Even though I am waiting for the next X-Pro and X-T models, I am finding it really hard not to justify this purchase the more I see of it. Fuji really stepped up their game!
If you can afford it, I think it's easy to justify a full size and a pro for when you know you just need one small lens and a compact setup. If the new pro gets a 40mp sensor I may wind up buying it... We'll see. The H2 is preordered and once I get that I'll sell my X-T4
Thank you for such a meaningful and concise review, Gordon. So many TH-camrs don't know what they're doing when it comes to testing cameras and lenses. Your tests and comparisons are all well controlled, well presented, and unbiased which I appreciate as a consumer!
Thankyou! The issue is this kind of review takes 2-3 weeks to put together which is far too long for most people to justify. Actually I can't justify it either, but I can't bear to publish reviews without this degree of testing.
Yours is the BEST review so far. It concentrates on usable information instead of repeating the specs ad noseum and without unnecessary waffle. Thanks Gordon. I can't wait for the delivery of my pre-ordered H2.
My in-depth Fujifilm X-H2 review for photo quality vs the X-H2S Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL 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: th-cam.com/users/dinobytes Fujifilm X-H2 at B&H: bhpho.to/3QqMylX // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3D7xw1y 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 MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV 00:00 - Introduction 01:52 - Sponsorship by MPB 03:04 - Fujifilm X-H2 resolution and lens choice 04:26 - Fujifilm XF 16-55mm vs XF 56mm WR 05:16 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S real-life resolution 06:13 - Fujifilm X-H2 pixel shift quality 08:26 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S resolution chart 09:53 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S noise at high ISO sensitivity 12:32 - Fujifilm X-H2 dynamic range 12:54 - Fujifilm X-H2 burst modes and continuous shooting 13:52 - Fujifilm X-H2 autofocus single, face, birds 16:42 - Fujifilm X-H2 rolling shutter skewing 17:52 - Fujifilm X-H2 sample images and verdict Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
I was one of those who used to have mid-range and professional full frame cameras. It all has changed when Nikon launched the D500. The D500 is a completely pro body, with everything a professional needs. More than that, the D500 is the fastest camera I've ever owned in terms of autofocus. It never misses and the image quality is more than good enough for anyone. But you must pair the camera with the very best lenses to achieve its best image quality and sharpness. So, I have changed from full-frame to APSC after the D500, which I still own today. Having a Pro APSC Camera, in my opinion, is much more interesting than having a so, so full frame. Now, 6 years after the launch of the legendary Nikon D500, FUJIFILM has finally set up two great Pro APSC flagships! The X-H1S and X-H1 are a dream come true. Pro mirrorless with fast autofocus and very, very good resolution to anyone: 26MP are more than enough, but having the possibility of the high res 40MP sensor is a temptation! But, as the D500, the FUJI Flagships demand the best lenses to achieve what they can. Let's see if FUJIFILM can deliver these lenses to pair with their cameras. I myself need a 500mm F4 or 5.6 lens for bird photography. As for landscape, portraits, macro FUJI has the lenses, but not for high end bird photography. In any case these the X-H1 and X-H1S are the next step for APSC pro cameras. Anyone can take absolutely professional photos with these cameras.
Thanks for this excellent review ! I recently held in hand the X-H2 and was amazed by it's viewfinder, which is crispy clear and much nicer than that of the xt3 (which isn't bad by any means). However, I wasn't too excited about the grip and feel of the XH2. It felt too much like a DSLR, meaning too large. I know that sounds strange, but one of the reasons I left the Canon 5d/6d series was to have a smaller camera, and the XH2 felt simply huge. I will wait for the upcoming xt5 and most likely upgrade both of my xt3's... Cheers for this review Gordon !
@@bbasleigh6149 I would agree with this. I've not used the 16-55 2.8. I shoot more with primes and they are very nice on the xt3 body with a small grip added. I'm a bit bummed that the resale values of the xt3 have fallen this low...but that is the way.
Thanks for the review, it's genuinely appreciated, but please spend more time on dynamic range! It's one of the most important specs for overall image quality, especially when comparing two otherwise almost identical cameras. It's really a shame this was glossed over. But thanks for taking the time either way!
This is a quite exciting review. I like the crispness, though I was honestly surprised by just how much of a difference the new lenses made in your comparison at the beginning of the video. That's not just a talking point, it's usable clarity that you get. Now I'm just waiting to see in an XT series camera with all the old school dials and knobs on top. As always, thanks for the review.
Hope they don't cut down the features too much on the X-T5. Apart from not being able to get a vertical grip which we already know, they are probably removing something else to justify a markdown in price. Probably losing the CFExpress slot for another SD card slot and with it the ProRes HQ and highest bitrates for video. Neither 8K30 or 4K60 strictly *need* the 720Mbps modes outside of professional work. But since they ditched the vertical grip, they already showed their hand in treating X-T photographers like baby photographers, not pros.
@@Vinterloft hopefully they keep IBIS with it's pixel shift feature. I'm coming from an era before Image stabilization, so I don't need it to shoot crisp images, but I do want it for the pixel shift. We only just got IBIS in the XT-4 so it would be disappointing to loose it in the XT-5, but that would be a quick way for them to reduce the price of the XT-5.
@@Vinterloft That's a little harsh!! I really do think that Fuji are well aware of the loyal XT following and in my opinion won't risk anything by looking down their noses at us XT lovers!!! That said, I do agree with your thinking about losing one or two benefits with the XT5, being an out and out stills photographer, the things you listed wouldn't be an issue for me....and if they revert back to the XT3 rear flippy screen that would be the icing on the cake for me!!
@@saulekaravirs6585 That would be a disaster!! IBIS is one of the main things I am looking forward to on the XT5!!! The other stuff that Vinter Loft listed wouldn't be an issue for me......but no IBIS!!!!!!
@@saulekaravirs6585 We're never going to see another Fuji camera without IBIS. They already said they won't be making any more X-T*00 series cameras (the lowest end) and nobody is buying the X-T30 over the X-S10 now for the marginal price difference. But they're probably rolling those two series into one going forward anyway and keeping the ergonomics of the X-T*0 and keeping the IBIS and price of the X-S10. IBIS is simply the most important photography feature since colour.
Hi Gordon, I’m curious about the quality of portraits. I recently tested the XH2S vs the GFX and I can still see a difference in color depth and roll off on skin. From your tests so far, will the XH2 get better results or is very similar to the XH2S for skin tones and color depth?
love the review, and I would much prefer getting a full featured apsc with a vast lens lineup rather than a budget full frame that will have inferior, build, evf, lcd, video specs, megapixels and more.
Thank you as always! The ISO differences mean to me that if my events photography work increases, I'd consider getting a second S body instead.(once the prices drop.) Looking forward to the Video performance review.
Great review, Gordon, I've been waiting for it. I've been really impressed with the images posted using this camera at various review sites. I have been a GFX shooter in the past but I sold my system because I really felt it was overkill and I could accomplish all I wanted with the smaller sensor X bodies. That said, I still hanker after the GFX because of the incredible detail of the sensor. Until now. From what I've seen from output from the X-H2, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to own it, leveraging the X-series lens collection I already have rather than having to acquire GF lenses. I do wonder if Fuji is in danger of eating its own baby with the X-H2.
The GFX uses a traditional Bayer CFA - which makes it a treat to process, their x-Trans mess though... I would take a closer look at posted RAW samples and process them in your software of choice before going that route because you may come to regret it... x-Trans is tossing 100s of years of knowledge how to process RAW images down the drain for a misplaced notion of being able to reduce moiree. The only thing x-Trans does is create worse moiree than any other sensor CFA out there because it prevents the use of an AA filter and the resolution still is short of being high enough to warrant the only viable solution of oversampling.
This is the exact problem I have with my Gfx system “heavy weight “ that I cannot take it everywhere for shooting. I was planning to sell it and invest on xh2 but I see lots of complaints about auto focus problem even after firmware update!
So what's the verdict on the X-H2's dynamic range? Judging from the apparent slight increase in noise at higher ISOs it seems it still remains fairly similar to previous X-Trans sensors?
for some reason he is avoiding or not liking to talk about the dynamic range. he does acknowledge it and test it a little bit in terms of does it have enough or not. but that's it.
Thanks for the review. It'd be really interesting to see some tests and check whether the new generation lenses make the new 40MP sensor really shine. I mean comparing the difference on the 26MP sensor between similar old and new lenses and the same comparison on the new 40MP sensor. Will the difference between old and new lenses be more pronounced on the 40MP sensor than on the 26MP one? Is it just a new lens itself, or a new lens paired with 40MP give a step function better quality? Is it worth specifically target buying the new line of lenses and the 40MP sensor X-H2 since the increase in quality is huge due to both lenses and sensor or it's enough to use the older lenses with the 40MP sensor since the boost in quality is just reasonable?
Excellent review ! I'm very happy with my X-H2 !! The XF90mm pairs great with it. I'm into a "test period" to see which of my lenses will handle the 40MP... This sensor is really ruthless. Fujifilm's list of "compatible lenses" is not that honest (I think), so we all need to test by ourselves. I can say the Samyang 135mm F2.0 shines with it. Take good care, Gordon.
For now : - TTartisan 7.5mm F2 = at F2 it's pretty good in the center at MFD and good at long distance ; at F2.8 a little bit better at MFD and very good at long distance ; at F4 it's excellent everywhere (it's a fisheye, so corners aren't that important to me) - SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.7 (adapted) = at F1.7 a bit soft at MFD, pretty good at mid-distance, soft at long-distance ; at F2.8 very good at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, still a bit soft at long-distance ; at F4 excellent at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, pretty good at long-distance ; doesn't get any better (corners are softer than center) - SMC Pentax-M 24mm F2.8 (adapted) = at F2.8 pretty good at MFD, very good at mid-distance, soft at long-distance ; at F4 excellent at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, a bit soft at long-distance ; doesn't get any better (corners are softer than center) - SMC Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro = not that great... - Laowa 100mm F2.8 macro X2 (adapted) = pretty excellent from F4 to F8 through the whole focal range (at 2:1 ratio, it's not that excellent though, I would suggest a 26MP or 24MP sensor) - Sigma 100-300mm F4 APO IF HSM (adapted) = very good from F5.6 to F11 through the whole focal range - Samyang 135mm F2 ED UMC (adapted) = excellent from F2 to F11, such a great performer ! Don't have any Fujifilm X-lenses for now (except the XF90mm) because I sold all my gear to go GFX-system, and now I (almost) sold my GFX gear to go back to the X-system. I'll let you know about other findings... :)
I see you are still waiting for the Canon R7. I cancelled my pre order about a month ago I probably still would be waiting. The X-H2 or the X-H2s seem like a great alternative much better specs and available lenses. I also like the OM-1 so it's a tough choice. Maybe get the XH-2s with the Tamron 150-500mm and sell off my Canon 7dmkII + 100-400mm MKII.
The new 23 and 33 are based on and conformed to the 18mm F1.4's construction, if you want the very sharpest first-party lens for Fuji X that'll be the 18. The absolute sharpest is the Samyang 135mm F2, an ancient lens but a cockroach.
The change of the AF button at the front is so that you can have custom mode that capture also the type of AF (S or C). I am on XT3, and I think I'll go XH2 rather than XT5 (also I don't like the weight gain) because of the custom button. Imagin you are visiting a new place and suddlenly you see a nice bird, switch to C1 (Which has all you best settings to shoot birds) and you get the shot. At the moment every time I shutdown my camera, I do so and reset the dials to AF-C, to CL, to Auto ISO (with a max ISO of 6400), a SS to 4000... and on the XT5, I'll also have to change the subject detection between animal and bird. This is a lot of waffle that I won't need on the XH2. I can then have C1-7: Still bird, Still Animal, Still Portrait, Video 24, Video 60, Video studio... Moreover I mostly shoot with Auto ISO these days.
Another great review Gordon. Seven custom modes! I wish other manufacturers would take note, most offering three, Olympus four. Whatever system I’d love to be able to name them too, with the name appearing on the rear screen/viewfinder as the dial is turned.
New person here, well I’m looking at this X-H2 as my first camera again coming from an old film camera Pentax 35mm back in 2010 and not owned one since and using iPhone pro max from an ease of use prospective. I prefer the colour on Fuji to Sony even though Sonys are nice cameras and for longest time was looking at full frame but APC sensor is still way larger than current iPhone. Also like the fact the video quality looks fantastic, it’s going to be a big learning curve to have to dial in the settings again as only use Auto in iPhone 😬 enjoy watching and a new subscriber 😀
Thanks for another practical, informative and interesting review. My issue is quite simple. I characterise myself as a relatively low level hobbyist. So far, I have been more than pleased with the image quality of my XT20, XT2 and recently acquired XS10. However I have been very, very unhappy with the 3rd rate AF/IAF, call it what you will, of even the XS10. It appeared your review, from my perspective, skipped over this critical question. All Fuji's competitors have excellent AF systems. Fuji, having elected to remain in the apsc world has absolutely no reason for not having an AF system at least equal to that of the Sony apsc 6400 I felt compelled to purchase ( as new 2nd hand + the stellar Sigma 50 1.4 portrait type lens- just magic AF, and this for a camera released approximately 4/5years' ago). Canon, Nikon and Sony ff mirrorless have essentially all the AF required. However this review left this question wide open. Those considering this camera will clarify want this question answered as it doubtless will be in the near future. Absent the technical knowledge required, I am at something of a loss to understand the need for 2 cameras, each with different needs in mind, to have sensors creating such huge files. It has not been my understanding that there had been any criticism of the mega pixel size of stills, at least, from Fuji's current apsc bodies. Also, I appreciate the XT20 and XT2 are not the most recent of the Fuji X series bodies releases. The same cannot be said of the XS10. What was the imperative driving Fuji to produce cameras with such large file sizes that very few users had been clamouring for? Was it simply the desire to maintain sensor and file size parity with the full frame mirrorless offerings from their competitors. Following Canon releasing the apsc 90D, with a much larger sensor than past apsc cameras, significant problems arose with many Canon apsc lens effectively not being able to cope with, or produce images of an acceptable quality. Fuji has been wise enough to pre-empt this problem, in part, by providing a "recommended" list of lens. Unsurprisingly, these include the most expensive, and let's face it, they are very expensive lens, to basically allow entry into the Fuji system using either of these 2 bodies. So after, wisely opening the X series is 3rd party lens makers, notably Tamron and Sigma, is that opening effectively being closed by virtue of 3rd party lens not being able to "cope" with the files being captured? Having purchased a Sigma 56 1.4 for my X series and especially for the XS10, I have intention of expending large amounts of money to purchase "compatible" Fuji native glass. However, in reality, there can be little doubt that these 2 cameras were introduced for shooters such as myself, who are still statically relevant. The keen hobbyists may well be prepared to shell out more funds for cameras, which as I see it, they simply don't need- yes, with gas, they may want, however as ever, there is a very clear distinction between want and need.
In my reviews I always try to show AF tests and results for single AF areas, face and eye tracking for portraits or vlogging, as well as action / wildlife at higher speed. But as you know, the perceived or actual confidence of an AF system in your hands during day to day use can vary considerably and can be harder to measure or present effectively and consistently. Fujifilm is getting better with each generation, the X-H2S in particular, but at these prices I'd recommend borrowing or renting for a weekend to see if a new camera meets your expectations and personal usage.
A bit disappointed that Gordon goes so all-in for Fujifilm's "buy-new-lenses-for-maximum-benefit" marketing gambit. Increasing *either* sensor resolution or lens resolution will *always* increase system resolution in a mathematically predictable way, so you don't need to worry about whether your older lenses qualify for the "full experience"... you'll still get higher resolution on the new 40mp body. (Don't take my word for it, unleash your favorite search engine to read the excellent article "Why Perceptual Megapixels are Stupid" by Roger Cicala, lens-testing guru and founder of LensRentals.) The fact that Gordon thought the new 56/1.2 looked a bit sharper than the old one simply means that the design is a bit better. And as to the question of why several lenses NOT exactly known for stellar sharpness made the list, the answer is in Fujifilm's carefully weasel-worded footnote. Lenses on the list merely have "high resolution performance from edge to edge at maximum aperture"... in other words, they're not necessarily the ones with the highest PEAK sharpness, just ones that have fairly consistent full-aperture sharpness across the field. Stop down a bit, and/or keep your subject in the center, and you might well get better performance out of lenses that are NOT on the list. I suspect Fujifilm is playing this game simply to generate impressive results for online pundits and hobbyists who enjoy making test photos of brick walls and flat charts, even though such "tests" have little to do with real-world photography of three-dimensional objects...
Great review, Gordon! I've had my eyes on the X-H2 since it was released and I'm seriously thinking of purchasing one in the new year ahead of us! It really is a beautiful APS-C camera inside out!
14:30 (edit - I meant 14:30) Interesting...a rectangle over the eye for eye-detect AF instead of the usual square/box. Makes sense in my opinion. Whether it's better or not because it's a rectangle, I don't know :) But if it's using AF points inside that rectangle, then maybe it does have the potential to be more accurate.
Excellent report, as a new Fujifilm X-H2 user, I appreciate the clear concise explanation. It is also confusing the number of new prime lenses that are available, and have been pulled between the 23mm and the 56mm, but having seen the range of images taken with the 56mm I think that's my next purchase.
Thanks for yet another excellent review, Gordon! What you've stated at 20:35 struck a chord with me. I've been weighing the idea of whether I should trade my GFX 50R for the X-H2, perhaps, if anything, to claw back some portability that one loses when going with a larger format camera. However, I'm not even sure that I would get along with the SLR-shaped body, as I prefer rangefinder-styled form factors, and I'd have to likely stick with the f/1.2-1.4 XF lenses to get similar light gathering capabilities which I enjoy now. We really are in an age of cameras where we're just picking between form-factors and lenses that work for us as individuals. Thanks for reminding me of this!
@@dmitry.sh.8946 it's always worth making real-life comparisons to see exactly how they differ. It might be that a different format is fine or even better for your needs.
@@cameralabs Picture quality.....that's what makes them different....if your priority is the quality of the picture .... I think even a blind man knows what he will choose)
@@dmitry.sh.8946 yes, but don't assume a winner before you've actually compared them side by side, unless you have in which case I'd love to see the results. I would also assume a better result from the medium format, but 30 years in this business has proven to me that the result you expect isn't always what you get, and that some differences can be marginal. That's why it's worth testing to see those differences.
Gordon great video, I'd love to see a comparison on some of the lenses that didn't make fujis list that a lot of us own (starting with the oldest 35 F/1.4) I'm waiting for the XT-5... but I want to see if it is an XT-5 + the 33 F/1.4 i really want, or just the XT-5, and even though it may not be quite as good... my 10-year-old lens that has stayed with me since the X-Pro 1 will still be my go-to lens with a 40MP XT-5 I'd also love to see how the new (to Fuji) 3rd Party lenses perform on the 40MP sensor (Sigma 16/30/56, and Tamron lenses) The new 56 F/1.2 looks like the perfect lens but it is also almost 3X the cost (at least in UK) of the Sigma 56 F/1.4 a head-to-head at 40MP would be interesting
Beware some of those Sigma lenses are old optical designs, especially the 30. I'd say you will get better results with any lens you put on the X-H2, but again if you want a big boost in quality and resolution, you need the newest ones.
Thanks for doing an efficient fact-pact review! Some of us have no time or patience for the tedious nonsense of other photo channels. Anyway, your review really helps me understand the real-world diffs between the two models.
This is a great comparison review....thanks for your excellent vid. I can see the benefit of comparing the XH2 to the XH2s...especially for wildlife photographers and others needing the speedy stacked sensor and use of a CF Express card. From a purely stills standpoint though, I am really curious about the difference between the XH2 and the XT4 (or other Xtrans 4 cameras) when using lenses not listed as being best for the new 40mp sensor. A comparison showing what the XH2 can (or can't) do with these lenses against the XT3/4 etc would go some way to answering a few questions. Is there enough resolution difference between them to carry on using the already purchased....but not listed...lenses? If there is no, or not much difference then we are faced with considerable extra expense in purchasing lenses that will show a clear improvement in resolution and sharpness. Everything about these new sensors and processors are amazing...but very expensive if we have to fork out for lenses that will be needed to resolve these excellent 40mp sensors
The X-Trans IV sensor is essentially the same as the XH2S sensor in terms of resolution and noise - see my older XH2S review - so you can use the XH2S res and noise results here as an indicator of older models like the XT3 and XT4. Note the AF is a big improvement though.
Thanks for such a great review. I hope the X-T5/X-Pro4 with the same sensor will be available soon, with a proper 3 way tilting screen instead of flippy selfie screen like found on X-H2...
Thanks Gordon, I'd love to go full frame if I had £20k spare. Top end APS-C weighs less, costs less and is smaller so, as an amateur, it's a bit of a no-brainer. Plus, I love the colour rendition and ethos of Fujifilm.
This was a great and thorough review Gordon. People don't realise how long all of this would take. I've had to move over to FF for my paid gigs and events, but do miss things about Fuji. I have a half interest in the new X-T5. These two cameras here instantly removed themselves from my interest with that ridiculous screen, but I hear the T5 will have a 3-way screen. I may be semi-interested for my personal work with this cameras. I still kept some of my great Fuji lenses. We'll see what happens.
It's really useful, especially when shooting with unstabilised primes. I found it really beneficial when framing the shot as well as for keeping ISO low. It's the same as in the X-H2S and I covered it in that review if you're interested.
Excellent review as we look for more field cameras for some reporters/creators. Sony’s new camera are interesting, but I like durable options too for extreme situations.
excellent review - thank you. Although I'm not interested in this camera, I might be if a 40MP X-T5 is released. how did you find the 10-24 on the higher resolution sensor? it's not one of the lenses Fuji state is designed to get the best from the extra resolution, but is the lens I use most. I'd be interested to know. thanks :-)
Hi Gordon, as always, your review really helped making me decide. I was adamant about staying in APS-C (love nature and action fotography and wanted the crop factor) and I've been loving what Fuji is doing for years, except for AF, but now that I see they're finally up to speed I decided to switch from Nikon to Fuji. I finally broke the piggy bank and went for the X-H2 instead of the X-T5, the reasons being mainly that I prefer the ergonomics (coming from my good old Nikon D90, the top LCD, single dial, bigger grip and just about everything else fit like a glove since minute one), the deeper buffer + CFExpress and the absolutely gorgeous EVF. Maybe a bit overkill for an aficionado like me, but I'm loving the beast so far. The 70-300 and the 1.4x teleconverter are next in line. BTW, maybe it doesn't get the most out of the 40MP sensor, but I'm also in love with the 16-80 kit lens, the center sharpness is very decent and even zooming at 100% (crazy how close you can get with a 40MP file) there's lot of detail there. I'll be on the look for a couple of decent primes also, this camera sure asks for them to get the most out of that sensor. Cheers!
@@cameralabs Yeah, saw your review on that one and it's definitely in my short list, looks like the ultimate "all-rounder" prime for the X mount, there's so much you can do with those 23mm, and it's so sharp even at F/1.4 it's almost ridiculous. Thanks!
I wonder why they decided to "computerize" several aspects of camera controls. The apperture node lever is just one example. When I wrote the programing for my office application, I counted the steps needed to execute a command and did everything I could to keep the steps to the absolute minimum, while minimizing the controling buttons. And I wonder how many landscape photographers will regret the loss of the three way tilt screen.
Waiting for my X-H2 now. I have a full range of X lenses, my only hesitation with it, is should I have bit the bullet and gone GFX instead? I shoot mostly scenic images for wall art. I do a lot of skylines, and I thought the pixel shift mode might be awesome. There's a lot of moving water in my images though. If it blurred that would be fine, but it looks more like digital noise.
Wonderful review Gordon, I have just one question about the Pixelshift feature if I may. Fuji claims this Pixelshift feature produces 160mp images, but isn't that misleading? My Pentax K-1 also does Pixelshift (just slightly moving the sensor for 4 frames), the combined result is still a 36mp image though (much larger file of course), obviously improved in resolution, general IQ, colour accuracy and dynamic range. Regardless of how many frames the Fuji is taking in it's Pixelshifted mode, it is ultimately flattened to still being a 40mp shot to work with is it not? This is not a 160mp panoramic image! I'm just confused as to where their thinking is here in calling Pixelshift a certain megapixel thing, I don't bracket a scene for example, tally up the 5 frames and call that shot x megapixels...
I want a full frame camera for my boudoir work but an apsc camera with 40 mp looks pretty good to me compared to a 24 mp cam. Fuji has better dynamic range than a expensive canon r5 to so i dont really see a full frame advantage for what i do
13fps with ES (UNCROPPED) will generate too much rolling shutter on sports photography? For example surfing? Thank you very much. Excellent review Gordon.
@@AR-tj1no Size and features mainly.....a smaller camera less features for dials is a nay no for me. To me they dumbed down the Xt5, and added dials for the same cost of the Xt4. No battery grip, no 8k, no full size hdmi, slower buffer for video, no headphone jack, less vibrant elvf. For 300.00 the XH2 is a better path unless you have to have dials. I will miss the dials but I gain much more with a better grip for my large hands for 300.00 more.
Hello Gordon, thank you so much for another excellent review - as others have already commented your reviews are always worth listening to. As a long time bird and wildlife photographer I am particularly interested in the Fuji X-H2 - if there is any chance of your posting some pics of birds - say, sparrows at the typical distances that are possible (15-20-30 metres) - this would be so helpful. Regards, Pete
I'm hoping to do some more bird tests in the future, maybe with the 150-500 but most of them around where I am are seagulls and I've included some shots of them!
Every time I think of upgrading with Canon I find the new lens system very expensive and no third party lenses to choose from. I have quite a few Fuji lenses and cameras and for the most part I think with the exception of focus tracking and some noise compared to FF the Fuji stuff is quite nice.
Thanks for the video; it was informative. Can you tell me if this XH2 is a good upgrade to the XT4 or if it would be better to wait for the XT5 - in your opinion of course. I shoot macro photography on the XT4 with the 80mm fuji lens. I am looking for better focus bracketing and sharper focus than XT4. I appreciate your help!
I can only guess, but an XT4 successor will almost certainly use the same 40mp sensor, although i don't know if they'd leave out pixel shift to differentiate it. Either way, it's the body style you have to choose. I'd be surprised if there isn't some XT5 news in the next 6 months, so it depends if you can wait that long.
I tried a Tamron 150-600mm G2 in the shop with my X-T3 about half a year ago and I liked the AF performance of the lens with that body, however I didn't find the lens very sharp so I didn't buy it. If you mean that same lens (instead of 150-500mm?) then I doubt it will have enough resolving power. I found the Fuji 100-400mm much sharper than the Tamron. The Fuji 150-600mm is great. If the AF of the Tamron lens will work well with the new Fuji bodies, I recall reading on DPReview forums that the AF of the lens works well with the X-H2s so I don't expect an issue there, but I might be wrong.
@@TimvanderLeeuw I have the 150-600 G2 for canon and have used it with a fringer adapter, but AF on my X-T2 was pretty inconsistent, and when stopped down to F8 which improves the sharpness quite a bit, AF usually fails. So that lens is paired with the 7d mkii, the canon 400 f5.6 works pretty well on the x-t2, af is quick and accurate, but I would like to have a lens with a native x mount. So when tamron annouced that the 150-500 for the e-mount was coming to the fuji system, I was intrigued. The reviews for that lens is quite good, sharpness is supposedly very good wide open. Not quite sure how good the AF will be on the fuji though. I have also considered a used 100-400, but some people on the net claim sharpness at 400mm isnt so good. The new 150-600 is a bit pricey for me. Although if I stick with the X-T2, it could be okey, not sure about AF on the X-t2 though given the F8 aperture on 600mm.
@@e3446 You will probably find the AF with the Tamron 150-600mm is much improved on newer Fuji cameras, I just cannot vouch for the sharpness at 40mp on APS-C. If the 150-500mm will be released for Fuji X-mount, I have no idea! But I do expect the optical performance to be better.
@@TimvanderLeeuw yeah I can imagine the af performance is quite a bit better on even something like a xt3/4. Tamron announced that the 150-500 is coming to the x mount, price wise in my country it's 800usd cheaper then the fuji 150-600. I guess waiting for reviews is the smart thing to do, but pre ordering is tempting.
Great review! Had been waiting to see your thoughts on it :D Again it was a pleasure meeting you at Fujikina! I am on the X-T series side of having the manual dials. Really hoping a higher megapixel sensor (maybe an in between of X-H2 and X-H2s) is implemented in future X-T5. For time being will resist the 40 megapixels temptation and keep my X-T4. Am curious how some of the classic lenses will behave in X-H2, such as the 16mm f/1.4
Glad you enjoyed the review and great to meet you too - sorry for the delayed reply, for some reason YT hid a bunch from me. Hope you've seen the movie mode review I published today!
Hi Gordon, thank you again for a through review! quick question: if your focus is mainly photography (portraits, travel & landscape), would you pick up the XH2 over a Sony a7IV since both are approximately the same price?
If you can keep to lower ISOs, the XH2 will give you a little more detail than the A7IV, but really there's not much between them in quality. I'd compare their look and feel, and crucially which lenses you'd want for each system, their cost, size, weight, quality etc. You have to look at the system as a whole. Both are great choices.
@@cameralabs I pre-ordered my X-H2 last weekend so it's very reassuring to watch your review. I look forward getting my hands on it after having only an hour to play with it so far. I came away not really missing all the dials as much as I love them too.
In looking at the Raw files for noise on my 5K monitor I thought the X-H2 edged out the X-H2S at ISO 3200 & 6400. Without any tipping off my wife thought the same, and she likes to disagree with me ;-). I wonder if TH-cam compression played a part in my conclusion differing for yours Gordon?
TH-cam certainly plays a role in softening everything! I'd say they were pretty close in reality, not enough for me to choose one over the other for high ISO. The XH2S benefit really is mostly down to readout speed.
I'm probably in the minority, but I actually preferred the RAW noise performance of the X-H2 over the X-H2S. Perhaps it's the fact that the resolution is considerably higher which results in finer noise albeit more.
When I jumped from Canon to Fuji, I was trying to get into the wedding business and keep stuff light, but I see many folk posting looking for second shooters with the exception to Fuji users. "Except Fuji Please" .... said to be because those artifacts appearing in the raw files when procecssing in Adobe Lightroom....very dissappointing and actually driving me away from Fuji ... I love this new camera tho
Tempting! Thank you. For what it's worth, on Safari this video was locked at 360 resolution. I had to switch to Chrome to see it in HD. Not sure what's up, but thought I'd mention it. Cheers!
FYI: XH2 Raw file is really big almost > 80MB so you guys have to spend more money for storage if you buy this camera, also 40MP on this camera gives more detail on picture but less detail than fullframe camera (Compared to 33 MP on my Sony A7IV).
But you get a much better build, faster bursts, a much better screen, EVF, HDMI port…. Etc. Sensor size isn’t everything. I’ll take a crop camera with me any day over a big heavy full framer.
I don’t know what you are talking about ? The A7IV has 33 megapixels and I have switched from it to the XH2s which is about 85 percent of the image quality of the A7IV both with good primes. With the XH2 I am rather certain that it shows more details then the A7IV. And what spending money on storage, Fuji is much cheaper, get a angelbird 512gb cf express card for 200 bucks while the Sony cf express type A card for 160gb cost over 400 bucks. Both are very good cameras but I like the body much more on the Fuji side , aswell as the batterygrip. Size and weight is also a big factor and what type of photography you do. For wildlife the XH2s is much better with the 100-400 or the new 150-600. The screen and feel is also a reason I switched even the refresh rate of the LCD is much higher on the Fuji and it gets much brighter and more Vivid.
@@ivillious7573 I dont know what you are talking about as well, I think you dont have good equiment for compare image quality on these cameras properly
Fantastic review 👌 40megapixels is definitely the way forward to keeping ahead of the apsc cameras!! Still my gfx 50r will produce better looking images than this sensor for portraits and I still feel a need for this XH2 as when I need faster speed
I may try an X-H2 vs GFX50 comparison in the future. I suspect the lens will play a BIG part in that. Which are your sharpest and favourite GFX lenses, and do any roughly match the coverage of the 23, 33 or 56 on APSC?
@@cameralabs my favourite lenses I believe that would be a direct comparison for the new xf lenses 23mm f1.4 and the new xf56mm mkii are the gf45mm f2.8 and the gf110mm f2 , and it would be a great comparison to see how these equivalent focal length’s would perform on a gfx50sii body and with the XH2 with its new 23 and 56 mm lenses
@@cameralabs I'm still torn between going for an XH2 or a D850 as the prices have dropped, and then just wait for the XH2 tech to trickle down to the XT6 or the next iteration. I use the X-T4 and X-s10, and I’m very happy with them, but I’m stuck in the process of do I just want, or do I need, a new camera. Ahh, the hell of indecision ! 🙂
@@johnmorrell all of the XH2 tech that's likely to up up in an XT is already in the XT5, so I wouldn't expect an XT6 to have any more of it. Plus an XT6 would be about three years away. D850 is obviously a very different prospect as an older DSLR.
Did you try it with the Fuji app, Gordon? I adored my XH1 but ended up leaving for Canon for AF, but also my frustrations with not being able to connect my camera to the phone app and easily send jpegs. I still miss Fuji but without a usable app it's no go for me.
Hi Adam, I hear ya. I get really frustrated with the app as well. I couldn't test it fully as the camera is still too new, but I have been cursing it regularly while travelling with the X100V if that's any consolation.
@@cameralabs I do feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one. And if you have issues that can't be resolved then it's safe to say it's definitely a problem that needs Fuji's attention to resolve. Thanks for the hard work you always put in. Greatly appreciated.
the camera is great but a bit bulky for my tastes and the new lenses so expensive .... but if the new sensor and processor makes its way also to a small x-t40 (or 50?) body it would be hard to skip that one, in the meantime I am more likely to upgrade the Sony because I already have some decent af lenses....
I'm being lazy Gordon but what do you think is the best wildlife photography camera of the new generation? I think its time for my Lumix G9's autofocus to be laid to rest 😀 Possible video idea?
It's a tough one as it's not only about resolution and cropping potential, but also AF tracking, and also a reliable but light weather sealed body. I have high hopes for the Canon R7, but need to test it thoroughly. The X-H2 is certainly a great option with the new big zoom.
@@JoeMaranophotography hi Joe, I recently had a hands on at a WEX event of the R7, H2S and OM1 ( I too currently have G9 and 100-400), the Fuji was definitely the best, the evf was excellent, the 150-600 balanced nicely and focuses internally so balance doesn’t change, focus seemed excellent at spotting cyclists and dogs, no birds on the day going past. The R7 felt light and flimsy in comparison, evf definitely inferior, af noticeably slower using RF100-500. Oly, the evf still not as nice as G9, expensive and huge wait times for the 150-400. I’m very tempted by the Fuji set up, the top plate lcd is familiar to G9 users too.
Got main one yesterday:) can't wait to take it on nice long trip :) preferably to Dolomites:) still keeping my panasonic g9. Test 40mp and 8k recording. Got 8k tv so would be interesting to see unimpressed by TH-cam vidoe. The specifications are sick for the price. Lets hope fujifilm will pull it off. Well I got their camera hahaha. As usual cool review. Greetings from Surrey:)
"16-40 f4" did you mean the 16-80? I've seen stories of inconsistent performance of the lens on the internet though I'm happy with mine. Wonder if Fuji wants to tweak the lens though?
Well, I will be waiting for an X-T5... I always suspected that I might not get on well with the X-H2(s) for a number of reasons and a quick tryout in a camera shop confirmed that for me this body doesn't have the right ergonomics. - The articulated screen gets in my way of holding the camera in quite a few cases (expected that, now confirmed) - The PASM dial is hard to reach without changing your grip on the camera, especially when the screen is flipped out (expected that, now confirmed). For an X-H3, Fuji might wish to swap the top-display and the PASM dial. - And unexpected: the top plate buttons for ISO, WB are hard to reach without twisting my fingers or changing how I grip the camera (which slows down shooting). I never really had a problem with the exposure-compensation button on the X-H1 but these buttons on the X-H2s were an issue for me and I had not expected that. The PASM dial as such is not my main issue although I do expect that I'll have my share of irritations with the way it's implemented on Fuji cameras (when almost every lens has an aperture ring too) -- however that's part and parcel of the package of these cameras so it wouldn't be a showstopper for me. I get why they went with an articulated screen on these cameras, and I strongly dislike it, but if I really want the fastest AF of the X-H2s I may get used to it... However overall the camera body has too many ergonomic compromises for me that with an X-T5 on the way I feel better off waiting for that! I am excited however for the new hi-res sensor, ultra-fast shutter speeds, and improved AF algorithms!
I didn't make a formal comparison for DR between them, as both had more than enough for what I'd want. But in theory the lower resolution one should have the potential for slightly higher DR if all other aspects of the sensor were equal (which it may not be). Basically if you are in a situation where you might notice a DR difference between them, I'd say you're dealing with pretty extreme adjustments and it might be worth trying to recapture if possible.
Do you think they're going to update their red badge zoom line? I guess that's the next step over the next few years, right? (Not that I'm looking forward to dropping more dough on lenses).
What I haven't seen any of the reviewers do so far, is demonstrating what the 1/180,000th of a second shutter speed means, bearing in mind it is produced only in e-shutter mode. Snapping those bottles was an exellent example of mechanical vs electronic shutter results. How is that spec of any use if the CMOS readout can't keep up even at mechanically equivalent speeds? Also that's over 11 stops down from 1/60 sec - what luminosity has to be applied in order for this scenario to even produce a picture? I hope you will have the time to play with it and let us know in the future. Cheers. 👍
Yes, I regret not being able to demonstrate it properly, but you're right, there will be skewing, especially as any subject that demand 1/180000 will be moving pretty quickly!
Hello Gordon I enjoyed your review the best! I wanted to see some good images from the XH2 and you presented it very well. I notice that the images where taken with a prime from Fujifilm I wonder how it will work with the 18-55 mm 2.8-4.0 lens which I have and it is my favorite. I also have the 55-200mm zoom and the 12-24mm wide angle which I also like. When the camera is available in stores I would like to test it with those lenses and sell my XT3 with the grip for the new body. Thank you for the review very well done.
Thanks! According to Fujifilm, you should get more detail from any lens you mount on the Xh2 vs 26mp models, but obviously for the best results you'll want a modern prime. The 18-55 is a nice lens, but it is getting on now.
Am I wrong or are the colors on the h2s more intense compared to the h2? Have the same feeling in comparison for the t4. Am I the only one who see this?
I guess the big question is, when you're not doing crazy magnification pixel peeping/printing at massive physical size will you *really* see any difference... Is there a difference in the way the images look in general? Rendering wise? In the ISO tests, the resolution/detail difference is pretty much imperceptible.
They look similar in style, so in photo terms it's really only if you want the extra pixels and pixel shift mode. So people who make giant prints or tight crops for example.
Greetings from India 🙏🙏 I love your reviews and I look out for them before buying a camera... But I have one small request / suggestion though... If you can include the creative features like Multiple/double exposure, focus bracketing, etc. Would be helpful. For eg. In Multiple/double exposure how many modes do we get, number exposures can be set, do we get the Raw file also or only Jpeg files... Cause my XH-1 doesn't gives a Raw file... I think if reviers like you starts including such features Fujifilm shall/might listen and include the same in future cameras/firmware updates. Please consider my request 🙏🙏 God Bless 🙏🙏
Even though I am waiting for the next X-Pro and X-T models, I am finding it really hard not to justify this purchase the more I see of it. Fuji really stepped up their game!
It's a really nice camera!
If you can afford it, I think it's easy to justify a full size and a pro for when you know you just need one small lens and a compact setup. If the new pro gets a 40mp sensor I may wind up buying it... We'll see. The H2 is preordered and once I get that I'll sell my X-T4
Same here…. As much as I want to wait for xpro4 …. I am also gravitating toward xh 2
Thank you for such a meaningful and concise review, Gordon. So many TH-camrs don't know what they're doing when it comes to testing cameras and lenses. Your tests and comparisons are all well controlled, well presented, and unbiased which I appreciate as a consumer!
Thankyou! The issue is this kind of review takes 2-3 weeks to put together which is far too long for most people to justify. Actually I can't justify it either, but I can't bear to publish reviews without this degree of testing.
Yours is the BEST review so far. It concentrates on usable information instead of repeating the specs ad noseum and without unnecessary waffle. Thanks Gordon. I can't wait for the delivery of my pre-ordered H2.
You're very welcome! Look out for my movie mode review coming soon!
My in-depth Fujifilm X-H2 review for photo quality vs the X-H2S
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00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Sponsorship by MPB
03:04 - Fujifilm X-H2 resolution and lens choice
04:26 - Fujifilm XF 16-55mm vs XF 56mm WR
05:16 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S real-life resolution
06:13 - Fujifilm X-H2 pixel shift quality
08:26 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S resolution chart
09:53 - Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S noise at high ISO sensitivity
12:32 - Fujifilm X-H2 dynamic range
12:54 - Fujifilm X-H2 burst modes and continuous shooting
13:52 - Fujifilm X-H2 autofocus single, face, birds
16:42 - Fujifilm X-H2 rolling shutter skewing
17:52 - Fujifilm X-H2 sample images and verdict
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I was one of those who used to have mid-range and professional full frame cameras. It all has changed when Nikon launched the D500. The D500 is a completely pro body, with everything a professional needs. More than that, the D500 is the fastest camera I've ever owned in terms of autofocus. It never misses and the image quality is more than good enough for anyone. But you must pair the camera with the very best lenses to achieve its best image quality and sharpness. So, I have changed from full-frame to APSC after the D500, which I still own today. Having a Pro APSC Camera, in my opinion, is much more interesting than having a so, so full frame. Now, 6 years after the launch of the legendary Nikon D500, FUJIFILM has finally set up two great Pro APSC flagships! The X-H1S and X-H1 are a dream come true. Pro mirrorless with fast autofocus and very, very good resolution to anyone: 26MP are more than enough, but having the possibility of the high res 40MP sensor is a temptation! But, as the D500, the FUJI Flagships demand the best lenses to achieve what they can. Let's see if FUJIFILM can deliver these lenses to pair with their cameras. I myself need a 500mm F4 or 5.6 lens for bird photography. As for landscape, portraits, macro FUJI has the lenses, but not for high end bird photography. In any case these the X-H1 and X-H1S are the next step for APSC pro cameras. Anyone can take absolutely professional photos with these cameras.
2
Thanks for this excellent review ! I recently held in hand the X-H2 and was amazed by it's viewfinder, which is crispy clear and much nicer than that of the xt3 (which isn't bad by any means). However, I wasn't too excited about the grip and feel of the XH2. It felt too much like a DSLR, meaning too large. I know that sounds strange, but one of the reasons I left the Canon 5d/6d series was to have a smaller camera, and the XH2 felt simply huge. I will wait for the upcoming xt5 and most likely upgrade both of my xt3's...
Cheers for this review Gordon !
@@bbasleigh6149 I would agree with this. I've not used the 16-55 2.8. I shoot more with primes and they are very nice on the xt3 body with a small grip added. I'm a bit bummed that the resale values of the xt3 have fallen this low...but that is the way.
Have X-H2 on pre-order and plan on selling a full frame system. I want to switch for weight reasons now that 40MP is available in a APS-C.
Thanks for the review, it's genuinely appreciated, but please spend more time on dynamic range! It's one of the most important specs for overall image quality, especially when comparing two otherwise almost identical cameras. It's really a shame this was glossed over. But thanks for taking the time either way!
I agree it's important, but there's only so much i can do. This one already took over two weeks work by itself, and I think is already long enough.
This is a quite exciting review. I like the crispness, though I was honestly surprised by just how much of a difference the new lenses made in your comparison at the beginning of the video. That's not just a talking point, it's usable clarity that you get.
Now I'm just waiting to see in an XT series camera with all the old school dials and knobs on top.
As always, thanks for the review.
Hope they don't cut down the features too much on the X-T5. Apart from not being able to get a vertical grip which we already know, they are probably removing something else to justify a markdown in price. Probably losing the CFExpress slot for another SD card slot and with it the ProRes HQ and highest bitrates for video. Neither 8K30 or 4K60 strictly *need* the 720Mbps modes outside of professional work. But since they ditched the vertical grip, they already showed their hand in treating X-T photographers like baby photographers, not pros.
@@Vinterloft hopefully they keep IBIS with it's pixel shift feature. I'm coming from an era before Image stabilization, so I don't need it to shoot crisp images, but I do want it for the pixel shift. We only just got IBIS in the XT-4 so it would be disappointing to loose it in the XT-5, but that would be a quick way for them to reduce the price of the XT-5.
@@Vinterloft That's a little harsh!! I really do think that Fuji are well aware of the loyal XT following and in my opinion won't risk anything by looking down their noses at us XT lovers!!! That said, I do agree with your thinking about losing one or two benefits with the XT5, being an out and out stills photographer, the things you listed wouldn't be an issue for me....and if they revert back to the XT3 rear flippy screen that would be the icing on the cake for me!!
@@saulekaravirs6585 That would be a disaster!! IBIS is one of the main things I am looking forward to on the XT5!!! The other stuff that Vinter Loft listed wouldn't be an issue for me......but no IBIS!!!!!!
@@saulekaravirs6585 We're never going to see another Fuji camera without IBIS. They already said they won't be making any more X-T*00 series cameras (the lowest end) and nobody is buying the X-T30 over the X-S10 now for the marginal price difference. But they're probably rolling those two series into one going forward anyway and keeping the ergonomics of the X-T*0 and keeping the IBIS and price of the X-S10. IBIS is simply the most important photography feature since colour.
Hi Gordon, I’m curious about the quality of portraits. I recently tested the XH2S vs the GFX and I can still see a difference in color depth and roll off on skin. From your tests so far, will the XH2 get better results or is very similar to the XH2S for skin tones and color depth?
love the review, and I would much prefer getting a full featured apsc with a vast lens lineup rather than a budget full frame that will have inferior, build, evf, lcd, video specs, megapixels and more.
Exactly my thought!
Thank you as always! The ISO differences mean to me that if my events photography work increases, I'd consider getting a second S body instead.(once the prices drop.) Looking forward to the Video performance review.
It’s down to $3300 Australian dollars not a bad deal
Great review, Gordon, I've been waiting for it. I've been really impressed with the images posted using this camera at various review sites. I have been a GFX shooter in the past but I sold my system because I really felt it was overkill and I could accomplish all I wanted with the smaller sensor X bodies. That said, I still hanker after the GFX because of the incredible detail of the sensor. Until now. From what I've seen from output from the X-H2, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to own it, leveraging the X-series lens collection I already have rather than having to acquire GF lenses. I do wonder if Fuji is in danger of eating its own baby with the X-H2.
I know what you mean. Certainly when coupled with one of those new prime lenses and at low ISOs, the X-H2 is delivering fantastic looking images.
The GFX uses a traditional Bayer CFA - which makes it a treat to process, their x-Trans mess though... I would take a closer look at posted RAW samples and process them in your software of choice before going that route because you may come to regret it... x-Trans is tossing 100s of years of knowledge how to process RAW images down the drain for a misplaced notion of being able to reduce moiree. The only thing x-Trans does is create worse moiree than any other sensor CFA out there because it prevents the use of an AA filter and the resolution still is short of being high enough to warrant the only viable solution of oversampling.
This is the exact problem I have with my Gfx system “heavy weight “ that I cannot take it everywhere for shooting. I was planning to sell it and invest on xh2 but I see lots of complaints about auto focus problem even after firmware update!
So what's the verdict on the X-H2's dynamic range? Judging from the apparent slight increase in noise at higher ISOs it seems it still remains fairly similar to previous X-Trans sensors?
for some reason he is avoiding or not liking to talk about the dynamic range. he does acknowledge it and test it a little bit in terms of does it have enough or not. but that's it.
Thanks for the review. It'd be really interesting to see some tests and check whether the new generation lenses make the new 40MP sensor really shine. I mean comparing the difference on the 26MP sensor between similar old and new lenses and the same comparison on the new 40MP sensor. Will the difference between old and new lenses be more pronounced on the 40MP sensor than on the 26MP one? Is it just a new lens itself, or a new lens paired with 40MP give a step function better quality? Is it worth specifically target buying the new line of lenses and the 40MP sensor X-H2 since the increase in quality is huge due to both lenses and sensor or it's enough to use the older lenses with the 40MP sensor since the boost in quality is just reasonable?
Excellent review !
I'm very happy with my X-H2 !!
The XF90mm pairs great with it.
I'm into a "test period" to see which of my lenses will handle the 40MP...
This sensor is really ruthless.
Fujifilm's list of "compatible lenses" is not that honest (I think), so we all need to test by ourselves.
I can say the Samyang 135mm F2.0 shines with it.
Take good care, Gordon.
Let me know what you discover!
For now :
- TTartisan 7.5mm F2 = at F2 it's pretty good in the center at MFD and good at long distance ; at F2.8 a little bit better at MFD and very good at long distance ; at F4 it's excellent everywhere (it's a fisheye, so corners aren't that important to me)
- SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.7 (adapted) = at F1.7 a bit soft at MFD, pretty good at mid-distance, soft at long-distance ; at F2.8 very good at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, still a bit soft at long-distance ; at F4 excellent at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, pretty good at long-distance ; doesn't get any better (corners are softer than center)
- SMC Pentax-M 24mm F2.8 (adapted) = at F2.8 pretty good at MFD, very good at mid-distance, soft at long-distance ; at F4 excellent at MFD, excellent at mid-distance, a bit soft at long-distance ; doesn't get any better (corners are softer than center)
- SMC Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro = not that great...
- Laowa 100mm F2.8 macro X2 (adapted) = pretty excellent from F4 to F8 through the whole focal range (at 2:1 ratio, it's not that excellent though, I would suggest a 26MP or 24MP sensor)
- Sigma 100-300mm F4 APO IF HSM (adapted) = very good from F5.6 to F11 through the whole focal range
- Samyang 135mm F2 ED UMC (adapted) = excellent from F2 to F11, such a great performer !
Don't have any Fujifilm X-lenses for now (except the XF90mm) because I sold all my gear to go GFX-system, and now I (almost) sold my GFX gear to go back to the X-system.
I'll let you know about other findings... :)
@@colingentile thanks for the feedback!
What's the file size of lossless compressed?
I see you are still waiting for the Canon R7. I cancelled my pre order about a month ago I probably still would be waiting. The X-H2 or the X-H2s seem like a great alternative much better specs and available lenses. I also like the OM-1 so it's a tough choice. Maybe get the XH-2s with the Tamron 150-500mm and sell off my Canon 7dmkII + 100-400mm MKII.
The new 23 and 33 are based on and conformed to the 18mm F1.4's construction, if you want the very sharpest first-party lens for Fuji X that'll be the 18. The absolute sharpest is the Samyang 135mm F2, an ancient lens but a cockroach.
Best review I’ve seen on this camera so far. Amazing job!
Thankyou!
The change of the AF button at the front is so that you can have custom mode that capture also the type of AF (S or C). I am on XT3, and I think I'll go XH2 rather than XT5 (also I don't like the weight gain) because of the custom button. Imagin you are visiting a new place and suddlenly you see a nice bird, switch to C1 (Which has all you best settings to shoot birds) and you get the shot. At the moment every time I shutdown my camera, I do so and reset the dials to AF-C, to CL, to Auto ISO (with a max ISO of 6400), a SS to 4000... and on the XT5, I'll also have to change the subject detection between animal and bird. This is a lot of waffle that I won't need on the XH2. I can then have C1-7: Still bird, Still Animal, Still Portrait, Video 24, Video 60, Video studio... Moreover I mostly shoot with Auto ISO these days.
Another great review Gordon. Seven custom modes! I wish other manufacturers would take note, most offering three, Olympus four. Whatever system I’d love to be able to name them too, with the name appearing on the rear screen/viewfinder as the dial is turned.
New person here, well I’m looking at this X-H2 as my first camera again coming from an old film camera Pentax 35mm back in 2010 and not owned one since and using iPhone pro max from an ease of use prospective. I prefer the colour on Fuji to Sony even though Sonys are nice cameras and for longest time was looking at full frame but APC sensor is still way larger than current iPhone. Also like the fact the video quality looks fantastic, it’s going to be a big learning curve to have to dial in the settings again as only use Auto in iPhone 😬 enjoy watching and a new subscriber 😀
Thanks for another practical, informative and interesting review.
My issue is quite simple.
I characterise myself as a relatively low level hobbyist.
So far, I have been more than pleased with the image quality of my XT20, XT2 and recently acquired XS10. However I have been very, very unhappy with the 3rd rate AF/IAF, call it what you will, of even the XS10. It appeared your review, from my perspective, skipped over this critical question. All Fuji's competitors have excellent AF systems. Fuji, having elected to remain in the apsc world has absolutely no reason for not having an AF system at least equal to that of the Sony apsc 6400 I felt compelled to purchase ( as new 2nd hand + the stellar Sigma 50 1.4 portrait type lens- just magic AF, and this for a camera released approximately 4/5years' ago). Canon, Nikon and Sony ff mirrorless have essentially all the AF required.
However this review left this question wide open. Those considering this camera will clarify want this question answered as it doubtless will be in the near future.
Absent the technical knowledge required, I am at something of a loss to understand the need for 2 cameras, each with different needs in mind, to have sensors creating such huge files.
It has not been my understanding that there had been any criticism of the mega pixel size of stills, at least, from Fuji's current apsc bodies. Also, I appreciate the XT20 and XT2 are not the most recent of the Fuji X series bodies releases. The same cannot be said of the XS10.
What was the imperative driving Fuji to produce cameras with such large file sizes that very few users had been clamouring for?
Was it simply the desire to maintain sensor and file size parity with the full frame mirrorless offerings from their competitors.
Following Canon releasing the apsc 90D, with a much larger sensor than past apsc cameras, significant problems arose with many Canon apsc lens effectively not being able to cope with, or produce images of an acceptable quality.
Fuji has been wise enough to pre-empt this problem, in part, by providing a "recommended" list of lens.
Unsurprisingly, these include the most expensive, and let's face it, they are very expensive lens, to basically allow entry into the Fuji system using either of these 2 bodies.
So after, wisely opening the X series is 3rd party lens makers, notably Tamron and Sigma, is that opening effectively being closed by virtue of 3rd party lens not being able to "cope" with the files being captured?
Having purchased a Sigma 56 1.4 for my X series and especially for the XS10, I have intention of expending large amounts of money to purchase "compatible" Fuji native glass.
However, in reality, there can be little doubt that these 2 cameras were introduced for shooters such as myself, who are still statically relevant.
The keen hobbyists may well be prepared to shell out more funds for cameras, which as I see it, they simply don't need- yes, with gas, they may want, however as ever, there is a very clear distinction between want and need.
In my reviews I always try to show AF tests and results for single AF areas, face and eye tracking for portraits or vlogging, as well as action / wildlife at higher speed. But as you know, the perceived or actual confidence of an AF system in your hands during day to day use can vary considerably and can be harder to measure or present effectively and consistently. Fujifilm is getting better with each generation, the X-H2S in particular, but at these prices I'd recommend borrowing or renting for a weekend to see if a new camera meets your expectations and personal usage.
@@cameralabs Many thanks for your detailed response.
A bit disappointed that Gordon goes so all-in for Fujifilm's "buy-new-lenses-for-maximum-benefit" marketing gambit. Increasing *either* sensor resolution or lens resolution will *always* increase system resolution in a mathematically predictable way, so you don't need to worry about whether your older lenses qualify for the "full experience"... you'll still get higher resolution on the new 40mp body. (Don't take my word for it, unleash your favorite search engine to read the excellent article "Why Perceptual Megapixels are Stupid" by Roger Cicala, lens-testing guru and founder of LensRentals.) The fact that Gordon thought the new 56/1.2 looked a bit sharper than the old one simply means that the design is a bit better.
And as to the question of why several lenses NOT exactly known for stellar sharpness made the list, the answer is in Fujifilm's carefully weasel-worded footnote. Lenses on the list merely have "high resolution performance from edge to edge at maximum aperture"... in other words, they're not necessarily the ones with the highest PEAK sharpness, just ones that have fairly consistent full-aperture sharpness across the field. Stop down a bit, and/or keep your subject in the center, and you might well get better performance out of lenses that are NOT on the list. I suspect Fujifilm is playing this game simply to generate impressive results for online pundits and hobbyists who enjoy making test photos of brick walls and flat charts, even though such "tests" have little to do with real-world photography of three-dimensional objects...
Thank you very much for this in-depth review!!! I’ve been research the H2 a lot and this is really helping me make my decision!
I have another video showing the movie capabilities too
The detail that can be captured with the pixel-shift option is... wild.
Great review, Gordon! I've had my eyes on the X-H2 since it was released and I'm seriously thinking of purchasing one in the new year ahead of us! It really is a beautiful APS-C camera inside out!
You're very welcome!
14:30 (edit - I meant 14:30) Interesting...a rectangle over the eye for eye-detect AF instead of the usual square/box. Makes sense in my opinion. Whether it's better or not because it's a rectangle, I don't know :) But if it's using AF points inside that rectangle, then maybe it does have the potential to be more accurate.
I love my H2S for sports, put the H2 specs into the T5 and I'm in!
It’s amazing what Fuji was able to do with that sensor. I’m not sure any other company can match it.
Great and thorough review. Those comparison shots were very helpful. Got an XH2 on pre-order, coming from an XT-3, very excited!
That's a nice upgrade!
Excellent report, as a new Fujifilm X-H2 user, I appreciate the clear concise explanation. It is also confusing the number of new prime lenses that are available, and have been pulled between the 23mm and the 56mm, but having seen the range of images taken with the 56mm I think that's my next purchase.
Glad to help!
Another great video Gordon. Very helpful as always , and I agree MPB are amazing and where I tend to buy used gear.
Just me who feels robbed then? Like 20% below what I got on eBay even after fees?
Thanks for yet another excellent review, Gordon! What you've stated at 20:35 struck a chord with me. I've been weighing the idea of whether I should trade my GFX 50R for the X-H2, perhaps, if anything, to claw back some portability that one loses when going with a larger format camera. However, I'm not even sure that I would get along with the SLR-shaped body, as I prefer rangefinder-styled form factors, and I'd have to likely stick with the f/1.2-1.4 XF lenses to get similar light gathering capabilities which I enjoy now. We really are in an age of cameras where we're just picking between form-factors and lenses that work for us as individuals. Thanks for reminding me of this!
Cheers! I thought it was worth mentioning again! We all know it, but often forget or ignore it!
Change medium format to crop sensor) are you serious)))?
@@dmitry.sh.8946 it's always worth making real-life comparisons to see exactly how they differ. It might be that a different format is fine or even better for your needs.
@@cameralabs Picture quality.....that's what makes them different....if your priority is the quality of the picture .... I think even a blind man knows what he will choose)
@@dmitry.sh.8946 yes, but don't assume a winner before you've actually compared them side by side, unless you have in which case I'd love to see the results. I would also assume a better result from the medium format, but 30 years in this business has proven to me that the result you expect isn't always what you get, and that some differences can be marginal. That's why it's worth testing to see those differences.
Gordon great video, I'd love to see a comparison on some of the lenses that didn't make fujis list that a lot of us own (starting with the oldest 35 F/1.4)
I'm waiting for the XT-5... but I want to see if it is an XT-5 + the 33 F/1.4 i really want, or just the XT-5, and even though it may not be quite as good... my 10-year-old lens that has stayed with me since the X-Pro 1 will still be my go-to lens with a 40MP XT-5
I'd also love to see how the new (to Fuji) 3rd Party lenses perform on the 40MP sensor (Sigma 16/30/56, and Tamron lenses)
The new 56 F/1.2 looks like the perfect lens but it is also almost 3X the cost (at least in UK) of the Sigma 56 F/1.4 a head-to-head at 40MP would be interesting
Beware some of those Sigma lenses are old optical designs, especially the 30. I'd say you will get better results with any lens you put on the X-H2, but again if you want a big boost in quality and resolution, you need the newest ones.
How does the dynamic range compare between the X-H2 and X-H2S?
Very much interested in this, for video I know the s has an advantage but maybe not for stills
Thanks for doing an efficient fact-pact review! Some of us have no time or patience for the tedious nonsense of other photo channels. Anyway, your review really helps me understand the real-world diffs between the two models.
You're very welcome!
This is a great comparison review....thanks for your excellent vid. I can see the benefit of comparing the XH2 to the XH2s...especially for wildlife photographers and others needing the speedy stacked sensor and use of a CF Express card. From a purely stills standpoint though, I am really curious about the difference between the XH2 and the XT4 (or other Xtrans 4 cameras) when using lenses not listed as being best for the new 40mp sensor. A comparison showing what the XH2 can (or can't) do with these lenses against the XT3/4 etc would go some way to answering a few questions. Is there enough resolution difference between them to carry on using the already purchased....but not listed...lenses? If there is no, or not much difference then we are faced with considerable extra expense in purchasing lenses that will show a clear improvement in resolution and sharpness. Everything about these new sensors and processors are amazing...but very expensive if we have to fork out for lenses that will be needed to resolve these excellent 40mp sensors
The X-Trans IV sensor is essentially the same as the XH2S sensor in terms of resolution and noise - see my older XH2S review - so you can use the XH2S res and noise results here as an indicator of older models like the XT3 and XT4. Note the AF is a big improvement though.
Thanks for such a great review. I hope the X-T5/X-Pro4 with the same sensor will be available soon, with a proper 3 way tilting screen instead of flippy selfie screen like found on X-H2...
Fast forward a couple of months and...
Thanks Gordon, I'd love to go full frame if I had £20k spare. Top end APS-C weighs less, costs less and is smaller so, as an amateur, it's a bit of a no-brainer. Plus, I love the colour rendition and ethos of Fujifilm.
This was a great and thorough review Gordon. People don't realise how long all of this would take. I've had to move over to FF for my paid gigs and events, but do miss things about Fuji. I have a half interest in the new X-T5. These two cameras here instantly removed themselves from my interest with that ridiculous screen, but I hear the T5 will have a 3-way screen. I may be semi-interested for my personal work with this cameras. I still kept some of my great Fuji lenses. We'll see what happens.
Thanks! Yes, these comparative reviews with all their results and side-by-sides take me over a week to film and edit.
Best review I've seen until now. Chapeau!
Thankyou!
Thanks for the review on the photograph side. How good is the ibis for photos?
It's really useful, especially when shooting with unstabilised primes. I found it really beneficial when framing the shot as well as for keeping ISO low. It's the same as in the X-H2S and I covered it in that review if you're interested.
Excellent review as we look for more field cameras for some reporters/creators. Sony’s new camera are interesting, but I like durable options too for extreme situations.
excellent review - thank you. Although I'm not interested in this camera, I might be if a 40MP X-T5 is released.
how did you find the 10-24 on the higher resolution sensor? it's not one of the lenses Fuji state is designed to get the best from the extra resolution, but is the lens I use most. I'd be interested to know. thanks :-)
Also curious about this
Hi Gordon, as always, your review really helped making me decide. I was adamant about staying in APS-C (love nature and action fotography and wanted the crop factor) and I've been loving what Fuji is doing for years, except for AF, but now that I see they're finally up to speed I decided to switch from Nikon to Fuji. I finally broke the piggy bank and went for the X-H2 instead of the X-T5, the reasons being mainly that I prefer the ergonomics (coming from my good old Nikon D90, the top LCD, single dial, bigger grip and just about everything else fit like a glove since minute one), the deeper buffer + CFExpress and the absolutely gorgeous EVF. Maybe a bit overkill for an aficionado like me, but I'm loving the beast so far. The 70-300 and the 1.4x teleconverter are next in line. BTW, maybe it doesn't get the most out of the 40MP sensor, but I'm also in love with the 16-80 kit lens, the center sharpness is very decent and even zooming at 100% (crazy how close you can get with a 40MP file) there's lot of detail there. I'll be on the look for a couple of decent primes also, this camera sure asks for them to get the most out of that sensor. Cheers!
Nice choices. I've reviewed several of their latest primes, the XF 23 f1.4 LM WR is my favourite!
@@cameralabs Yeah, saw your review on that one and it's definitely in my short list, looks like the ultimate "all-rounder" prime for the X mount, there's so much you can do with those 23mm, and it's so sharp even at F/1.4 it's almost ridiculous. Thanks!
I wonder why they decided to "computerize" several aspects of camera controls. The apperture node lever is just one example. When I wrote the programing for my office application, I counted the steps needed to execute a command and did everything I could to keep the steps to the absolute minimum, while minimizing the controling buttons.
And I wonder how many landscape photographers will regret the loss of the three way tilt screen.
Waiting for my X-H2 now. I have a full range of X lenses, my only hesitation with it, is should I have bit the bullet and gone GFX instead? I shoot mostly scenic images for wall art. I do a lot of skylines, and I thought the pixel shift mode might be awesome. There's a lot of moving water in my images though. If it blurred that would be fine, but it looks more like digital noise.
Yep, anything moving will get that mad-looking noise effect with pixel shift. It really has to be 100% static.
Wonderful review Gordon, I have just one question about the Pixelshift feature if I may. Fuji claims this Pixelshift feature produces 160mp images, but isn't that misleading? My Pentax K-1 also does Pixelshift (just slightly moving the sensor for 4 frames), the combined result is still a 36mp image though (much larger file of course), obviously improved in resolution, general IQ, colour accuracy and dynamic range. Regardless of how many frames the Fuji is taking in it's Pixelshifted mode, it is ultimately flattened to still being a 40mp shot to work with is it not? This is not a 160mp panoramic image! I'm just confused as to where their thinking is here in calling Pixelshift a certain megapixel thing, I don't bracket a scene for example, tally up the 5 frames and call that shot x megapixels...
I want a full frame camera for my boudoir work but an apsc camera with 40 mp looks pretty good to me compared to a 24 mp cam. Fuji has better dynamic range than a expensive canon r5 to so i dont really see a full frame advantage for what i do
Where did you hear that it has better dynamic range? Would not have thought there was the case
Great review. Any idea how the new Tamron 17-70 2.8 performs with the XH-2?
Curious about this too, seems it should do well though
13fps with ES (UNCROPPED) will generate too much rolling shutter on sports photography? For example surfing? Thank you very much. Excellent review Gordon.
It took 8 years for an APS-C camera manufacturer to beat the Samsung NX1 on the MP count. Hold that thought.
Best review hands down.....thanks for your efforts. Looking forward to buying the XH2 over the XT5.
Why did you choose the XH2 over the XT-5?
@@AR-tj1no Size and features mainly.....a smaller camera less features for dials is a nay no for me. To me they dumbed down the Xt5, and added dials for the same cost of the Xt4. No battery grip, no 8k, no full size hdmi, slower buffer for video, no headphone jack, less vibrant elvf. For 300.00 the XH2 is a better path unless you have to have dials. I will miss the dials but I gain much more with a better grip for my large hands for 300.00 more.
@@technodronesogxl9783 Now there’s the metal grips by Fuji and Small Rig if it’s only grip that matters.
@Leaner Stronger Bodies if you read it it says it says size and FEATURES mainly, not just size.
Hello Gordon, thank you so much for another excellent review - as others have already commented your reviews are always worth listening to.
As a long time bird and wildlife photographer I am particularly interested in the Fuji X-H2 - if there is any chance of your posting some pics of birds - say, sparrows at the typical distances that are possible (15-20-30 metres) - this would be so helpful.
Regards, Pete
I'm hoping to do some more bird tests in the future, maybe with the 150-500 but most of them around where I am are seagulls and I've included some shots of them!
Every time I think of upgrading with Canon I find the new lens system very expensive and no third party lenses to choose from. I have quite a few Fuji lenses and cameras and for the most part I think with the exception of focus tracking and some noise compared to FF the Fuji stuff is quite nice.
been waiting for this one!! thanks Gordon!!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the video; it was informative. Can you tell me if this XH2 is a good upgrade to the XT4 or if it would be better to wait for the XT5 - in your opinion of course. I shoot macro photography on the XT4 with the 80mm fuji lens. I am looking for better focus bracketing and sharper focus than XT4. I appreciate your help!
I can only guess, but an XT4 successor will almost certainly use the same 40mp sensor, although i don't know if they'd leave out pixel shift to differentiate it. Either way, it's the body style you have to choose. I'd be surprised if there isn't some XT5 news in the next 6 months, so it depends if you can wait that long.
Great video, I wonder if the xh2 would be good with the tamron 150-500 for wildlife. The cropping potenial is more important to me than speed.
I tried a Tamron 150-600mm G2 in the shop with my X-T3 about half a year ago and I liked the AF performance of the lens with that body, however I didn't find the lens very sharp so I didn't buy it.
If you mean that same lens (instead of 150-500mm?) then I doubt it will have enough resolving power. I found the Fuji 100-400mm much sharper than the Tamron. The Fuji 150-600mm is great.
If the AF of the Tamron lens will work well with the new Fuji bodies, I recall reading on DPReview forums that the AF of the lens works well with the X-H2s so I don't expect an issue there, but I might be wrong.
@@TimvanderLeeuw I have the 150-600 G2 for canon and have used it with a fringer adapter, but AF on my X-T2 was pretty inconsistent, and when stopped down to F8 which improves the sharpness quite a bit, AF usually fails. So that lens is paired with the 7d mkii, the canon 400 f5.6 works pretty well on the x-t2, af is quick and accurate, but I would like to have a lens with a native x mount. So when tamron annouced that the 150-500 for the e-mount was coming to the fuji system, I was intrigued. The reviews for that lens is quite good, sharpness is supposedly very good wide open. Not quite sure how good the AF will be on the fuji though. I have also considered a used 100-400, but some people on the net claim sharpness at 400mm isnt so good. The new 150-600 is a bit pricey for me. Although if I stick with the X-T2, it could be okey, not sure about AF on the X-t2 though given the F8 aperture on 600mm.
@@e3446 You will probably find the AF with the Tamron 150-600mm is much improved on newer Fuji cameras, I just cannot vouch for the sharpness at 40mp on APS-C.
If the 150-500mm will be released for Fuji X-mount, I have no idea! But I do expect the optical performance to be better.
@@TimvanderLeeuw yeah I can imagine the af performance is quite a bit better on even something like a xt3/4. Tamron announced that the 150-500 is coming to the x mount, price wise in my country it's 800usd cheaper then the fuji 150-600. I guess waiting for reviews is the smart thing to do, but pre ordering is tempting.
thanks great video ! I would be curious to see a comparison between the X-H2 and a GFX 100S , to see how much difference in real life
Well given the XH2 is 14bit and the GFX100 is 16bit there's no comparison in the tonal range.
Great review!
Had been waiting to see your thoughts on it :D Again it was a pleasure meeting you at Fujikina!
I am on the X-T series side of having the manual dials. Really hoping a higher megapixel sensor (maybe an in between of X-H2 and X-H2s) is implemented in future X-T5.
For time being will resist the 40 megapixels temptation and keep my X-T4.
Am curious how some of the classic lenses will behave in X-H2, such as the 16mm f/1.4
Glad you enjoyed the review and great to meet you too - sorry for the delayed reply, for some reason YT hid a bunch from me. Hope you've seen the movie mode review I published today!
@@cameralabs No worries! Will check it out!
Hi Gordon, thank you again for a through review! quick question: if your focus is mainly photography (portraits, travel & landscape), would you pick up the XH2 over a Sony a7IV since both are approximately the same price?
If you can keep to lower ISOs, the XH2 will give you a little more detail than the A7IV, but really there's not much between them in quality. I'd compare their look and feel, and crucially which lenses you'd want for each system, their cost, size, weight, quality etc. You have to look at the system as a whole. Both are great choices.
Cheers Gordon, great delivery as usual
Thanks!
@@cameralabs I pre-ordered my X-H2 last weekend so it's very reassuring to watch your review. I look forward getting my hands on it after having only an hour to play with it so far. I came away not really missing all the dials as much as I love them too.
In looking at the Raw files for noise on my 5K monitor I thought the X-H2 edged out the X-H2S at ISO 3200 & 6400. Without any tipping off my wife thought the same, and she likes to disagree with me ;-). I wonder if TH-cam compression played a part in my conclusion differing for yours Gordon?
TH-cam certainly plays a role in softening everything! I'd say they were pretty close in reality, not enough for me to choose one over the other for high ISO. The XH2S benefit really is mostly down to readout speed.
I'm probably in the minority, but I actually preferred the RAW noise performance of the X-H2 over the X-H2S. Perhaps it's the fact that the resolution is considerably higher which results in finer noise albeit more.
Thanks for a great detailed video! Have you noticed if the tracking has improved with latest firmware update that was available in May?
I haven't retested it yet
When I jumped from Canon to Fuji, I was trying to get into the wedding business and keep stuff light, but I see many folk posting looking for second shooters with the exception to Fuji users. "Except Fuji Please" .... said to be because those artifacts appearing in the raw files when procecssing in Adobe Lightroom....very dissappointing and actually driving me away from Fuji ... I love this new camera tho
Tempting! Thank you. For what it's worth, on Safari this video was locked at 360 resolution. I had to switch to Chrome to see it in HD. Not sure what's up, but thought I'd mention it. Cheers!
Very odd, I used Safari to watch the video and had no issue switching to HD!
@@TimvanderLeeuw Thank you for the second set of eyes! Still busted for me. Latest OS and everything. I have a work around, hope it is just me!
@@brianmckeever5280 For what it's worth, I use a 2019 MacBook Pro with an Intel CPU and AMD GPU.
FYI: XH2 Raw file is really big almost > 80MB so you guys have to spend more money for storage if you buy this camera, also 40MP on this camera gives more detail on picture but less detail than fullframe camera (Compared to 33 MP on my Sony A7IV).
But you get a much better build, faster bursts, a much better screen, EVF, HDMI port…. Etc. Sensor size isn’t everything. I’ll take a crop camera with me any day over a big heavy full framer.
I don’t know what you are talking about ?
The A7IV has 33 megapixels and I have switched from it to the XH2s which is about 85 percent of the image quality of the A7IV both with good primes. With the XH2 I am rather certain that it shows more details then the A7IV.
And what spending money on storage, Fuji is much cheaper, get a angelbird 512gb cf express card for 200 bucks while the Sony cf express type A card for 160gb cost over 400 bucks.
Both are very good cameras but I like the body much more on the Fuji side , aswell as the batterygrip. Size and weight is also a big factor and what type of photography you do. For wildlife the XH2s is much better with the 100-400 or the new 150-600.
The screen and feel is also a reason I switched even the refresh rate of the LCD is much higher on the Fuji and it gets much brighter and more Vivid.
@@MelvinGarcia this camera is even heavier than my fullframe camera dude
@@ivillious7573 I dont know what you are talking about as well, I think you dont have good equiment for compare image quality on these cameras properly
Storage is so cheap it's a non-issue if you're already spending thousands on a new body and maybe lenses too.
Fantastic review 👌 40megapixels is definitely the way forward to keeping ahead of the apsc cameras!! Still my gfx 50r will produce better looking images than this sensor for portraits and I still feel a need for this XH2 as when I need faster speed
I may try an X-H2 vs GFX50 comparison in the future. I suspect the lens will play a BIG part in that. Which are your sharpest and favourite GFX lenses, and do any roughly match the coverage of the 23, 33 or 56 on APSC?
@@cameralabs my favourite lenses I believe that would be a direct comparison for the new xf lenses 23mm f1.4 and the new xf56mm mkii are the gf45mm f2.8 and the gf110mm f2 , and it would be a great comparison to see how these equivalent focal length’s would perform on a gfx50sii body and with the XH2 with its new 23 and 56 mm lenses
I’d love a XF 56 vs GFX 110 or 23 AND 45MM lenses🔥
@@mribi yes, that would be interesting!
Just for stills, maybe a very very small amount of video, X-H2 or X-T5? Coming from X-T3.
Thanks for the in depth review! Is there blackout during burst shooting?
Not with the electronic shutter
Great video Gordon, I would have loved to see the performance in night shots tho. :(
Fantastic review. This or a R5?
Great reviews as always Sir! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
thanks!
Great review Gordon. Very helpful in my decision to upgrade or not.
You're welcome... but what was your final decision?
@@cameralabs I'm still torn between going for an XH2 or a D850 as the prices have dropped, and then just wait for the XH2 tech to trickle down to the XT6 or the next iteration. I use the X-T4 and X-s10, and I’m very happy with them, but I’m stuck in the process of do I just want, or do I need, a new camera. Ahh, the hell of indecision ! 🙂
@@johnmorrell all of the XH2 tech that's likely to up up in an XT is already in the XT5, so I wouldn't expect an XT6 to have any more of it. Plus an XT6 would be about three years away. D850 is obviously a very different prospect as an older DSLR.
Did you try it with the Fuji app, Gordon?
I adored my XH1 but ended up leaving for Canon for AF, but also my frustrations with not being able to connect my camera to the phone app and easily send jpegs. I still miss Fuji but without a usable app it's no go for me.
Hi Adam, I hear ya. I get really frustrated with the app as well. I couldn't test it fully as the camera is still too new, but I have been cursing it regularly while travelling with the X100V if that's any consolation.
@@cameralabs I do feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one. And if you have issues that can't be resolved then it's safe to say it's definitely a problem that needs Fuji's attention to resolve.
Thanks for the hard work you always put in. Greatly appreciated.
@@adamwhittingham86 you're very welcome!
the camera is great but a bit bulky for my tastes and the new lenses so expensive .... but if the new sensor and processor makes its way also to a small x-t40 (or 50?) body it would be hard to skip that one, in the meantime I am more likely to upgrade the Sony because I already have some decent af lenses....
Ordered mine last week. 9/29 cannot come fast enough.
I'm being lazy Gordon but what do you think is the best wildlife photography camera of the new generation? I think its time for my Lumix G9's autofocus to be laid to rest 😀
Possible video idea?
I’m sure Jan Wegener will be doing one soon.
It's a tough one as it's not only about resolution and cropping potential, but also AF tracking, and also a reliable but light weather sealed body. I have high hopes for the Canon R7, but need to test it thoroughly. The X-H2 is certainly a great option with the new big zoom.
@@cameralabs The only thing putting me off the R7 is the weathersealed lenses are expensive and rolling shutter is apparantly atrocious :(
@@JoeMaranophotography hi Joe, I recently had a hands on at a WEX event of the R7, H2S and OM1 ( I too currently have G9 and 100-400), the Fuji was definitely the best, the evf was excellent, the 150-600 balanced nicely and focuses internally so balance doesn’t change, focus seemed excellent at spotting cyclists and dogs, no birds on the day going past. The R7 felt light and flimsy in comparison, evf definitely inferior, af noticeably slower using RF100-500. Oly, the evf still not as nice as G9, expensive and huge wait times for the 150-400. I’m very tempted by the Fuji set up, the top plate lcd is familiar to G9 users too.
@@sue.Hoo123 Interesting. Never really considered Fuji but will have to have a deeper look! Thanks!
Got main one yesterday:) can't wait to take it on nice long trip :) preferably to Dolomites:) still keeping my panasonic g9. Test 40mp and 8k recording. Got 8k tv so would be interesting to see unimpressed by TH-cam vidoe. The specifications are sick for the price. Lets hope fujifilm will pull it off. Well I got their camera hahaha. As usual cool review. Greetings from Surrey:)
Have fun in the mountains!
"16-40 f4" did you mean the 16-80?
I've seen stories of inconsistent performance of the lens on the internet though I'm happy with mine. Wonder if Fuji wants to tweak the lens though?
Argh, yes!
Nice review as always!
By the way ppl, the X-H1 is now an actual bargain on the used market. IBIS and all the physical dials too.
Well, I will be waiting for an X-T5...
I always suspected that I might not get on well with the X-H2(s) for a number of reasons and a quick tryout in a camera shop confirmed that for me this body doesn't have the right ergonomics.
- The articulated screen gets in my way of holding the camera in quite a few cases (expected that, now confirmed)
- The PASM dial is hard to reach without changing your grip on the camera, especially when the screen is flipped out (expected that, now confirmed). For an X-H3, Fuji might wish to swap the top-display and the PASM dial.
- And unexpected: the top plate buttons for ISO, WB are hard to reach without twisting my fingers or changing how I grip the camera (which slows down shooting). I never really had a problem with the exposure-compensation button on the X-H1 but these buttons on the X-H2s were an issue for me and I had not expected that.
The PASM dial as such is not my main issue although I do expect that I'll have my share of irritations with the way it's implemented on Fuji cameras (when almost every lens has an aperture ring too) -- however that's part and parcel of the package of these cameras so it wouldn't be a showstopper for me.
I get why they went with an articulated screen on these cameras, and I strongly dislike it, but if I really want the fastest AF of the X-H2s I may get used to it...
However overall the camera body has too many ergonomic compromises for me that with an X-T5 on the way I feel better off waiting for that!
I am excited however for the new hi-res sensor, ultra-fast shutter speeds, and improved AF algorithms!
Hi Gordon, which camera has better dynamic range in stills? I heard that it was the XH2s...but I want to double check!
I didn't make a formal comparison for DR between them, as both had more than enough for what I'd want. But in theory the lower resolution one should have the potential for slightly higher DR if all other aspects of the sensor were equal (which it may not be). Basically if you are in a situation where you might notice a DR difference between them, I'd say you're dealing with pretty extreme adjustments and it might be worth trying to recapture if possible.
Do you think they're going to update their red badge zoom line? I guess that's the next step over the next few years, right? (Not that I'm looking forward to dropping more dough on lenses).
What I haven't seen any of the reviewers do so far, is demonstrating what the 1/180,000th of a second shutter speed means, bearing in mind it is produced only in e-shutter mode. Snapping those bottles was an exellent example of mechanical vs electronic shutter results. How is that spec of any use if the CMOS readout can't keep up even at mechanically equivalent speeds? Also that's over 11 stops down from 1/60 sec - what luminosity has to be applied in order for this scenario to even produce a picture? I hope you will have the time to play with it and let us know in the future.
Cheers. 👍
Yes, I regret not being able to demonstrate it properly, but you're right, there will be skewing, especially as any subject that demand 1/180000 will be moving pretty quickly!
I’m switching from EOS R to Fuji XH2 and 33mm f1.4 ASAP
What an amazingly excellent review, thank you!
Thanks!
Hello Gordon I enjoyed your review the best! I wanted to see some good images from the XH2 and you presented it very well. I notice that the images where taken with a prime from Fujifilm I wonder how it will work with the 18-55 mm 2.8-4.0 lens which I have and it is my favorite. I also have the 55-200mm zoom and the 12-24mm wide angle which I also like. When the camera is available in stores I would like to test it with those lenses and sell my XT3 with the grip for the new body. Thank you for the review very well done.
Thanks! According to Fujifilm, you should get more detail from any lens you mount on the Xh2 vs 26mp models, but obviously for the best results you'll want a modern prime. The 18-55 is a nice lens, but it is getting on now.
Am I wrong or are the colors on the h2s more intense compared to the h2? Have the same feeling in comparison for the t4. Am I the only one who see this?
What about Sigma X-mount lenses on x-h2, can they handle 40mp sensor?)
Remember they're older optical designs with a new physical mount. The 56 would probably be ok, but the 30 less so.
I guess the big question is, when you're not doing crazy magnification pixel peeping/printing at massive physical size will you *really* see any difference... Is there a difference in the way the images look in general? Rendering wise? In the ISO tests, the resolution/detail difference is pretty much imperceptible.
They look similar in style, so in photo terms it's really only if you want the extra pixels and pixel shift mode. So people who make giant prints or tight crops for example.
Thanks for the ISO comparisons! .. I think this is a 5-10% better IQ over an X-T4!
Can you say that I should pick this up compared to the Canon R6? I currently have the Canon RP.
You haven't said what you want from an upgrade and how the RP is holding you back. Plus your existing lens investment. All things to consider.
Nice work Gordon!
Thanks!
The AF is beautiful 😊
Gordon, how it’s compared with R7? Which one is better?
Did you watch the part at the end where I mention the R7?
Greetings from India 🙏🙏
I love your reviews and I look out for them before buying a camera... But I have one small request / suggestion though... If you can include the creative features like Multiple/double exposure, focus bracketing, etc. Would be helpful.
For eg. In Multiple/double exposure how many modes do we get, number exposures can be set, do we get the Raw file also or only Jpeg files...
Cause my XH-1 doesn't gives a Raw file...
I think if reviers like you starts including such features Fujifilm shall/might listen and include the same in future cameras/firmware updates.
Please consider my request 🙏🙏
God Bless 🙏🙏