I whole-heartedly agree... I rented the XH2s for an event, before deciding to buy the XH2. I'm more photo focused, so it made more sense. I recently just sold my X100V and got an XT5 and a set of "Fujicron" lenses, so now I have both the XT5 and XH2, and I couldn't be happier.
I bought a Leica M11 and after 3 months I had to send it back for repair. The screen stopped working. It took a month to get it back and once I got it back, 5 days later I had to send it back for the same issue. A month latter I got it back again. I couldn't trust the camera after that, So I sold it. I understand your fustration.
X-h2s has been my camera for everything. I’ve built my foundation and learned photography from this camera over the last 2 years. It was just luck that I got it. Didn’t know much about photography cameras only that I needed a hybrid one. My background has been in media so I knew I wanted it to do video I’ve wrestled with keeping it or selling it too.
It’s been an amazing camera for me when it’s worked and I do genuinely think it’s one of the best Fuji APSC cameras on the market just due to its capabilities - tbh if I didn’t have such horrible luck with it constantly breaking I’d likely still keep it.
The X-T5 is the photo camera, the X-H2s is the video camera, and the X-H2 is for those who can't afford 2 cameras (me). The best option for most people is to get the X-T5 or X-H2, whichever you prefer the body style, and then get the X-S20 if you're doing video, as that has the 6.2k opengate like the X-H2s. I've not had any issues with my X-H2 other than the EVF fogging up after spending a day outdoors shooting motorsport.
The only downside with the XS-20 is the lack of redundancy in terms of multiple card slots and lacking CFExpress and a full size HDMI port for a friendlier video experience, although I guess if you just shoot video as a hobby it’s not a bad option. The X-H2 really combines the best of both worlds and unless you need open-gate it’s got all the features for video/photo you could need, especially at a much cheaper price then the S. I’m also aware that perhaps the issues I experienced with the XH2s are just really unlucky circumstances, I know plenty of people who have had no problems with theirs - but I wasn’t so lucky
@rudermanphoto I'd say that the X-H2s is only needed if you're doing more video than just youtube. That's when the rolling shutter, dual card slots, and the higher dynamic range come I. It's why I've got the X-H2, the best of both. I do wish it had a rear screen like the A7RV so that it tilts as well as flips out.
I had to send back my XH2s because the CF card slot broke. Wild that you’ve experienced all those problems, that sucks. And the camera that kept working without a fuss was my XT4. I guess they still need a few iterations of the XH line to work out all the kinks. But you’re totally right, a flagship camera shouldn’t be that unreliable.
Been using my xh2s in harsh backcountry conditions for 2 yrs now without any issues. Been super reliable for me. Perhaps you just got a lemon. XH2S is mainly for video shooters who value max dynamic range / 4k 60 no crop / no rolling shutter. Or possibly sports wildlife photo.
So glad I stuck with the underrated XT4. I didn't want 40 megapixels and despite being discontinued, Fuji still provides firmware updates on the XT4. Aside from 30 minute recording limits and the mini hdmi port, It's still solid enough to hold onto until the next beast comes along. (If the X-s20 had dual slots, that would've been a different story.) Much appreciated take on this camera.
Never had any problems with my X-H2S. The shooting experience is great, as you have a pro camera which also includes all film-sims. For me 26mp are more than enough. (Also Regarding file sizes)
Such a fantastic and thorough video Matthew you look like a natural mate!!! Love my xt5 and getting my Sony colors where I want them are still a work in progress but love the challenge!! Excited to see what you continue to create and how you evolve :)
I have the X H2s and X T5. They’ve both worked flawlessly for me. I’ve shot weddings and other outdoor gatherings with zero issues with the X H2s. Yes the af isn’t as good as the Sony A7iv or R6 but it isn’t that far off imo. In fact I sold the Sony and kept the X H2s. My favorite is the X T5 for the shooting experience. But I do read way too many negative experiences with Fujifilm continuous af and af tracking vs Sony or Canon which I almost never read.
Thanks for the video dude! Im an Xh2s user, have only experienced infrequent glitches e.g unresponsive ISO button. On/off battery in out. And hopefully thats all. As for the frequent comparison of body price to (presumably sony) in those examples. Would love to hear your opinion or options on sony/full frame lenses as this is a massive advantage with X series (with reference to cost of glass) Also keen to see what youve chosen and maybe how the price and performance of your chosen glass for it stacks up. ❤
Hey! I have switched to the Lumix S5ii and I couldn’t be any happier, it is a sensational camera and the value for money is unbeatable when compared to the XH2s. The only downsides are the lenses, being full frame are both larger and more expensive, but the overall IQ and performance is just night and day compared to the XH2s. I actually have made a review for the S5ii on my channel if you’d like to check it out!
@@rudermanphoto yeah just catching up on your new vid mate. Digi direct sales and so forth making it a good looking system. Keen to watch the rest and see some more videos mate!
Long time Fuji owner. Xe1, xt1, xt2, xt20. The old cameras were so terrific. I had an xh2 for a couple weeks the focus was less accurate than my old xt2 20 (single point). So sad to see them stumble so badly
This is all consistent with my experience (including the need to send in a busted camera twice before Fuji fixed/replaced a camera, GFX in my are), except that I didn’t have the bugs or lockups using the S. I sold my S solely because of the AF in video (got sick of having to re-shoot videos bc of AF foibles), replaced it with a Panny S5IIx, which works (soul-lessly) great…you too?
I got the S5ii! And yeah while it’s pretty bland looking god damn it’s performance is exceptional, especially the S primes - tiny and so sharp and nice, just so cheap feeling especially compared to Fuji haha
it's not only you when it comes to freezing I use one from my school and I don't think I have gone a day without it freezing up on me and having to take out the battery and put it back in.
I haven't had any glitches on the XH2s. But I have on their GFX cameras. A lot of it power related issue. I feel the same about this with you, I have issues with their reliability.
WooHooOO Touit32! Wonderful review and I think very fair. I own 2x XH2S's and do paid work as well... where we differ is the NATURE of the paid work. It's all about the stacked sensor, if this is not a CRUCIAL piece of tech then absolutely at this price point better value is had elsewhere. Unfortunately... for my line of work the stacked sensor technology has become a must. I work in extremely sound sensitive environments under strong artificial light, I am forced to use ES mode and if I want shutter speeds higher than 1/40-1/60 without banding... it's stacked sensor camera time. I can understand your club work and even weddings (where you're not looking for repeat business from a bride and groom!), being stealth is not really a concern, shoot MS and away you go. But I have built up a great reputation for being utterly discreet and gain repeat business because of this... because of the stacked sensor tech. And once you start browsing the stacked sensor line you realise what a goldilocks the XH2S is in terms of feature for price. You are absolutely right though in terms of Q&A, at this price we want solid non buggy and crashy cameras and Fuji need to lift their game here (don't even get me started on the latest trash f/w 6.00!). I've been thankfully ok on that front, but the camera is really sensitive, wrong cards and it has a hissy fit... it's definitely temperamental. Sounds to me like your line of work is not so crucial to having the stacked sensor tech, and after all these issues I too would be flogging it and going for something else.
I had that Touit on there just waiting for your comment, im glad you spotted it ;) Very interesting use-case scenario you talk about, I had honestly not thought about the benefits when using the electronic shutter only, I guess for that the stacked sensor does indeed make sense! I've never needed to be particularly stealthy like you say so i've always been fine with just the mechanical shutter haha Have you also experienced weird issues with FW 6.00? Cause it seems like all my camera breaking problems started once I updated the camera to it... The AF did get noticeably better though! I've replaced it with the Lumix S5ii and have been super happy so far, can't believe you can buy that camera with the excellent 20-60 for less money then the X-H2s by itself lol. No where near as sexy but performance wise its just exceptinal, especially the lowlight performance where it can easily shoot 25,600-51,200 ISO looking like the XH2s does at 6400! Time will tell how it behaves and hopefully it won't be as buggy as the XH2s was but initial impressions are great.
@@rudermanphoto yeh, I always say to people 'if you don't know the perks of stacked sensor... then that probably means you're safe from needing it and would be overy paying for tech you don't need or fully appreciate'. It was great that you made comparisons to other stacked sensor cameras because THAT is the real point. Comparing the XH2S with the A7IV is for me a weirder (and slightly irrelevant) comparison than comparing (oddly) the M43 stacked sensor OM-1 with the FF Nikon Z8 i.e. I actually place the stacked sensor tech as more relevant tech components of cameras than even sensor size!). My line of work now sees me stuck a little within the stacked sensor market and choices are kinda narrow in this regard. I mean SOME jobs I don't need it all the time, but it feels like a good 50% of my work does see stacked sensor put to good use and I don't want to split my investments up. I may add a Sony or Lumix at some point (non stacked), but accept it is just for this task only. Problem with this is my memory, I'm getting auld! It's hard to remember settings and menus on multiple systems. I'm personally still on f/w 5.03. I'm old enough to know that customers shifted to becoming beta testers (and very little is done thoroughly inhouse), for a long time now I adopt the sit and watch approach and upgrade only when the dust has settled. Let's see what the summer f/w (Reala Ace etc) brings and whether it fixes some of the quirks that many seem to be having on 6.00 and 4.00 (Xt5/Xh2). S5ii is a great camera. You'll love it.
@@SummersSnaps I compared it to the A7iv because for my style of photography the A7iv was technically much better then the XH2s, in its AF performance and its low light performance too, and I omitted the O-M1 in that comparison because of that very same reason. (also because i've never used an O-M1) I do wish I had done a bit more research as to where stacked sensors are more beneficial vs just the standard rolling shutter and higher FPS benefits so I could have included it in the review but I'm glad you've given me a bunch of useful knowledge on where and when stacked sensors can actually be critical to your work instead of just being a "nice to have" One thing I love about the S5ii is just how great the ergonomics and user experience is, not since the Ricoh GR have I used a camera so thoughtfully laid out - the menu system is a bit confusing (and it is fully touch capable!) but the dials and placement of everything is so spot on it's just awesome.
@@rudermanphoto No, absolutely comparing a A7IV vs a XH2S is fair, I just meant in my eddy brain hehe. Your assessment was rich and fair enough. I fell into a niche, I shoot orchestra rehearsals, close up on the stage under the watchful eye of the conductor, it is very serious stuff (military like ahah)! Or I shoot government conferences in Sydney, and I need to be silent and not draw attention to myself when the premiere is speaking etc. There are so many other events that this sound stealth stuff is not so instrumental so it's understandable that some might not be fully aware of the stacked sensor tech. Anyway, stacked sensors were a bandaid to global shutters, it's going to be interesting where we're headed. I hope they either get more affordable or global shutter replaces at similar price point. I think my next camera will likely be a global shutter one (hopefully in about 5yrs time or so).
That's a bit of a shame, I primarily shoot street with electronic shutter (it's silent after all) but due to increased LED lighting, these days I have to endlessly deal with banding and rolling shutters. Was quite interested in the X-H2s for it's stacked sensors for leaps and bounds better ES performance, but I think I'll wait until their next try at it. Now if only they can just release X-E5 with stacked sensor and IBIS, would be the perfect stealth setup right there.
Yeah that may be one big reason why you’d want to go for a stacked setup - I believe maybe as it’s their first try at a stacked sensor that’s why it has all these issues, I don’t believe the XH2 is anywhere near as temperamental. I’d love to see what they do with the XH3s!
So for an amateur photographer (family, travel, landscape, grandchildren sports) would recommend the xt5 or the Sony A7iv? Or, do you have any thoughts about the Imii?
Depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend - the XT5 will be a much better travel camera and will be a lot more fun to shoot with the then A7iv but the A7iv will be technically a lot better, and a lot more expensive - it’ll also be heavier and bigger being full frame. I am very happy with my Lumix S5ii but for travel I still think the XT5 is a great choice, I’d just stay away from the XH2s haha
I have the xh2 now and I love it. Why anyone would go for the xh2s when about the only advantage it has its stacked sensor. The xh2 has the 40mp res and I'm happily shooting basketball, soccer, cricket, etc at 5fps and getting great shots. Get the xh2 to replace the xh2s. Note - the autofocus on eyes and faces still needs work but it's okay so long as you get multiple shots of the person, as at least one or two will be right.
I’ll definetly be looking to add an XH2 to join the XT5 in my photo arsenal soon, but I’ve replaced the XH2s with a Lumix S5ii to do my video work for me and I’m super happy so far.
XH2S is better durability than the XT5 from what other people said in their experience. Also my XH2S survived a torrential rain storm in Japan while shooting outside but my other camera which is the a7r3a and it died out in the rain and I had to leave it in the sun to dry for a day to get it back alive. Also the CF B card I love the lower cost than CF A and is fast. For your XH2S I think you had a defective unit from the start it seems and the repairs weren’t solving the issue. I even took my XH2S on a catamaran and through waves in the sea it showed no sign of issues.
@@rudermanphoto even if they say brand new I still think they may have lied and sent refurbs. I wouldn’t put it pass companies. Worked for ATT, and various other vendors in electronics and seen some of the practices and it is depending on what people are running the show behind the scenes. Bad people equals bad company practices in general. If not then yeah that is some very unfortunate luck 🍀 with the cameras to go that bad. Iamtongue, Roman Fox, Pete Coco, Pal2Tech, Joe Allam all have been experiencing good results from it. I myself looking at selling my a7r3a and buying a Panasonic S5II/X because I have knee damage from Judo/Wrestling I walk with a slight limp so having better ibis is heavenly for me lol.
You gotta find the right fit for you.... Can of worms has been officially opened here, my friend. I'll be very blunt in my personal experience with the X-H2S after owning the camera twice over the course almost 2 years: I hated using it. All the things I loved about Fujifilm were thrown out the window with this camera. It doesn't feel like a Fuji camera. It feels like a Canon R5 or R6....but with greatly inferior ergonomics, autofocus, and some steps back in capability. I love the stacked sensor, but the body just never felt right to me. I sold it the first time after about 6-8 months of Fujifilm refusing to let the dials be assigned to control ISO or exposure compensation. They finally added it back in so I picked up a second hand camera in hopes that would be enough to make it "work" for me the way I wanted. Nope....I loved the image quality and the sensor, but I hated using the camera. It never felt fun to use and it was far too limited in ergonomics to make me want to use it on jobs. Not to mention BOTH of my cameras had major and I mean MAJOR delay in responsiveness in adjusting the dials. We're talking about a second between when you made a command dial change before it was reflected in the camera. You can imagine the frustration this caused. It happened on both cameras, but my first camera had it the worst. BOTH cameras had unusable IBIS in video as it had very strange behavior and would not "gracefully" stabilize footage, but jerk around as you tried to slowly pan with any IBIS setting. (Not a problem on my Canon cameras) It sucks to be so negative about the camera because so many people love it. But I honestly don't think I've ever owned a camera I hated more than this one! The sensor was just too damn good so I had to come back and give it one more shot. I'm sure there will be plenty of people that say you or I didn't know what we were doing and that their camera is flawless. The truth is mine wasn't flawless and I didn't enjoy using it. Oh well, I sold it and doubled down on the X-T5 - which has been mostly perfect for me.
Spot on with the description of it feeling like a R5 with worse autofocus and performance haha Glad to hear I’m not the only one who had problems with it! I might double down and buy a second XT5, but I do really love the CFexpress cards and I already have a few that I got for the XH2s so feels like a waste not owning a camera that utilises them at least :(
XH2S is perfect for sports/action/wildlife…mostly. Second benefit is it will do justice to the older lenses with its lower resolution. But I would agree it is major overkill for talking head videos. Did you track your serial numbers as they returned/replaced the cameras? It sounds to me like you got a lemon. I don't care if you keep it or not, but I also do wonder what brand CF Express / SD cards you tried.
If you want to shoot sports/wildlife you’d just be better off not getting a Fuji at all as the performance of the full frame options is just so much better for that particular application. Fuji makes sense for portrait/street and general fun photography where that speed isn’t as critical and actual camera enjoyment factor rank much higher. I did track the serial numbers, the first camera I returned to the store I got it from as it was considered DOA as it was within 2 weeks of buying it, the second camera I received back was the same one I sent which worked perfect for 5 days before dying in the exact same way it did the week prior. The latest one they sent me is a brand new serial number and brand new camera itself. So far seems to work just fine but I’m not using it much anymore as I have a replacement. And yeah, I most likely did get a lemon - I’m not implying every XH2s ever will be faulty, just that I found it odd that I got so unlucky with it, as when it wasn’t broken it was a great camera to shoot with haha I used the ProGrade and Sabrent cards, didn’t have any issue at all with either of them and I can highly recommend them as they’re the cheapest and yet also just as fast and probably reliable as more expensive options. (Reliability wasn’t as big a concern for me as I always dual record)
Good decision. After the recent fw upgrade on Fuji which actually made AF worse I am done with Fuji. Some reviewers said the AF on a Sony a6000 from 2014 was better. I would agree. I've never had so many missed shots and false positive focus confirmations in my life. I still have Sony FF but for travel I'm going with the A6700 instead.
I love my XT-5 and X-H2s. The AF may be not up to the par but I have more fun shooting with them than with my A7IV and bulky zoom lenses. The IQ may be higher on A7IV but this is all subjective for mobile/web content :)
I have a Canon R5 and a X-H2S. I've had more fun with the X-H2S and the 150-600 shooting wildlife than I ever did with my R5 with the 100-400 or 100-500. I've found the autofocus 85% as good as the R5. The end result photos coming out (besides MP difference) are just as good and I've been really pleased with the sharpness and noise performance of the X-H2S. The sensor in that thing is impressive.
Hey... enjoying your vids. If you want a Fuji camera that MAKES you want to pick it up and go out with it - get an x-Pro2. I absolutely love mine and will probably never part with it.
I had an XPro2!! Awesome camera but the autofocus was pretty mediocre, I much prefer the XPro1, love how simple it is and the sensor I think is just great 😊
Lumix S5ii! It’s the camera I replaced the XH2s with and it can comfortably shoot 25,600-51,200 iso images with grain similar to the XH2s at 4000-6400! And at $2599 aud with the excellent 20-60mm kit lens it’s actually cheaper than a body only XH2s. Yes it feels a bit cheaper made and isn’t as sexy as the Fuji but its performance is staggeringly good both in photo and video, with psychic like AF performance, aforementioned amazing low light performance and excellent handling to boot. Also the 1.8 S primes from Lumix are mental too (and very small and relatively affordable) I hope to use it for about a month before I make my review on it but I am very satisfied so far! Also to add on, the A7iv can be had for around 3.1k aud which is still cheaper then the XH2s and it also smokes it in low light performance plus has the benefit of the E mount but god I really didn’t like using that camera nor did I like its shutter sound so I didn’t buy one myself You can also likely find an R6ii or Z6ii for similar money and both will also trump it in high ISO performance as well. While the camera has (technically) the best low light performance of any Fuji crop sensor, it’s naturally not going to be as good as full frame in low light no matter how good they make it.
Thank you for your review, sorry for your you bad camera experience. As mentioned before in another video comment, I have not had any issues except the occasional freezing of the camera and card error (only on SD cards, not the CF). Owning both, the XH2 and the XH2s, I can say that the autofocus of the s is much better, faster, getting more hits. That said, it is not on par with Sony, Canon, Nikon. So the s is my wildlife and even preferred portrait camera, when the XH2 gets it right, however, the images are great. But I had a recent low light indoor shoot, and WAY too many misses while the camera is fooling you with a green box on the eye… really frustrating sometimes, though I am lucky enough not to need it for professional work. I am not doing any filming. Concerning battery life, my XH2s is actually better than the XH2. All things considered, the quality combined with the lighter weight compared to full frame still makes it the right camera system for me, even though I envy the Sony, Canon, Nikon autofocus. I really hope your new camera lives up to your expectations, better luck with the Lumix🤞
It's weird, I've had my XH2 for 1 year now. I've never had any problems. Is it the XH2-S? What does the after-sales service say about that? Video scares me for the future of my XH2, I use it for my RUclips channel and for pro photography...
I haven’t heard of any issues with the XH2, and given it shares the sensor with the XT5 I imagine it’ll probably be just fine! You get a solid 3 years of warranty with Fuji anyway which is better then the 1-2 years other camera companies offer so atleast that’s comforting
@@Excelsior_Photo I still have an XT5, and I won’t be giving up Fuji entirely, but I have replaced the XH2s with a Lumix S5ii for video and event work where the mental high ISO performance is much appreciated. I filmed this entire video with it and I’m overall super impressed with its performance both in video and photo!
@@rudermanphotoI have canon R5 and XH2S and XT4 and 6D and I’d happily get the LUMIX S5II x for photo because I love the L lenses. But I won’t compromise with the lower EVF. The XT4 kills me after using the XH2S or R5.
@@robmcd the EVF isn’t that bad! I think it’s a bit better than the XT5, but not quite as good as the XH2s. The ergonomics on the camera are also superb, it’s one of the best laid out cameras I’ve ever used imo
I don't really think the 40MP of the X-H2 and XT-5 offer much over the 26MP of the X-H2S. Certainly not as much of a difference as a FF 24MP vs a FF 45MP If anything, the demanding pixel pitch of having 40MP on a 23.5mm x 15.6mm APSC sized sensor has some downsides when it comes to diffraction and rolling shutter. Yes, finer noise grain but things like DxO or adobe enhance really level the playing field with noise performance. Run a 40MP X-H2 photo and a 26MP X-H2S photo through DxO and the noise result will be the same.
It’s more just a sharpness and overall resolution thing - images on the XT5 just look “crisper” then they do on the XH2s all due to these extra megapixels + you get the benefit of a lot more leeway when cropping In the video I said I didn’t notice much of a difference noise wise and it’s true, they are pretty similar as per your explanation - it’s just that one of the purported benefits of the stacked sensor in the XH2s is better low light and high ISO performance when it’s actually fairly comparable.
Fuji did give me a new one! I can’t fault their customer service, they were prompt to solve my issues, even when they made a mistake it was all rectified super quickly thankfully!
Sold both my H2 and H2s a few weeks ago. Besides quite cheap and plasticky feel (compared to other brand's flagships or even Fuji's own X-E2, X-T3 and basically all older camera where build quality did matter), the performance was worse and worse. With every firmware everything went wrong. I have been shooting both cameras for over a year and sorry, stacked sensor is so slow and the AF is absolutely horrible currently. I wouldn't expect Lumix to be so much better, yet here I am. Man, even the "horrible" DFD on the ooooold S1R is better. I can't believe Fujifilm dares to call their AF... i don't know... working at all? And yeah, I spend months on the different settings.
Yessir, I got the S5ii. Very happy so far! Not as sexy as the Fuji but much better performance for all my paid work, I’ll still use my XT5/X-Pro1 for photo stuff when all that performance isn’t super critical.
@@rudermanphoto nice! Also contemplating the S5 II for paid work. Best body in that price range at the moment. Would really like the Tamron 35-150 for event and wedding work though. So Sony a7 iv might be the best fit. Never enjoyed Sony (had the a7iii and 7r iii boringly good bodies. Viewfinder and screens were crap, but everything was always is focus anyways). Thinking about keeping the x-t5 16-55, 33 1.4 and 56 1.2. maybe an UW. Have a lot of good Fuji glass. Don't want to end up with 20 lenses though. 1. Nikon zf good mid ground in terms of glass and bodies? No 1.4 glass atm 2. Sony a7 iv perfect glass, big 2nd hand market 3. Panasonic S5 II best body, almost no 2nd hand glass and no Tamron Very hard for a true hybrid shooter. Still not out yet
I've seen very bad things about the autofocus performance of this camera in its latest firmware updates. Too bad, I'd really love to keep using Fuji but shooting motorsports autofocus is paramount for me. My X-S10 has served me well but I'm looking something more professional.
Interestingly I felt like the AF was actually the best it had ever been in 6.00, it’s just that my camera bricked itself twice on that firmware so not exactly positive reports about it haha
Sounds like you got a dud. All those issues are concerning, and you’re right, that’s not what you should experience using a pro camera. I’ve had mine since I bought it new at the start of 2023. No issues whatsoever, and it really has been a workhorse for me.
It’s an amazing camera when it worked for me! Tbh if it didn’t break twice I probably would have kept it - just a bit sick and tired of dealing with it now.
Hey Matthew! Really enjoy your videos - they're informative and entertaining at the same time. Your video about the Zeiss Touit pushed me over the edge to finally get one for my x-pro bodies. And I really love the look that this lens gives to the photos. I just can´t get my head around one issue. When I shoot the lens wide open at 1.8 the camera seems to go into semi Automatic mode and decides the aperture for me (Like when I put it into A mode on the aperture ring). Any clue why that happens? I updated the firmware of the lens and tried it out on an x-pro1/ x-pro3 and x-T5. This reminds me of the 2.8 setting of my Contax T2. Where the camera overrides the aperture when it decides there´s too much light Send help please!
Very peculiar and I’m unsure why that’s happening! Especially on multiple bodies. Is the lens under warranty perhaps? Although if the rest of it works fine I don’t even know what to say haha
Have you had any issues with the XF18mm f1.4? Sometimes the motors don't engage properly after reviewing a photo and i hear a thunk and then the camera error says to switch it off and on. The lens is brand new but happens maybe once per day if i take the camera on a photo walk.
Absolutely none whatsoever, although as evidenced by my experience with the XH2s ive learned that while it’s probably great for some people others have issues hahaha that said, that lens has always performed great for me and it has probably the most accurate AF out of any Fuji lens I own, with the 90 f2 close behind. It could be faulty though, if you can take it back to the store you bought it from and exchange it maybe? Or Fuji should be able to service it fairly quickly if you send it into them, provided it bothers you enough to do that.
Agree it isn't good enough. Do you think this is a problem with a batch of these cameras, all of these cameras, all of Fujifilm cameras or all of mirrorless cameras? It does not bode well for the second hand market. My expectation is that you went back to Canon but it seems not. What about Nikon?
I think it’s a problem with the XH2s itself. Being the first stacked sensor Fuji has made it’s likely manufacturing issues to do with that - my XT5 has been flawless and I have heard of many problems with the XH2s from others. I didn’t go back to Canon, I got a Lumix S5ii and I am extremely happy with it! Unbelievable performance, awesome ergonomics and the L mount has a bunch of great lens options with a great future ahead of it - plus it was really affordable (cheaper then the XH2s by a considerable margin on sale) might be one of the best value hybrid cameras on the market today! No where near as sexy as the Fuji and certainly not built as nice but performance wise it delivers so much more then the XH2s in both photo and video aspects.
Literally, everything you said is 100% incorrect. The AF was on par with the A9 at release with the OG firmware. it was FW 3-6 that was bad (the one you were using). FW7.0 is better, but not as good as the original FW from the day it was released 2 years ago. Not sure you know how to use the camera, I mean you don't turn it on without a lens attached or a cap and then try and fire the shutter? I think most of your issues are user error. I've shot it since release and yes it has froze a few times (all cameras do this) and after 80K shots shooting american football in 120 degree heat, down pours, and snow storms I've had no issues.
xh2s. the hardware monster that is slowed down by its software. that's so sad. If Fuji finally managed to equip this camera with an AF like Sony or Cannon have, they would definitely be number 1 when it comes to APSC There could also be a few MkII versions of their lenses. 16-55mk2 would be one such candidate. I love my Fuji cameras, but when it comes to AF (as I said, the XH2s has the requirements) you'll have to find a solution.
I've had my XH-2S for just under a year now and it's not the camera for me. The colours are nice, the video is nice, sadly mine broke 4 months into it and it sat with Fuji getting repaired for 2 months under warranty. Great camera just not for me.
I sold my 2, frankly it was just a rubbish camera, you can't use the half the features it has as the AF system is basically a load of w&nk, can't use eye focus, can't use tracking of any kind reliably, what it does get in "focus" is soft, and single point has its own set of problems. Are the files nice to work with? sure. Are the lenses good? don't know the nothing is ever in focus. But you know it has a "look". Sorry for the tone but I was really disappointed with it. I just about made the transition viable. Moved to 2 canon r6 mkii's.....
@@rudermanphoto I buy everything second hand for that reason, I basically lost no money on the camera and bundled one card like you with one body (so lost a bit there) they're someone else's problem now.... Got the canons 5 days ago, went in to the garden shot my wife walking towards the camera ie bride walking down the isle, every single shot in focus! went and did a charity running event the other day as well everything in focus. If it misses its user error. these will be in my bag for years to come. Boring cameras to look at but dam they work well. Canon is just an expensive system, and I certainly wouldn't by an RF L lens at RRP on the used market there value drops out there backside. 50mm 1.2 2500quid, 1300-1400quid on MPB. same with the 28-70 fantastic glass though! I'll be using it in anger in Budapest in a few weeks. Love your work by the way! lovely comps and colour
@@gaza4543 thank you! I have been very satisfied with my switch to an S5ii and a S5iiX, AF performance is awesome, low light is amazing and it’s so good for video too! Colours are just as good if not better than the Fuji was too.
@@rudermanphoto Lumix was on the short list, the colour is lovely from what ive managed to test out and it shows in your work, they are very...... leica dare I say. I look forward to seeing more of your work chap. Be nice if you can get to 10k subs before the end of the year!
@@gaza4543 Leica co-developed the processor inside it so there’s no surprises there haha Yes 10k by the end of the year is my goal! Lots of great videos coming up, can’t wait for the next few months!
I never had the XH2s overheat on me but I also never shot longer then 30 mins at a time - once at an event when it was rather warm outside I got a temperature warning but the camera did continue to keep recording without issue.
I whole-heartedly agree... I rented the XH2s for an event, before deciding to buy the XH2. I'm more photo focused, so it made more sense. I recently just sold my X100V and got an XT5 and a set of "Fujicron" lenses, so now I have both the XT5 and XH2, and I couldn't be happier.
I bought a Leica M11 and after 3 months I had to send it back for repair. The screen stopped working. It took a month to get it back and once I got it back, 5 days later I had to send it back for the same issue. A month latter I got it back again. I couldn't trust the camera after that, So I sold it. I understand your fustration.
Thats insane for a camera that cost 8 grand...
X-h2s has been my camera for everything. I’ve built my foundation and learned photography from this camera over the last 2 years. It was just luck that I got it. Didn’t know much about photography cameras only that I needed a hybrid one. My background has been in media so I knew I wanted it to do video I’ve wrestled with keeping it or selling it too.
It’s been an amazing camera for me when it’s worked and I do genuinely think it’s one of the best Fuji APSC cameras on the market just due to its capabilities - tbh if I didn’t have such horrible luck with it constantly breaking I’d likely still keep it.
The X-T5 is the photo camera, the X-H2s is the video camera, and the X-H2 is for those who can't afford 2 cameras (me).
The best option for most people is to get the X-T5 or X-H2, whichever you prefer the body style, and then get the X-S20 if you're doing video, as that has the 6.2k opengate like the X-H2s.
I've not had any issues with my X-H2 other than the EVF fogging up after spending a day outdoors shooting motorsport.
The only downside with the XS-20 is the lack of redundancy in terms of multiple card slots and lacking CFExpress and a full size HDMI port for a friendlier video experience, although I guess if you just shoot video as a hobby it’s not a bad option.
The X-H2 really combines the best of both worlds and unless you need open-gate it’s got all the features for video/photo you could need, especially at a much cheaper price then the S.
I’m also aware that perhaps the issues I experienced with the XH2s are just really unlucky circumstances, I know plenty of people who have had no problems with theirs - but I wasn’t so lucky
@rudermanphoto I'd say that the X-H2s is only needed if you're doing more video than just youtube. That's when the rolling shutter, dual card slots, and the higher dynamic range come I.
It's why I've got the X-H2, the best of both. I do wish it had a rear screen like the A7RV so that it tilts as well as flips out.
i got the XH2S (upgrade from XT2) because i wanted an all-in-one and i don't need 40mp. Has been a pleasure using it :)
Same. But I still kept my xt2 for sentimental reasons
i did the same, but from xt3
I had to send back my XH2s because the CF card slot broke. Wild that you’ve experienced all those problems, that sucks.
And the camera that kept working without a fuss was my XT4. I guess they still need a few iterations of the XH line to work out all the kinks. But you’re totally right, a flagship camera shouldn’t be that unreliable.
Been using my xh2s in harsh backcountry conditions for 2 yrs now without any issues. Been super reliable for me. Perhaps you just got a lemon. XH2S is mainly for video shooters who value max dynamic range / 4k 60 no crop / no rolling shutter. Or possibly sports wildlife photo.
Maybe! Two lemons I guess, just the luck of the draw, but not one which I’m willing to try a third time lol
Hi Matthew! i'm from Brazil and I just want to say that I simply LOVE you content! Keep doing that great job, like you always do!
Thank you so much my man!!
So glad I stuck with the underrated XT4. I didn't want 40 megapixels and despite being discontinued, Fuji still provides firmware updates on the XT4. Aside from 30 minute recording limits and the mini hdmi port, It's still solid enough to hold onto until the next beast comes along. (If the X-s20 had dual slots, that would've been a different story.) Much appreciated take on this camera.
The XT4 sounds like a great camera, especially since it uses the new w235 batteries!
I sorta wish the XT5 had the flip screen from the XT4 sometimes.
Never had any problems with my X-H2S. The shooting experience is great, as you have a pro camera which also includes all film-sims.
For me 26mp are more than enough. (Also Regarding file sizes)
Such a fantastic and thorough video Matthew you look like a natural mate!!! Love my xt5 and getting my Sony colors where I want them are still a work in progress but love the challenge!! Excited to see what you continue to create and how you evolve :)
Thank you my man!
I have the X H2s and X T5. They’ve both worked flawlessly for me. I’ve shot weddings and other outdoor gatherings with zero issues with the X H2s. Yes the af isn’t as good as the Sony A7iv or R6 but it isn’t that far off imo. In fact I sold the Sony and kept the X H2s. My favorite is the X T5 for the shooting experience. But I do read way too many negative experiences with Fujifilm continuous af and af tracking vs Sony or Canon which I almost never read.
Thanks for the video dude!
Im an Xh2s user, have only experienced infrequent glitches e.g unresponsive ISO button. On/off battery in out. And hopefully thats all.
As for the frequent comparison of body price to (presumably sony) in those examples. Would love to hear your opinion or options on sony/full frame lenses as this is a massive advantage with X series (with reference to cost of glass)
Also keen to see what youve chosen and maybe how the price and performance of your chosen glass for it stacks up. ❤
Hey! I have switched to the Lumix S5ii and I couldn’t be any happier, it is a sensational camera and the value for money is unbeatable when compared to the XH2s.
The only downsides are the lenses, being full frame are both larger and more expensive, but the overall IQ and performance is just night and day compared to the XH2s.
I actually have made a review for the S5ii on my channel if you’d like to check it out!
@@rudermanphoto yeah just catching up on your new vid mate. Digi direct sales and so forth making it a good looking system. Keen to watch the rest and see some more videos mate!
Long time Fuji owner. Xe1, xt1, xt2, xt20. The old cameras were so terrific. I had an xh2 for a couple weeks the focus was less accurate than my old xt2 20 (single point). So sad to see them stumble so badly
This is all consistent with my experience (including the need to send in a busted camera twice before Fuji fixed/replaced a camera, GFX in my are), except that I didn’t have the bugs or lockups using the S. I sold my S solely because of the AF in video (got sick of having to re-shoot videos bc of AF foibles), replaced it with a Panny S5IIx, which works (soul-lessly) great…you too?
I got the S5ii! And yeah while it’s pretty bland looking god damn it’s performance is exceptional, especially the S primes - tiny and so sharp and nice, just so cheap feeling especially compared to Fuji haha
Wow owned mine the release and never had these problems.
have you updated it passed v3 firmware. if not dont. that was my mistake
My Xh2s just had the power board replaced after 4 months of use. Shutter count was at 300 when it failed.
However I did get it for $1600
Crazy they’re failing so quickly!! Wtf is going on with Fuji’s QC?
@@rudermanphoto made in china
it's not only you when it comes to freezing I use one from my school and I don't think I have gone a day without it freezing up on me and having to take out the battery and put it back in.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. It was very helpful to me.
I’m glad! Thank you for watching 💖
I love my XH2S
I haven't had any glitches on the XH2s. But I have on their GFX cameras. A lot of it power related issue. I feel the same about this with you, I have issues with their reliability.
i sold my XH2 to get the S5II due to autofocus---however i got the x100VI bc i miss fuji's color and autofocus is much improved.
Interesting, I was under the impression the x100vi would have a similar AF performance to the XH2 due to the same sensor. Good to hear it’s better!
WooHooOO Touit32!
Wonderful review and I think very fair. I own 2x XH2S's and do paid work as well... where we differ is the NATURE of the paid work. It's all about the stacked sensor, if this is not a CRUCIAL piece of tech then absolutely at this price point better value is had elsewhere. Unfortunately... for my line of work the stacked sensor technology has become a must. I work in extremely sound sensitive environments under strong artificial light, I am forced to use ES mode and if I want shutter speeds higher than 1/40-1/60 without banding... it's stacked sensor camera time. I can understand your club work and even weddings (where you're not looking for repeat business from a bride and groom!), being stealth is not really a concern, shoot MS and away you go. But I have built up a great reputation for being utterly discreet and gain repeat business because of this... because of the stacked sensor tech. And once you start browsing the stacked sensor line you realise what a goldilocks the XH2S is in terms of feature for price.
You are absolutely right though in terms of Q&A, at this price we want solid non buggy and crashy cameras and Fuji need to lift their game here (don't even get me started on the latest trash f/w 6.00!). I've been thankfully ok on that front, but the camera is really sensitive, wrong cards and it has a hissy fit... it's definitely temperamental.
Sounds to me like your line of work is not so crucial to having the stacked sensor tech, and after all these issues I too would be flogging it and going for something else.
I had that Touit on there just waiting for your comment, im glad you spotted it ;)
Very interesting use-case scenario you talk about, I had honestly not thought about the benefits when using the electronic shutter only, I guess for that the stacked sensor does indeed make sense! I've never needed to be particularly stealthy like you say so i've always been fine with just the mechanical shutter haha
Have you also experienced weird issues with FW 6.00? Cause it seems like all my camera breaking problems started once I updated the camera to it... The AF did get noticeably better though!
I've replaced it with the Lumix S5ii and have been super happy so far, can't believe you can buy that camera with the excellent 20-60 for less money then the X-H2s by itself lol.
No where near as sexy but performance wise its just exceptinal, especially the lowlight performance where it can easily shoot 25,600-51,200 ISO looking like the XH2s does at 6400!
Time will tell how it behaves and hopefully it won't be as buggy as the XH2s was but initial impressions are great.
@@rudermanphoto yeh, I always say to people 'if you don't know the perks of stacked sensor... then that probably means you're safe from needing it and would be overy paying for tech you don't need or fully appreciate'. It was great that you made comparisons to other stacked sensor cameras because THAT is the real point. Comparing the XH2S with the A7IV is for me a weirder (and slightly irrelevant) comparison than comparing (oddly) the M43 stacked sensor OM-1 with the FF Nikon Z8 i.e. I actually place the stacked sensor tech as more relevant tech components of cameras than even sensor size!). My line of work now sees me stuck a little within the stacked sensor market and choices are kinda narrow in this regard. I mean SOME jobs I don't need it all the time, but it feels like a good 50% of my work does see stacked sensor put to good use and I don't want to split my investments up. I may add a Sony or Lumix at some point (non stacked), but accept it is just for this task only. Problem with this is my memory, I'm getting auld! It's hard to remember settings and menus on multiple systems.
I'm personally still on f/w 5.03. I'm old enough to know that customers shifted to becoming beta testers (and very little is done thoroughly inhouse), for a long time now I adopt the sit and watch approach and upgrade only when the dust has settled. Let's see what the summer f/w (Reala Ace etc) brings and whether it fixes some of the quirks that many seem to be having on 6.00 and 4.00 (Xt5/Xh2).
S5ii is a great camera. You'll love it.
@@SummersSnaps I compared it to the A7iv because for my style of photography the A7iv was technically much better then the XH2s, in its AF performance and its low light performance too, and I omitted the O-M1 in that comparison because of that very same reason. (also because i've never used an O-M1)
I do wish I had done a bit more research as to where stacked sensors are more beneficial vs just the standard rolling shutter and higher FPS benefits so I could have included it in the review but I'm glad you've given me a bunch of useful knowledge on where and when stacked sensors can actually be critical to your work instead of just being a "nice to have"
One thing I love about the S5ii is just how great the ergonomics and user experience is, not since the Ricoh GR have I used a camera so thoughtfully laid out - the menu system is a bit confusing (and it is fully touch capable!) but the dials and placement of everything is so spot on it's just awesome.
@@rudermanphoto No, absolutely comparing a A7IV vs a XH2S is fair, I just meant in my eddy brain hehe. Your assessment was rich and fair enough. I fell into a niche, I shoot orchestra rehearsals, close up on the stage under the watchful eye of the conductor, it is very serious stuff (military like ahah)! Or I shoot government conferences in Sydney, and I need to be silent and not draw attention to myself when the premiere is speaking etc. There are so many other events that this sound stealth stuff is not so instrumental so it's understandable that some might not be fully aware of the stacked sensor tech. Anyway, stacked sensors were a bandaid to global shutters, it's going to be interesting where we're headed. I hope they either get more affordable or global shutter replaces at similar price point. I think my next camera will likely be a global shutter one (hopefully in about 5yrs time or so).
That's a bit of a shame, I primarily shoot street with electronic shutter (it's silent after all) but due to increased LED lighting, these days I have to endlessly deal with banding and rolling shutters. Was quite interested in the X-H2s for it's stacked sensors for leaps and bounds better ES performance, but I think I'll wait until their next try at it.
Now if only they can just release X-E5 with stacked sensor and IBIS, would be the perfect stealth setup right there.
Yeah that may be one big reason why you’d want to go for a stacked setup - I believe maybe as it’s their first try at a stacked sensor that’s why it has all these issues, I don’t believe the XH2 is anywhere near as temperamental.
I’d love to see what they do with the XH3s!
So for an amateur photographer (family, travel, landscape, grandchildren sports) would recommend the xt5 or the Sony A7iv? Or, do you have any thoughts about the Imii?
Depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend - the XT5 will be a much better travel camera and will be a lot more fun to shoot with the then A7iv but the A7iv will be technically a lot better, and a lot more expensive - it’ll also be heavier and bigger being full frame.
I am very happy with my Lumix S5ii but for travel I still think the XT5 is a great choice, I’d just stay away from the XH2s haha
I have the xh2 now and I love it. Why anyone would go for the xh2s when about the only advantage it has its stacked sensor. The xh2 has the 40mp res and I'm happily shooting basketball, soccer, cricket, etc at 5fps and getting great shots. Get the xh2 to replace the xh2s. Note - the autofocus on eyes and faces still needs work but it's okay so long as you get multiple shots of the person, as at least one or two will be right.
I’ll definetly be looking to add an XH2 to join the XT5 in my photo arsenal soon, but I’ve replaced the XH2s with a Lumix S5ii to do my video work for me and I’m super happy so far.
XH2S is better durability than the XT5 from what other people said in their experience. Also my XH2S survived a torrential rain storm in Japan while shooting outside but my other camera which is the a7r3a and it died out in the rain and I had to leave it in the sun to dry for a day to get it back alive. Also the CF B card I love the lower cost than CF A and is fast. For your XH2S I think you had a defective unit from the start it seems and the repairs weren’t solving the issue. I even took my XH2S on a catamaran and through waves in the sea it showed no sign of issues.
I’ve had two separate, brand new cameras fail though, seems like we just have entirely different luck all together lol
@@rudermanphoto even if they say brand new I still think they may have lied and sent refurbs. I wouldn’t put it pass companies. Worked for ATT, and various other vendors in electronics and seen some of the practices and it is depending on what people are running the show behind the scenes. Bad people equals bad company practices in general. If not then yeah that is some very unfortunate luck 🍀 with the cameras to go that bad. Iamtongue, Roman Fox, Pete Coco, Pal2Tech, Joe Allam all have been experiencing good results from it. I myself looking at selling my a7r3a and buying a Panasonic S5II/X because I have knee damage from Judo/Wrestling I walk with a slight limp so having better ibis is heavenly for me lol.
You gotta find the right fit for you....
Can of worms has been officially opened here, my friend. I'll be very blunt in my personal experience with the X-H2S after owning the camera twice over the course almost 2 years: I hated using it. All the things I loved about Fujifilm were thrown out the window with this camera. It doesn't feel like a Fuji camera. It feels like a Canon R5 or R6....but with greatly inferior ergonomics, autofocus, and some steps back in capability. I love the stacked sensor, but the body just never felt right to me. I sold it the first time after about 6-8 months of Fujifilm refusing to let the dials be assigned to control ISO or exposure compensation. They finally added it back in so I picked up a second hand camera in hopes that would be enough to make it "work" for me the way I wanted. Nope....I loved the image quality and the sensor, but I hated using the camera. It never felt fun to use and it was far too limited in ergonomics to make me want to use it on jobs. Not to mention BOTH of my cameras had major and I mean MAJOR delay in responsiveness in adjusting the dials. We're talking about a second between when you made a command dial change before it was reflected in the camera. You can imagine the frustration this caused. It happened on both cameras, but my first camera had it the worst. BOTH cameras had unusable IBIS in video as it had very strange behavior and would not "gracefully" stabilize footage, but jerk around as you tried to slowly pan with any IBIS setting. (Not a problem on my Canon cameras)
It sucks to be so negative about the camera because so many people love it. But I honestly don't think I've ever owned a camera I hated more than this one! The sensor was just too damn good so I had to come back and give it one more shot. I'm sure there will be plenty of people that say you or I didn't know what we were doing and that their camera is flawless. The truth is mine wasn't flawless and I didn't enjoy using it. Oh well, I sold it and doubled down on the X-T5 - which has been mostly perfect for me.
Spot on with the description of it feeling like a R5 with worse autofocus and performance haha
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who had problems with it!
I might double down and buy a second XT5, but I do really love the CFexpress cards and I already have a few that I got for the XH2s so feels like a waste not owning a camera that utilises them at least :(
XH2S is perfect for sports/action/wildlife…mostly. Second benefit is it will do justice to the older lenses with its lower resolution. But I would agree it is major overkill for talking head videos. Did you track your serial numbers as they returned/replaced the cameras? It sounds to me like you got a lemon. I don't care if you keep it or not, but I also do wonder what brand CF Express / SD cards you tried.
If you want to shoot sports/wildlife you’d just be better off not getting a Fuji at all as the performance of the full frame options is just so much better for that particular application.
Fuji makes sense for portrait/street and general fun photography where that speed isn’t as critical and actual camera enjoyment factor rank much higher.
I did track the serial numbers, the first camera I returned to the store I got it from as it was considered DOA as it was within 2 weeks of buying it, the second camera I received back was the same one I sent which worked perfect for 5 days before dying in the exact same way it did the week prior.
The latest one they sent me is a brand new serial number and brand new camera itself. So far seems to work just fine but I’m not using it much anymore as I have a replacement.
And yeah, I most likely did get a lemon - I’m not implying every XH2s ever will be faulty, just that I found it odd that I got so unlucky with it, as when it wasn’t broken it was a great camera to shoot with haha
I used the ProGrade and Sabrent cards, didn’t have any issue at all with either of them and I can highly recommend them as they’re the cheapest and yet also just as fast and probably reliable as more expensive options. (Reliability wasn’t as big a concern for me as I always dual record)
ws gonna upgrade to HS2 but after seeing all these autofocus issues and build quality I think it's time to move on. The new nikon looks very good.
Good decision. After the recent fw upgrade on Fuji which actually made AF worse I am done with Fuji. Some reviewers said the AF on a Sony a6000 from 2014 was better. I would agree. I've never had so many missed shots and false positive focus confirmations in my life. I still have Sony FF but for travel I'm going with the A6700 instead.
despues de la actualizacion 6.0 en la XH2s tengo serios problemas en el autoenfoque tanto en video como en foto, son muchas personas que reportan eso
Can you give it to me i need one... i cant upgrade from my xt4
I love my XT-5 and X-H2s. The AF may be not up to the par but I have more fun shooting with them than with my A7IV and bulky zoom lenses. The IQ may be higher on A7IV but this is all subjective for mobile/web content :)
The right tool for the right job!
I have a Canon R5 and a X-H2S. I've had more fun with the X-H2S and the 150-600 shooting wildlife than I ever did with my R5 with the 100-400 or 100-500. I've found the autofocus 85% as good as the R5. The end result photos coming out (besides MP difference) are just as good and I've been really pleased with the sharpness and noise performance of the X-H2S. The sensor in that thing is impressive.
I can guess what you recorded this video on
Your Samsung Fridge's webcam
Jks
Video is lovely, very solid points discussed
It was actually a Nintendo DSi!
Hey... enjoying your vids. If you want a Fuji camera that MAKES you want to pick it up and go out with it - get an x-Pro2. I absolutely love mine and will probably never part with it.
I had an XPro2!! Awesome camera but the autofocus was pretty mediocre, I much prefer the XPro1, love how simple it is and the sensor I think is just great 😊
What are the "same price full frame" options you mentioned for higher iso performance?
Lumix S5ii! It’s the camera I replaced the XH2s with and it can comfortably shoot 25,600-51,200 iso images with grain similar to the XH2s at 4000-6400!
And at $2599 aud with the excellent 20-60mm kit lens it’s actually cheaper than a body only XH2s.
Yes it feels a bit cheaper made and isn’t as sexy as the Fuji but its performance is staggeringly good both in photo and video, with psychic like AF performance, aforementioned amazing low light performance and excellent handling to boot. Also the 1.8 S primes from Lumix are mental too (and very small and relatively affordable)
I hope to use it for about a month before I make my review on it but I am very satisfied so far!
Also to add on, the A7iv can be had for around 3.1k aud which is still cheaper then the XH2s and it also smokes it in low light performance plus has the benefit of the E mount but god I really didn’t like using that camera nor did I like its shutter sound so I didn’t buy one myself
You can also likely find an R6ii or Z6ii for similar money and both will also trump it in high ISO performance as well.
While the camera has (technically) the best low light performance of any Fuji crop sensor, it’s naturally not going to be as good as full frame in low light no matter how good they make it.
Photography is a hobby and I only need to plaase myself. So GFX, period.
Thank you for your review, sorry for your you bad camera experience.
As mentioned before in another video comment, I have not had any issues except the occasional freezing of the camera and card error (only on SD cards, not the CF). Owning both, the XH2 and the XH2s, I can say that the autofocus of the s is much better, faster, getting more hits. That said, it is not on par with Sony, Canon, Nikon. So the s is my wildlife and even preferred portrait camera, when the XH2 gets it right, however, the images are great. But I had a recent low light indoor shoot, and WAY too many misses while the camera is fooling you with a green box on the eye… really frustrating sometimes, though I am lucky enough not to need it for professional work.
I am not doing any filming.
Concerning battery life, my XH2s is actually better than the XH2.
All things considered, the quality combined with the lighter weight compared to full frame still makes it the right camera system for me, even though I envy the Sony, Canon, Nikon autofocus.
I really hope your new camera lives up to your expectations, better luck with the Lumix🤞
It's weird, I've had my XH2 for 1 year now. I've never had any problems. Is it the XH2-S? What does the after-sales service say about that?
Video scares me for the future of my XH2, I use it for my RUclips channel and for pro photography...
I haven’t heard of any issues with the XH2, and given it shares the sensor with the XT5 I imagine it’ll probably be just fine!
You get a solid 3 years of warranty with Fuji anyway which is better then the 1-2 years other camera companies offer so atleast that’s comforting
@@rudermanphoto That's for sure.
Have you switched to an XH2? Or have you given up on Fujifilm?
@@Excelsior_Photo I still have an XT5, and I won’t be giving up Fuji entirely, but I have replaced the XH2s with a Lumix S5ii for video and event work where the mental high ISO performance is much appreciated.
I filmed this entire video with it and I’m overall super impressed with its performance both in video and photo!
@@rudermanphotoI have canon R5 and XH2S and XT4 and 6D and I’d happily get the LUMIX S5II x for photo because I love the L lenses. But I won’t compromise with the lower EVF. The XT4 kills me after using the XH2S or R5.
@@robmcd the EVF isn’t that bad! I think it’s a bit better than the XT5, but not quite as good as the XH2s. The ergonomics on the camera are also superb, it’s one of the best laid out cameras I’ve ever used imo
I don't really think the 40MP of the X-H2 and XT-5 offer much over the 26MP of the X-H2S. Certainly not as much of a difference as a FF 24MP vs a FF 45MP If anything, the demanding pixel pitch of having 40MP on a 23.5mm x 15.6mm APSC sized sensor has some downsides when it comes to diffraction and rolling shutter. Yes, finer noise grain but things like DxO or adobe enhance really level the playing field with noise performance. Run a 40MP X-H2 photo and a 26MP X-H2S photo through DxO and the noise result will be the same.
It’s more just a sharpness and overall resolution thing - images on the XT5 just look “crisper” then they do on the XH2s all due to these extra megapixels + you get the benefit of a lot more leeway when cropping
In the video I said I didn’t notice much of a difference noise wise and it’s true, they are pretty similar as per your explanation - it’s just that one of the purported benefits of the stacked sensor in the XH2s is better low light and high ISO performance when it’s actually fairly comparable.
Fuji must give you a new one
Fuji did give me a new one!
I can’t fault their customer service, they were prompt to solve my issues, even when they made a mistake it was all rectified super quickly thankfully!
Sold both my H2 and H2s a few weeks ago. Besides quite cheap and plasticky feel (compared to other brand's flagships or even Fuji's own X-E2, X-T3 and basically all older camera where build quality did matter), the performance was worse and worse. With every firmware everything went wrong. I have been shooting both cameras for over a year and sorry, stacked sensor is so slow and the AF is absolutely horrible currently. I wouldn't expect Lumix to be so much better, yet here I am. Man, even the "horrible" DFD on the ooooold S1R is better. I can't believe Fujifilm dares to call their AF... i don't know... working at all? And yeah, I spend months on the different settings.
Got a Panny S5 II (x)?
Yessir, I got the S5ii. Very happy so far!
Not as sexy as the Fuji but much better performance for all my paid work, I’ll still use my XT5/X-Pro1 for photo stuff when all that performance isn’t super critical.
@@rudermanphoto nice!
Also contemplating the S5 II for paid work.
Best body in that price range at the moment.
Would really like the Tamron 35-150 for event and wedding work though.
So Sony a7 iv might be the best fit. Never enjoyed Sony (had the a7iii and 7r iii boringly good bodies. Viewfinder and screens were crap, but everything was always is focus anyways). Thinking about keeping the x-t5 16-55, 33 1.4 and 56 1.2. maybe an UW. Have a lot of good Fuji glass. Don't want to end up with 20 lenses though.
1. Nikon zf good mid ground in terms of glass and bodies? No 1.4 glass atm
2. Sony a7 iv perfect glass, big 2nd hand market
3. Panasonic S5 II best body, almost no 2nd hand glass and no Tamron
Very hard for a true hybrid shooter.
Still not out yet
I've seen very bad things about the autofocus performance of this camera in its latest firmware updates. Too bad, I'd really love to keep using Fuji but shooting motorsports autofocus is paramount for me. My X-S10 has served me well but I'm looking something more professional.
Interestingly I felt like the AF was actually the best it had ever been in 6.00, it’s just that my camera bricked itself twice on that firmware so not exactly positive reports about it haha
I dunno my xh2s’ have worked perfect so shame you got duds
Sounds like you got a dud. All those issues are concerning, and you’re right, that’s not what you should experience using a pro camera.
I’ve had mine since I bought it new at the start of 2023. No issues whatsoever, and it really has been a workhorse for me.
It’s an amazing camera when it worked for me!
Tbh if it didn’t break twice I probably would have kept it - just a bit sick and tired of dealing with it now.
Buddy how is the autofocus?
It’s the best out of any Fuji camera I’ve tried - but it’s not as good as a full frame mirrorless option and it’s unfortunately not even that close.
based on my own user experience, on par with other camera brands
S5iix?
S5ii! Review for it dropping this week :)
Send it to me and I will do a thorough 5 year review on it 😁........ please.
Can I buy?
It’s been sold!
Hey Matthew! Really enjoy your videos - they're informative and entertaining at the same time. Your video about the Zeiss Touit pushed me over the edge to finally get one for my x-pro bodies. And I really love the look that this lens gives to the photos.
I just can´t get my head around one issue. When I shoot the lens wide open at 1.8 the camera seems to go into semi Automatic mode and decides the aperture for me (Like when I put it into A mode on the aperture ring). Any clue why that happens? I updated the firmware of the lens and tried it out on an x-pro1/ x-pro3 and x-T5. This reminds me of the 2.8 setting of my Contax T2. Where the camera overrides the aperture when it decides there´s too much light
Send help please!
Very peculiar and I’m unsure why that’s happening! Especially on multiple bodies. Is the lens under warranty perhaps? Although if the rest of it works fine I don’t even know what to say haha
Have you had any issues with the XF18mm f1.4? Sometimes the motors don't engage properly after reviewing a photo and i hear a thunk and then the camera error says to switch it off and on. The lens is brand new but happens maybe once per day if i take the camera on a photo walk.
Absolutely none whatsoever, although as evidenced by my experience with the XH2s ive learned that while it’s probably great for some people others have issues hahaha
that said, that lens has always performed great for me and it has probably the most accurate AF out of any Fuji lens I own, with the 90 f2 close behind.
It could be faulty though, if you can take it back to the store you bought it from and exchange it maybe?
Or Fuji should be able to service it fairly quickly if you send it into them, provided it bothers you enough to do that.
Agree it isn't good enough. Do you think this is a problem with a batch of these cameras, all of these cameras, all of Fujifilm cameras or all of mirrorless cameras? It does not bode well for the second hand market. My expectation is that you went back to Canon but it seems not. What about Nikon?
I think it’s a problem with the XH2s itself.
Being the first stacked sensor Fuji has made it’s likely manufacturing issues to do with that - my XT5 has been flawless and I have heard of many problems with the XH2s from others.
I didn’t go back to Canon, I got a Lumix S5ii and I am extremely happy with it!
Unbelievable performance, awesome ergonomics and the L mount has a bunch of great lens options with a great future ahead of it - plus it was really affordable (cheaper then the XH2s by a considerable margin on sale) might be one of the best value hybrid cameras on the market today!
No where near as sexy as the Fuji and certainly not built as nice but performance wise it delivers so much more then the XH2s in both photo and video aspects.
@@rudermanphoto Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.
WHY TF IS AUSTRALIA THIS EXPENSIVE 😮😮😮😮😮
Convert it to USD you’ll see the prices are fairly similar.
Literally, everything you said is 100% incorrect. The AF was on par with the A9 at release with the OG firmware. it was FW 3-6 that was bad (the one you were using). FW7.0 is better, but not as good as the original FW from the day it was released 2 years ago. Not sure you know how to use the camera, I mean you don't turn it on without a lens attached or a cap and then try and fire the shutter? I think most of your issues are user error. I've shot it since release and yes it has froze a few times (all cameras do this) and after 80K shots shooting american football in 120 degree heat, down pours, and snow storms I've had no issues.
Thanks for watching!
xh2s. the hardware monster that is slowed down by its software. that's so sad. If Fuji finally managed to equip this camera with an AF like Sony or Cannon have, they would definitely be number 1 when it comes to APSC
There could also be a few MkII versions of their lenses. 16-55mk2 would be one such candidate.
I love my Fuji cameras, but when it comes to AF (as I said, the XH2s has the requirements) you'll have to find a solution.
I've had my XH-2S for just under a year now and it's not the camera for me. The colours are nice, the video is nice, sadly mine broke 4 months into it and it sat with Fuji getting repaired for 2 months under warranty. Great camera just not for me.
Sad to hear they break so often! I really thought I was the only one with this problem.
I sold my 2, frankly it was just a rubbish camera, you can't use the half the features it has as the AF system is basically a load of w&nk, can't use eye focus, can't use tracking of any kind reliably, what it does get in "focus" is soft, and single point has its own set of problems. Are the files nice to work with? sure. Are the lenses good? don't know the nothing is ever in focus. But you know it has a "look". Sorry for the tone but I was really disappointed with it. I just about made the transition viable. Moved to 2 canon r6 mkii's.....
It’s a good thing Fuji cameras hold their value so well, I only lost $200 selling my XH2s and that’s because I bundled a 256gb cfe card with it lol
@@rudermanphoto I buy everything second hand for that reason, I basically lost no money on the camera and bundled one card like you with one body (so lost a bit there) they're someone else's problem now.... Got the canons 5 days ago, went in to the garden shot my wife walking towards the camera ie bride walking down the isle, every single shot in focus! went and did a charity running event the other day as well everything in focus. If it misses its user error. these will be in my bag for years to come. Boring cameras to look at but dam they work well. Canon is just an expensive system, and I certainly wouldn't by an RF L lens at RRP on the used market there value drops out there backside. 50mm 1.2 2500quid, 1300-1400quid on MPB. same with the 28-70 fantastic glass though! I'll be using it in anger in Budapest in a few weeks.
Love your work by the way! lovely comps and colour
@@gaza4543 thank you! I have been very satisfied with my switch to an S5ii and a S5iiX, AF performance is awesome, low light is amazing and it’s so good for video too!
Colours are just as good if not better than the Fuji was too.
@@rudermanphoto Lumix was on the short list, the colour is lovely from what ive managed to test out and it shows in your work, they are very...... leica dare I say. I look forward to seeing more of your work chap. Be nice if you can get to 10k subs before the end of the year!
@@gaza4543 Leica co-developed the processor inside it so there’s no surprises there haha
Yes 10k by the end of the year is my goal! Lots of great videos coming up, can’t wait for the next few months!
With the worst AF comparing with all competitors! Even when Fuji try to fix that it makes it even worse.
Fan boys just coping. They need glasses if anything. All blurred and no hits, shitty brand is shitty. Hope it goes bankrupt
what about overheating?
I never had the XH2s overheat on me but I also never shot longer then 30 mins at a time - once at an event when it was rather warm outside I got a temperature warning but the camera did continue to keep recording without issue.