X-H2S vs X-H2 and X-T5 Autofocus

10sj03 wrote:

Does the X-H2S have better autofocus performance than the X-H2 and X-T5? The recent autofocus “problem” people point out seems to be for the 40MP sensor only but not the 26MP stacked sensor. Don’t all three cameras are supposed to have the same autofocus algorithm?

Total AF performance is broken down to

• Lens motor
• Sensor readout
• Processor
• Algorithm
• Camera settings

All variables above are the same between the X-H2s/H2/T5 except "sensor readout". The X-H2s uses a stacked sensor and has vastly superior readout speed. So yes, X-H2s is better than X-H2/T5 for AF performance.

There is much controversy regarding AF performance. Only thing without doubt is it is definitely better than prior generations.

How much is attributed to user error? How much is it actual hardware/algo? We don't know conclusively yet. No one has done a detailed and extensive test. We only have case examples of it both failing and working fine.

• Some might be using older lenses with slower motor not aware it affecting AF.
• 40MP might be too much data for the processor to handle at high burst.
• Higher mpx can reveal slight miss focus that might not be as apparent with 26MP.
• Most complains are with AF-C hit rate, but some have AF-S issues as well.
• Most of the complaints stem from X-H2/T5. It has slower readout compounded on top of higher 40MP processing needs.
• "release" priority is the default setting, it takes pictures even if focus hasn't been locked. Changing to "focus" priority will ensure focus, but at the expense of missing out on possible usable imperfect shots.
• Users might have gotten away with "release" as default in past models, but higher 40MP readout/processing revealed difference more so.
• If AF+MF is enabled, it can ignore "focus" priority settings and act as "release"
• Maybe AF algorithm was tailored for X-H2s stack sensor speed and hasn't been optimized for the slower readout of the X-H2/T5.

Asking because I am upgrading my X-T2. The main reason to upgrade is better autofocus tracking for kids sports. I haven’t considered the X-H2S before because of price and I don’t do video. However, should I just get the X-H2s if that’s the one with reliable autofocus.

The general advice is if eye AF reliability & ease of use is important then you can't go wrong with Sony/Canon. They have rock solid proven track record and more features. Though some claim Fuji has caught up. Also others claiming it is far from it.

If you don't want to question, have doubts, need confidence and/or not fuss with fine tuning optimal settings, just work without much effort then go Sony/Canon.

All I can say without doubt is whatever camera you pick (X-H2s/H2/T5) they will all be substantially better than your X-T2. How much better? That is up for grabs. Is it enough for you? That depends. You'll have to test yourself to see if it is acceptable for your environment.