Everyone’s talking about the upcoming Fujifilm X-H2 cameras (yes, cameras, as there will be two of them: X-H2 and X-H2s—visit Fujirumors for all of the latest and most accurate details… it is the absolute best source for upcoming Fujifilm cameras and such, and should be one of the websites you visit often), so it’s easy to forget the wonderful Fujifilm X-H1, which is an absolute workhorse that’s easy to love.
Fujifilm introduced the X-H1 four years ago. At the time of its release, the X-H1 was the most premium model in the entire Fujifilm lineup, and the first to have IBIS. They didn’t hold anything back—the X-H1 is a dream to use—but it didn’t sell nearly as well as Fujifilm had hoped. The initial price point was too high for an APS-C camera, and Fujifilm had to steeply discount it for people to buy it. It was the very last X-Trans III camera, and shortly after its release the X-T3 was announced with a new sensor and processor and pretty much identical specs (aside from IBIS), yet cheaper. Once the X-T4 was released two years ago, which seemed to be an X-H camera in an X-T body, it was clear that the X-H1 was done, and some thought that the X-H line was also defunct, and there would be no X-H2 ever.
I got my X-H1 because someone gifted it to me. They didn’t need it anymore, and they knew that I didn’t have any X-Trans III cameras to create Film Simulation Recipes on, so they gave it to me for the benefit of the Fujifilm community. Wow! I had no idea how incredible this camera is! It’s quick and eager, but with unbelievable endurance. Like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going and going and going and going. It wants to be used, and used a lot. If you ask anyone who owns a Fujifilm X-H1, even if they have newer models, they’ll tell you that the X-H1 is their workhorse camera.
It’s too bad that the X-H1 didn’t sell as well as it should have. The camera is legendary among those who have used it, and pretty much forgotten by those who haven’t. While I’m just as excited for the new X-H cameras as everyone else, I want to give attention to the original X-H model—the X-H1—which just so happens to be one of my favorite cameras. If you are searching for a used camera, don’t overlook the wonderful X-H1. It’s the one that just gets the job done.
Below are some straight-out-of-camera photographs that I’ve captured on my Fujifilm X-H1 over the last several months.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve owned it for a few years and still absolutely love it. I’ve thought about selling it a couple of times but then come to my senses 😂
Definitely don’t sell! Glad you came to. 😀
After years of photographing with Nikon FE and Nikon F4S, my first digital camera was the Panasonic LX5, later I got the GX8, both camera’s I use occasionaly, are in my opinion still excellent! After I got retired I was searching for an excellent allround camera. Finally I decided to buy the X-H1 with the 18-55mm Fujinon lens. A year later, last December, I bought the Fujinon 16mm F1.4 WR and since then I am working with it almost every day, trying out your recipes. I am thinking of buying a second X-H1 with a low shuttercount in the near future! Yeah this camera is it for me.
Nothing wrong with having two. It’s not uncommon for those who own one to actually own two or more. Thank you for your comment!
I have two of them, and basically if you can live with last year’s autofocus then they’re the bomb dot com. Clean, vibrant imagery and an ergonomic joy to use. Worth carrying a spare battery!
I personally have no complaints with the autofocus, but then again I spent over a decade with nothing but manual focus, so perhaps I am easily pleased. 🤣
Oh, almost forgot.. I’m from Salt Lake City originally, so it’s nice to see backgrounds I recognize in your photos 🙂
Such a beautiful place!
I feel the same way about the XT-30 and X100s
Those are still very good cameras, for sure!
The XH1 is a beast. Wouldn’t trade it for a brand spanking new XT-4. Ergonomics & handling are so much nicer than on my previous XT-2. PS: that “Doll” picture is nice & scary. Like a scene out of Child’s Play 🙂
That picture is creepy, isn’t it?! Between X-H1 & X-T4? That’s a tough one: I’m jealous of my wife’s X-T4. But I love the X-H1, so I have nothing to complain about. Thank you for your comment!
XH1 is the best camera for me. Love the handling, the process of using it. Not too big or too small. Feels just right. Results are what count and the results are all I could ask for.
Can’t complain at all about the results. Great camera.
I’ve had the pleasure of of using a wide variety of cameras and the ergonomics of the X-H1 can’t be beat…it’s my workhorse and yes it delivers beautiful images.It does have focus issues but back button focus helps with that plus no camera is perfect
Thanks for the input! I’ve never had any issues with autofocus, but I’ve come to understand, after years and years of manual-focus-only, that my standards for autofocus are pretty low, lol. I appreciate the comment!
love, love, love my X-H1…..
😀😀😀
I just purchased an x-h1. after a month, the x-e4 and x-t3 I have seem like cheap “toys”. I will sell the x-t3 to recoup the money spent on the x-h1.
The X-H1 is an amazing camera! The X-E4 is definitely “cheap” in comparison, but it is also smaller, lighter, and with more JPEG features, so it’s good to have both options.
I tried different Fuji cameras : X-T4, X-T3, X-S10, X-H1. Sent them all back except the X-H1 that I’ve kept. It may sound silly, but for me it’s the best camera (for my use), despite its « old » sensor. Great handling, perfect balance when used with the 16-55 (which is not the case with the X-T4 that has no real grip and feels unbalanced with such a large and heavy lens). Great build quality, made in Japan, the shutter is so smooth, charger included (!). So yes, for me it’s the best camera. It’s big and heavy but when I want light setup, I have my X100V which is a completely different body but great too especially for street or travel in big cities.
The X-H1 and X100V sounds like a winning combo to me!
I have a love and slightly less love relationship with the X-H1, I started with an XE-1 and at the time the kit lens it came with the 18mm. This kind of put me off Fuji for years lol.
Though about 2 years ago, ended up with an X-H1, didn’t realise Fuji did a camera with a proper grip 🙂 I’ve shot some of my best photos on it. It’s a camera where you take pictures just to hear the shutter. I also have a Z6 as well at the moment, which has much to like about it, improved DR, Focus that works really well and decent jpeg output. I’ve sent in my Fuji ear to MPB to sell and then ended up getting it returned 3 times so far! (MPB have been amazing).
I just love the quality and heft to it, the top display is a big positive, but the output from it I have found to be very pleasing. It has the best flippy screen. I can’t keep two systems so I think the Z6 will go and I’ll add the 70-300 to my Fuji kit and just get out and enjoy taking photos with the X-H1.
The only thing that I don’t “like” about the X-H1 is how big it is, but otherwise it is such a great camera. Not sure how long mine will last, but I will keep it until it stops working. Thanks for the input!
So I Typed “Fujifilm XH1 2022 Review” In Google & And This Page/Story Was The 2nd Listing. Lol. I’m Ridiculously Happy To Say Yesterday I Purchased A XH1 & Grip, Including 3 Batts With ONLY……………….745 Shutter Actuations. That Is Correct 745 Shots. I’m Wickedly Happy & Excited About Pushing My Hobbyist Skills To The Next Level, With That Mini TANK, In Hand. Thanks For This Article
Wow, sounds like an amazing find! You’ll love the camera!
I got my xh1 at the sale price of 1000 usd along with 2 spare batterues and battery grip. At this price it was a steal. I have no intension of going with xh2 the way i snap pictures. It is a wonderful camera. No need to change.
That is an excellent price!! Such a great camera. I know of photographers who use multiple X-H1 bodies in their professional work, and, while they have X-Trans IV cameras (X-T3, X-T4, X-Pro3), the X-H1 does the heavy lifting (and they’re not “upgrading” to the X-H2, either). Thanks for sharing!
At mbp.com I just traded in my Fuji X100f (practically in mint condition) for the X-H1 (also like new) and I’m getting some money back! I already have an Fuji X-Pro 2 so I felt that the x100f was just too similar. It’s hard to believe that a used X100f is more expensive than a professional level camera like the X-H1. Looking forward to getting it in hand by next week. Do you recommend getting the grip? I notice most reviews show it with the grip. Thanks for your input.
I love the X100 series! With that said, the X-H1 is a flagship-type camera, and to get it for such a great price is fantastic. I don’t have the grip, but if I used it a lot for video I would probably want it for the extra battery compartment.
The Fuji X-H1 was my toe dip into digital from a CONTAX RX system. I use all my CONTAX glass via a Metabones speed booster adaptor and it produces some great images. Easily cropped and printed at 16″x20″. The only time I will move to a new X-Hx is when the X trans sensor is circa 100mp native. So I don’t need to use Gigapixal AI as much.
The X-H1 is still an incredibly solid camera, and I bet it’s so enjoyable to use the Contax glass with it! Thanks for the comment!
Happily send you a sample photos if you would like to see. Just e-mail me.
roeschphotography@yahoo.com