The Best Deal in Photography

Skyler King wrote:

This camera is in a unique position that both helps us and hurts us.

Thanks to it not being very well known or popular, you can now find these things for an absolute steal of a deal (with all sorts of stuff bundled with the camera). However, due to that same lack of popularity and the need to drop the price so much, I worry that we may never see an X-H2, which would be a shame.

I purchased the X-T30 a few weeks ago. The short version of that story is that, one week later, I sold it. I purchased a used X-T1, before selling the X-T30, to see if I liked the ergonomics of it, better, since one of the primary reasons for me selling the X-T30 was the very unpleasant experience of physically using it. I was so impressed with the aging X-T1 that I sold my X-T30 and was happy to just use the X-T1, for awhile.
However, though there is nothing inherently "wrong" with the X-T1, there have been enough legitimate improvements with the newer cameras that I decided to head back to the camera shop and pick up an X-T3. After all, it should be the best of both worlds, right? The improved ergonomics of the X-T1, with all the functions and features of the X-T30 (plus even more). I actually went to the camera shop with the intention of buying an X-T3. I was totally sold on it and I was not at all hesitant about the purchase... right up until I noticed a big box that said "X-H1" and it occurred to me that I had totally forgotten about the existence of that camera, and had never even considered it as an option.
Without knowing how the specs compared to the X-T3, I asked to take a look at the X-H1.

Instant love.

Personally, I never cared about cameras being small. That was never a concern, for me, and it had nothing to do with my interest in mirrorless cameras. This camera is not just big without purpose, though. It was immediately obvious that Fujifilm had just absolutely nailed it with the ergonomics. Unlike every other Fuji i have owned (quite a bit), I felt no "need" for a strap, with this camera. I did not need to hold it a "certain way" or compromise in any way at all. It just felt "right".
I pulled out my phone and started to do some Googling to see what I could quickly learn about the X-H1. As it turns out, it actually has a lot of things in common with the X-T3. The X-H1 has the exact same viewfinder as the X-T3. The exact same dual-tilt, touchscreen display, too. The X-H1 also has the same 512gb card capacity (per slot) as the X-T3. Though the framerate and bitrate are different, the X-H1 is also capable of cinema 4k, just like the X-T3. The X-T3 can shoot 1080p120 at 200mbps, but guess what? So can the X-H1.
Then, I started seeing several areas where the X-H1 is actually BETTER than the X-T3. For starters, the X-H1 is made in Japan, while the X-T3 is made in China. The X-H1 also has a 25% thicker magnesium alloy body, Fuji's best weather sealing of any camera, and a hardness rating of "8" (vs "5" on the X-T3). Of course, the X-H1 also has the top display. Which, for some people (including me), is a huge bonus. Really, the type of display that's used, the information displayed, etc, is all so well done and well implemented. Another bonus for the X-H1 is the image stabilization! Again, not everyone cares about it, but for the rest of the world, it's a HUGE bonus! Especially with the firmware updates bringing such improvements to how well it works.
Now, while the X-T30 and X-T3 have a better autofocus system, I do not actually see a huge amount of difference in real world applications. I was very impressed by the autofocus in the X-T30. I am very impressed with the autofocus in the X-H1. I can say that the autofocus in the X-T30 is better. BUT, seriously, it's overhyped. The Autofocus in the X-T20 and X-T2 is phenomenal. Up until they were replaced (not very long ago) people ranted and raved about how good the autofocus in those cameras was. People were uploaded videos like crazy where they showed off how amazing and capable the autofocus system was on the X-T20 and X-T2. So, while the X-T30 and X-T3 do "technically" have better autofocus, I don't think it is so much better that it is going to make any different to the vast majority of users (myself included).

Now, this is the best part. The reason why I feel like this camera is an absolute sleeper in the photography world, right now, and is absolutely the best deal there is;
-You get a lot of the X-T3 goodness
-You get the BEST ergonomics and controls of any Fuji camera
-You get a top display (and a really, really good one)
-You get 5 axis image stabilization
-You get the toughest, most durable camera that Fuji makes
-Proudly made in Japan
*AND HERE IS THE SHOW STOPPER*
-You can buy this camera, along with the VERY nice vertical grip, two extra batteries (for 3 batteries total, all Fuji brand, NP-W126S models), external chargers (not included with X-T30) for both the camera and the vertical grip, simple audio accessories, a remote shutter release, and several other little things thrown in (SD cards, screen protectors, cleaning kits, etc), all for LESS than the price of a bare bones X-T3.
I am still new to this camera and, as I get more and more experience with this camera, I might update this review. But, so far, I am VERY happy with this camera. I have not run into any issues while using this camera (at least, so far). I cannot say enough good things about it. It makes me want to go out and shoot. I love it. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Thanks for a fantastic write-up. I too had been heavily researching the T30 and T3, when the H1 deals starting rolling out, and for the price and extras, it's too good a deal to pass up.

Got me hyped to receive my H1