Part TWO on Monday 18th! Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: www.mpb.com/en-uk/?:uk|cam:change|pub:gordon+laing|bsb:buy My Fujifilm X-H2S review for photographers! Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: ru-vid.com Fujifilm X-H2S at B&H: bhpho.to/3M8dPr3 / WEX UK: tidd.ly/3t5imnu Equipment used for producing my videos Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF 00:00 - Introduction 01:54 - How to buy, sell and trade used gear at MPB (sponsored) 03:03 - Fujifilm X-H2S resolution vs X-Trans IV 04:34 - Fujifilm X-H2S shutter shock? 05:12 - Fujifilm X-H2S high ISO noise vs X-Trans IV 06:40 - Fujifilm X-H2S dynamic range 07:17 - Fujifilm X-H2S autofocus 08:14 - Fujifilm X-H2S subject detection 08:41 - Fujifilm X-H2S face detection 09:02 - Fujifilm X-H2S bird detection 10:59 - Fujifilm X-H2S bike detection 12:04 - Fujifilm X-H2S car detection 13:11 - Fujifilm XF 150-600mm car tests 14:08 - Fujifilm X-H2S at 40fps 15:47 - Fujifilm X-H2S buffer tests with CF Express vs SD 17:24 - Fujifilm X-H2S skewing and rolling shutter vs X-Trans IV 19:23 - Fujifilm X-H2S stabilization IBIS 20:14 - Fujifilm X-H2S verdict and sample images Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
I'm really feeling like we are on the cusp of the NEXT LEVEL in cameras. Fujifilm is starting this off. I JUST got my X-H2S today and am very excited to get going with it. I really think MY GFX 100S is going to be listed in the for sale locals! :)
This pretty much confirms what I thought the first time I read the specs on this camera: that it would be perfect for sports and wildlife. Yes, videophiles will love it, but the speed photography capabilities are very nice, especially if you (me) are already invested in Fujifilm glass. Great detailed review. Thank you.
I’m super excited about the XH2. I do shoot sports and wildlife but I still don’t require that speed. I would prefer the resolution boost. Excited for these Fuji bodies.
@@cameralabs From my experience shooting Nikon for many years, moving to a 40mp sensor on an APSC sensor = pixel density of over 60mp on a FF sensor. The key with the high mp bodies, avoid blur and focus issues on moving targets. with the Z9 ad A1 bodies even with IBIS you shoot at high ISO levels to keep the speed up to avoid blur and gain max focus stability. The issue becomes noise and reality is that without Back illuminated sensor in the XH2 and XT5 noise will be an issue. With 26mp APSC we have pixel density at almost 36mp FF levels. So I cannot agree that the 40mp XH2 will be a better option for action even slow action than the XH2s. Look at Canon what they did with the R3 and Sony with the A9ii. I have now used the XH2s for 3 weeks shooting all conditions. This is a crazy good camera. Few things Fuji can use to improve is on the focus to improve the tracking and to setup the different object selection process to a function button. To get to Q menu set-up to change from animal to birds is to slow for wildlife photography. In my view the disappointment with the latest gear is the 150-600 with a slow f stop of f8. Again for serious wildlife and sport where we shoot in low light is is not good enough. They should have gone for 150-500 with f6.1 or even f5.6. It would have been bigger but at a much more professional level. A number of professional and serious hobbyists that I spoke to agree that f8 on this lens is just not good enough. I for one use a Fringer adaptor that works 100% with AF and IS on the XH2s with a Nikon 500 f5.6 pf. This is an expensive lens but offer a lot more light and tack sharp. Or, a Tamron 150-600 f5-6-3 that not only cost less but also offer more light across the full length with same focus speed and IQ.
@@cameralabs Fantastic even on the XT4. There are small compromises on the EVF as it is a bit darker, the IBIS/VR works perfect. Fringer adaptors are very good and many Canon users changing to Fuji use them on the L lenses. It is not all about reach, it is about IQ and creativity.
GREAT review, thank you! It seems like the autofocus is much better than older models although still not quite up to par with Canon/Nikon/Sony. Hopefully it will continue to improve as firmware updates are released. Looks like an awesome camera.
Thank you ! This is the review I’ve been waiting for as I’m a photographer only and I’m only concerned with resolution question, not even the speed. Can’t wait for the “photographer’s” version comes out…
Excellent review, thanks, the most useful I've seen yet. I know the sensor read out speed doesn't compare to Sony's A1 and A9* cameras, but as an events photographer I've been wondering if the stacked sensor on the X-H2S is able to mitigate the banding effects caused by artificial lights to any degree when using electronic shutter? I mostly shoot with Sony, but their stacked sensor models are beyond my budget and doesn't stretch to an A1 or A9ii and the ability to shoot with electronic shutter at indoor performances and events would be a huge boon.
You are doing an awesome job in reviews, this is really informative and helpful compared to so many other reviews out there. Thank you for your work Gordon 🙏
Hi Gordon - it was great to meet you by chance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, I hope you enjoyed the event! After our discussion regarding the Eos 7d MkII versus the new R7, i have decided to take the plunge. Thanks for the great advice and it was great chatting with you. Best wishes, Mark.
Nice to hear from you, and it was lovely to have a nice chat at Goodwood too! I hope I managed to get some reasonable shots! So did you go for the R7? i'd love to hear what you think of it versus the 7D II.
Excellent Review as usual Gordon! I’m extremely happy with the OM-1 and I’m a Nikon and OM Photographer and Videographer. For me change systems is not needed or desired. But the Fuji system is VERY ATTRACTIVE! Very nice that we have so many options to choose from!
Viewing numerous video about this camerar I find Gordon review one of the best. Great idea to focus on photography in on video and the other video on videography side of the camera.
I hope so, as that was one of my goals! I suspect it will perform better with birds in more rural environments, as there'll be fewer of them on the frame and the background will be easier for the AF system to tell apart.
This is exciting and great I do look forward to the xH2. If I had the money, I probably would have gotten the xH2s. But I now want to wait and see what the xH2 holds. If it will allow me to have the option of knocking down 40mps to like 26mps, it's a deal. But not a deal breaker at all.
thank you very much. in every movie you made, I feel like you were driving me by your hand, a shame you didn’t do the first full instruction on how to use the full potential of x h2s, I know it’s a huge challenge, but I feel like you’re the only one to meet it.
Excellent review. I’m going to buy mirrorless Camera. Apart from resolutions, what is your recommendation, Sony a7 iv or Canon r5? The most important thing is sharpening, noise , image quality…Currently I own Canon 5dsr. But as you know this camera is just for studio and not good in shadow and noise at all. Thanks in advance
Fantastic video review 👌😀 I believe that the Fuji xt4 is good enough for 95 percent of what the new xh2 can do and as a wildlife and sports shooter I have no problems with the tracking and autofocus with the xt4 and I only look forward to the XH2 with the 40 megapixel sensor as it allows for more cropping abilities
In fairness with a Canon R7 you can get a used Sigma 150-600mm which has ample resolving power for the 32mp sensor (as tested on the 90D) and evn though adapted it performs as a native lens whereas the Canon EF to Fujifilm XF adaptors are as useful as a chocolate teapot, the total cost difference is huge, around £2000 for the R7 and 150-600mm which is less than the price of the Fuji body only
Great video currently shooting canon R6&R7 rf100-500 love the pre shoot feature but hate the rolling shutter which has got me searching stacked sensor alternatives specifically for birding and keep the r6 for landscapes. I’ve contemplated the Z8 but that means big heavy full frame lenses that’s where the Olympus OM-1 specially with their flagship 150-400 f4.5 comes in and for now was going to ditch the R7 along with the rf100-500 and get the OM-1 with 12-40 f2.8 pro and the 300 f4 pro for now . But after speaking with mpb they have advised me to look at the Fuji with the 150-600 so now I’m all at a loss again on which way to turn lol I’ve not done much research on the Fuji as yet one feature I didn’t like is there’s no exposure compensation dial which I find handy for birds in flight or being able to shoot fully manual with auto iso which is how I shoot with canon. Now can I pick your brains and ask which system you would choose and why ? Cheers
As a journalist, I try to switch between all of them so I don't have favourites. I have to be able to look at them without bias! Stacked sensors will certainly reduce rolling shutter but manage your expectations as they won't eliminate it. I would definitely suggest the XH2S with 150-600 or OM1 with whatever big lens they have right now, or even an older 100-400 - remember the 2x field reduction on that system. If possible, see if you can borrow one on a tryout day or rent one to see if it meets your expectations.
ppl point out that the autofocus isnt as good, and it may not be as good, but its absolutely not bad. given the other set of features the other cams dont have, this is a winner for me! no point waiting on sony to release an apsc right? they got another vlogger in the pipeline i heard...
Great review! So basically for a still shooter the only improvements are Auto Focus and burst speeds, for what I do weddings/Portraits, I am not sure that’s enough for me to fork out $2,500. I think I just keep my XT 4s for a bit while longer. Thanks great insight
Exactly right. The X-H2S benefits really only suit very fast action. For portrait and wildlife, stick with the X-T4 and consider the upcoming X-H2 if you need more resolution. I'd invest in lenses if I were you.
@@cameralabs Yeah Thanks! Don't really need more resolution but cleaner images in low light would have been great! I would have been able to finally sell off my heavy canon FF gear, as weddings everything is almost lowlight, I don't think I will get that with the 40mp XH 2 version but will see, Thats why I also have an R6, the Fujis give me the light weight lenses and nice skin tones but the Canon gives me the amazing lowlight performance. I guess there is no perfect camera. Poly cameras I will stay for now. Thanks for your reply. best video so far on the XH2 I have to say, the low light tests especially.
For those who still might consider buying a H2S due to it's speed option, high frame rate up to 40 fps using electronic shutter "Grundsätzlich raten wir dazu bei bewegt Aufnahmen den Mechanischen Verschluss einzusetzen." This was said by German Fujifilm support as a reply to my complaints about tons out of focus images on flying birds. Though, 15fps thats it for moving objects.
I can tell you the rolling shutter on the R6 is MUCH worse, so if you're thinking of using the electronic shutter on it, I'd beware for panning shots. As a full-framer with fewer pixels, it also means less chance of cropping in on very distant small subjects.
I am still not sure I understand your opinion as to the comparative effectiveness of this camera for very fast action still photography, like small birds in flight, when combined with the Fuji 100-600mm lens. If you wanted to hangout at 900- 1260mm and 20+ fps, would that combination be on your short list?
Excellent review. This reflects my conclusions about the X-H2S. I think it’s the perfect hybrid camera made so far. I am a Sony shooter that wanted a fast scanning sensor for an all around use. Unfortunately the Sony A1 is too pricey to justify. The X-H2S with its 26 MP fast scanning sensor gives me just the right resolution without overwhelming with too much data. It was an easy buy, for what it offers even over 35 mm sensors (full frame) at the same price. Along with Fujifilm’s film simulations, I think they made the perfect camera. This is actually a really great all around photo and video camera and not a specialist one in my opinion. I think Fujifilm’s build quality is easily superior to Sony’s and gives me confidence in inclement weather conditions. I am re evaluating how this camera complements my Sony, and am actually thinking of using this with a GFX100S by trading in my Sony equipment. It’s that good!
You could always try the X-T5 for the latest AF and higher res with similar ergonomics to your X-T3 - albeit not the stacked sensor of the X-H2S. Maybe try borrowing or renting one to see?
Another complete and very informative review far superior to other RU-vidrs'! I wonder if it is true that Fuji files don't play well with Adobe products?
A long time ago their RAW conversion wasn't great, but it's fine now. I show it in the dynamic range section. That said, I tend to just use JPEG out of camera, as they look great from Fujifilm.
Gordon, thanks for the video. Very helpful and matches my experience so far. I just received the XH2s this weekend. One issue I have is I typically shoot in Manual mode with Auto ISO and I'm still learning the camera, but have not been able to find a way to shoot in Manual with Exposure Compensation on one of the dials. It seems limited to only shutter speed or aperture (and aperture is unnecessary when you have an aperture ring). I'm wondering if you've seen the same issue or if I'm missing something?
Thanks and YES, I have experienced EXACTLY that! You need to assign exposure compensation to one of the dials in the customisation by pushing and holding the DISP button. That had me fooled for ages when shooting those bikes on a strongly backlit sky, as I also prefer to shoot manual with auto ISO.
@@djstuc not entirely. Many cameras let you have Auto ISO and compensation when in Manual mode - I use it all the time on my Sonys for shooting against, say, a strongly backlit sky. Basically it just biases the Auto ISO up or down, while keeping the shutter and aperture fixed as you'd expect. You can do it on the Fuji's too, but you need to assign it to a dial in the custom menus.
I am thinking of switching to this camera, so thank you for this review. I am 80% stills, 20% video. Do you think that this is a good camera for me with those percentages? Also, I notice that the manual briefly mentions a 'Pre-shot' mode, where shots can be taken prior to fully pressing down the shutter. (This is important to me) Can you conform please that the Fuji H2S has this. And can this be used up to 40fps? Thank you.
@@cameralabs thank you for answering so quickly. The main thing I want is very good bird & animal recognition. The improved video modes are also welcome. ( I am a gluten for flag ship models)
The spec of the XH2s it pretty much spot on what I had hoped my 7dmk2 upgrade would be like but Canon don't seem to agree and think after all the years of waiting to upgrade and many failed rumours I should have the R7. I pre ordered the R7 on the 25th May maybe the photography gods are delaying my R7 for good reason and I should just get this or the lovely OM-1 and sell up my Canon lenses. Canon seem to be slow at developing stacked sensor tech maybe they can't keep up with Sony sensor dev. The R7 is cheap though and because of the pre order timing I should in theory get the free converter too as I'm not going to buy any rippoff UK priced RF lenses my 100-400mm mkII should be ok got nice L EF tele primes too. It's probably time I sell the lot at MPB as you say or Watford electronics my local where I endlessly wait for never to be seen preorders. Does anyone have experience with OM-1 and this XH2s for AF stickyness? or should I just get the R7 it's cheap get bored of it and sell everything when the detailed reviews all come in. Some are saying I won't even see the R7 till the end of August which is over 3 months of waiting for something I'm not so excited about, boring EVF, no stack sensor, buffer of around just over 1 sec before filling, cheap build, noisy higher ISO... but only one think seems to keep me holding on the AF maybe that is just utube reviewer mythology... decisions decisions thanks Gordon for your input!
If you have an existing investment in Canon lenses, I'd get the R7 and see how you get on with it. You'll easily be able to sell it if you don't like it.
you mentioned that it's not an upgrade in terms of dynamic range. they do claim it's a step up. is it that it's not noticeable enough in your opinion or it's not a step up at all? thanks
Fantastic and informative video Gordon - you're such a pro with your presentation :-) Hope you enjoyed Goodwood. I know not many people will be coming to this model from the XH1, including me as I sold mine after the XT3 was launched, but did you have any views or thoughts on the differences in ergos from XH1 to XH2S?
wasn't the electronic 1st curtain shutter system first developed ( I think Olympus started using it first) to counter the cameras having shutter shock?
Any comments on menu speeds, or processing speeds when using in-camera clarity adjustments? This was an issue with the prior XT4/X100V particularly when using clarity adjustments in camera. A delay in processing and a blinking light every time you take a new photo and the camera processes and stores the photo. I’m hoping the new camera is faster.
Good question but I'm afraid I didn't check for that. Storing any image will be faster if you're using CF Express though and the new processor is faster overall too, so hopefully less of delay for what you're talking about.
Great review as always. I mentioned the Canon/Fuji comparison to the Northrup’s, and they pointed out the higher resolution of the Canon R7. But I can’t help but wonder, with the longer reach of the Fuji lens, that the real world resolution difference isn’t going to be that great.
I will make a res comparison between them, but I'd say the stacked sensor, better EVF and CF Express slot more than make up for a mild boost in sensor resolution on the R7. I'd sooner have the XH2S and 150-600 than the R7 and 100-500.
@@cameralabs Thankyou Gordon, it’s nice to get a thoughtful review, there’s been a bit of hysteria around this camera. I look forward to your later comparison.👍
Number of FOCUSSING POINTS Canon R7: 5,915 Fujifilm X-H2S: 425 425 > 5915?? Now Fujifilm is talking of firmware update to improve their AF - when there are simply fewer hardware focussing points available
@@set3777 True, although I’d like to see a breakdown of the contrast to phase points on the canon. Also the Fuji has a bsi stacked sensor, the canon doesn’t, delivering Continuous AF blackout free at 40fps. But ultimately little of these specs matters, a real world comparison with telephotos out in the field to compare similar shots when cropped to the same magnification is what I’m really interested in. I’m sure the AF is a massive step up from the cameras I’m currently using.
Thanks, but I'm afraid I don't know what you can read the kindle version on beyond an actual kindle device. Is their kindle reading software for the PC?
Seeing the battery in the red during the first autofocus part gave me slight anxiety... Also, could you possibly pin a comment specifying which lens you used in the first part? Somehow missed it and it's a bit of a pain jumping around in a 25 minute video to find the exact moment. Edit: Also agree with missing the aesthetic of, for instance, the X-T series. Will likely wait for the successor to the X-T4.
Thanks for a great rundown on the X-H2S and the comparisons to the Canon R7! My favorite venue is bird photography and I've been looking at both the Fuji and Canon. I'll look for your upcoming video that compares the two but for now, the Fuji is looking better to me. Another factor is the positive record that Fuji has with firmware updates. Thanks again!
There is a phone stacking many pictures on top of each other automatically in the phone for higher resolution and less noise. No camera doing that yet? No not focus stacking. No not pixelshift. We have to wait another 5 years I suppose. If ever...
I pre ordered mine the day it was released and watched all the videos of the camera in pre-production. Pretty much knew what I was getting. As a XT-1, XT-2, XT3 and GFX50S user I knew it had a PASM dial. Thought it would not bother me as I also shoot with a Nikon D-800 and D4s. No doubt the XH2S does everything well, improved focus speed, faster processor and if your into video its a huge step up. What I had a problem with is the user experience coming from XT's and the GFX I felt like it was another camera brand except for a few things. What it gave me in performance it took away in user experience. The manual dials is what I like about Fuji and turning wheels for Aperture, shutter speed on my Nikons never bothered me. I wanted to love it but sent it back. Still have a Nikon Z9 on order. Maybe I will get it when the Z9's or Z1000 comes out :) But I still love Fuji Film for what they are known for.
Yes, although it may have only happened to me under very specific conditions and there's a workaround straightaway. I would like to get to the bottom of it though.
For me the big question is: how will the AF perform on the new 40MP sensor, when compared to the stacked sensor of the X-H2s? That's a question we won't be able to answer until later in the year!
Weeeeell the readout is faster on the XH2S sensor which in turn allows the AF system to be recalculated more frequently. So I'd expect the S to have faster and more responsive AF BUT it may not be by a huge degree. Plus the other sensor may already be fast enough for most of us.
Depends how much resolution you need and how much you want to spend. Sony has a 50 megapixel stacked sensor camera that gives you speed and resolution, but its double the price.
Their prices don't include tax vs ours with 20% vat. Theirs is a bigger market with bigger volumes so more discounts. Their currency is stronger than ours.
@@cameralabs Sales Tax isn't always applicable in US - especially for online retail. Market size disparity is negligible. Yes, Tories and moron Brexiters have crippled Sterling. Price imbalance feels rather arbitrary to me.
So, in short, no meaningful improvements in still image quality for Fuji since 2018. Arguably, not even marginal improvements. Disappointing results, great video.
@@djstuc It's not a matter of working or not working. Virtually any modern camera 'works' and 'does the job.' But if you're shelling out 2 grand for a body, it's reasonable to expect better overall image quality (yes, even in ideal circumstances, not just better AF) after 4 or 5 damned years.
@@nnix of you need more megapixels and want a Fuji, get the medium format camera. More megapixels, slower camera. Also do you print humangus prints that you need more than 26 mega pixels?
@@djstuc Again, I have an X-T3. I like it fine. But you should be putting these questions to Fujifilm, not me. If the image quality is exactly the same, what justifies the new releases in terms of bodies? Marginal improvements in autofocus? There are few things more annoying in the world of consumer electronics than buyers of the products who would look to justify their purchases no matter how mediocre the product upgrade. 4 years is enough to expect reasonable leaps in megapixels, sharpness, and dynamic range, much of which is due to better processing, not merely the sensor. Tell Fuji to get on it.
I am not convinced that Fujifilm is headed in the right direction with the XH2S. The camera is way to expensive for enthusiast APS-C even in comparision to FF. Pros will not buy it, because AF and low light capabilities. Maybe the bird photographers will come to the rescue?
Unfortunately, you've wasted this video on the photographic side, which many modern cameras in 2022 will be more or less the same in quality. Video quality is where a mirrorless camera lives or dies. This is the age of hybrid Aquarius. Am just waiting for a mirrorless camera that will be in the same ball park as RED or Arri, or even surpass it. No more excuses. Technology is there to be grabbed and used to its full potential.
I've not wasted this video as there are significant improvements to the AF, tracking, skewing and buffer flushing, ALL of which are very important to the sports and wildlife photographers it's aimed at. PLUS as you'll know from the first two minutes of this review, I have a SECOND video coming (actually on Monday) which is entirely devoted to the video capabilities.