Fujifilm X-H2s Review in 2023: Four Reasons Why This Camera Rocks
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- Опубликовано: 18 янв 2023
- The Fujifilm X-H2s came out in 2022, but I think it's one of the best cameras in 2023, regardless of what cameras are released this year.
This camera is amazing.
Also - if you're looking for a photo community of like-minded people, and you connect with my vibe in the video, check out my free community: positivephotocommunity.com
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I went for the X-H2s for all the reasons you mentioned in your review. A very impressive camera. I thought long and hard on what to replace my Canon and lenses.
Awesome overview. I too, am addicted to Fuji for all the same reasons you mentioned. I love being able to get the amazing colors straight out of camera, and having the ability to make all the custom tweaks till your hearts content.
Absolutely, Paul! It’s a totally unique company in this regard!
Well Paul,… I may or may not be on Fuji again. Maybe
@@ericrjennings Welcome back, lol. I still have my Z6 but prefer shooting with the Fuji's.
Stellar video. I agree with you on all points.
Thanks man!
3.0 update has definitely given this camera the injection of positivity it needed. I totally agree with you that the future seems bright for this one.
It just might be a legend in the Fuji ecosystem!
I own the XH2S, best money I've ever spent. I came from the XT3 and had a solid collection of lenses I've collected over the years.
This camera rocks! The stills, the video look incredible. I like to hike. I had my XH2S with the new 30mm macro out on a trail the other day. Hiking around without problems, loving the shots I was getting. I ran into another photographer. He had a nice sony with a huge lens. Was probably getting some great shots, but good lord that thing is huge.
Its the thing that drew me to fujifilm in the first place. I can put on a prime, or even my 50 to 140 and have zero issues taking my camera everywhere. At the end of the day I want to use it! And take it everywhere.
Great video..the build quality is also excellent, the viewvinder is one of the best!The body is relative compact! Thanks 👌
Glad you like it! And Jan, you are right about all of those. I should have talked bout them!
don't forget about the great looking video footage on the xh2s... i can't believe how good it looks!
Man.. agreed. I just need to put more work into video. I'm so old , man!!!!!! i was trained for so many years outside of the realms of video. Now I need to listen to the young fold like you. BTW - THANK YOU! Your channel inspire me man!
Yes, the X-H2S is a great camera. I got one several months ago and am very impressed with the speed, image quality, and very quiet shutter.
I love this thing!
I've gone through the A7iv, Z7ii, R6ii, S5ii and eneded up keeping the X H2s. They're all awesome but I just always wanted to pick up the Fuji.
I've had high end canon and Nikon slrs and swiveled to Fuji 8 years ago because of portability. However I was blown away by the quality of the lenses - the top end primes are insane - the old 16, 23 and 35 1.4s and 56 1.2 are phenomenal. Hopefully the h2s sorts out autofocus... My old d3s still is yet to be bettered!!
this camera is so perfect for streaming it's got the out of this world quality and everything
I love the look but want the smaller lighter XT5 …I feel it’s great they have 3 options at the high end …This one and the S model and XT5
I have just dug out my old Nikon P7000, a 10mp beast.
Remember the days when we dreamed of 10mp.
Maybe just maybe it will be my daily carry.
With a 28-200 zoom it might just keep me happy.
Great video as always.
Be lucky stay safe.
Thanks, Will! I still sell 6-megapixel prints on my Etsy shop, so I know what you're talking about!!!
@@JerredZ I have an image used as an advert and poster blown up to about 6 x 8 foot from a 150kb file.Just don't stand to close.
This sent a strong message to ALL camera competitors! I got the X-H2S ... XF 10-24 ... XF 16-55 ... XF 150-600 ... XF 1.4 tc ... now to fill the gap between 55 and 150. CM
I photograph horse races and am seriously looking at a smaller lighter camera for my poor hands (currently shooting D5s with heavy lenses). Your review here has just tipped the balance for my decision … was thinking of the xt5 (already have xt4 that I use for the group shots) but the xh2s has just raced past it 😉 thank you so much for this video 🙏🏻
Glad I could help - you will love the X-H2s - so fast and accurate now!
I agree 👍
It's an underrated camera. It's a great camera.
Seeing as you have both the XH2s and the OM1, which one would you prefer for nature photography (especially birds) and macro?
The X-H2s does better right now. That firmware update 3.0 really did an amazing job and put it in front of the OM-1. I DO love the OM-1, but the X-H2s is better for nature and birds.
I am not a rich man, so I had to sit back and wait for content like your channel to help assist with my future choices. I echo a lot of your sentiments, when the XH2S was announced and then the 40mp XH2... it was the alure of the 40mp that hooked me the most and I really thought the XH2 would be the next camera for me. As someone who shoots other systems (like you), I knew that Fuji APS-C IQ was perhaps a smidge behind some of the other brands, and I had hoped the 40mp would address this. But like you say... the reality is its pretty negligible. I reckon if you upscaled any 26mp file from Fuji with Enhanced Details in LR or Gigapixel or something competent... it would come out to being pretty close to an XT5/XH2 file.
So my attention shifted back to XH2S, feeling now that 26mp is enough and the sweet spot for performance and that this camera is genuinely the only camera from Fuji that can competently say that the AF is improved over previous generation X Trans cameras.
I did a video not so long ago about why I would NOT be upgrading this time round (from an XT4), but a recent posed portrait session in early January with my XT4 really knocked me :( The XF50/2 and 90/2, Face Select, Face/Eye Detection... half body portraits filling the frame, in the focal plane and staring right at me... the detection boxes were being EXTREMELY stubborn to appear and use this AF feature. I was very perplexed... the ambient light was good, it was not contrasty... I typically have the Face/Eye Detection kick in way earlier in worse conditions and angles than this... I just could not fathom how on this particular occasion the AF tool was being so reluctant and obedient (and of course it was during paid client work...). I had to bail out and use single AF points.
This really knocked my confidence with the camera and I just feel I have had enough of this now, I want to head into 2023 with confidence in my camera whilst reaping the Fuji benefits that you mention here in this video, so the XT4 will be going up for sale soon and an XH2S being welcomed to the family.
In many ways the XH2S represents my last chance for Fuji, thankfully f/w 3.00 looks to being enough to get me over the line to giving the brand one last go.
Great video Jerred.
EDDY!!!!! You got me so excited man. I went out with my son in the worst conditions possible. Low light. Rain/sleet. My son in a hood/and rain gear. And you know what? The X-h2s did AMAZING. It got most of the shots. I felt that confidence again. I really think you're going to love it!!!!!!
@@JerredZ Excellent to hear.
Thank you for the video. I have been a Fuji user both as a hobby and professionally, utilizing an X-T4/X-H1 setup. My X-H1 recently took a turn for the worst and I have been looking to make the upgrade to the X-H2S. That being said, I have found myself at a crossroads considering going full frame (specifically the Canon r6 mark ii) for its low light/high ISO capabilities, and just for the full frame capabilities in general. But that would mean switching systems and starting from scratch. As someone who has used many cameras, would you contend that X-H2S would be suitable as a primary camera for stills (and about 30% for video)? I primarily do event, portrait, travel, the occasional studio and product work. In the end, I'm wondering if full frame would elevate my game to the next level, or if that's all in my head at the end of the day. I would love to hear your unbiased opinion with such a vast background. Thanks!
Hey, Jordan. Thanks for commenting! And honestly, using all of the systems has really shown me that you can do amazing things with EACH one! Honestly, from your list of things you do, the X-H2s would be amazing. There are benefits to larger sensors, of course... but I think they are much less important to most people than the marketing people would want us to believe! I've sold all my full frame stuff, for instance, simpy because the benefits of apsc outweigh the benefits of full frame - for me! It sound like you might see it the same way as well. The conditions you list are all generally great conditions for the X-H2s!
Great video jarred , I us canon R6 and I was thinking of a cropped sensor but I don't like the canon R7 .I thought of Fuji X-H2S and watched lots of review videos on RUclips. I found that lots of videos are around 5-7months old and wildlife photographers were complaining about the eye detection that is not reliable. So how's the performance now after the latest firmware?
Machete from SA🇿🇦
Hello! After the update, the X-H2s is truly remarkable on the eye focus. It's a game changer!!!
Agreed. I've had mine for 3 months now, no regrets. What is smallrig plates or whatever on the bottom of your X-H2S ?
Yep - that's a SmallRig L-shaped bracket!
@@JerredZ Thanks ! But I couldn't find it on SmallRig website ? Where did you get it ?
Hi! I am looking for a pro camera to shoot portraits and weddings. Would u recommend a camera like the Nikon z6 II or the Fuijfilm xh2s? Would love to hear!
Hello, Danine! The X-H2s without a doubt. The Z6II was a great camera to use - I used it for a few months almost exclusively... but the focus (at the time at least) isn't something I'd call reliable at all. BUT - it looks like there have been firmware updates since then, so I'm not sure!
I have the xh2 and I’m super happy with it. No need to spend the extra money almost the same shit.
I also own OM1 and I think it is amazing for birds (I shot it side by side with my Sony A1 and OM1 did not do that much worse). I don't own Xhs but considering one (I have XT3). What are your thoughts on XH2 vs OM1 for BIF and other types of shooting? (I don't care about video at all).
So I think that as of now with firmware 3.0, the X-H2s is a little better than the OM-1. However, I think they are pretty close!! Maybe with more time I’ll have more comparisons, but I haven’t been able to get out much lately for birds. Hoping to soon though.
What smallrig X-H2S base do you have??? I don't see it listed anywhere
This one, Peter: www.smallrigreseller.com/smallrig-l-bracket-for-fujifilm-x-h2s-3928.html
Hi there, thanks for this review. Compared to the Fuji X-ts, don't you think this camera has very saturated/vivid colours? I think my X-t30 or the x-t5 sometimes comes with softer and nicer aestetics and colours than the X-H2s, which is a shame... because I love that from the Fuji X-Ts...
Wow, Sandra. I don't think I've seen any more saturated colors at all... do the RAW files look different to you?
I've used the X-T5, X-H2 & X-H2S and I really think the X-H2S is the camera to buy.
Agreed!
How is the Fujifilm X-H2s in comparison to the OM Systems OM-1 in your opinion for wildlife photography? Both have stacked sensors but different sensor size. I think the OM1 also has a smaller buffersize and only 2 UHS-II card slots. The reason i ask this is that i have now the Panasonic G9 and a lot of MFT lenses and i love that camera except for its AF. So i have to make a decision to wait till Panasonic ever will make a successor to the G9 with PDAF like their FF S5 II, go for the OM1 and keep my MFT lenses (they will not have full functionality with this body) or jump ship completely and sell my whole MFT kit and go for Fujifilm X-H2s.
The X-H2s has an amazing buffer, like you said. But for general wildlife, the OM-1 is incredible. I think the X-H2s seems like it's on a better path - I'm having more luck getting things in focus when the background is distracting with the X-H2s, but it's still pretty close. I'm no expert at wildlife though. I've seen so many great examples of killer wildlife shots from both cameras online!
I am primarily a MFT (Olympus) shooter on my 2nd Fuji body so I am probably a bit biased. For wildlife you can not go wrong with the OM-1 and buffer size is not a problem. You can shoot up 50FPS with CAF using the PRO lenses which to me is an overkill and I limit it to 25FPS. At one time I was seriously considering buying the Sony A1 after I sold my A7R IV but the OM-1 changed my mind and for now my Sony telephoto lenses are in storage.
This camera isn't in the cards for me as an amateur, but maybe down the road I'll be able to trade up to one from my XT-3. A little over 2 years ago I felt the same way about the XT-3. Meaning, that it was a great bang for the buck. Now, I wasn't looking at the video side of things, only photography. But, I've hear that with the right lens it does pretty well. Obviously, not on par with today's technology. However, that is what brought me to Fuji. It performed damn good, especially for the cost. And, when compared to other cameras was probably less than half the price with a lens and other stuff. Good info here Jerred. It's good to know that in the future this could be the camera I can afford and once again it will perform really well.
Charlie! Totally cool man. I get where you’re coming from. The X-T3 was and actually STILL IS an amazing deal, right? And I think years down the line the X-H2s is going to be the same type of amazing value going into the future. As always, thanks for watching!!!!
The image quality isn't going to be that different between your XT3 and the XH2s if you don't absolutely need the fastest speed when it comes to autofocus. For most subjects the XT3 should be fine, I still use my XT2. I would like an XH2s eventually as I shoot a fair amount of wildlife and that is pretty demanding. However, I also feel like I will miss the dials. I'd love to see a stacked sensor in a future XT body like the XT6.
@@ericperlett8100 Yeah, I really love the T3. No reason to spend more money! The only reason I might some day is for shooting sports. I originally was going to buy a T2, but at the time I was shopping the price of the T3 with the 18-55 and goodies, couldn't be matched by buying just the T2 body because then I'd need to buy a lens too. So I figured I might as well just get the newer body because it was barely used.
@@JerredZ Yup, I figure that at some point the X-H2S will be in the same position that my XT-3 was when I got it. We'll see. Maybe there will be an XT-5S with the H2S sensor!! 🙂
@@charliejg That would rock!
What grip are you using on your XH2s? Have a link?
It's this one, but I got it off eBay: www.smallrigreseller.com/smallrig-l-bracket-for-fujifilm-x-h2s-3928.html
Do I understand correctly that there are no lens recommendations with the xh2s, since it is not the 40mp sensor? So can you use any fuji lens without restrictions?
Any fuji lens that works with the X cameras will work with it.
In your opinion which camera would be better for shooting race cars? The X-H2S or the Sony A7IV . I love my XT-3 but the autofocus is terrible when I’m at the track. I need a camera that has a faster more accurate autofocus. After weeks of research the X-H2S and A7IV are my top two candidates. Your opinion would truly be appreciated. PEACE !
Hey, David. Sorry for the late response. Been busy lately! My recommendation for this is hands down the X-h2s for race cars. The Sony would do fine, but the XH2s with the update is just amazing - a much faster machine than the A7iv!
@@JerredZ Thanks Jarred . One more question if I may , how does the Canon EOS R6 MarkII stack up against the X-H2S for the same type of action photography? It looks like a strong contender but honestly I’m not very familiar with the Canon line of products. I’ve noticed that most of the professionals at the races that I attend use Canon cameras and lenses , followed by Nikon.( I guarantee I’m the only Fuji shooter there LOL). Thanks again….
What’s your experience when looking at the files with the eye af?
So far so good! I'll do a whole video once the weather lets me do some more tests!
So would you recommend the XH2s over the A7 IV ?
This is a tough one. My friend called the other day and asked me this, and I just told him they are both amazing. He really loved Fuji colors and film simulations, and there’s really nothing like that from Sony, so he bought the X-H2s and he’s super happy with it. BUT - for most people, both cameras are absolutely amazing.
@@JerredZ you should go out with your sony and shoot some pics in s-cinetone....not bad
When you want something small, walk-around, and good quality, do you.prefer the x100v or the XT5?
Joel, the X100v every time every day for the items you list here. The X-t5 is awesome, but even with a pancake lens it's bigger than the x100v.
@@JerredZ but I need better AF for my kids. I use the xt4 and I often get annoyed when my kids face aren't sharp. You said that you enjoy handling the x2h2 the most; I am worried that I will miss those retro dials... but maybe it's time to trust the camera and just shoot... rather than constantly working the camera to get the shot. Anyways I usual put the camera in auto iso and auto shutter speed (min 250 to capture my kids) and I usually just use the exposure comp dial to make minor changes.
Hello @JerredZ do you still stand by your assesment of the X-H2s in 2024? You said that the autofocus is almost on par with Sony/Canon. I also saw your video about autofocus issues with your X-H2/X-T5 and that video came earlier. Did you experience these autofocus also with your X-H2s or only with the X-H2/X-T5?
Initially I think it was on par, but it's gotten worse through updates. I sold it a while back though when it was at its worst - Fuji apparently fixed some of those problems recently, but I'm not sure.
Hi @JerredZ do you still stand by your assesment that the X-H2s autofocus is almost on par with Canon and Sony? Your video about autofocus issues with the X-T5 and X-H2 was uploaded earlier than this video. Did you also have these autofocus issues with your X-H2s?
I also read somewhere, you switched to a Nikon Zf? Was the autofocus the reason?
Hey, so sorry for the delay. I don’t think I can still stand on that with the recent issues. Fuji just keeps making things worse… and it’s frustrating! I didn’t really switch - I just bought the Zf and Z8. Even the Zf autofocus is far better than anything on Fuji!
@@JerredZ hi JerredZ, thanks for your reply. I see, what a shame. I rented the X-H2s for a week to see if I want to upgrade from my X-T4. The subject recognition was excellent, but the focus kept missing in AF-C mode. Such a shame.
I'm with fujifilm for several years and the autofocus was always the weakest point. After my week with the X-H2s, I was very impressed with its feature set, but the autofocus was tricky. On the small LCD Display, everything looked to be in focus. On the big computer screen, I saw many out of focus images.
At least, on my X-T4 I knew I have to switch to AF-s whenever possible.
Now, I'm going to borrow/rent a Sony A7iv to see how I like it. I'm not so hopeful, Fujifilm will fix their AF in the near future.
Where'd you get that smallrig L-bracket? It's not on their site.
I found it on Amazon - and that is weird!
@@JerredZ Thanks for the tip. It looks like just the right amount of grip extension for my hands.
Hands down its the best value on the market today. Ive dealt with a lot of "why did you buy that when you can get A7IV" or "you sold your R6 for that?" Or "what $2500?" but sensor size aside the only competition is $6k cameras who's quailty might be slighlty better. Slightly.. ill take that to save $3500 and still have a fun shooting experience. I think a lot of people forget that stacked sensors are harder and more expensive to manufacture, and a lot of the price comparision videos leave that out, the stacked part makes a huge difference both in dynamic range in video by having the ability to use different readout speeds for different log profiles, as well as hyper fast shooting that the other cameras just cant offer even at the $6k price point.
Oh, Miles - I agree! It's about the cost, and it's also not about the cost, right? I have both the OM-1 and the Sony A7iv sitting next to each other. The OM-1 is the camera I reach for the most - for me that's what counts!
@@JerredZ Yeah its really about what you need, vs what you get for the price you pay. Value in other words. Everyones value will differ depending on needs, and its just great to see cameras with this much value at a price point thats attainable.
Is video autofocus on par with Sony a7siii?
Craig, I'm not sure - I've never used the A7sIII!
@@JerredZ I like the potential upside of the h2s. Picking one up next week to play around with. Fuji from what I have read seems to roll out updates and I am imagine this camera will get long-term support.
It is the best Fuji X camera of all time.
Agreed!
If X-H2s get "touch to focus" in video it would be hands down best value for your dollar camera.
Though panasonic s5ii is racking lots of interest.
Putting camera in single point focus you can touch to focus in video.
CANON don't have EV - end of game - bad chip = no good camera ;-) , CROP - only toy, maybe video
Best camera ? GFX 100S - DOT, end of discussion, now we can compare pictures ;-)
You were disappointed with human autofocus. Can You comment on this now, with FW 3.0?
That was with the X-H2 and X-T5 - those still haven't released updates yet.
I still think the x-t4 colors look better. At the end of the day, that is what’s more important to me and that’s the reason I use Fujifilm in the first place. So I sold my x-H2s and will buy ‘back’ a x-t4 in the near future. For me the new sensors/processor have messed up Fujifilm’s colors. I wish they would make a new camera, like a x-t4s, with the same sensor but upgrade the processor, AF algorithm and THAT would be amazing.
Most expensive Fuji body is over 6k. You forgot about the medium format GFX