Camera ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogNovember 24, 2022Fujifilm X-H2S review, Fuji X-H2S review, Fujifilm X-H2 sample images, Fuji X-H2S sample images, X-H2S specs, Fujifilm X-H2S image quality, Fujifilm X-H2S vs. X-H2, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WRComment

Fujifilm X-H2S Review

A Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fuji X-H2S Review

The Speedy Hybrid Camera From Fujifilm

For about 18 months, I had the Fujifilm X-H1. I needed an all-around high-performance camera for upcoming photo gigs where I was required to shoot stills and video equally.

The X-H1 did an excellent job, but it was not a camera that I fell in love with. What a strange thing to say, perhaps, but it was as if the X-H1 was all business but no heart.

The X-H1 also arrived at an interesting time, as Fujifilm launched the X-T3 only months later with a new sensor and processor combination, which always made me wonder if I should have waited for the X-T3.

The Fujifilm X-H2S shown with an XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The result was a significant drop in value for the X-H1, unlike what you typically see in the camera world. Sony may have had something to do with this, as they released the highly competitive A7 III around the same time.

I promise I am going somewhere with this. Perhaps Fujifilm will have more luck this time around with the X-H2S? Maybe they have done their homework and released it at a better time so that it can become a well-loved favorite among hybrid shooters.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for kindly lending me the Fujifilm X-H2S for my review.

The Fujifilm X-H2S shown with an XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Introduction

The timing for the release of the Fujifilm X-H2S was certainly better than for the X-H1. It was as if Fujifilm had stalled this release to ensure they had all their ducks in a row when the camera was announced in May 2022.

Instead of being one of the last cameras to get the latest sensor, the X-H2S was first in line with a brand new 26.1-megapixel, APS-C, X-Trans CMOS 5 HS backside-illuminated stacked sensor with processing power from the X-Processor 5.

Featuring a fully articulating screen and video-centric features, the X-H2S is a true hybrid camera. With the PASM dial, you can quickly switch between still photography and video modes. Capable of shooting 40 fps. with deep learning AI autofocus modes, this is also a speed demon for sports or wildlife photographers.

At the time this article was written, the Fujifilm X-H2S retailed for $2,499.00.

Two pedestrians on a sidewalk near Chinatown in Vancouver on a foggy morning. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2S — China Town, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-H2S, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

Fujifilm X-H2S Specs

26.1-megapixel, APS-C, X-Trans CMOS 5 HS backside-illuminated stacked sensor
7-stop in-body image stabilization, IBIS
New PASM mode dial
Up to 40 fps. using the electronic shutter, and up to 15 fps. using the mechanical shutter
Video: 4K 120p, 6.2K 30p, FHD 240p 10-Bit Video, internal ProRes 422 HQ, and F-Log 2. ProRes and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI
CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II card slots
NP-235 battery - Same at the Fujifilm X-T4
5.76 m-Dot OLED electronic viewfinder
1.3 lb / 579 g (body only)
1.5 lb / 660 g (body with battery and memory)

The fully articulating LCD on the Fujifilm X-H2S

Handling the Fujifilm X-H2S

The Fujifilm X-H2S has a chiseled appearance with straight edges, giving it a strong, sleek look. This is the top of the line for the Fujifilm X-Series, so I’m sure this is what Fujifilm was aiming for with the design. Buttons are nicely recessed and feel affirmative when pushed.

The front and back command dials, however, cannot be pushed to switch between functions. I'm not against this, as you will inevitably push them and make unwanted changes. I like the feel of the exposure compensation button. It's better than on the X-H1, but perhaps a bit too far to the right for my taste.

The rear LCD on the Fujifilm X-H2S, closed position — The LCD on the X-H2S can be fully rotated and protected

I am baffled that you can’t re-center the AF point by double-clicking the joystick. If someone knows a workaround, I would appreciate it if you could leave a comment below.

On all my previous and current Fujifilm cameras, you can do this (except for the X-E4). However, with the new joystick, which I otherwise really like, you can't recenter the AF point, and it can be easily moved out of position inadvertently.

The overall feel of the X-H2S is excellent, but perhaps not the best for my hands. Without the battery grip, my thumb rests very high on the camera, and the shutter release button is also very sensitive. I was puzzled as I misfired many frames during my test period.

The Fujifilm X-H2S with an XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR mounted. — Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

I did not have the VG-XH vertical battery grip for my test period but tried it at the “first look event” at Beau Photo in Vancouver. With the grip, the handling suddenly is quite superb and my advice is; If you plan to use the X-H2S for longer periods of time or with larger lenses, consider also getting the grip.

You can also get a grip featuring file transmission, FT-XH, which would be cool for events. Both take two extra batteries. I have had grips in the past for cameras used for sports or portrait sessions where you often find yourself shooting in the vertical position.

I no longer shoot videos and unfortunately cannot comment on the performance but the specs are impressive.

For video, the X-Processor 5 enables the recording of 10-bit 4:2:2 video in resolutions up to 6.2K/30P and frame rates as fast as 4K/120P and FHD/240p. The X-H2S has support for professional codecs, like Apple ProRes HQ/ ProRes 422/ ProRes LT.

Fujifilm X-H2S seen with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-H2S in Action

The 5.76-m Dot OLED electronic viewfinder looks gorgeous, but I wouldn't throw out my 3.69-m Dot cameras just yet. The new viewfinder is fantastic, but the difference is not significant. If you're currently debating between the X-T5 and X-H2, I'm sure the X-T5 will be just fine.

The reason to get the X-H2S, however, would be speed. The ability to rapidly fire off a sequence of shots or record 6.5K video with impressive write speeds to your card. The X-H2 comes with two card slots, CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II.

My photography genres are now mostly street or travel, and shooting at 40 fps. is not on top of my list but there was a time in my photography career when I could only dream up such specs.

A skateboarder in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2S — The Plaza Skateboard Park, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-H2S, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

Due to the facts of the above paragraph, I do not have a CFexpress card but used a SanDisk Extreme Pro 300MB/s UHS-II card instead, which caps the speed at 15 fps. For years, I have shot sports at 8 fps, so 15 is excellent, and 40 fps.is just insane :)

I went to the local skateboard park and chatted with a group of guys who didn’t mind having their picture taken on a late November afternoon.

I shot at 15 fps in continuous AF mode and wide tracking. Watching the new autofocus play out in the viewfinder is fantastic. It finds the target way better than any other Fujifilm camera I’ve tried. I also turned on face detection as I wanted eyes in focus whenever possible.

A skateboarder at Plaza Skateboard Park in Vancouver — The Plaza Skateboard Park, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-H2S, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

I captured just shy of 400 photos at the skateboard park, and my hit rate with shots in focus was around 90%. For some sequences, it took the camera a couple of shots to lock in, and then the remaining shots would be in focus.

In other sequences, I would have one shot out of focus in the middle of a burst, and I would also have a 12-shot sequence with every single shot in focus.

I feel that with more practice and tweaking of the AF settings, I could improve these stats. I didn't do any customization, and perhaps turning on pre-AF would have helped in capturing the first couple of photos in each sequence.

For street photography, I shot in single-shot mode, but it was evident that the autofocus was really good and spot on for everything I tried. The camera was also very responsive when shooting a few frames in succession.

A misty morning by the Seymour Building in Vancouver. — The Seymour Building, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-H2S, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

Fujifilm X-H2S vs X-H2

I haven't tried the Fujifilm X-H2 yet and won’t draw a conclusion, but it appears to me that Fujifilm has made it easier to choose a new camera. If you need speed, it’s the X-H2S. If you're looking for more resolution, you’d be looking at the X-H2.

The extra speed and stacked sensor in the X-H2S will set you back an additional $500.00 compared to the X-H2, which currently retails for $1,999.00.

Personally, the X-H2 appears to be a better fit for me, but it does not exclude the X-H2S for many, and it probably would have been a better fit for me for the topics I photographed a decade ago. It is a very individual choice.

Update:

I have now had a chance to review the Fujifilm X-H2, and you can read my review here:

Fujifilm X-H2 - Review

Fujifilm X-H2S shown with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm X-H2S - Image Quality

With the new 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 5 sensor in the X-H2S, I was interested in seeing if it differed significantly from the 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 4 sensor in my X-Pro3, but I couldn't see any perceivable difference.

I was so excited to see the introduction of the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation to the APS-C sensor that I shot almost the entire review using this film simulation. I apologize for the lack of variety.

Until the introduction of the X-H2S, the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation was only available for the GFX 100, GFX 100S, and GFX 50S II cameras, and I think Fujifilm has done a good job of bringing it over to the X-Series. The warm tones and pleasing color palette of this film simulation are rather addictive.

Please click the sample images to view up to 2500 pixels wide.

CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II card slots on the Fujifilm X-H2S

Conclusion

It is important to have strong top-tier cameras in your lineup, and compared to the X-H1, I think Fujifilm is on the right path with two top-tier products targeting slightly different audiences.

Both are strong hybrid entries, with one focused on speed and the other on photographers seeking higher resolution. The two cameras have identical styling, and the X-H2S certainly feels rugged. Both cameras are expandable with grips and take the faster CFexpress cards.

In the next tier down, Fujifilm now has the more photographic-centric X-T5 featuring the same 40-megapixel sensor as in the X-H2 but with a more retro appearance with dedicated ISO and shutter speed dials. And this sensor will likely be featured in an upcoming X-Pro4 as well. This, however, is pure speculation.

The Marine Building in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-H2S — The Marine Building, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-H2S, XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

I had a few ergonomic quibbles with the X-H2S, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is an excellent camera. I strongly encourage you to either rent it or try it out in your favorite photography store to see if the styling appeals to you and how it fits your grip.

Next comes the decision whether the X-H2S or X-H2 is the better camera for your workflow or upcoming photographic projects.

Update:

Fujifilm has now updated the firmware of the X-H2S to version 3.00 and states the following:

“The highest AF performance for X Series has been further improved with the enhanced subject detection based on AI and an improved algorithm. Optimal for fast-moving objects such as sports, bird photography”.

You can download the firmware here:

Fujifilm X-H2s Firmware Version 3.00

Please see the sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-H2S - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm X-H2S - Sample Images

Below are sample images from Vancouver. The images are processed in Capture One. Some photos may be slightly cropped and I used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Nostalgic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.