Rumors of a new Fujifilm X-H2 camera have resurfaced with claims that the flagship will certainly feature a new X-trans sensor, rather than the more conventional Bayer design.
The fairly reliable Fuji rumors were pretty unequivocal in a new post about the successor to the Fujifilm X-H1, stating that "the Fujifilm X-H2 will feature a new X-Trans sensor."
This is a big deal for Fuji fans, as the company's X-Trans sensor design that arguably creates images with unique characteristics, is one of the reasons Fujifilm cameras are chosen over Fujifilm alternatives. Canon and Sony. .
The main difference between Fujifilm's X-Trans sensor design and the more common Bayer equivalent is how it captures and processes colors.
Camera sensors need a “color filter matrix” because their individual photosites only respond to light intensity. Instead of using the classic Bayer 4 × 4 grid (one red, two green and one blue), the X-Trans sensors have a more complex 6 × 6 layout of red, green and blue filters.
It is not necessarily better, but it does produce small differences in the character of images produced by cameras like the supposed X-H2. Many Fujifilm fans mention improved sharpness and better performance at high ISOs, although the X-Trans demo process requires more processing, which can affect battery life.
Perhaps most important to most camera fans is the fact that the Fujifilm X-H2 is also expected to shoot 8K video and cost less than €2,500 (or around €2,400 / AU$4,500). That would make it a more affordable 8K mirrorless camera than the Canon EOS R5 ($3,899 / €4,199 / AU$6,899).
Review: X-H2 marks the spot for next-gen Fuji cameras
Fujifilm X-H2 prepares to take on the Canon EOS R5 with the new X-Trans 1 sensor
These rumors that the Fujifilm X-H2 apparently has a new X-Trans sensor that will appeal to Fuji fansi, but other factors are likely to be more important to the average camera buyer.
The big recent trend in the camera world has been the emergence of "stacked" sensor designs, whose higher read rates have led to a leap forward in continuous frame rates for capturing action and video performance.
While it is not yet clear whether the X-H2 will jump on this train, we have already seen rumors (sparked by an interview with Toshi Iida, Fujifilm's director of European operations) that Fuji was working on developing innovative functionality, so it is not expected to arrive until 2022.
Our best guess at this point is that this feature is a new stacked X-Trans processor and sensor combo, which will help unlock performance enhancements like 8K video. That would be a big deal because so far all recent Fujifilm cameras have been based on the existing pairing of a 26.1 MP X-Trans sensor and an X-Processor 4.
If yes then the Fujifilm X-H2 would probably be promoted as a more affordable hybrid flagship than its current full-frame competitors like the Canon EOS R5. The ability to shoot 8K video is becoming more common in flagship cameras, allowing videographers to crop and produce multiple 4K shots from the same footage.
However, until now, it has only been available on expensive full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and Sony A1. If the Fujifilm X-H2 shoots 8K video and offers performance improvements that are unlocked with a new stacked X-Trans sensor, then it could offer a compelling APS-C alternative in the same way as the Fujifilm X-T4, which is currently considered the best camera for photography.
