This LEAKED Internal Fujifilm X-H2 Document Confirms Fujifilm’s Plan to Advertise X-H2 as Having Improved Low/High ISO Performance

If you have seen our big yearly rumor roundup, you’ll have noticed that out of 85 rumors, I’ve listed 2 as wrong and 83 as correct.

And I was extremely severe to myself, as one of the wrong rumors was that I said Fujifilm would advertise the X-H2 40MP as having better low and high ISO performance.

But here is the thing:

When the X-H2 was launched, Fujifilm did not use the words “better low and high ISO performance“, but they talked about “better Signal to Noise Ratio” and “better Dynamic Range” and “wider pixel saturation” and “new base ISO 125” and more of this stuff.

That’s close, very close. But not 1:1 identical to what I said. So I decided to move it into the wrong section.

Well, it seems that our sources wanted me to start the year by being not too harsh on myself and they’ve forwarded me a slide of the internal Fujifilm training material, that said exactly that: X-H2 has “improved Low/High ISO“.

So, first and foremost huge thanks to all our sources, including the one who helped me out today. Without you, FujiRumors would be just half as fun as it is and being a Fuji shooter would be so more boring.

Also, I’d certainly I would make many more errors without you, as I would have no reliable guidance through the think jungle of fake rumors I receive every week.

Second, I will not correct my original rumor check, as at the end what matters is what Fujifilm said in public, and not the marketing material that circulates behind closed doors.

But at least you guys know that I am not following the sad trend to make up stuff for traffic. That’s not who we are and I leave these things to others.

What we share is what we trust in. And sure, even then I can be wrong sometimes. But I know I’ve tried all I can to be as accurate as possible.

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Fujifilm X-H2/s Victory Parade Begins: CineD Declares X-H2 Best Mirrorless Camera of 2022 and Explora Awards X-H2 and X-H2S

Explora

Oh yes… it’s that time of the year when everybody starts listing the best and worst gear of the year.

The first list we got is this one over at Explora, where the B&H team declared the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2s the best cameras of 2022.

  1. Fujifilm X-H2S & Fujifilm X-H2
  2. Sony A7rV
  3. Hasselblad X2D 100C
  4. Leica M11
  5. Panasonic GH6
  6. Canon R6
  7. OM-1
  8. Canon R7
  9. Nikon Z30

You can read why they included both X-H2 and X-H2s on the top spot and what they say about it, read the full article at B&H Explora.

CineD

CineD does not limit themselves to test gear in a lab. Nope, they actually work with the cameras, shoot mini-documentaries and are out on the field with gear that needs to get the job done.

And from all cameras launched in 2022, the one that really stood out for them was the Fujifilm X-H2.

So much so, that they declared it the best mirrorless camera of 2022 (for video).

It’s no surprise that it won over the Fujifilm X-T5, as CineD is more video-centric in their content creation, and for that purpose the Fujifilm X-H2 simply offers more flexibility over the X-T5.

With up to 8K ProRes HQ internal recording and a 40.2MP sensor, this camera is aimed to satisfy the needs of serious content creators. This camera is extremely flexible when it comes to recording formats and resolutions, promising to assist you when negotiating with clients about their final output needs.

This FUJIFILM X-H2 has become an all-rounder for us at CineD. It’s like having a “Swiss Army Knife” at our disposal.

You can read their full article on why they awarded the Fujifilm X-H2 (also over the X-H2s) here at CineD.