GAS, or indeed time for an upgrade soon?

I'm a hobbyist photographer, to the extent that I shoot RAW and spend time editing them in Capture One to my liking. I'm predominantly using my X-T3 since its 2018 release with the XF16 1.4.

I skipped the X-T4 because just the IBIS wasn't a strong factor in upgrading. I'm now paying more attention to the newer sensor + processor in the X-H2s, but regrettably did not impulsively pre-order it with good bonus gifts (or maybe it's good I'm not impulsive LOL).

I think I can really use a leg-up in the stickier, even more reliable autofocus. I'm a fan of classic dials just because I can tell my exposure settings at a glance (I usually leave ISO as auto though!), but I reckon the sub monitor is a good substitute for that.

Finally, while I don't have the largest hands, I still prefer a solid grip that the X-H2 range should afford, seeing how I've always used my X-T3 with its metal grip since day 1.

The question now is, with the possibility of the (cheaper?) 40 MP sensor variant down the road for the next generation of Fujifilm cameras, should I wait for those for that slight cropping advantage post-processing, at the expense of larger RAW files? There's also the issue (or non-issue?) that the XF16 glass, while practically perfect for 16 MP in 2015 and still very good at 26 MP in 2018, might not make the stretch to 40 MP in 2022. The XF18 1.4 will be the easy upgrade option, though I'll lose the fun manual focus clutch that I hardly use yet always talk about it...

Decisions, decisions, how will you decide if you're in my shoes?

All your lenses will be improved by a 40 Mpix sensor.

But it is GAS, you'll spend in excess of £2000 to make the swaps and you'll not see much improvement.  Some, but not much.

Sounds like GAS to me - believe me I’ve experienced it enough times myself! It’s taking every fibre to hold off on the X-H2S - although he fact it isn’t in stock anywhere also helps

As a hobbyist, the X-T3 is plenty of camera and you were probably right about skipping the X-T4, it’s basically an X-T3 with IBIS. If IBIS is not important then it’s not worth the cost IMO.

If you have an itch that must be scratched I would suggest you would gain much more from investing in the 18mm now and pairing it with your X-T3 - so I voted for the final option however I would just leave it at that and forget about the 40mp sensor for a few months and wait for the hype to die down.

I am primarily a hobbyist myself with a 9-5, but I do shoot some freelance stuff in my free time which basically feeds the hobby - it stops the Mrs complaining anyway
Even with the lightish workload I have I would find it very difficult to justify an X-H2S for myself as much as I would love to have one.

All that said, if someone has the cash for an X-H2S and it makes them happy as part of their hobby then have at it I say - it’s not a cheap hobby that’s for sure but there are plenty more expensive hobbies out there!

When considering an upgrade one must ask this simple question: What am I not happy with that the upgrade will improve?

While you wrote a lot the only thing you wrote that answers that question is better AF.  Is the AF improvement worth the cost?  You decide.

Morris

GAS or not, it's your money. If you want a new camera I am sure you are creative enough to come up with some justification.

Bottom line, can you afford a new $2,500 camera without impacting other aspects of your situation? You will know.

GAS GAS GAS.
For me the end of road with Fuji is my XT3. I don't see any reason to “sidegrade” and spend hundreds in the process. The only body I might be interested in the X-Pro, but not at current prices.

bluequartz wrote:

I'm a hobbyist photographer, to the extent that I shoot RAW and spend time editing them in Capture One to my liking. I'm predominantly using my X-T3 since its 2018 release with the XF16 1.4.

I skipped the X-T4 because just the IBIS wasn't a strong factor in upgrading. I'm now paying more attention to the newer sensor + processor in the X-H2s, but regrettably did not impulsively pre-order it with good bonus gifts (or maybe it's good I'm not impulsive LOL).

I think I can really use a leg-up in the stickier, even more reliable autofocus. I'm a fan of classic dials just because I can tell my exposure settings at a glance (I usually leave ISO as auto though!), but I reckon the sub monitor is a good substitute for that.

Finally, while I don't have the largest hands, I still prefer a solid grip that the X-H2 range should afford, seeing how I've always used my X-T3 with its metal grip since day 1.

The question now is, with the possibility of the (cheaper?) 40 MP sensor variant down the road for the next generation of Fujifilm cameras, should I wait for those for that slight cropping advantage post-processing, at the expense of larger RAW files? There's also the issue (or non-issue?) that the XF16 glass, while practically perfect for 16 MP in 2015 and still very good at 26 MP in 2018, might not make the stretch to 40 MP in 2022.

this is a myth… it will work perfectly on 40mp and more. Ask yourself why Fuji would release a 40mp camera if one of its highest rated lenses couldn’t hang… they wouldn’t.

The XF18 1.4 will be the easy upgrade option, though I'll lose the fun manual focus clutch that I hardly use yet always talk about it...

Decisions, decisions, how will you decide if you're in my shoes?

So many people will say you don’t NEED it like they only upgrade when they NEED to.  Most people upgrade because they want to.  If you have the cash and like this new camera, go for it.  As far as which camera is best for you, you haven’t told us about your photography.  Me? I’m waiting for the X-Pro4.

bluequartz wrote:

I'm a hobbyist photographer, to the extent that I shoot RAW and spend time editing them in Capture One to my liking. I'm predominantly using my X-T3 since its 2018 release with the XF16 1.4.

I skipped the X-T4 because just the IBIS wasn't a strong factor in upgrading. I'm now paying more attention to the newer sensor + processor in the X-H2s, but regrettably did not impulsively pre-order it with good bonus gifts (or maybe it's good I'm not impulsive LOL).

I think I can really use a leg-up in the stickier, even more reliable autofocus. I'm a fan of classic dials just because I can tell my exposure settings at a glance (I usually leave ISO as auto though!), but I reckon the sub monitor is a good substitute for that.

Finally, while I don't have the largest hands, I still prefer a solid grip that the X-H2 range should afford, seeing how I've always used my X-T3 with its metal grip since day 1.

The question now is, with the possibility of the (cheaper?) 40 MP sensor variant down the road for the next generation of Fujifilm cameras, should I wait for those for that slight cropping advantage post-processing, at the expense of larger RAW files? There's also the issue (or non-issue?) that the XF16 glass, while practically perfect for 16 MP in 2015 and still very good at 26 MP in 2018, might not make the stretch to 40 MP in 2022. The XF18 1.4 will be the easy upgrade option, though I'll lose the fun manual focus clutch that I hardly use yet always talk about it...

Decisions, decisions, how will you decide if you're in my shoes?

Except in the corners, more pixels never translated for the same larger of print, by less details. Some years ago, Zeiss published a white paper on this subject. The exception is corners, because of the obliquity of the lights rays in these area.

The XH2S is a great camera for sport or action or video, but not bring anything for still photography in term of IQ.

bluequartz wrote:

I'm a hobbyist photographer, to the extent that I shoot RAW and spend time editing them in Capture One to my liking. I'm predominantly using my X-T3 since its 2018 release with the XF16 1.4.

I skipped the X-T4 because just the IBIS wasn't a strong factor in upgrading. I'm now paying more attention to the newer sensor + processor in the X-H2s, but regrettably did not impulsively pre-order it with good bonus gifts (or maybe it's good I'm not impulsive LOL).

I think I can really use a leg-up in the stickier, even more reliable autofocus. I'm a fan of classic dials just because I can tell my exposure settings at a glance (I usually leave ISO as auto though!), but I reckon the sub monitor is a good substitute for that.

Finally, while I don't have the largest hands, I still prefer a solid grip that the X-H2 range should afford, seeing how I've always used my X-T3 with its metal grip since day 1.

The question now is, with the possibility of the (cheaper?) 40 MP sensor variant down the road for the next generation of Fujifilm cameras, should I wait for those for that slight cropping advantage post-processing, at the expense of larger RAW files? There's also the issue (or non-issue?) that the XF16 glass, while practically perfect for 16 MP in 2015 and still very good at 26 MP in 2018, might not make the stretch to 40 MP in 2022. The XF18 1.4 will be the easy upgrade option, though I'll lose the fun manual focus clutch that I hardly use yet always talk about it...

Decisions, decisions, how will you decide if you're in my shoes?

Is there any place on internet, where I can see Your pictures?

John Gellings wrote:

this is a myth… it will work perfectly on 40mp and more. Ask yourself why Fuji would release a 40mp camera if one of its highest rated lenses couldn’t hang… they wouldn’t.

This is well said!

So many people will say you don’t NEED it like they only upgrade when they NEED to. Most people upgrade because they want to. If you have the cash and like this new camera, go for it. As far as which camera is best for you, you haven’t told us about your photography. Me? I’m waiting for the X-Pro4.

My photography tends towards street, landscapes and travel family photos.

BeatX wrote:

Is there any place on internet, where I can see Your pictures?

There's a small selection here for my yearly photobooks: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_quartz/albums

I do have loads of other private family albums, and that's where the better AF will come in handy (eye detection, less jumpy) for people/portraits.