The worst review of the Fuji X-H2 Hybrid Camera

Last update:- 24th March 2023

Introduction

Accuse me of overreacting at a difficult time for the DPReview staff, but I simply cannot support the technical views of DPReview. They announced their "In-Depth" review of the Fuji X-H2 hybrid camera. Ignoring the typical DPR irritations like "capturing less light" or "having more noise," I stopped reading the review at the part about Dynamic Range (DR).

I decided to focus on the highlighted phrases, even though it's possible to pull everything apart in the following example. The "size and capture" theory claims bigger sensors capture more light with less noise, more IQ, and more DR. ISO invariance is like the "size and capture" theory, designed to distract photographers from the fact that Pixels capture photons. The "read noise" Richard Butler is referring to is, per definition, the sensor's native noise floor with no shot noise present.

The paragraph on Dynamic Range

                                                                     Source: www.dpreview.com

The "size and capture" theory

                                                                                     Source: www.dpreview.com

Let's study what Fuji published about the new 40MP BSI sensor.

Please read the dedicated Fuji web pages for the X-H2 and the new 40MP BSI CMOS sensor. Nowhere does Fuji say the X-H2 has a Dual Gain sensor or almost no read noise. The challenge with more megapixels is the individual pixel areas decrease. This negatively impacts the sensor's sensitivity or ability to capture shadow details. More megapixels also means control wiring for each of the 14 million new pixels. Each electronic component adds more noise to the sensor's noise floor. Each digital photographer should be able to discuss what Fuji did to manage this challenge?

Fuji says the following about the new 40MP sensor:

• They have a new Enhanced Image-Processing algorithm + new Image Processor
• They managed to keep the "Signal to Noise" Ratio the same. (Same as the XT4?)
• An updated pixel structure (40MP sensor) improved the sensitivity of the pixels

The new Image-Processing Algorithm replaced some of the wired control functions. This means the total number of control circuits (components) in the X-H2 sensor is similar to the X-T4. Fuji also confirmed the SNR of the new 40MP sensor is the same as the Fuji X-T4. They designed a new 40MP sensor without the disadvantages associated with having more pixels.

The Photons to Electrons graph (below) should be identical for the 26MP and 40MP sensors.

Study this illustration for more on dynamic range and the sensor's noise floor.

The new standard ISO of 125 means the new pixel structure improved the 40MP sensor's optical and quantum efficiency (sensitivity). Every sensor's native ISO is set at max sensor saturation and the Average Efficiency Curve's highest point. This is why we have a lower DR at extended and higher ISOs. My X-T5 constantly surprises me with its ability to record excellent low-light details.

Conclusion

Study my article with 7 points explaining digital cameras. Each photographer should have this kind of knowledge. Digital photographers should be able to summarise any camera's characteristics from the information on manufacturers' websites and press releases.

I decided not to discuss the parts reviewing the X-H2's autofocus. If Butler felt it was important enough to say things like "Fuji is playing catch-up," give us examples. Dropping wild fact statements, like we saw with the OM-1, is NOT good enough. Reviewers, unfortunately, like to generalize and will apply the focusing requirements of one or two examples to all applications.

Here is a better example of discussing one application of the camera's autofocus.

Readers say we shouldn't criticize while Amazon is closing DPReview. Should we also ignore the "size and capture" theory and dumbing down of photographers? In a segment filled with half-truths and false information, Butler says "ISO Invariance" measures the flexibility of RAW files. He also says the X-H2 has almost no read noise. No explanations, mostly unsupported claims. What if image quality (tonal data) is a function of the exposure (SNR to ISO ratio) and the focus points we select? What if photographers determine the final Saturation and SNR of the sensor? What do YOU think?

Do you believe these unsupported claims by DPR...?

Fuji did a great job of presenting the theoretically correct info for its cameras. For example, dismiss reviewers discussing the Fuji X-H2 for high-speed (sports) or bird-in-flight (BIF) applications. Stacked BSI sensors are specifically designed for speed. The high readout speed of the X-H2S is perfect for these applications. Any photographer with a theoretical interest in digital cameras will find enough information from Fuji's website to make informed decisions. Did you know the OM-1 has a stacked sensor with a readout speed of 8ms and competes with some of the most expensive cameras?

Closing DPR could have marked the start of more accurate information.

See this informative video discussing the readout speed of different cameras.

Any comments...

Siegfried

The new Fuji 40MP BSI Sensor

Fuji X-T5 with 27mm f2.8 lens - ISO400, f5.6, 1/19000 - Out of the camera JPEG file.

This is one of my first images with the X-T5. You will see the DOF is not optimum at f5.6. I am used to selecting f5.6 for my Olympus cameras. I get good results with the correct focus points and apertures from f5.6 to f7.1. My Fuji X-T5 achieves similar results between f7.1 and f8.

What do I think of the X-T5 after 3 months? I really enjoy this camera. It's an excellent upgrade for the EM1 MKIII. Do I need an upgrade at this stage? It will work if I sell most of my Olympus gear and expand a little on the X-T5. I would keep my Pen F with 3 or 4 of my favorite compact lenses. If I consider the computational features of Olympus and the basic concept of, what is enough, I could also sell my Fuji gear and continue enjoying my EM1 III and the Pen F.

I am planning an article to discuss the X-T5 and my EM1 III...

Fuji X-T5 with 35mm f1_4 lens - Raw file edited with PhotoLab 6. High-quality option for Noise Reduction.

My new ON-1 Editing Software

Last updated:- 22nd March 2023

I canceled my subscription in January 2023 after years of using Photoshop. As expected, this was much easier said than done. I had a few months left on my annual subscription and kept a copy on my desktop PC. I did not want another subscription and decided to replace Photoshop with the latest (2023) version of ON-1. While it's not difficult to edit with ON-1, the real challenge is some of the illustrations I created in Photoshop and how to replicate them with ON-1.

Folks, I am working on the final summary of my previous article. A few more details and my "new" Fuji F600EXR distracted me. You are probably thinking, why a 2010 camera for $35? The reason is the Fuji F600EXR came with a unique sensor and features. In fact, the F600EXR is the perfect example of needing the ability to evaluate the technical aspects of different cameras.

My previous article reviewed one of three critical aspects of digital cameras. Photographers should always consider the following when buying a new camera:

1. The optical differences - These differences exist and are important
2. The technical differences - My previous article covers this in detail
3. Editing Software - See the different examples I discussed in the past

I received the Fuji this week and tried some of its features. Please study the F600EXR specification to fully appreciate my curiosity about this camera. Also, see the image I took with the F600EXR. The first image is the jpeg from the camera, and the second is the raw copy edited with ON-1.

This is the OOC jpeg image. (View these images on a large screen)

There is so much we can say about these 2 images. For example, this is one of the latest iterations of ON-1 with powerful AI features. The control it allows over these AI adjustments when working with highlight and shadow details is something I haven't seen before. That said, the image information was available, which points to the Fuji and the BSI sensor. I did not expect this level of sensitivity or shadow detail from the tiny F600EXR pixel areas. For example, the OM-1 pixel area is 481% larger than the F600EXR. That begs the question, when is the effective pixel area too little? See my previous article for the difference between available and effective pixel areas.

There is so much more we can say about this interesting little camera. Study my previous article for how to evaluate digital cameras, and then consider this question. You are getting a chance to buy the Olympus XZ-2 or the Fuji F600EXR in mint condition. Which one would you buy and why?

This is the RAW file I converted in ON-1. (AI functions in the 2023 version)

The F600EXR is a compact camera with a 16MP BSI sensor. The "EXR" Processor came with features in 2010 that are now normal for Fuji cameras. For example, the F600EXR has 4 of the well-known Fuji film simulations. Another of these special EXR features reconfigures the camera to 8MP for better low-light performance. This also includes IBIS, high resolution, and high dynamic range modes.

We can access 7 of the Fuji Film Simulations with ON-1. They are only available for Fuji cameras. ON-1 does not offer the same option for the Picture Modes from Olympus. Like other raw converters, DxO included the picture modes from Olympus in PhotoLab...

The information in my articles enables photographers to evaluate the technical aspects of digital cameras like the F600EXR. Considering X-T5 and EM1 III use different sensor types and the 21% larger pixel area of the EM1 III, what is the best way to discuss them? This is another example of spreading false information when reviewers claim the XT-5 is better because it has a bigger sensor. It's always better to enable photographers with theoretically accurate information...

Any thoughts...

Siegfried

The 7 points each Digital Photographer should know

Last updated:- 3rd August 2023

Introduction.

This article reviews 7 technical points each digital photographer should know. They also explain why photographers are the creative power behind photography. These technical points can be regarded as "enablers" to improve your Image Quality. The fun or creative part of photography also improves with these 7 points. Knowledge is an integral part of our journey with digital cameras...

Olympus E400 with 25mm f2.8 lens - ISO100, f7.1, 1/160 - It's a 10MP, 4-Thirds CCD sensor. It's the OOC jpeg.

Technical and theoretical information is part of a general process of improving our camera skills. It explains how to improve our exposure skills (SNR to ISO ratio) and our ability to visualize the sensor's Saturation (performance) and SNR (noise) levels. Knowledge is always critical...

Technical information also helps us explain why Olympus used a 20MP sensor for the OM-1...

There's only one right way to discuss and study digital cameras.

Many photographers prefer a more simplified technical conversation. I listed 7 points to assist them in this learning process. It highlights only the most critical points photographers should know.

These 7 points are:

1. The exposure triangle works for analog & digital cameras.
2. Know the image signal path from the subject to the SD card.
3. How to manage the sensor's performance and the SNR ratio.
4. The 7 steps manufacturers use to manage the image sensor.
5. The basic types of noise and how to control image noise.
6. Various kinds of CMOS sensors and why the differences.
7. A basic illustration that summarizes all digital cameras.

These 3 points are also critical when we evaluate different cameras:

1. Optical differences - Always consider the differences between formats
2. Technical similarities - This article focuses on the technical similarities
3. Editing Software - We shouldn't ignore the importance of image editing

Why is the Olympus X-Z2 such an interesting digital camera in 2023?

Why do we benefit from technical discussions? Knowledge is the enabler every photographer needs to master his or her digital camera. Knowledge empowers us to manage the sensor's performance and not simply rely on size. Pixels capture Photons and not the size of the sensor's backplate. For example, did you know the Effective Pixel Area is more important than the size of the sensor? Each pixel's control wiring reduces the light-sensitive area of the pixel. This means standard CMOS sensors have a smaller Effective Pixel Area (67%) than LiveMOS (85%) or BSI CMOS (97%) sensors.

Consider the following 10 points when evaluating your next camera:

1. The focus should be on pixels because pixels capture photons
2. Fewer pixels mean a smaller noise floor and better efficiency
3. The type of sensor influences the sensor's effective pixel area
4. More resolution means smaller pixels with smaller pixel areas
5. Pixel area influences Optical Efficiency and sensor sensitivity
6. More pixels means more pixel control wiring with more noise
7. M.Zuiko Standard & Premium lenses are SMALL and excellent
8. Each sensor size has different & unique optical characteristics
9. The size of the sensor does not change its technical limitations
10. Stacked BSI sensors are known for fast sensor readout speeds

1. The Exposure Triangle

The Aperture and Shutter Speed control how much light is reaching the film strip in analog cameras. Older film cameras have a mechanical ISO (ASA) adjustment dial. The ISO synchronizes the camera's exposure "calculations" with the film's sensitivity rating. The ISO is set once for each film.

The Aperture and Shutter functions are the same for digital cameras. The sensor's final sensitivity is measured and set at the factory. In other words, it's calibrated for your digital camera. The sensor's sensitivity doesn't change once it's calibrated. The ISO's function is different for digital cameras. It amplifies the sensor's output signal and is a critical part of the exposure formula. The ISO and the Workspace Exposure Compensation functions adjust the camera's image brightness.

The ISO also amplifies the image sensor's noise floor. It's, therefore, not correct to say the ISO creates noise. All sensors have an active noise floor when the camera is on. We can influence the visibility of the sensor's noise floor (image noise) with the SNR to ISO ratio. That means our goal is to improve the sensor's saturation and the SNR by "managing" the reflected light reaching the sensor.

Olympus E30 with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Pro Lens - ISO100, f7.1, 1/400 - This is the OOC jpeg image

2. The image signal path from the subject to the SD card

Study this link for more information on points 2, 3, 4, and 5. The challenge was to create a basic but theoretically correct model to explain the digital camera. The secret is to exclude any technical data with no practical value. It's easy to discuss and quote useless charts and information.

Familiarize yourself with the following illustration explaining the image signal path...

Promoters distract photographers by claiming the A/D converter is part of the pixel's architecture. While correct in some cases, we know the basic flow diagram in the above illustration stays the same. One can say much about the technical details of digital cameras. The question should always be, will any new claims or information improve my photography, or is it more useless information?

3. How to manage the performance of the Image Sensor

This illustration shows how we manage the image sensor and the sensor's noise floor. A more detailed description of managing your sensor's performance is available here. (See section 5)

Photographers don't think of exposing the sensor and amplifying the image signal. The aperture and shutter speed "expose" the sensor, and the final exposure (image brightness) is set with the ISO. This concept forms the foundation for improving our image quality with M43 cameras. This is also how we manage the sensor's performance. The goal is to increase the light exposing the sensor. Increasing the reflected light on the sensor means less visible noise and better tonal data.

Assume you have a choice between ISO1250 and ISO1600. Most photographers would select ISO1600 without considering the image signal. That means the sensor received less light at ISO1600. That will reduce the sensor's saturation level and SNR. The resulting images will have less tonal data with more visible image noise. Your digital photography and exposure skills will grow in leaps and bounds as you grasp this simple concept and make it a part of your digital photography.

Olympus E420 with 18 - 180mm lens - ISO100, f6.3, 1/320 - The Enhanced Raw File was edited in Workspace.

Why should we edit our images to the correct exposures? Study the exposure formula here. Always use neutral gray (18%) exposure and WB values. This supports accurate image colors. This also means resetting your ETTR or SNR-to-ISO ratio to neutral gray in Workspace. Study this article on how to reset your camera adjustments. Always do your editing with 18% gray brightness levels. That's why you should include Workspace and the Enhanced RAW Format in your image-taking process.

4. The 7 steps manufacturers use to improve image sensors

The following illustration describes the 7 questions manufacturers ask when designing new cameras. For example, one critical aspect of selecting an appropriate sensor is Sensor Readout Speed. This impacts the camera's Silent Shutter or Rolling Shutter efficiency. Standard CMOS sensors are known for having slower readout speeds. Stacked BSI sensors solved this problem with higher sensor readout speeds. Stacked configurations are unique to Stacked BSI "CMOS type" sensors.

Study the illustration below...

5. The basic types of noise and how we control image noise

I always wish someone would ask the question when I see statements like smaller sensors have more noise. What question? The question is simply, where does image noise come from..?

Study the link in section 2 for an overview of the illustration below. Each digital photographer should master the Photons to Electrons graph in this illustration. The most important thing to learn from this illustration is sensors perform at their best when fully saturated. Our goal should always be more reflected light to saturate the sensor at each ISO. This technique is better known as ETTR. The Shutter Speed and Aperture control the light exposing the sensor. The histogram shows what's happening at the sensor with a fixed ISO. Study the exposure formula for more info...

Study these points explaining the graph:-

• The camera's aperture and shutter speed controls the light reaching the sensor.
• The sensor is fully saturated at its native ISO and with the exposure at point B.
• A fully saturated sensor means we have the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
• Cameras have a safety buffer in Auto Mode. They will not expose up to point B.
• This safety buffer results in a lower SNR and the histogram moving to the left.
• ETTR means we control the exposure. The goal is to saturate the image sensor.
• Study and understand the noise floor. Fewer photons (light) means a lower SNR.
• The graph is linear, meaning the bulk of the Tonal Data is in the mids and highs.
• The graph plus the noise summary are powerful tools for studying image sensors.
• Spend time with this illustration. It's one of the most powerful photography tools.  

Olympus E450 with the 14-42mm kit lens - ISO100, f7.1, 1/320 - My wife took this OOC jpeg image.

ETTR is a technique we use to control the sensor's SNR to ISO ratio. We can also describe this as managing the sensor's performance or saturation level. Why do we need the highest possible SNR? A fully saturated image sensor gives us the highest SNR with the least amount of visible image noise. Higher ISO values mean less light on the sensor and lower SNR values. This is why it's critical to carefully select negative exposure compensations or higher ISOs. Use the photons to electrons graph to set the best SNR to ISO ratio for your application and sensor in your camera.

It's critical to familiarize yourself with the information in this article. Don't walk away because others do. It takes practice to appreciate the benefits of the above illustration. I continue to learn new techniques with this powerful tool. These exposure techniques are especially effective with older cameras with low-sensitivity image sensors. Implementing this knowledge is as simple as the example in section 2. You will discover more solutions as you practice.

6. The various kinds of CMOS image sensors

Photographers should know the different types of CMOS sensors in digital cameras. This will help them evaluate and select the best camera for the job...

7. A basic illustration to summarize all image sensors

I always considered the absolute focus on sensor size counterproductive. The reason is Pixels capture Photons and not the size of the sensor. The information in this article is enough to improve your digital photography results. Practice regularly until you are more confident with these basic concepts. It takes effort to walk away from the oversimplified "size and capture" theory...

The sensor's Pixel area and pixel sensitivity reduce when we up the resolution. This should be general knowledge for all photographers. Instead, most photographers think it's all about cropping. Smaller pixel areas reduce the optical efficiency and ability of the pixels to resolve fine details, especially shadow detail. More pixels also add more pixel wiring (control circuits). More components increase the sensor's noise floor. So much happens at the sensor's pixel level that it's dishonest and rude to make photographers think large sensors and cropping are the most important things.

For example, why should M43 photographers be interested in a used Panasonic GH5S?

Conclusion

This article teaches photographers more about the importance of pixels while studying the camera's image sensor. We also reviewed the most critical knowledge each digital photographer should have. The article also gives a new perspective on the different variables impacting the efficiency of the Image sensor. We also studied the role photographers have in achieving good image quality. We saw how photographers manage the image and video quality they get from their cameras.

What do we need for an equivalent image sensor comparison?

• The sensors should be the same type - (Standard CMOS, BSI, or Live MOS)
• They should have similar resolutions - We can't compare a 20MP with a 40MP
• The same firmware and pixel control circuits - That means the same AST and SNR
• The effective percentage pixel area should be the same for the different sensors
• The sensor sensitivities (optical and quantum efficiencies) should be similar
• And many more...

Pixel area is the only variable changing with a theoretically equivalent comparison. Let me know when you find an example of two or more sensor sizes (cameras) with equivalent characteristics.

Best

Siegfried