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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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)

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

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...)

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.

Hi and thanks for a spirited synopsis to read over my morning coffee!

Since said coffee hasn't kicked in yet my response may be a little succinct, but here goes:

I was using X-T3 / X-T4 for my freelance sports work for the past couple of years and was very happy with the results. Much like you, I started out sending photos into the local paper from my local club and from there got a freelance position. It's certainly not enough to be considered 'Pro' IMO but it's enough to 'feed the hobby'
Anyhow, what I'm getting at is either of those cameras were more than adequate.

I then picked up an X-H2S in August and it's been a revelation in terms of action sports (football/rugby in my case). The AF is on another planet and the EVF is a joy to shoot through.

From what you've described, the X-T4 would be sufficient IMO. I use mine for pretty much everything else as I still take great enjoyment out of the form factor.

One further thought, I don't know the fire sale price but I'd imagine the used market will become pretty flooded with X-T4's once the 5 is released in just a month or two if rumours are to be believed.

And one final thought - I would keep the X-E1. For all you'd get for it I would hold on to it. I only recently bought one (at the same time as the 2S) for hobby/family shots and I really enjoy the back to basics features.It's always nice to have a small camera body at hand.

Studio_Melon wrote:

[...]

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

I have X-T20, X-T3 and X-H2s so I think I can try to answer...

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).

Well, for stills I can't complain at all even on X-T20. The real challenge is AF-C: X-T3 (it's on par with X-T4) is much better in this regard than X-T20, so for action it's much better but many folks here shot action/wildlife even with H1 (the same sensor as T20) with excellent results. I can say that H2s has significantly better AF-C than X-T3, but found subject tracking is far from being perfect (especially on busy backgrounds), but In general it's a huge step forward from X-Trans4.

Example below is achievable with X-T3, but H2s works much better in terms of catching and tracking subject on busy backgrounds:

What works weird? When I shot scene below (burst) with AF-C + subject tracking I got inconsistent focusing  (camera had difficulties and half of the frames were not focused on the bird). AF-S without tracing worked much better here, but I know it's quite difficult scenario.

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

Can't help here

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)

As mentioned above I found AF-C is much better in X-Trans4 (for me it was main reason to buy X-T3 - no regrets)

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

From my point of view H2s is decent camera but a bit overpriced for those who just want top notch AF-C and speed, but are not interested in video stuff at all.

To be honest I don't like H2 ergonomics (wrote a lot about it on this forum) so it's a quite expensive compromise for me (I wish Fuji released photo oriented speed/action camera)

Was it worth? Well, comparing to X-T3 H2s brought much better AF, tracking, speed (significantly reduced rolling shutter effect) and IBIS. I would say IQ/resolution is on par with X-T3 so no improvement here. What I don't like for the price is body having several design flaws (for me).

Would I buy it again? Probably yes, but If can afford M.Zuiko Digital ED 150‑400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO I would definitely buy OM-1.

Burst is the real advantage of H2s over any other Fuji camera, I couldn't get pictures from sequence below on my X-T3 (some of frames were out of focus, light conditions were quite difficult - strong morning sunlight from left-front direction - I just saw bird's shape and flares and halos in the lens):

Burst mode in H2s is a great thing which allows to pick one perfect moment from the sequence, i.e.

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...)

As above, OM-1 can be really interesting body and M.Zuiko Digital ED 100‑400mm F5.0‑6.3 IS is quite affordable giving FF 200-800 equivalent.

This would be the only alternative for me, but to be honest as EF Sigma 150-600 owner I also considered Canon R7 but it turned out quite disappointing.

I think the new X-T5 will be really interesting (considering the latest rumors about 3-way tilt screen). If it will really offer H2 sensor and CPU in X-T3 like body then I bet many stills oriented users should be happy.

It's a pity we don't have stills oriented camera body with speed stacked sensor - probably due to high costs Fuji decided to released only one hybrid body (unfortunately designers didn't pay too much attention to ergonomics).

To sum up, H2s is expensive and it's hard to justify its cost from financial PoV unless you're not strictly action oriented pro shooter (BTW I have already observed some price drops in my country).

For those who need burst speed and not expecting IQ gain, H2s has no alternative, and I hope we can expect some price drops in next months.

For me, X-T3 is the best camera design ever and now it has excellent price to value ratio - I could be reasonable choice from financial PoV as it's still very capable camera.

For those who need resolution and would like to get updated AF algorithms I would be better to wait for X-T5 before buying H2 (if battery grip is not required)

Cheers,

Artur

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).

The X-H2s AF is snappier and tracking is more accurate

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

I recommend you ignore any reviews that are not by native Fuji shooters.  It takes a month or so to fully understand a camera and reviewers that cover many brands rarely put in the time.  Because of this there setup is not optimal and the results they experience are not accurate.

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)

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

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...)

If you switch systems you will have a significant outlay and learning curve.  If you keep the Fuji gear you will have trouble mastering both and this will be a killer for your sports photography.

Some thoughts:

- Do not over extend your budget

- You can't take back photos that you might have made with better gear

- As you are not being paid, you might be able to sell images to players.  Be carful of the deal you have with the team that is allowing you access

Morris

This is sage advice from Morris. I wish we could pin a thread just for the jewels Morris gives to our forum. Thank you Morris!

lewiedude2 wrote:

This is sage advice from Morris. I wish we could pin a thread just for the jewels Morris gives to our forum. Thank you Morris!

You could create a thread linking or cutting and pasting what I say if you like.  I'm hardly the only smart and experienced photographer here and sometimes I'm wrong or simply have a different view than others.

Morris

Apologies for the delay in responding, life got kind of crazy recently.

I want to first take a moment to thank everyone who responded.

Each one of you gave extremely detailed, thoughtful, and insightful advice.

I especially appreciate all the photographs and personal anecdotes.

It was honestly a much bigger response than I expected.

It was also perhaps not the response I had expected. I was expecting everyone to tell me to be happy with what I have and instead the overwhelming consensus seemed to be, if you can afford to get the X-H2S, then get the X-H2S.

After the post however a couple of things happened, and the situation is now quite a bit different so here’s a brief rundown:

1. The store began an absolute fire sale on their remaining camera equipment just over a week after I bought the X-T4 (<$1200 for the XT4 + 16-80F4 FYI).
2. I managed to snag an X-T3 18-55 Kit for <$350(!) as well as a bunch of Fuji glass at prices that made me feel like I was robbing the store.
3. Last weekend I shot my first sporting event for the team with the X-T3 (the event was broadly representative of the kind of sports work I’ll be shooting this season.)
4. Honestly speaking the X-T3 absolutely blew me away with how capable it was compared to my old X-Pro 2.
5. Barely any OOF images, super responsive, fast burst speed, very little blackout. I DID miss a few images that the X-T4’s IBIS would’ve saved (user error; forgot to change settings when shifting environments).

So where does that leave me now? Questioning what it is I really want, really need, and how far I should be stretching my (admittedly now larger) budget to maximize my capabilities for what I want to do.

I plan to keep the X-T3 as either a backup body or maybe even my main body (nothing beats a good camera AND a good story!)

I’m in the process of selling the X-T4 (it was a good price, but as everyone pointed out, the X-T4 stands to lose the most value with the launch of the X-T5 and I like the smaller size of the X-T3)

Assuming I upgrade further I will be selling my X-Pro 2/X-E1 (as the X-T3 will make a great/much more reliable backup/secondary camera)

At this point I’m debating whether I want (or even really need) either the X-H2 or the X-T5.

While the recent event was broadly representative of the kind of sports I shoot, I do shoot in more challenging conditions (more/faster movement, much darker lighting, etc) at times and would appreciate having something with enough AF “headroom” to comfortably handle whatever is thrown at it. I’d love to basically just never have to worry about AF again. Also, I’d really like IBIS (and can see how it’s a game changer,) and a bigger battery would be nice.

What makes it a difficult decision (aside from just, price) is:

1. My paid bread and butter at the moment is portrait work (sports is volunteer) which would likely benefit more from the new 40MP sensor than the AF advantage of the 2S (vs the X-T5) (again not getting paid enough for either to actually justify this spending but…)
2. The X-T3 was already such a huge leap forward in terms of AF speed/accuracy that I feel like the X-T5 may well be “good enough,” if it’s a similar jump in performance (and if it improves over time even more-so).
3. I really prefer the retro Fuji control layout and find the control style of the X-H2/S… unfortunate to say the least.

But then I keep coming back to: fast reliable autofocus even under the toughest conditions, blackout free 40FPS, basically no rolling shutter, and the fact that I don’t really want to manage the size implications of 40MP RAW files (that are apparently less flexible at high ISO.)

Aside from the controls the X-H2S is basically everything I’ve ever wanted from a Fuji camera (well besides a sensor with better high ISO & more MP).

ATM I go back and forth every hour, but I’m thinking I’ll likely at least just wait out the X-T5 announcement, see how it looks, and then make a decision (still leaning X-H2S ATM, if just barely)

Anyways thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far. I’ll let you all know once I make a decision (and in the meantime will probably start a few threads asking for lens advice)

Studio_Melon wrote:

Apologies for the delay in responding, life got kind of crazy recently.

I want to first take a moment to thank everyone who responded.

Each one of you gave extremely detailed, thoughtful, and insightful advice.

I especially appreciate all the photographs and personal anecdotes.

It was honestly a much bigger response than I expected.

It was also perhaps not the response I had expected. I was expecting everyone to tell me to be happy with what I have and instead the overwhelming consensus seemed to be, if you can afford to get the X-H2S, then get the X-H2S.

After the post however a couple of things happened, and the situation is now quite a bit different so here’s a brief rundown:

1. The store began an absolute fire sale on their remaining camera equipment just over a week after I bought the X-T4 (<$1200 for the XT4 + 16-80F4 FYI).
2. I managed to snag an X-T3 18-55 Kit for <$350(!) as well as a bunch of Fuji glass at prices that made me feel like I was robbing the store.
3. Last weekend I shot my first sporting event for the team with the X-T3 (the event was broadly representative of the kind of sports work I’ll be shooting this season.)
4. Honestly speaking the X-T3 absolutely blew me away with how capable it was compared to my old X-Pro 2.
5. Barely any OOF images, super responsive, fast burst speed, very little blackout. I DID miss a few images that the X-T4’s IBIS would’ve saved (user error; forgot to change settings when shifting environments).

So where does that leave me now? Questioning what it is I really want, really need, and how far I should be stretching my (admittedly now larger) budget to maximize my capabilities for what I want to do.

I plan to keep the X-T3 as either a backup body or maybe even my main body (nothing beats a good camera AND a good story!)

I’m in the process of selling the X-T4 (it was a good price, but as everyone pointed out, the X-T4 stands to lose the most value with the launch of the X-T5 and I like the smaller size of the X-T3)

Assuming I upgrade further I will be selling my X-Pro 2/X-E1 (as the X-T3 will make a great/much more reliable backup/secondary camera)

At this point I’m debating whether I want (or even really need) either the X-H2 or the X-T5.

While the recent event was broadly representative of the kind of sports I shoot, I do shoot in more challenging conditions (more/faster movement, much darker lighting, etc) at times and would appreciate having something with enough AF “headroom” to comfortably handle whatever is thrown at it. I’d love to basically just never have to worry about AF again. Also, I’d really like IBIS (and can see how it’s a game changer,) and a bigger battery would be nice.

What makes it a difficult decision (aside from just, price) is:

1. My paid bread and butter at the moment is portrait work (sports is volunteer) which would likely benefit more from the new 40MP sensor than the AF advantage of the 2S (vs the X-T5) (again not getting paid enough for either to actually justify this spending but…)
2. The X-T3 was already such a huge leap forward in terms of AF speed/accuracy that I feel like the X-T5 may well be “good enough,” if it’s a similar jump in performance (and if it improves over time even more-so).
3. I really prefer the retro Fuji control layout and find the control style of the X-H2/S… unfortunate to say the least.

But then I keep coming back to: fast reliable autofocus even under the toughest conditions, blackout free 40FPS, basically no rolling shutter, and the fact that I don’t really want to manage the size implications of 40MP RAW files (that are apparently less flexible at high ISO.)

Aside from the controls the X-H2S is basically everything I’ve ever wanted from a Fuji camera (well besides a sensor with better high ISO & more MP).

ATM I go back and forth every hour, but I’m thinking I’ll likely at least just wait out the X-T5 announcement, see how it looks, and then make a decision (still leaning X-H2S ATM, if just barely)

Anyways thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far. I’ll let you all know once I make a decision (and in the meantime will probably start a few threads asking for lens advice)

I'm very sympathetic to your observations and view here. I was totally accustomed to the controls on my previous X-H1 and hoped for and expected a similar control structure on its successor. Frankly, I've never been a huge PASM fan and very much enjoyed the controls and handling of the X-H1. I had hoped/assumed that Fujifilm might employ a similar control structure for its successor. Alas, they made the decision to try to appeal to a broader base of PASM advocates and radically change the controls of the X-H2S. While I will eventually get used to the changes and embrace them, as a previous X-H1 user for many years, I am more than sympathetic with those who feel that Fujifilm might have "sold out" its current customer base a bit and instead decided to go with a UI that is more appealing (or familiar) to users of other brands and systems.

Count me among those that aren't all that delighted with aspects of this camera's UI, though over time, I'm sure even this old timer will grow accustomed to it and will once again find it a bit more intuitive. I totally get the desire to attract users who use competitive products, but radically changing the control structure of the X-H1's successor might not necessarily be universally regarded as a good thing by those like me who have used and embraced its predecessor's UI and who have appreciated Fujifilm's somewhat different approach to its competitors. Love the camera's output and responsiveness... the UI... not so much as yet I'm afraid.