X-T4 vs X-H2s/X-H2/X-T5 (for Portraits, Sports, Street, Travel)

Studio_Melon wrote:

Another camera advice thread. Sorry but here goes… (Skip to "Questions," for a "TL:DR")

First some background:

I’ve been an amateur photographer for over a decade now and a Fuji shooter since the X100. I’ve been shooting with the X-Pro 2 since 2016, and while I love the form factor, I’ve been looking to upgrade for a while now.

Until very recently I just shot casually: friends, family, travel, some sports (my partner does sports in her free time).

Over the last ~18 months however things have started getting a bit more serious. I’ve started doing paid portraits, occasionally shooting corporate events as a value add for my company, and a sports team recently took me on as their official (volunteer) photographer for the upcoming season (mostly a formality as my SO is on the team, so no obligation to deliver, but still a big step considering it means I’m actually able to shoot from the sidelines).

Obviously as someone who somewhat regularly shoots sports during certain parts of the year, the X-H2s has had my mouth watering (although I’m not a big fan of the form factor) since its announcement. I’ve spent most of the last year seriously considering stretching my budget beyond recognition to get one…

The "problem" at hand:

The other day however, I came across a display model XT-4 at a fire-sale price (official Fujifilm dealer so full warranty, the store branch is closing) and pulled the trigger.

Nice, how are you finding the xt4?

Basically, I could sell my X-Pro 2, an X-E1 I haven’t used in a long time & upgrade to the X-T4 practically for free. This is nice as money is kind of tight right now. Alternatively, I could sell the X-T4 for a profit, sell the aforementioned gear (and some other stuff I have lying around) and continue pursuing the X-H2S (or X-H2/X-T5) albeit at a non insignificant additional cost.

Hmm how cheap did you buy it if you think you might make a profit selling it? The used market would currently be getting flooded with XT4s with people upgrading...

On the one hand, I really want the best AF, which, in Fuji land is going to be the XH-2s (although I’m also very curious as to how the XH2 & upcoming XT-5 compare to the AF on the X-H2s & how much better they perform AF wise than the XT-4…)

On the other hand, most of the sports I’m shooting are slower moving/more predictable, and while the extra speed / AF accuracy of the X-H2s would be a god send, the X-T4 should already be a pretty sizable upgrade over my X-Pro 2. I’m also a bit underwhelmed by the fact the X-H2S basically has the same / slightly worse image quality than the X-T3/XT-4, and don’t really like the bulkier, “DLSR-like” design.

I'd say the IQ is similar between these cameras...I wouldn't worry about the design. It's excellent in hand and feels lighter than the XT4 due to the better grip. Bigger lenses like the 16-55 etc also handle better. The EVF is amazing too.

Truthfully speaking, I’m not getting paid enough for any of my photo work (ATM) to justify the extra expense of an X-H2S (vs the X-T4), and as finances are tight the smart decision is probably to enjoy the X-T4 for now and upgrade as finances allow.

That said, I’m not here for financial advice. I want to get some input from people actually using these cameras.

Questions:

1. Just how much better is the X-H2(S) autofocus than that of the X-T4 in real life scenarios (I have watched some videos, but would love to get more input).

In terms of tracking ie. face/eye detection there's a huge improvement! With my XT4 I mostly had this turned off. With the XH2s, I use it pretty much all the time. Plus XT4 does not have the other subject detection (animal, bird, cars, bikes, trains, etc) at all. If you want speed, XH2s is the only option in Fujiland. XT4 cannot compete unless you're not using these features.

2. Does anyone have experience testing the X-H2S vs the XH-2 (or have a good article/video on it to recommend)?

Hmm good question but not many would have compared them directly atm...hopefully soon. I'd guess that the XH2 would be good enough for most scenarios except fast action/ sports...

3. For that matter, how does the autofocus on the X-Trans 4 (X-T3/4/etc) compare to the X-Trans III cameras (X-T2/X-Pro 2) (I know its significantly improved but curious to hear from people who made the jump)

I wouldn't say significantly improved but there was some improvement compared to my xe3. There's a much bigger jump from XT4 to XH2(s).

4. For anyone’s who’s upgraded to the X-H2S/X-H2, do you feel it was “worth it” and why?

Yes, XH2s is most definitely worth it imho! It is the most amazing camera and feels great in hand. Yet there is so much room for improvement in terms of firmware updates in the next couple of years. This could easily be the last camera I buy.

5. Should I perhaps consider "switching systems" for sports? Do any systems with better AF have a reasonably priced body / long zoom lens setup? (I love Fuji so I'd probably either keep the X-Pro 2, or maybe pick up an X-Pro 3 on closeout and continue to use Fuji for non sports work) (obviously this wouldn't be cheap...)

Umm that's a no lol, I considered this myself but the XH2s is definitely a winner and you get those Fuji colors. There seems to be plenty of people coming back to Fuji (from Sony, Canon, etc) recently.

Bottom line, if you can afford it then go for it. Otherwise the XT4 is still a great camera that you can enjoy for now.