Thanks for this review, you did a great job. I upgraded from my X-T4 to the X-H2S, specifically for the autofocus, and my main photographic subject is birds (though usually not in flight, which I actually think is overrated). I considered the Sony A7IV for a long time, but I couldn’t justify the hassle of switching systems (selling ALL my lenses and the flash gear ), and I have some nitpicks with Sony on ergonomics (the viewfinder refresh rate), and I really don’t enjoy the extra size and weight of full frame lenses. I have shot several systems prior to Fuji, including shooting full frame (actually Sony A99 II) but I just couldn’t bring myself to migrate systems again. It was a close call between the A7IV and the X-H2S. (Also, I really do love Fuji JPEGs when I am not shooting birds - they are an awesome tool!) My results are a bit different from yours, I’m actually quite pleased so far with the X-H2S. My main nitpick with the X-T4 was having to use the smallest focus zone (3x3, typically) to get the camera to lock onto the bird. In spite of that, I got great results with the X-T4, but that inability to use the focus points across the whole sensor just felt limiting to my subject composition. I am finding great results with the X-H2S, using wide area AF (the whole sensor) + subject detection. I’m still at a preliminary stage in my shooting with the camera (my job interferes with my photography), but it sure seems like a significant upgrade in terms of autofocus. It seems much more flexible. I will need several more photo outings to figure out my best settings. I suspect that the Fuji AI algorithm is not as “sticky” on the subject as Sony or Canon, though I think the degree of stickiness is also heavily influenced by the cases you select for the continuous AF (that was a great pointer I got from you actually, in your X-T4 review). I think the Fuji has a lower “hit rate’ but …. At this point I am finding that I have so many good pictures on every photo outing. And I am careful - I never shoot above 15 or 20 fps because I just don’t want to edit 5000 pictures at the end of the day. One thing that both the X-T4 and X-H2S have in common is the pre-Shot AF, and oh my goodness - that feature is so fun. It can be great fun with a subject like a heron stalking frogs in a marsh, or something like that. I am a bit old school in camera ergonomics - the X-T4 was definitely better than the X-H2S, much more retro. But the X-H2S is fine, I am finding it easy to use and not feeling limited by the ergonomics in any way. I love the top plate screen! Apologies for this long comment - even though I am getting somewhat different results, I am not nearly as scientific and rigorous in my approach as you are, and certainly I am not questioning or criticizing your assessment. You remain one of my few trusted sources of information on camera technology. I am more subjective in my approach, but for me, when I am shooting birds - the X-H2S definitely feels like a step up. It is not perfect (no camera is), but it’s capabilities as a camera are pushing my capabilities as a photographer.
Thank you for the long comment, I really appreciate it. Glad to read you're enjoying your X-H2S and getting good results with it. Subject detection is certainly a nice step up from the X-T4, and if you don't do a lot of birds in flight, then I can see why you find that setting useful. As I explained in my video, I had a few issues with focus accuracy, even with static subjects, but using a low burst speed (even just 5fps) always ensured I'd get frames in focus, then it's just a matter of deleting the bad ones (and for the record, it doesn't happen all the time).
Thank you. I established the same unreliable and sluggish AF-C results on my X-T5 with many settings. Thats the reason I send it back since I do not need 40mp. I found that putting the AF Zone where i need it pretty useful on the X-T2, same with the X-T5. Sadly in bad light (indoor, day) the AF-C is still not good enough. I have no need for video and asked myself for what do I actually pay 1700 bucks. AF-S is good enough on the X-T2 already. I am disappointent to be honest and will wait for the X-T6, hoping for a real cahnge in AF performance.
I got my X-H2s yesterday and it must be said that there is a huge difference in AF-C accuracy between firmware 1.0 and 2.0. I was extremely disappointed with my first test shots using the 50mm f/1.0 - I'd say it was hardly better than my X-T4. With FW 2.0 it's big leap forward honestly, I'm easily getting shots that were impossible with my X-T4. Second point - overlooked by many people I have the impression: the issue of hunting to the background can quite easily be overcome by setting a custom focusing range in camera. This worked wonders for me in the past when using the X-T4 to shoot dragonflies & birds especially when they are close enough.
Thank you for the feedback about firmware 2.0 As for the AF Range Limiter setting, I forgot to mention it here but I talk about it in previous videos. It can work but you need to know (or guess) the maximum distance to set and have to be very careful with it. If the bird goes outside of it, even just slightly, it will be out of focus. In the locations where I go for the kites, some fly close, some fly very far, some are high in the sky. You end up setting a very vast range and it doesn’t really help. I tried it with the X-T4 and other cameras and it didn’t really make a difference. But I don’t doubt it can be useful in certain situations 👍
Another excellent and much anticipated review, Mathieu. I won't dodge the issue, yes, I own the X-H2S and yes, it has so far failed to win me over, as much as, say, I was when I purchased the X-T3 over four years ago (now a distant memory as I sold it to partly pay for the X-H2S). The main features for me are ergonomics and especially the PASM dial. Trying to shoot wildlife, especially bird and especially birds in flight with out pre-programmed custom settings which can be changed at the rotation of a dial, is a challenge (which I have done for the last four years with the X-T3 and X-T4). Like you I have not noticed a fantastic change in IQ over the X-T4. Perhaps a little bit better but not a quantum leap. For me, going with the X-H2S given my investment in Fuji lenses was a no brainer but I'm not sure it is a camera/system which will win over people from other systems - unless like me, wildlife is a passion but their business is reportage, events, architecture etc. BTW, I am still on firmware 1.3 (I am surprised to discover!) and my front and rear dials work perfectly. Maybe you had a camera with a fault?
Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, possibly my sample had a fault with the rear dial. But another viewer said he had no more issue with the rear dial after firmware 2.0.
To my great regret, I have to agree with your conclusion regarding autofocus. Even though I use the X-S20, not the X-H2S, I believe the performance of the subject detection is comparable. I switched from the X-S10 with the expectation that subject detection will be a game changer for BIF (and other situations). But after some months of shooting with subject detection, I tend to switch subject detection off more and more, in order to ensure that I get tack sharp pictures. In many situations, the subject detection performs amazingly, but in other situations, you get many of these slightly out of focus pictures, despite the confirming "green box" on the eye or the head, e.g. of flying red kites, but sometimes also of animals which hardly move. Im my experience, this seems to depend on the lighting conditions and is particularly the case when the light is rather diffuse (cloudy sky), and contrast on the head is comparatively low. The confusing finding: These conditions don't hinder subject detection to find the head or eye of the bird immediately and confirm this with the "green box", but somehow, the images then come out slightly out of focus. I tried it out several times: Without subject detection, you can get more consistently sharp images of the head of the bird, in the same situation (flying bird, AF-C, fast burst). It is therefore not my lens, which has a very fast linear motor, or inability to follow the animal with a steady hand, or misuse of lens stabilisation and IBIS, or misuse of AF-C custom settings. My suspicion: Subject detection, at least on the X-S20, somehow prioritises contrast detection for focusing, maybe in the interest of speed (subject detection is incredibly fast, no doubt). And when you press the shutter button, subject detection immediately hands over to the base autofocusing system, which then focuses on the most contrasty bit of the subject close to the "green box", instead of the spot where the "green box" of the subject detection is, and where the contrast may be comparatively lower. Any thoughts on that suspicion?
Thank you for your feedback. Not sure about your theory: do you see the classic "back and forth" behaviour of the lens while focusing? That is isually what happens with contrast detection, the camera focuses back and forth to analyse the contrast.
26:55 I wasnt aware that this icon exist! I use the X-H2s also for MSFT Teams, of course in FHD only, as we have shitty internet in Germany. But: The cam is directly behind the window and sometime 1h or longer in the sun while running.
Great efforts. It is a shame that the autofocus still isnt there against the best out there. By the way, Is the Nikon Z9 testing coming? Will be interesting to see how it stacks against the Sony A1.
1:57 I checked my new X-H2 (not the s version) and it has no delay at all when I rotate the rear dial to change exposure comp. Same for the front dial (I use it for aperture). No delay on my X-h2. It's an instant change. When I turn the dial, I see the number in the EVF or top display change instantly.
Thanks for the feedback. Another user who owns the X-H2S said the dial functions correctly after firmware 2.0. I think it was a software bug more than a problem with the dial istelf.
Wonderful Review as usual!! A very interesting Camera! I’m very happy with the OM-1 for Birds and Macro, but is very good to see other great options! In general Fuji is a very attractive system!
Thought the very same thing! It's good to know that we finally have an alternative to the OM-1 and the 100-400mm in case OM System would go bankrupt. Of course I hope for the opposite (love the OM-1 too!) but you can never know.😔
Thankyou so much for this I was waiting for it. I'm sad but was really hopeful it looks such a great camera. I have Canon lenses but EF I don't want to get into the R mount it's too expensive and closed system guess for me best hold on see if Nikon does bring out the rumoured Z8 a mini Z9 or I just get the Sony perhaps even the OM-1 but I think the 300mm F4 is a touch expensive I already have a better lens the Canon 300mm F2.8LIS. Thanks again!!!
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Hi thanks for replying. Yes I had even waited 2 1/2 months pre order for the R7 then I cancelled it. Canon only seem half hearted about apsc or they would have a stacked sensor and a good evf like other flagships. I was going for the OM-1 got tempted by the XH2s and it's amazing spec now thinking should have just got the OM-1.
I upgraded from a Nikon D500 and have gained a lot of features that came with mirrorless technology that I'm happy with. I agree that the autofocus system can be inconsistent but I'm hoping that Fuji irons out some of these problems with firmware updates.
I’m also a Nikon D500 owner and am considering purchasing this camera. Do think it is as good or better with continuous focusing than the D500? Thanks.
While the technology within the XH2s is better than that of the D500; nevertheless the body-design of the D500 is superior against virtually all Mirrorless cameras; the only exception to this is the R3 body-design which is better than that of every Mirrorless to date. What I absolutely hate about Mirrorless cameras is their body-designs, they are linear and with 90 Degree hard edges; unlike semi-pro and high-end pro DSLRs by Cannon and Nikon which have lots of curves.
I would not choose the X-T5 because of the more limited ergonomics (smaller grip etc.). I compared the X-H2 and X-H2S here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/QmTbOcdznvk/видео.html
Great review, always appreciate your refined approach to reviewing cameras. With the xt3 and xt4 did Fuji make worthwhile improvements to the af with firmware updates?
It did with the X-T3, basically bringing that camera to the same level as the X-T4. Now the difference between T3 and T4 was not huge to begin with, but there were certainly some areas where the X-T4 was doing better.
I have exactly the same feedback as Jamal but coming from a X-T3 set-up. I’m going to acquire either the X-H2S(tried already) to he X-H2 (try next week). My comment is that today photographers rely too much on cameras performance, the miss shoots are part of the beautiful uncertainty….I’m referring to the old film era 😊
Thanks for the honest review. I was hoping the X-H2S or the X-H2 would be able to replace both my A7IV and A6600 for birding and landscapes. I guess not. Many the A7RV will be an answer, but for a huge price bump.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons I had the A7R IV for a while and used it both in FF and APSC mode and was very pleased except for the AF for birds. Hoping the A7R V will have the latest AF system
I think you mentioned sorting your pix by which autofocus/AF-C setting you used. Do you record that manually or is there a way to extract it from EXIF data? I use PS CC and Bridge. Neither of those show that information. Also, I'm looking forward to your review of the XT5 for BIF :). Thanks for all the great reviews!
I really don’t understand why Fujifilm haven’t fitted the tilt and flip screen from the XT100 it’s a ingenious design and is the answer to stills photographers and videographers it’s so well built sturdy and should please both styles of togs. Come on Fujifilm let’s get the XT100 rear screen fitted to your future cameras please !
I have the xt4 and fuji 100 400 lens and I was considering going to the xh2s and fuji 150 600. Turns out the lens 100 4400 is very fragile and broke on me after light use. It appears to be a known issue after doing some searching. I will switch to another manufacturer with more experience with wildlife.
Thanks for the video. I myself am confused between the Fuji X H2s with the 150-600 vs the Sony A74 with the 200-600 for wildlife and birds. The price of both being so similar. Fuji for Video capability, and colours; Sony for higher resolution image and autofocus. Confused !
I understand. However, I'll get back to you because I'm testing the X-H2S again next week, with the latest firmware. Let's see if the improvement with AF is really good or not.
Thanks for the review on the XH2s. Just sold my fuji xh1 with the 50 140mm and 16 55mm for Sony a7iv and tamron 28 75mm G1. I was thinking about the xhs2 as love Fuji but I think it was my time to changed. First Sony for me so learning curve hard with getting to grip with menus.
It takes some time to adjust to the Sony menu, but at least that of the A7 IV is better organized than previous cameras. Also, take advantage of the space in My Menu, and also the Fn menu. It will help you find everything you need once you’ve customized them.
I thought seriously of changing to the Canon R7 because I REALLY need a good BIF auto-focus, then considered just how much Fuji gear, besides cameras and lenses, I have. How did you manage that decision?
Since BIF is my favorite Photography, You simply give the Best Reviews.....I am disappointed in Fuji's Autofocus and will probably jump ship and sell my XT3 and six or seven lenses and although much more Expensive jump over to the Sony A1 and a few Sony Lenses....Thanks Again for Great Comprehensive and Honest Reviews on the Best Cameras and Lenses for BIF...
Thank you for this review. This is the best and most accurate one I've ever seen. Great job as always. You are precise and pay attention to many things. I would love to see a comparison of the X-H2S with the X-H2 on your channel for bird photography. It would be great if such a comparison was based on Fuji 100-400 and 150-600 lenses (i.e. AF speed and accuracy, % missed shots, sharpness). If you would supplement it with even a small comparison to the X-T4, I would be extremely grateful. I am the owner of X-T4 and 100-400 and I have a dilemma in choosing X-H2 vs X-H2S and whether 150-600 is worth changing from 100-400 with these new bodies (apart from the 200mm longer focal length).
Thank you for the kind comment. I'm planning to text the X-H2 and do some comparisons with it. Have you seen my comparison between the 100-400 and 150-600?
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Yes, it's great. I wrote that first comment before I saw it. And indeed this video has already explained a bit to me :) Thank You
Great review! Do you subscribe to the notion that Fugi cameras are better suited for photographers who want a "certain" kind of look that only Fugi can provide vs. Sony cameras, which perform tasks like auto focus much like a computer. In other words, when you're holding a Fugi, you're holding a camera, and when you're holding a Sony, you're holding a computer.
Thank you. I don't really agree with that notion. Every modern camera is a "computer", including Fuji models. The X-H2S, X-H2 and X-T5 have deep learning algorithm for the autofocus, and many other advanced settings (including things like Pre-Shooting, which is not available on E-mount cameras). It's just that Sony's AF is better in my opinion. One could even argue that a camera with better AF serves the photographer better than the one with worse AF, depending on what you need to do with it. Sure, if we look purely at the design, I prefer the grip of the X-H2 series, and the X-T, X-Pro and X-100 line-ups have interesting dials that are reminiscent of old film cameras, but still useful today. The X-Pro and X-100 are certainly more photographer's oriented, but they are more of a "niche" category. Ultimately, it is a question of personal preferences. Not everybody likes Fuji's ergonomics, and not everybody likes Sony's.
I am hoping someone does a review like this one on the X-H2. Most of the reviews are more focused on Video and not photography. and defiantly not BIF for the X-H2. If the X-H2 is close to the "S" models for birds, I would choose to wait for the X-T5 to be announced ,being the rumor is a 40MP for the X-T5. I shoot the X-T3 ATM. For landscape and static subjects, its great. For BIF, the X-T3 is So-So. I am hoping the for a good all around camera....But , that's what we all would like.
It's much easier going from the x-s10 to the new X-H2* series. I had the x-s10 and the x-h1, 'new' Fuji PASM vs 'traditional'. From what I've gathered, if you shoot predominantly video or need really fast everything, then the X-H2s is the better choice. What will blow you away is what you can save under the custom (C1-C7) settings. Trying out the new auto-focus on my X-H2, my results seem on par with what we see in this review, that BIF is a hit/miss kinda thing:( Look for reviews on the difference between the cameras. There are a few good ones now.
Super travail comme d'hab, j'ai 2 questions tout de même 1. j'ai vu dans plusieurs tests, que l'autofocus était plus consistant avec l'obturateur manuel à 15 im/s. As tu fais des tests et si oui étaient ils du même ordre qu'en électronique ? 2. j'ai lu aussi (très peu mais je l'ai vu) que le X-h2 avait une construction moins robuste que le X-H1 par exemple. Quel est ton ressenti dessus ? Merci pour tout
Merci. Pour répondre à tes questions: 1) Je n'ai pas testé l'obturateur mécanique à 15 im/s. Sur le X-T4 et d'autres appareils Fuji, j'ai toujours eu de meilleurs résultas avec l'obturateur électronique, donc ça ne m'est pas venu à l'esprit de tester les 15i/s sur le X-H2S. 2) Je n'ai pas eu la même sensation, mon ressenti est que le X-H2S est très bien construit. Après c'est vrai que ça fait quatre ans que je n'ai pas pris en main un X-H1, donc difficile de faire une comparaison précise sur ce point.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons merci pour tes réponses. J'ai plutôt la conviction que le sweep spot si situe plus autour de 15 à 20 img/s pour l'autofocus 15 à 20 img c'est même très bien mais pas assez pour justifier le prix, le marketing ou le changement de techno
For birds in flight, these settings gave me the best results: Focus Area: Zone 7×7 Focus Priority AF-C Custom Settings: Set 6 (0, 2, Front) Drive Mode: 10fps/30fps with electronic shutter and 1.25x crop Otherwise, I would use the 3x3 zone, or even a single area if the animal is not moving fast, or is still. You can use Set 1 rather than Set 6 for static animals.
I've tested the X-H2S again with firmware 3.0, but I only found an improvement for static subjects. I talk about it in this more recent video here: ruclips.net/video/QmTbOcdznvk/видео.html
@@DeepteshLovesTECH I perfectly understand that. Whatever the reason, the result is still what it is. You can say the same of Nikon but Nikon has made good progress in only 2 generations.
If a fast new body+ fast new lens cannot improve the hit rate compared to an XT3/XT4, I no longer understand what the issue is - software, body, or lens? That said, hitting 8 out of 10 photos at 40fps is still a higher yield of usable photos than 8 out of 10 at 20 fps (literally twice as many candidates over the course of a second). A Sony/Canon's 10% higher accuracy in theory gets me an additional 4 pictures. I guess "behind" is different than bad! Right? Maybe all this stuff is splitting hairs. Still, I'd like to see Fuji justify its new bodies with quantifiable performance gains and not just raw speed.
I've read from other users of this camera, that they get better results with subject-detect AF when shooting at 30fps or 20fps. Did you do any tests with lower frame rates?
I’m shooting an xt3 which I love. I do a lot of bird photography and use my canon 5Dmk4 with a 100-400 mk2 lens. I try that lens on my Fuji with a Fringer adapter. Hit rate is so so but IQ is great. I’ve tried the Fuji 100-400 and got horrible IQ results. That said I’m looking for a crop sensor for birding and was considering canon R7 and the xh2s. I know build quality differences but not sure how if canon auto focus is that much better. Anyone have experience with the two cameras?
I'm currently testing the X-H2S again, with the latest firmware, to see if there any real improvements with AF and keeper rate. The R7 is a good camera, but if you want to take advantage of the fastest speed (30fps) there is a lot of rolling shutter with fast movements. You won't always notice it, but it's certainly more apparent than other recent models. I was also a bit disappointed with the AF for BIF, compared to other Canon cameras, so to me the R7 is not better than the X-H2S in that. Obviously, the price is a big plus for the Canon, and your 100-400mm mk2 will perform better on the R7 with the Canon adapter.
Well, in terms of keeper rate, the OM-1 gave me better results. Not a striking difference, but it's there. The X-H2S certainly offers a bit more in terms of image quality, but the OM-1 has a faster drive speed and a more advanced Pro Capture mode. It also depends on the lens: OM-1 + 300mm Pro is a combo I really like, and I would choose it over the Fuji without hesitation. If we're only talking zooms, then X-H2S and 150-600mm offer more quality and more range as well.
Everything depends on when a photographer can obtain an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO Lens, to finally eliminate any chance of Fujifilm winning the hearts and minds of bird photographers. Fuji has nothing in their pipeline to beat the top OM systems telephoto lens.
Have you upgraded to firmware version 2.0? I did and I don't have any lag or delay problems compensating exposure with the rear wheel. It is fast and very responsive.
No, unfortunately the firmware came out after I sent the camera back to the rental company. I do mention this in the video at the end but mainly for AF reasons. Good to hear they fixed the dial issue 👍
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Great review Mathiew. I received my XH2S a couple of days ago and I'm a little dissappointed, just like you. I was planning to sell my XT4 but now I'll keep both for a while before choosing which one to sell.
I fully agree. The camera ia not worth the money to upgrade from the XT4. The 150-600 is also a major disappointment. At F8 it is inferior to the competitors. Unfortunately I for one decided to change to other options. To go an a trip to shoot once in a lifetime images you want equipment that can pull it off. Sorry Fuji, I will keep my XT4 and 2 lenses for travel.
I'm not sure that you properly factored the difference in shutter speeds. If you're at 82% at 40fps, that's nearly 32 fps keepers. Sure the Sony is near 100%, but even at that rate, it's still 10fps keepers. You still have 3x as many potential keepers and 3x the chance to catch that special moment with the xh2s and it seems you just excuse that away by claiming you'd rather feel better about the 10fps keepers.
I guess you wanted to write frame rate, not shutter speed. And no, I factored the difference, I even show a table with the same exacts numbers you wrote in your comment. Saying that I would choose the A7 IV if I wanted better focus accuracy is not an excuse, it's an opinion, made on that specific part of the video (I'm not saying one is overall better than the other). And I don't agree about having 3x more chance to capture the special moment with the X-H2S, because the AF is less reliable. There is no way to control where those 8 outs of focus frames will be. Every time, I would have to hope the AF wouldn't let me down on the most important frames (which happened more than once in my experience). When it works, obviously it's great to have more frames per second, but when it doesn't, well it's a bit disappointing.
So my recommended settings show 20fps with focus priority, and you say I should choose 20fps with focus priority. Interesting comment 😉 (I also said that 20fps or 40fps didn't make a difference for the keeper rate, but I imagine comparing 20fps and 40fps is also comparing apples to bananas in your book 🙂)
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons well you are comparing 40fps for Fuji vs 10fps for Sony. There is a clear difference. Also in your tests you’re testing the 40fps while there are other videos that shows that at lower fps like 20 the keeper rate it’s higher. 40fps is really fast, so it could explain why there is still struggle to get close to the 100% hit rate, but still at around 90% and higher it’s not bad.
It's a clear difference in drive speed, but it doesn't tell you how the autofocus performance is. And, based on my experience, the A7 IV may be slower with the fps, but it doesn't struggle with a busy background. Of course, if you prioritise the continuous shooting speed over other things (for example if you pre-focus to catch a kingfisher diving in the water), then the X-H2S is much better than the Sony. But if you want to rely on the AF for fast moving animals, the Fuji has limits. I just published a new video, comparing the X-H2 and X-H2S, and testing the latest firmware on the S model. Unfortunately, the problem is still there. Concerning the test at 40fps and 20fps, I've already said I didn't find any difference in keeper rate. I've heard other people suggesting to use 20fps, but in actual fact the best keeper rate I got with the X-H2S (firmware 1.0) was at 40fps, not 20. I did all the tests again with firmware 3.0, no difference, wether I'm shooting at 10fps or 40fps.
That hunting for focus is so disappointing. I hope Fuji can catch up to Sony soon. I can't stand the ergonomics of Sony cameras, but the autofocus is just unrivalled.
The problem is not within the body, the X-H2S itself, but within the lenses. These two lenses are far from great. The 600mm lens is so dark that nobody needs it, and sure it does not help the camera at all with its F/8 aperture. It will always be a very, very, very slow lens. The CAMERA-LENS autofocus combination using this lens is slow, as expected. The other, 400mm lens, is a bit better, but never will be like a good 400, 500, 600 prime lenses! I use my NiKON 200-500mm lens adapted, and it works better than those Fuji lenses. Fuji must release better lenses for wildlife photography. As for now, in 2022, Fuji has launched nice bodies, but there are no lenses at all for any pro wildlife photography, in my opinion.
I 100% disagree. F8 is a reasonable dof when shooting birds and wildlife at a close distance. When I had my 500 f4 canon I shot mainly between f5.6 at f8 for wildlife as you need dof. Just having the head in focus makes for a poor photo. F4 is not pin sharp on these lenses, f8 on the Fuji is beautiful so no need to stop down any more. ISO is so clean now you can push it much more than just a few years ago, and with DXO and other processing software it expands the possibilities. One stop iso is nothing. This lens is very capable.
Fuji cannot come with a competitive autofocus. Simply horrible my experience with this system. Especially for Action - Wildlife-Sport, you better get your hands off any Fuji camera. Fuji for Wildlife? A bad joke and disappointment!
Interesting interview and indeed it was a shame that you didn't have the camera updated before you reviewed it. The firmware was available on 29th Sept so I a guessing this review was over a week in the making. If you check out Mike Riley channel on RUclips ruclips.net/channel/UCroPb3jYeQaU1o-luEVsJ-A you can see what the new firmware can achieve in the hands of a very good nature photographer. You may not think that this camera is the "killer wildlife camera" that you were expecting but it is by far the best crop sensor camera on the market. A number of youtube "photographers" seem to have had issues with the autofocus but I guess it is like anything else, the more you use it, the better you get. Certainly Mike Riley seems to have got it down to a T. His video on low light stills photography is eye-opening. From what I can the see, there is no camera that offers better spec under £3k. So you might think that it is expensive but is it? There is no crop semsor camera that offer 40 fps and a buffer that will allow you to shoot 160 shots before it is full. Or has a stacked sensor with such a fast read out. Your real argument is based on the autofocus that has been shown to be partly fixed through software upgrade and partly through making sure the settings are optimal. The problem with such a complicated camera is that it take more than renting it for a few days, and that is where someone like Mike can illustrate what this camera can really do. Even DP Review realised that their origanal review was....................... well let's be nice and call it lacking. So I guess the question is: What is the best crop sensor camera for wildlife? I mean we can ignore the R7 and R10 - if you can't be bothered to design a wildlife camera withoiut proper weather sealing yuo definitely don't make the list. The OM1 maybe? I would be interested to know.
I rent it for two weeks (plus the lenses), not just a few days LOL. I spent time going back to the same locations more than once, trying all the setting combination possible, and it’s a lot of work. Imagine how frustrating it is when a new firmware comes out and you just sent the camera back. But I can’t rent it forever, and I’m sure there will be other firmware updates that will make me start “all over again”. Sure the X-H2S has impressive features and it probably is the best APS-C on the market, but I found the same AF problems the X-T4, the X-T3 or even older models have. So yes I was expecting more, given all the things they said during the announcement, including the faster AF calculation etc. I may have been a bit severe with the X-H2S, but my job is to review cameras. That doesn’t stop people from using it, working around its limitations and getting a lot out of it. If anything, all the images I show in my video prove you can take great photos with it. As for your question in the end, the OM-1 does better with AF in my experience, and it has a faster drive speed, more advanced pro capture mode etc. The sensor is not as good as the Fuji, but the OM-1 paired with the 300mm Pro is one of my favorite combo. I haven’t tested the R7 yet so can’t comment on it.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons I was just not sure what you were looking for in a wildlife camera. If the autofocus is really your only gripe. Mike Riley has covered that to the nenth degree. In almost all cases so far, people "reviewing" cameras have failed to set it up properly. The adjustments to the speed of the autofocus in particular. As you say the issue with the OM-1 is partly the sensor and partly the question of whether 4/3 is viable in the future.The OM1 was in design before JIP took over the ailing Olympus business and their track record is not great (Sony Vaio). There desperate efforts to "buy" influencers on youtube also gives me concerns. As for the R10 and R7 - well, by Canon's own admission, their weather sealing is not as good as the 8 year old 7D Mk2.The warping caused by rolling shutter is truely breathtaking as the sensor read out is quite slow. Shutter shock, I could go on. And the buffer filling after 1 second, well........ the R7 went back. The autofocus was very fast and accurate but no matter what anyone says, it is not as good as the R3 and the speed of autofocus is important but not everything. It is interesting reading different reviews. Many people miss some of the most important aspects. Try talking about colour. I have shot for 30+ years with Canon and yet even though their colour science is famous for instagram and the like, it is not really very accurate. Fuji colours however appear to be very accurate, especially for wildlife. People have also commented on the price of the X-H2S but if you combined that with their 150-600, it is cheaper than the R7 + the 100-500. What a lot of people fail to see is that this new camera from Fuji manages to produce an image as good as the XT-4 but can do this at 40 fps, and has better autofocus. With 7 custom settings on the PASM dial you barely need to adjust settings in the field, just move to the relevant custom setting. As simple as that. Your OLY set up is meant to be quite good but 300mm is going to cut it if you want to shoot waders or small birds, so that isn't a starter for me. The problem is that many people here have an agenda. The Canon Fanboys, OLY til I die brigade, the Fuji people who live in the past with their little dials and pretending they shoot in manual all the time - they all have an agenda. I have shot Canon for 30+ years, I see the R7 for what it is (it is not the mirrorless 7D Mk2!), and I will upgrade soon, maybe to the X-H2S. I have never shot Fuji before but Canon have taken liberties with their customer base and are now planning to screw every penny from them by locking them in to the expensive RF line of lenses. So wherever I go, it won't be Canon.
I’ve been testing Fuji cameras since the birth of the X-series, and for wildlife/birds since the X-T1. I know these cameras very well, I know all their settings very well. The X-T3 does 30fps at 16MP, the X-H2S does 40fps at 26MP four years later with better buffer. It’s a very good improvement, but I was also hoping to see a good step-forward with AF and tracking (the wide-tracking setting is really getting old now). I’m not looking for just autofocus in a wildlife camera, but when you get the same results as a 4 year old model, I don’t think it’s that surprising to be a bit disappointed. You can give me 40, 50 or 100fps, but it the camera looses the subject and tracks the tree behind instead, all these frames per second become irrelevant in that specific situation. If you do decide to get the X-H2S, then perhaps we can continue this conversation and you can share some direct feedback about it. Concerning OM Digital Solutions, I want to wait a few years to see what they do, once they will release products conceived entirely within the new company rather than continuing what Olympus started. Plus, I’ve heard people saying micro four thirds is dead for years and years, and yet it’s still here. The R7 sounds disappointing from what you say. Canon is doing interesting things, the R3 that I reviewed recently is one of the best camera I ever used, but the system is still young, and some lenses are expensive. I love the quality of the 100-500mm, but they’re asking a bit too much for it.
FX30(and upcoming new Sony APSC A7xxx bodies) kills this in the real world. Sad, it'll be another 2 mediocre years for Fuji fans waiting for new sensor/algorithms and all that....
Thanks for this review, you did a great job. I upgraded from my X-T4 to the X-H2S, specifically for the autofocus, and my main photographic subject is birds (though usually not in flight, which I actually think is overrated). I considered the Sony A7IV for a long time, but I couldn’t justify the hassle of switching systems (selling ALL my lenses and the flash gear ), and I have some nitpicks with Sony on ergonomics (the viewfinder refresh rate), and I really don’t enjoy the extra size and weight of full frame lenses. I have shot several systems prior to Fuji, including shooting full frame (actually Sony A99 II) but I just couldn’t bring myself to migrate systems again. It was a close call between the A7IV and the X-H2S. (Also, I really do love Fuji JPEGs when I am not shooting birds - they are an awesome tool!)
My results are a bit different from yours, I’m actually quite pleased so far with the X-H2S. My main nitpick with the X-T4 was having to use the smallest focus zone (3x3, typically) to get the camera to lock onto the bird. In spite of that, I got great results with the X-T4, but that inability to use the focus points across the whole sensor just felt limiting to my subject composition.
I am finding great results with the X-H2S, using wide area AF (the whole sensor) + subject detection. I’m still at a preliminary stage in my shooting with the camera (my job interferes with my photography), but it sure seems like a significant upgrade in terms of autofocus. It seems much more flexible. I will need several more photo outings to figure out my best settings.
I suspect that the Fuji AI algorithm is not as “sticky” on the subject as Sony or Canon, though I think the degree of stickiness is also heavily influenced by the cases you select for the continuous AF (that was a great pointer I got from you actually, in your X-T4 review). I think the Fuji has a lower “hit rate’ but …. At this point I am finding that I have so many good pictures on every photo outing. And I am careful - I never shoot above 15 or 20 fps because I just don’t want to edit 5000 pictures at the end of the day.
One thing that both the X-T4 and X-H2S have in common is the pre-Shot AF, and oh my goodness - that feature is so fun. It can be great fun with a subject like a heron stalking frogs in a marsh, or something like that.
I am a bit old school in camera ergonomics - the X-T4 was definitely better than the X-H2S, much more retro. But the X-H2S is fine, I am finding it easy to use and not feeling limited by the ergonomics in any way. I love the top plate screen!
Apologies for this long comment - even though I am getting somewhat different results, I am not nearly as scientific and rigorous in my approach as you are, and certainly I am not questioning or criticizing your assessment. You remain one of my few trusted sources of information on camera technology. I am more subjective in my approach, but for me, when I am shooting birds - the X-H2S definitely feels like a step up. It is not perfect (no camera is), but it’s capabilities as a camera are pushing my capabilities as a photographer.
Thank you for the long comment, I really appreciate it. Glad to read you're enjoying your X-H2S and getting good results with it. Subject detection is certainly a nice step up from the X-T4, and if you don't do a lot of birds in flight, then I can see why you find that setting useful. As I explained in my video, I had a few issues with focus accuracy, even with static subjects, but using a low burst speed (even just 5fps) always ensured I'd get frames in focus, then it's just a matter of deleting the bad ones (and for the record, it doesn't happen all the time).
Thank you. I established the same unreliable and sluggish AF-C results on my X-T5 with many settings. Thats the reason I send it back since I do not need 40mp.
I found that putting the AF Zone where i need it pretty useful on the X-T2, same with the X-T5. Sadly in bad light (indoor, day) the AF-C is still not good enough. I have no need for video and asked myself for what do I actually pay 1700 bucks. AF-S is good enough on the X-T2 already. I am disappointent to be honest and will wait for the X-T6, hoping for a real cahnge in AF performance.
Thank you for the review. This is the best channel I have found for unbiased reviews.
Thank you very much!
I got my X-H2s yesterday and it must be said that there is a huge difference in AF-C accuracy between firmware 1.0 and 2.0. I was extremely disappointed with my first test shots using the 50mm f/1.0 - I'd say it was hardly better than my X-T4. With FW 2.0 it's big leap forward honestly, I'm easily getting shots that were impossible with my X-T4.
Second point - overlooked by many people I have the impression: the issue of hunting to the background can quite easily be overcome by setting a custom focusing range in camera. This worked wonders for me in the past when using the X-T4 to shoot dragonflies & birds especially when they are close enough.
Thank you for the feedback about firmware 2.0
As for the AF Range Limiter setting, I forgot to mention it here but I talk about it in previous videos. It can work but you need to know (or guess) the maximum distance to set and have to be very careful with it. If the bird goes outside of it, even just slightly, it will be out of focus. In the locations where I go for the kites, some fly close, some fly very far, some are high in the sky. You end up setting a very vast range and it doesn’t really help. I tried it with the X-T4 and other cameras and it didn’t really make a difference. But I don’t doubt it can be useful in certain situations 👍
Another excellent and much anticipated review, Mathieu. I won't dodge the issue, yes, I own the X-H2S and yes, it has so far failed to win me over, as much as, say, I was when I purchased the X-T3 over four years ago (now a distant memory as I sold it to partly pay for the X-H2S). The main features for me are ergonomics and especially the PASM dial. Trying to shoot wildlife, especially bird and especially birds in flight with out pre-programmed custom settings which can be changed at the rotation of a dial, is a challenge (which I have done for the last four years with the X-T3 and X-T4). Like you I have not noticed a fantastic change in IQ over the X-T4. Perhaps a little bit better but not a quantum leap. For me, going with the X-H2S given my investment in Fuji lenses was a no brainer but I'm not sure it is a camera/system which will win over people from other systems - unless like me, wildlife is a passion but their business is reportage, events, architecture etc.
BTW, I am still on firmware 1.3 (I am surprised to discover!) and my front and rear dials work perfectly. Maybe you had a camera with a fault?
Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, possibly my sample had a fault with the rear dial. But another viewer said he had no more issue with the rear dial after firmware 2.0.
Very thorough as always. Like you I was hoping for more from this one.
Hi Mathieu, would be great to understand if X-H2S Firmware ver. 6.00 gives you better results.
To my great regret, I have to agree with your conclusion regarding autofocus. Even though I use the X-S20, not the X-H2S, I believe the performance of the subject detection is comparable. I switched from the X-S10 with the expectation that subject detection will be a game changer for BIF (and other situations). But after some months of shooting with subject detection, I tend to switch subject detection off more and more, in order to ensure that I get tack sharp pictures. In many situations, the subject detection performs amazingly, but in other situations, you get many of these slightly out of focus pictures, despite the confirming "green box" on the eye or the head, e.g. of flying red kites, but sometimes also of animals which hardly move. Im my experience, this seems to depend on the lighting conditions and is particularly the case when the light is rather diffuse (cloudy sky), and contrast on the head is comparatively low. The confusing finding: These conditions don't hinder subject detection to find the head or eye of the bird immediately and confirm this with the "green box", but somehow, the images then come out slightly out of focus. I tried it out several times: Without subject detection, you can get more consistently sharp images of the head of the bird, in the same situation (flying bird, AF-C, fast burst). It is therefore not my lens, which has a very fast linear motor, or inability to follow the animal with a steady hand, or misuse of lens stabilisation and IBIS, or misuse of AF-C custom settings. My suspicion: Subject detection, at least on the X-S20, somehow prioritises contrast detection for focusing, maybe in the interest of speed (subject detection is incredibly fast, no doubt). And when you press the shutter button, subject detection immediately hands over to the base autofocusing system, which then focuses on the most contrasty bit of the subject close to the "green box", instead of the spot where the "green box" of the subject detection is, and where the contrast may be comparatively lower. Any thoughts on that suspicion?
Thank you for your feedback. Not sure about your theory: do you see the classic "back and forth" behaviour of the lens while focusing? That is isually what happens with contrast detection, the camera focuses back and forth to analyse the contrast.
Very good video, it would be great if you could test the bird detection and tracking again after the firmware updates, would really appreciate it!
Thanks. I want to try the X-H2, so when I do I'll rent the X-H2S as well and test it with the new firmware.
Thank you for another very informative video.
I hope you also test the XH2 40 MP version as well
Yes I'm planning to!
26:55
I wasnt aware that this icon exist!
I use the X-H2s also for MSFT Teams, of course in FHD only, as we have shitty internet in Germany. But: The cam is directly behind the window and sometime 1h or longer in the sun while running.
Great efforts. It is a shame that the autofocus still isnt there against the best out there. By the way, Is the Nikon Z9 testing coming? Will be interesting to see how it stacks against the Sony A1.
Not sure when for the Z9. But I'll try to do it before the end of the year.
1:57 I checked my new X-H2 (not the s version) and it has no delay at all when I rotate the rear dial to change exposure comp. Same for the front dial (I use it for aperture). No delay on my X-h2. It's an instant change. When I turn the dial, I see the number in the EVF or top display change instantly.
Thanks for the feedback. Another user who owns the X-H2S said the dial functions correctly after firmware 2.0. I think it was a software bug more than a problem with the dial istelf.
Wonderful Review as usual!! A very interesting Camera! I’m very happy with the OM-1 for Birds and Macro, but is very good to see other great options! In general Fuji is a very attractive system!
Thank you!
Thought the very same thing! It's good to know that we finally have an alternative to the OM-1 and the 100-400mm in case OM System would go bankrupt. Of course I hope for the opposite (love the OM-1 too!) but you can never know.😔
thank you Mathieu , great video, as always . Do you plan to review the X-H2 for bird photography anytime soon ?
I will review it, not sure when yet.
Thankyou so much for this I was waiting for it. I'm sad but was really hopeful it looks such a great camera. I have Canon lenses but EF I don't want to get into the R mount it's too expensive and closed system guess for me best hold on see if Nikon does bring out the rumoured Z8 a mini Z9 or I just get the Sony perhaps even the OM-1 but I think the 300mm F4 is a touch expensive I already have a better lens the Canon 300mm F2.8LIS. Thanks again!!!
Have you considered using an EOS R camera with your EF lenses?
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Hi thanks for replying. Yes I had even waited 2 1/2 months pre order for the R7 then I cancelled it. Canon only seem half hearted about apsc or they would have a stacked sensor and a good evf like other flagships. I was going for the OM-1 got tempted by the XH2s and it's amazing spec now thinking should have just got the OM-1.
Thanks for the great and thorough review! Thought of getting one to compliment my R3 but would rather invest in another RF mount lens now.
I upgraded from a Nikon D500 and have gained a lot of features that came with mirrorless technology that I'm happy with. I agree that the autofocus system can be inconsistent but I'm hoping that Fuji irons out some of these problems with firmware updates.
I’m also a Nikon D500 owner and am considering purchasing this camera. Do think it is as good or better with continuous focusing than the D500? Thanks.
While the technology within the XH2s is better than that of the D500; nevertheless the body-design of the D500 is superior against virtually all Mirrorless cameras; the only exception to this is the R3 body-design which is better than that of every Mirrorless to date. What I absolutely hate about Mirrorless cameras is their body-designs, they are linear and with 90 Degree hard edges; unlike semi-pro and high-end pro DSLRs by Cannon and Nikon which have lots of curves.
Wonderfu detailed video. For Bird still photography which will you suggest X T5 or H2S or H2. Thanks
I would not choose the X-T5 because of the more limited ergonomics (smaller grip etc.). I compared the X-H2 and X-H2S here if you're interested:
ruclips.net/video/QmTbOcdznvk/видео.html
Hope you get a chance to test this camera with the new firmware update!
I'm planning to!
Great review, always appreciate your refined approach to reviewing cameras. With the xt3 and xt4 did Fuji make worthwhile improvements to the af with firmware updates?
It did with the X-T3, basically bringing that camera to the same level as the X-T4. Now the difference between T3 and T4 was not huge to begin with, but there were certainly some areas where the X-T4 was doing better.
I have exactly the same feedback as Jamal but coming from a X-T3 set-up. I’m going to acquire either the X-H2S(tried already) to he X-H2 (try next week). My comment is that today photographers rely too much on cameras performance, the miss shoots are part of the beautiful uncertainty….I’m referring to the old film era 😊
Thank you very much for another thorough review, very helpful!
Thanks glad you liked it!
Thanks for the honest review. I was hoping the X-H2S or the X-H2 would be able to replace both my A7IV and A6600 for birding and landscapes. I guess not. Many the A7RV will be an answer, but for a huge price bump.
Thanks. Really curious to find out more about the A7R V.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons I had the A7R IV for a while and used it both in FF and APSC mode and was very pleased except for the AF for birds. Hoping the A7R V will have the latest AF system
Isn't the A7iv restricted to lossy compressed raw at 10 fps?
yes that’s correct.
@@wildlifeandnaturebydtb2460 For what I was doing, I could never see a difference.
I think you mentioned sorting your pix by which autofocus/AF-C setting you used. Do you record that manually or is there a way to extract it from EXIF data? I use PS CC and Bridge. Neither of those show that information. Also, I'm looking forward to your review of the XT5 for BIF :). Thanks for all the great reviews!
I record voice memos if the camera has that option, or just quick videos stating the settings I’m changing.
I really don’t understand why Fujifilm haven’t fitted the tilt and flip screen from the XT100 it’s a ingenious design and is the answer to stills photographers and videographers it’s so well built sturdy and should please both styles of togs.
Come on Fujifilm let’s get the XT100 rear screen fitted to your future cameras please !
Excellent overview!
I have the xt4 and fuji 100 400 lens and I was considering going to the xh2s and fuji 150 600. Turns out the lens 100 4400 is very fragile and broke on me after light use. It appears to be a known issue after doing some searching. I will switch to another manufacturer with more experience with wildlife.
Thanks for the video. I myself am confused between the Fuji X H2s with the 150-600 vs the Sony A74 with the 200-600 for wildlife and birds.
The price of both being so similar.
Fuji for Video capability, and colours;
Sony for higher resolution image and autofocus.
Confused !
I understand. However, I'll get back to you because I'm testing the X-H2S again next week, with the latest firmware. Let's see if the improvement with AF is really good or not.
You should try firmware 3.00, it has brought the near-100% hitrate from 30 FPS mode up to 40 FPS mode
I'm planning to.
Thanks for the review on the XH2s. Just sold my fuji xh1 with the 50 140mm and 16 55mm for Sony a7iv and tamron 28 75mm G1. I was thinking about the xhs2 as love Fuji but I think it was my time to changed. First Sony for me so learning curve hard with getting to grip with menus.
It takes some time to adjust to the Sony menu, but at least that of the A7 IV is better organized than previous cameras. Also, take advantage of the space in My Menu, and also the Fn menu. It will help you find everything you need once you’ve customized them.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Thanks for the help please keep up your excellent reviews.
I thought seriously of changing to the Canon R7 because I REALLY need a good BIF auto-focus, then considered just how much Fuji gear, besides cameras and lenses, I have. How did you manage that decision?
Could you make a followup with the new firmware? Would be great!
I tested the camera again, video here:
ruclips.net/video/QmTbOcdznvk/видео.html
Since BIF is my favorite Photography, You simply give the Best Reviews.....I am disappointed in Fuji's Autofocus and will probably jump ship and sell my XT3 and six or seven lenses and although much more Expensive jump over to the Sony A1 and a few Sony Lenses....Thanks Again for Great Comprehensive and Honest Reviews on the Best Cameras and Lenses for BIF...
When will the Nikon Z6II test come out?
When will the xh2 be reviewed?
When it becomes available to rent I suppose. I'll try to do it as soon as possible.
Thank you for this review. This is the best and most accurate one I've ever seen. Great job as always. You are precise and pay attention to many things. I would love to see a comparison of the X-H2S with the X-H2 on your channel for bird photography. It would be great if such a comparison was based on Fuji 100-400 and 150-600 lenses (i.e. AF speed and accuracy, % missed shots, sharpness). If you would supplement it with even a small comparison to the X-T4, I would be extremely grateful. I am the owner of X-T4 and 100-400 and I have a dilemma in choosing X-H2 vs X-H2S and whether 150-600 is worth changing from 100-400 with these new bodies (apart from the 200mm longer focal length).
Thank you for the kind comment. I'm planning to text the X-H2 and do some comparisons with it. Have you seen my comparison between the 100-400 and 150-600?
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Yes, it's great. I wrote that first comment before I saw it. And indeed this video has already explained a bit to me :) Thank You
Which one do you prefer more, the Fujifilm X-H2S, the Canon R3 the Canon R5, the Sony A1, or the Nikon Z9?
R3 is better than the others
Great review! Do you subscribe to the notion that Fugi cameras are better suited for photographers who want a "certain" kind of look that only Fugi can provide vs. Sony cameras, which perform tasks like auto focus much like a computer. In other words, when you're holding a Fugi, you're holding a camera, and when you're holding a Sony, you're holding a computer.
Thank you.
I don't really agree with that notion. Every modern camera is a "computer", including Fuji models. The X-H2S, X-H2 and X-T5 have deep learning algorithm for the autofocus, and many other advanced settings (including things like Pre-Shooting, which is not available on E-mount cameras). It's just that Sony's AF is better in my opinion. One could even argue that a camera with better AF serves the photographer better than the one with worse AF, depending on what you need to do with it.
Sure, if we look purely at the design, I prefer the grip of the X-H2 series, and the X-T, X-Pro and X-100 line-ups have interesting dials that are reminiscent of old film cameras, but still useful today. The X-Pro and X-100 are certainly more photographer's oriented, but they are more of a "niche" category.
Ultimately, it is a question of personal preferences. Not everybody likes Fuji's ergonomics, and not everybody likes Sony's.
I am hoping someone does a review like this one on the X-H2. Most of the reviews are more focused on Video and not photography. and defiantly not BIF for the X-H2. If the X-H2 is close to the "S" models for birds, I would choose to wait for the X-T5 to be announced ,being the rumor is a 40MP for the X-T5. I shoot the X-T3 ATM. For landscape and static subjects, its great. For BIF, the X-T3 is So-So. I am hoping the for a good all around camera....But , that's what we all would like.
I will do my best to test the X-H2 as well.
It's much easier going from the x-s10 to the new X-H2* series. I had the x-s10 and the x-h1, 'new' Fuji PASM vs 'traditional'.
From what I've gathered, if you shoot predominantly video or need really fast everything, then the X-H2s is the better choice.
What will blow you away is what you can save under the custom (C1-C7) settings.
Trying out the new auto-focus on my X-H2, my results seem on par with what we see in this review, that BIF is a hit/miss kinda thing:(
Look for reviews on the difference between the cameras. There are a few good ones now.
Honest review...!
Super travail comme d'hab, j'ai 2 questions tout de même
1. j'ai vu dans plusieurs tests, que l'autofocus était plus consistant avec l'obturateur manuel à 15 im/s. As tu fais des tests et si oui étaient ils du même ordre qu'en électronique ?
2. j'ai lu aussi (très peu mais je l'ai vu) que le X-h2 avait une construction moins robuste que le X-H1 par exemple. Quel est ton ressenti dessus ?
Merci pour tout
Merci. Pour répondre à tes questions:
1) Je n'ai pas testé l'obturateur mécanique à 15 im/s. Sur le X-T4 et d'autres appareils Fuji, j'ai toujours eu de meilleurs résultas avec l'obturateur électronique, donc ça ne m'est pas venu à l'esprit de tester les 15i/s sur le X-H2S.
2) Je n'ai pas eu la même sensation, mon ressenti est que le X-H2S est très bien construit. Après c'est vrai que ça fait quatre ans que je n'ai pas pris en main un X-H1, donc difficile de faire une comparaison précise sur ce point.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons merci pour tes réponses. J'ai plutôt la conviction que le sweep spot si situe plus autour de 15 à 20 img/s pour l'autofocus 15 à 20 img c'est même très bien mais pas assez pour justifier le prix, le marketing ou le changement de techno
Finally... Thank you, Matt
You're very welcome!
Excelent. When did you test the Nikon Z6II?
I didn't test the Z6 II.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons, Sorry. The question is: are you going to test the Nikon Z6II?
Not sure honestly, I get very little support, most of the cameras I test I either buy them or rent them, so I need to make a selection.
Thank you for this Test!Are you sure that AF+MF was OFF? Otherwise Focus Priority is falling back to Release Priority!
AF+MF was off.
Having less shadow recovery details than the X-T4 is a bit worrying...
Why still x-trans? I still think that bayer has a bit more fine detail, do you agree?
I just ordered a 150-600 Fuji lens. Any tips for getting focus on a X-S10 with wildlife
For birds in flight, these settings gave me the best results:
Focus Area: Zone 7×7
Focus Priority
AF-C Custom Settings: Set 6 (0, 2, Front)
Drive Mode: 10fps/30fps with electronic shutter and 1.25x crop
Otherwise, I would use the 3x3 zone, or even a single area if the animal is not moving fast, or is still. You can use Set 1 rather than Set 6 for static animals.
Will you update your review and ranking of the camera with the latest firmware?
I've tested the X-H2S again with firmware 3.0, but I only found an improvement for static subjects. I talk about it in this more recent video here:
ruclips.net/video/QmTbOcdznvk/видео.html
Thanks for such a detailed review. Please could you also share your thoughts after firmware version 5?
I haven't tested firmware 5 but it doesn't seem to add a lot, at least according to Fujifilm's description.
Well explained. In short - Fuji is still behind Sony (and Canon) in terms of AF-C and tracking. Pretty much to be expected, really.
Yes pretty much, well summarized 😉
Why to be expected ?!! I had high hopes….
@@gilcarag274 Fuji is not even close to the size of Canon and Sony and has much less revenue to dump into RnD.
@@DeepteshLovesTECH I perfectly understand that. Whatever the reason, the result is still what it is. You can say the same of Nikon but Nikon has made good progress in only 2 generations.
If a fast new body+ fast new lens cannot improve the hit rate compared to an XT3/XT4, I no longer understand what the issue is - software, body, or lens?
That said, hitting 8 out of 10 photos at 40fps is still a higher yield of usable photos than 8 out of 10 at 20 fps (literally twice as many candidates over the course of a second). A Sony/Canon's 10% higher accuracy in theory gets me an additional 4 pictures. I guess "behind" is different than bad! Right? Maybe all this stuff is splitting hairs. Still, I'd like to see Fuji justify its new bodies with quantifiable performance gains and not just raw speed.
I've read from other users of this camera, that they get better results with subject-detect AF when shooting at 30fps or 20fps. Did you do any tests with lower frame rates?
I tested 20, 30 and 40fps, no real difference for me.
I’m shooting an xt3 which I love. I do a lot of bird photography and use my canon 5Dmk4 with a 100-400 mk2 lens. I try that lens on my Fuji with a Fringer adapter. Hit rate is so so but IQ is great. I’ve tried the Fuji 100-400 and got horrible IQ results. That said I’m looking for a crop sensor for birding and was considering canon R7 and the xh2s. I know build quality differences but not sure how if canon auto focus is that much better. Anyone have experience with the two cameras?
I'm currently testing the X-H2S again, with the latest firmware, to see if there any real improvements with AF and keeper rate.
The R7 is a good camera, but if you want to take advantage of the fastest speed (30fps) there is a lot of rolling shutter with fast movements. You won't always notice it, but it's certainly more apparent than other recent models. I was also a bit disappointed with the AF for BIF, compared to other Canon cameras, so to me the R7 is not better than the X-H2S in that. Obviously, the price is a big plus for the Canon, and your 100-400mm mk2 will perform better on the R7 with the Canon adapter.
So for bird photography, how do you feel about the xh2s compared to the OM1?
Well, in terms of keeper rate, the OM-1 gave me better results. Not a striking difference, but it's there.
The X-H2S certainly offers a bit more in terms of image quality, but the OM-1 has a faster drive speed and a more advanced Pro Capture mode.
It also depends on the lens: OM-1 + 300mm Pro is a combo I really like, and I would choose it over the Fuji without hesitation. If we're only talking zooms, then X-H2S and 150-600mm offer more quality and more range as well.
Everything depends on when a photographer can obtain an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO Lens, to finally eliminate any chance of Fujifilm winning the hearts and minds of bird photographers. Fuji has nothing in their pipeline to beat the top OM systems telephoto lens.
Amazing video 4k 120p eagle 🦅❣️❣️❣️
Red Kites 😉
Quick question: for birds in flight, would it perhaps work if you locked focus (AF lock) once the camera grabs focus on the bird? Especially in video?
No because the camera would not focus anymore, and the bird rarely stays at the same distance.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for the donation!
What camera / lens did you shoot the review on? I see a lot of focus pulsing.
I explain this right at the beginning of the video (0:28).
How does it compare to the OM-1’s Ai subject detection ?
The OM-1's Subject Detection mode is better, less problems with the focus point being behind the subject, and I recommend it for birds in flight.
Hello Mathieu. R7 + RF 100-400 or XH2S with firmware 3.0 + tamron 150 500. What choice?
I'll give you an answer in a few days because I'm currently testing the X-H2S with the new firmware.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons we wait. It’s not the same budget but different sensor technology
7:58 에 사용된 렌즈는 어떤 렌즈인가요? 같은 렌즈인가요?
Same lens, XF 50mm F2
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons 감사합니다. 역시 칼라가 x-h2s가 좋네요.
Have you upgraded to firmware version 2.0? I did and I don't have any lag or delay problems compensating exposure with the rear wheel. It is fast and very responsive.
No, unfortunately the firmware came out after I sent the camera back to the rental company. I do mention this in the video at the end but mainly for AF reasons. Good to hear they fixed the dial issue 👍
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons Great review Mathiew. I received my XH2S a couple of days ago and I'm a little dissappointed, just like you. I was planning to sell my XT4 but now I'll keep both for a while before choosing which one to sell.
We wait gh6 birds autofocus!
Did you try firmware 3.0?
Not yet, was planning to rent the camera the other week but it wasn't available. I'll try again soon.
I fully agree. The camera ia not worth the money to upgrade from the XT4. The 150-600 is also a major disappointment. At F8 it is inferior to the competitors. Unfortunately I for one decided to change to other options. To go an a trip to shoot once in a lifetime images you want equipment that can pull it off. Sorry Fuji, I will keep my XT4 and 2 lenses for travel.
150-600 is a major disappointment? How so? The equivalent 600mm zooms from Sigma and Tamron are only 2/3 of a stop faster and a lot heavier/bigger.
I'm not sure that you properly factored the difference in shutter speeds. If you're at 82% at 40fps, that's nearly 32 fps keepers. Sure the Sony is near 100%, but even at that rate, it's still 10fps keepers. You still have 3x as many potential keepers and 3x the chance to catch that special moment with the xh2s and it seems you just excuse that away by claiming you'd rather feel better about the 10fps keepers.
I guess you wanted to write frame rate, not shutter speed.
And no, I factored the difference, I even show a table with the same exacts numbers you wrote in your comment.
Saying that I would choose the A7 IV if I wanted better focus accuracy is not an excuse, it's an opinion, made on that specific part of the video (I'm not saying one is overall better than the other).
And I don't agree about having 3x more chance to capture the special moment with the X-H2S, because the AF is less reliable. There is no way to control where those 8 outs of focus frames will be. Every time, I would have to hope the AF wouldn't let me down on the most important frames (which happened more than once in my experience).
When it works, obviously it's great to have more frames per second, but when it doesn't, well it's a bit disappointing.
You should choose 20fps with focus priority. Don’t compare apples to bananas 🙂
So my recommended settings show 20fps with focus priority, and you say I should choose 20fps with focus priority. Interesting comment 😉
(I also said that 20fps or 40fps didn't make a difference for the keeper rate, but I imagine comparing 20fps and 40fps is also comparing apples to bananas in your book 🙂)
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons well you are comparing 40fps for Fuji vs 10fps for Sony. There is a clear difference. Also in your tests you’re testing the 40fps while there are other videos that shows that at lower fps like 20 the keeper rate it’s higher. 40fps is really fast, so it could explain why there is still struggle to get close to the 100% hit rate, but still at around 90% and higher it’s not bad.
It's a clear difference in drive speed, but it doesn't tell you how the autofocus performance is. And, based on my experience, the A7 IV may be slower with the fps, but it doesn't struggle with a busy background. Of course, if you prioritise the continuous shooting speed over other things (for example if you pre-focus to catch a kingfisher diving in the water), then the X-H2S is much better than the Sony. But if you want to rely on the AF for fast moving animals, the Fuji has limits. I just published a new video, comparing the X-H2 and X-H2S, and testing the latest firmware on the S model. Unfortunately, the problem is still there.
Concerning the test at 40fps and 20fps, I've already said I didn't find any difference in keeper rate. I've heard other people suggesting to use 20fps, but in actual fact the best keeper rate I got with the X-H2S (firmware 1.0) was at 40fps, not 20. I did all the tests again with firmware 3.0, no difference, wether I'm shooting at 10fps or 40fps.
That hunting for focus is so disappointing. I hope Fuji can catch up to Sony soon. I can't stand the ergonomics of Sony cameras, but the autofocus is just unrivalled.
The problem is not within the body, the X-H2S itself, but within the lenses. These two lenses are far from great. The 600mm lens is so dark that nobody needs it, and sure it does not help the camera at all with its F/8 aperture. It will always be a very, very, very slow lens. The CAMERA-LENS autofocus combination using this lens is slow, as expected. The other, 400mm lens, is a bit better, but never will be like a good 400, 500, 600 prime lenses! I use my NiKON 200-500mm lens adapted, and it works better than those Fuji lenses. Fuji must release better lenses for wildlife photography. As for now, in 2022, Fuji has launched nice bodies, but there are no lenses at all for any pro wildlife photography, in my opinion.
you can buy the 200mm f2, with the 2x it becomes a 400mm f4, a 600mm in FF size.
I don't know if AF becomes slow with 2x teleconverter.
I 100% disagree. F8 is a reasonable dof when shooting birds and wildlife at a close distance. When I had my 500 f4 canon I shot mainly between f5.6 at f8 for wildlife as you need dof. Just having the head in focus makes for a poor photo. F4 is not pin sharp on these lenses, f8 on the Fuji is beautiful so no need to stop down any more. ISO is so clean now you can push it much more than just a few years ago, and with DXO and other processing software it expands the possibilities. One stop iso is nothing. This lens is very capable.
Fuji cannot come with a competitive autofocus. Simply horrible my experience with this system. Especially for Action - Wildlife-Sport, you better get your hands off any Fuji camera. Fuji for Wildlife? A bad joke and disappointment!
Interesting interview and indeed it was a shame that you didn't have the camera updated before you reviewed it. The firmware was available on 29th Sept so I a guessing this review was over a week in the making. If you check out Mike Riley channel on RUclips ruclips.net/channel/UCroPb3jYeQaU1o-luEVsJ-A you can see what the new firmware can achieve in the hands of a very good nature photographer.
You may not think that this camera is the "killer wildlife camera" that you were expecting but it is by far the best crop sensor camera on the market. A number of youtube "photographers" seem to have had issues with the autofocus but I guess it is like anything else, the more you use it, the better you get. Certainly Mike Riley seems to have got it down to a T. His video on low light stills photography is eye-opening.
From what I can the see, there is no camera that offers better spec under £3k. So you might think that it is expensive but is it?
There is no crop semsor camera that offer 40 fps and a buffer that will allow you to shoot 160 shots before it is full. Or has a stacked sensor with such a fast read out.
Your real argument is based on the autofocus that has been shown to be partly fixed through software upgrade and partly through making sure the settings are optimal. The problem with such a complicated camera is that it take more than renting it for a few days, and that is where someone like Mike can illustrate what this camera can really do.
Even DP Review realised that their origanal review was....................... well let's be nice and call it lacking.
So I guess the question is: What is the best crop sensor camera for wildlife? I mean we can ignore the R7 and R10 - if you can't be bothered to design a wildlife camera withoiut proper weather sealing yuo definitely don't make the list. The OM1 maybe? I would be interested to know.
I rent it for two weeks (plus the lenses), not just a few days LOL. I spent time going back to the same locations more than once, trying all the setting combination possible, and it’s a lot of work. Imagine how frustrating it is when a new firmware comes out and you just sent the camera back. But I can’t rent it forever, and I’m sure there will be other firmware updates that will make me start “all over again”.
Sure the X-H2S has impressive features and it probably is the best APS-C on the market, but I found the same AF problems the X-T4, the X-T3 or even older models have. So yes I was expecting more, given all the things they said during the announcement, including the faster AF calculation etc.
I may have been a bit severe with the X-H2S, but my job is to review cameras. That doesn’t stop people from using it, working around its limitations and getting a lot out of it. If anything, all the images I show in my video prove you can take great photos with it.
As for your question in the end, the OM-1 does better with AF in my experience, and it has a faster drive speed, more advanced pro capture mode etc. The sensor is not as good as the Fuji, but the OM-1 paired with the 300mm Pro is one of my favorite combo. I haven’t tested the R7 yet so can’t comment on it.
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons I was just not sure what you were looking for in a wildlife camera. If the autofocus is really your only gripe. Mike Riley has covered that to the nenth degree. In almost all cases so far, people "reviewing" cameras have failed to set it up properly. The adjustments to the speed of the autofocus in particular.
As you say the issue with the OM-1 is partly the sensor and partly the question of whether 4/3 is viable in the future.The OM1 was in design before JIP took over the ailing Olympus business and their track record is not great (Sony Vaio). There desperate efforts to "buy" influencers on youtube also gives me concerns.
As for the R10 and R7 - well, by Canon's own admission, their weather sealing is not as good as the 8 year old 7D Mk2.The warping caused by rolling shutter is truely breathtaking as the sensor read out is quite slow. Shutter shock, I could go on. And the buffer filling after 1 second, well........ the R7 went back. The autofocus was very fast and accurate but no matter what anyone says, it is not as good as the R3 and the speed of autofocus is important but not everything.
It is interesting reading different reviews. Many people miss some of the most important aspects. Try talking about colour. I have shot for 30+ years with Canon and yet even though their colour science is famous for instagram and the like, it is not really very accurate. Fuji colours however appear to be very accurate, especially for wildlife.
People have also commented on the price of the X-H2S but if you combined that with their 150-600, it is cheaper than the R7 + the 100-500.
What a lot of people fail to see is that this new camera from Fuji manages to produce an image as good as the XT-4 but can do this at 40 fps, and has better autofocus. With 7 custom settings on the PASM dial you barely need to adjust settings in the field, just move to the relevant custom setting. As simple as that.
Your OLY set up is meant to be quite good but 300mm is going to cut it if you want to shoot waders or small birds, so that isn't a starter for me.
The problem is that many people here have an agenda. The Canon Fanboys, OLY til I die brigade, the Fuji people who live in the past with their little dials and pretending they shoot in manual all the time - they all have an agenda. I have shot Canon for 30+ years, I see the R7 for what it is (it is not the mirrorless 7D Mk2!), and I will upgrade soon, maybe to the X-H2S.
I have never shot Fuji before but Canon have taken liberties with their customer base and are now planning to screw every penny from them by locking them in to the expensive RF line of lenses. So wherever I go, it won't be Canon.
I’ve been testing Fuji cameras since the birth of the X-series, and for wildlife/birds since the X-T1. I know these cameras very well, I know all their settings very well.
The X-T3 does 30fps at 16MP, the X-H2S does 40fps at 26MP four years later with better buffer. It’s a very good improvement, but I was also hoping to see a good step-forward with AF and tracking (the wide-tracking setting is really getting old now). I’m not looking for just autofocus in a wildlife camera, but when you get the same results as a 4 year old model, I don’t think it’s that surprising to be a bit disappointed. You can give me 40, 50 or 100fps, but it the camera looses the subject and tracks the tree behind instead, all these frames per second become irrelevant in that specific situation.
If you do decide to get the X-H2S, then perhaps we can continue this conversation and you can share some direct feedback about it.
Concerning OM Digital Solutions, I want to wait a few years to see what they do, once they will release products conceived entirely within the new company rather than continuing what Olympus started. Plus, I’ve heard people saying micro four thirds is dead for years and years, and yet it’s still here.
The R7 sounds disappointing from what you say. Canon is doing interesting things, the R3 that I reviewed recently is one of the best camera I ever used, but the system is still young, and some lenses are expensive. I love the quality of the 100-500mm, but they’re asking a bit too much for it.
FX30(and upcoming new Sony APSC A7xxx bodies) kills this in the real world. Sad, it'll be another 2 mediocre years for Fuji fans waiting for new sensor/algorithms and all that....
I'll be curious to see a new high-end Sony APS-C body.