Five years ago, I made a decision that would shape my photography journey — I purchased the Fuji XH1. At the time, it was released as a professional-grade camera aimed at hybrid shooters, but my focus has always been on still photography. Now, in 2024, I own two Fuji XH1 bodies, and despite the evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, I’m still as loyal to this model as I was on day one.

The XH1 has been my companion through countless projects, from personal works to client jobs. It’s not the fastest or the most modern camera in my kit, but it has a soul. There’s something about the tactile control, the feel in my hands, and the familiarity that makes this camera hard to replace. In a world that’s constantly pushing for higher specs and faster tech, my Fuji XH1 has stood the test of time, reminding me that it’s not just about the gear but about how it inspires you to create.

Classic Chrome – My Window to the World

One of the standout features that has kept me tied to the Fuji system, particularly the XH1, is Fuji’s film simulations, especially Classic Chrome. For me, Classic Chrome doesn’t just act as a film simulation — it represents how I see the world. There’s a natural, subdued tone that offers a perfect starting point for post-processing, but even straight out of the camera, the colors and tones resonate with me on a deeper level.

Classic Chrome gives me that slightly muted, contrasty look that works across genres. Whether I’m shooting street photography, landscapes, or portraits, I always start with Classic Chrome. It’s versatile and lets me build upon the image without overwhelming it. For my eye, this is how the world should look, and for that reason alone, I’ve stayed loyal to Fuji’s color science.

Why 24MP is More Than Enough for My Work

In today’s world, where cameras boast 40, 50, or even 100 megapixels, the XH1’s 24MP sensor might seem underwhelming on paper. But let me tell you, for the kind of work I do, it’s more than enough. Whether I’m shooting personal projects or fulfilling client work, 24MP strikes the right balance between image quality and file size.

It’s easy to get caught up in the megapixel race, but the truth is, most of my images will never need the resolution that modern full-frame or medium-format sensors offer. More importantly, 24MP allows me to keep my workflow efficient, and I don’t need to worry about filling up hard drives every couple of months. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a lot of images, but the manageable file sizes from the XH1’s sensor have made archiving far less of a headache.

Tackling Focus Issues with Patience

Now, no camera is perfect, and the Fuji XH1 has its fair share of quirks — particularly when it comes to focusing. I’ve found that, at times, the autofocus has a tendency to miss or shoot slightly behind the subject. It’s not a secret; even Fujifilm has acknowledged that their autofocus system isn’t the most advanced out there. But for me, the trade-off is worth it.

When the XH1 nails the focus, the sharpness and overall image quality are absolutely on point. Yes, it requires some patience and maybe a few more test shots than I’d like, but the results speak for themselves. In exchange for this occasional frustration, I get the clarity and sharpness I seek in my work. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable enough to keep me coming back.

Weather-Related Challenges: Overheating and Humidity

Living in areas where the weather can get extremely hot or humid has presented another challenge for my XH1. I’ve had it crash on me during extended shoots under intense heat, and the humidity can sometimes make the camera glitchy. It’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens, it’s undeniably frustrating.

But for all its flaws, the XH1 has stood up to years of wear and tear. My first XH1 body has been through the wringer — drops, scratches, and a good deal of rough handling — but it still performs. My second body, which I got recently, feels fresh and responsive, almost like how I felt when I first picked up my original in 2019. Despite the environmental struggles, the XH1 keeps powering through.

Durability of the Fuji XH1: Two Bodies, One Love

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of owning two Fuji XH1 bodies. My first camera has been through a lot — the wear and tear of travel, long hours of shooting, and various physical challenges — yet it continues to deliver. It may have lost a bit of its original luster, but the performance has remained consistently reliable, which speaks volumes about its build quality.

My second XH1, in contrast, feels as pristine as it did back in 2019 when I first got the camera. There’s something special about the way Fuji designed this model, and even after five years, it feels like an old friend that knows exactly what I need it to do.

The Pro-Grade Camera that Was Outshone by the XT Series

When the Fuji XH1 was released, it was marketed as a pro-grade camera, but it didn’t take long for it to be overshadowed by Fuji’s XT series. The XT3, in particular, quickly became the go-to for many photographers, leaving the XH1 in the shadows. For me, though, this has been a blessing in disguise. The XH1’s price dropped significantly over the years, making it an incredible deal for what it offers.

If you’re someone who values performance and doesn’t need the absolute latest in tech, the XH1 is a perfect choice even in 2024. It’s affordable, durable, and capable of producing professional-quality images without breaking the bank.

APSC vs. Full Frame: Trickery and Performance

There’s always a lot of talk about full-frame cameras being superior, and while there’s no denying the advantages, I’ve found that the Fuji XH1’s APSC sensor delivers results that rival many full-frame systems. In fact, I’ve tricked more than a few clients into thinking I was shooting with a full-frame setup. It’s all about how you use the camera.

The XH1’s APSC sensor is more than capable of producing stunning images with the right technique and lenses. It’s not the sensor size that makes a great photograph; it’s the photographer behind the camera.

Classic Film Camera Controls: The Heart of My Creativity

One of the things I’ve always loved about the XH1 is its classic film camera-inspired controls. Having ISO, shutter speed, and aperture adjustments right on the body makes the shooting experience more intuitive. Everything is set in thirds of a stop, which aligns perfectly with how I think about light and exposure.

These tactile controls bring me back to the roots of photography, making the XH1 feel like an extension of my creative process. It’s one of the reasons I’ve struggled to move on to any other brand or camera. The XH1’s design prioritizes photography first and foremost, and that’s what makes it so appealing.

A Photographers’ Camera First, Hybrid Second

While the XH1 was marketed as a hybrid camera capable of both video and stills, I’ve always seen it as a photographer’s camera first. Sure, you can shoot video with it, but if video is your main focus, there are better options out there — I’d recommend looking at Sony or Canon for that.

For me, the XH1 is all about stills. It’s a camera that feels like it was designed for photographers by photographers. Every control, every dial, every feature feels like it was crafted with photography in mind.

Performance vs. Price: Why the XH1 (and XT3) Still Shine

If you’re looking for performance at a reasonable price, the Fuji XH1 is still one of the best options available, even in 2024. And its sibling, the XT3, offers similar value for those who want something a bit more recent. The XH1 might not be the latest and greatest, but it still delivers exceptional results without the hefty price tag of newer models.

Full Frame Isn’t Everything: Crafting a Great Photograph

There’s a tendency in the photography world to put full-frame cameras on a pedestal, but the truth is, they’re not the be-all and end-all of what makes a good photograph. The XH1 has taught me that a camera’s specifications don’t define your creativity — how you use the camera does.

A full-frame sensor might be great, but the XH1’s APSC sensor is more than capable of producing beautiful, sharp, and dynamic images. It’s a tool that has served me well for five years, and I believe it will continue to do so for years to come.

Conclusion: a beast overshadowed by beasts

The Fuji XH1 has been my steadfast companion for the past five years, and despite the newer, shinier models on the market, I find it hard to part ways with this camera. It’s not just about the specs or features; it’s about how the XH1 feels and performs in real-world scenarios. From the stunning Classic Chrome film simulation to the intuitive, tactile controls, the XH1 is a photographer's camera at its core. Yes, it has its quirks, from autofocus issues to the occasional overheating in extreme conditions, but these are small trade-offs for what the camera delivers in terms of image quality and shooting experience. For anyone considering an upgrade to a dependable, high-performance APS-C camera in 2024, the Fuji XH1 remains a worthwhile and affordable option. It’s a camera that prioritizes the art of photography, and for that reason, it continues to hold a special place in my kit.