Upgrading from Sony A7r IV to X-H2s

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Since you are currently invested in Sony why not try to get a good used A9II or even an A9?
You will get 20FPS w/no blackout with ES and you don't really have to change your PP regimen. You are familiar with the Sony Ecosystem so the change/transition would be simpler.

However, if the Camera of the Year has you interested, go for it. There are enough threads and posts of the X-H2S, especially with the FW update, you could not go wrong. Only one caveat with both suggestions. You are going from a 60+MP cam to a 24/26MP cam. If you crop a lot, that may be a small issue.

Agree with Bob here.  A7R IV isn't really the Sony body of choice for action.  A9 / A9II / A1 - Blackout free EVF, ES with no rolling shutter and top shelf AF and tracking - Sony > Fuji. Glass is another area that is advantage Sony.

As a Fuji and Sony shooter with both the 70-200 2.8 GM and the 50-140 2.8 there is a pretty big difference between the two.

A used A9II would run you about what an X-H2S would cost you and I'd choose the Sony over the X-H2S for AF performance but with the caveat that I've only shot the X-H2S once (it was with the 150-600)

craigwell47 wrote:

Sony AF lenses some of the best like 135mm f1,8 GM. Recent Fuji X-H2S firmware upgrade catching-up with Sony Alpha. Fuji X-H2S the price is right. The criteria in this situation being selection of lenses and usage such as action photography. Important not to change camera systems building on what owned. Temptation to dash over to Canon R3 or Lumix S5II must be kept under control and remain out of the question to preserve ones bank account.

I think the X-H2S is priced really well for a stacked sensor APS-C camera and its performance.

I wouldn't have added Sony to my kit if Fuji had comparable AF and tracking back when I picked up the A9II for BIF and other wildlife.

Another draw of the Sony system was the 200-600.  It's a really nice lens for under $2K.

I love the X-T5 for use with the XF primes like the 18 2 ,35 1.4 and the 56 1.2

The CAF of the Fuji system still has some catching up to do and the tele lens range is definitely not competitive with the Sony options yet.  I really hope Fuji makes a fast tele prime longer than the 200.

C'mon Fuji - how about a 400 2.8?  :). That along with a stacked sensor body with real controls would be irresistible.  I would trade up the X-T5 in a minute for that.

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Since you are currently invested in Sony why not try to get a good used A9II or even an A9?
You will get 20FPS w/no blackout with ES and you don't really have to change your PP regimen. You are familiar with the Sony Ecosystem so the change/transition would be simpler.

However, if the Camera of the Year has you interested, go for it. There are enough threads and posts of the X-H2S, especially with the FW update, you could not go wrong. Only one caveat with both suggestions. You are going from a 60+MP cam to a 24/26MP cam. If you crop a lot, that may be a small issue.

A9 II is about €1000 more used than H2s new. I could get used A9 for the same price of H2s.
When I bought A7r IV I thought that I will do more photography than just motorsport. Turns out I don't do it often enoigh to justify such a high end camera.
I do crop, but not much. Mostly just to compose photos a bit better as that tack sharp panning photo might not have perfect composition.
Sometimes I crop a lot. Not often but in some situations I decide to stand too far away for 135mm reach. That problem would be eliminated with a 55-140mm apsc lens.

Also, my gear was stolen and while the cops found the guy and some gear, I'm not sure that I will be getting all back.

liggy wrote:

Agree with Bob here. A7R IV isn't really the Sony body of choice for action. A9 / A9II / A1 - Blackout free EVF, ES with no rolling shutter and top shelf AF and tracking - Sony > Fuji. Glass is another area that is advantage Sony.

As a Fuji and Sony shooter with both the 70-200 2.8 GM and the 50-140 2.8 there is a pretty big difference between the two.

A used A9II would run you about what an X-H2S would cost you and I'd choose the Sony over the X-H2S for AF performance but with the caveat that I've only shot the X-H2S once (it was with the 150-600)

A9 II is a lot more expensive used than H2s is new.
Curious, what's the big difference between Sony and Fuji lens?

Nebell wrote:

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Since you are currently invested in Sony why not try to get a good used A9II or even an A9?
You will get 20FPS w/no blackout with ES and you don't really have to change your PP regimen. You are familiar with the Sony Ecosystem so the change/transition would be simpler.

However, if the Camera of the Year has you interested, go for it. There are enough threads and posts of the X-H2S, especially with the FW update, you could not go wrong. Only one caveat with both suggestions. You are going from a 60+MP cam to a 24/26MP cam. If you crop a lot, that may be a small issue.

A9 II is about €1000 more used than H2s new. I could get used A9 for the same price of H2s.
When I bought A7r IV I thought that I will do more photography than just motorsport. Turns out I don't do it often enoigh to justify such a high end camera.
I do crop, but not much. Mostly just to compose photos a bit better as that tack sharp panning photo might not have perfect composition.
Sometimes I crop a lot. Not often but in some situations I decide to stand too far away for 135mm reach. That problem would be eliminated with a 55-140mm apsc lens.

Also, my gear was stolen and while the cops found the guy and some gear, I'm not sure that I will be getting all back.

That is unfortunate.  Insurance coverage?  What do you have remaining to build from or are you basically starting from scratch?

I’m interested to read the responses, as I also love shooting motor sports (I’m headed to Sebring with buddies in March).  I have shot track events with Canon, but am eager to see how Fuji will perform for that event.   I’ll be bringing the XT-5 and it’ll be interesting to see how it compares to what I’ve gotten before with the Canon

I’d love to see your images.

Nebell wrote:

liggy wrote:

Agree with Bob here. A7R IV isn't really the Sony body of choice for action. A9 / A9II / A1 - Blackout free EVF, ES with no rolling shutter and top shelf AF and tracking - Sony > Fuji. Glass is another area that is advantage Sony.

As a Fuji and Sony shooter with both the 70-200 2.8 GM and the 50-140 2.8 there is a pretty big difference between the two.

A used A9II would run you about what an X-H2S would cost you and I'd choose the Sony over the X-H2S for AF performance but with the caveat that I've only shot the X-H2S once (it was with the 150-600)

A9 II is a lot more expensive used than H2s is new.
Curious, what's the big difference between Sony and Fuji lens?

At FredMiranda A9IIs are running from $2300 to $2800 or so. Pretty close to X-H2S.

Unfortunately the 70-200 GM II is really spendy

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1784441/0?keyword=A9,ii#16103321

The 50-140 is still one of my favorite CF lenses but the Sony is faster to focus, sharper all around and very light for its size (roughly the same as the XF)

Some less hypey review sites just for fun.

https://www.cameralabs.com/sony-fe-70-200mm-f2-8-g-master-ii-review/

https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/sony/fe-70-200mm-f2.8-gm-oss-ii-sel70200gm-ii/review/

https://www.lenstip.com/617.1-Lens_review-Sony_FE_70-200_mm_f_2.8_GM_OSS_II.html

I’ve only tried motorsports a couple of times but this guy is really amazing at panning etc

https://endorphin.media/

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Nebell wrote:

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Since you are currently invested in Sony why not try to get a good used A9II or even an A9?
You will get 20FPS w/no blackout with ES and you don't really have to change your PP regimen. You are familiar with the Sony Ecosystem so the change/transition would be simpler.

However, if the Camera of the Year has you interested, go for it. There are enough threads and posts of the X-H2S, especially with the FW update, you could not go wrong. Only one caveat with both suggestions. You are going from a 60+MP cam to a 24/26MP cam. If you crop a lot, that may be a small issue.

A9 II is about €1000 more used than H2s new. I could get used A9 for the same price of H2s.
When I bought A7r IV I thought that I will do more photography than just motorsport. Turns out I don't do it often enoigh to justify such a high end camera.
I do crop, but not much. Mostly just to compose photos a bit better as that tack sharp panning photo might not have perfect composition.
Sometimes I crop a lot. Not often but in some situations I decide to stand too far away for 135mm reach. That problem would be eliminated with a 55-140mm apsc lens.

Also, my gear was stolen and while the cops found the guy and some gear, I'm not sure that I will be getting all back.

That is unfortunate. Insurance coverage? What do you have remaining to build from or are you basically starting from scratch?

Well it depends what I get back. I did hear they found a bunch of gear, not just mine. I send them all the serial numbers and they will look into it. I'm positive they will find something.
I sent them an image of my dual battery charger and the cop was like "oh yeah I remember that it's here". So at least the charger is there
I'm hoping it won't take too many days, but it might take weeks or months. I should be insured for H2s and at least 50-140mm f2.8 lens.

nuramori wrote:

I’d love to see your images.

Here you go. Have fun at the event. Motorsport is tons of fun to shoot

Beautiful!  Nothing like it at all!  I uploaded one I took years and years ago with a paltry 20D.

nuramori wrote:

Beautiful! Nothing like it at all! I uploaded one I took years and years ago with a paltry 20D.

Nice! I would love to photograph real race cars and F1, but we don't have formula cars in Sweden and the season only lasts about half a year due to weather.

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Looking at your photos, the gear will play a role in your enjoyment and your desire to go out and shoot more.

You obviously don't need better gear to take a better photograph, they are fantastic. I think the Fuji XH2s would probably check all your boxes and you would probably save some money in the long run.

Cheers

Great shots, op. You’ll get excellent results from whatever gear you choose.

If you’re giving up the 135GM for the 50-140 (I still own the 50-140) that would give me pause personally but that’s clearly your call.  The 70-200 is pretty much the same size as the 50-140.  X-H1 on the left, A1 on the right.

liggy wrote:

Great shots, op. You’ll get excellent results from whatever gear you choose.

If you’re giving up the 135GM for the 50-140 (I still own the 50-140) that would give me pause personally but that’s clearly your call. The 70-200 is pretty much the same size as the 50-140. X-H1 on the left, A1 on the right.

I miss a bit more reach when I use 135mm. I got free access to the race track, but I can't stand in the cars way
I had 100-400mm Sigma Contemporary and I did not like it. I just couldn't get acceptable photos with it as I do with 135mm GM. But I did like the way it squished the car against the background at 400mm.
I would surely be happy with A9 II and 70-200mm, but it's quite a bit expensive compared to H2s and 50-140mm and I'm not sure if I need FF and 61mpix. I always shoot during the day.
Also, A7r IV fps is is limiting the amount of good photos I can get. If I could squeeze another 10fps or so I'd probably have more keepers.

Nebell wrote:

liggy wrote:

Great shots, op. You’ll get excellent results from whatever gear you choose.

If you’re giving up the 135GM for the 50-140 (I still own the 50-140) that would give me pause personally but that’s clearly your call. The 70-200 is pretty much the same size as the 50-140. X-H1 on the left, A1 on the right.

I miss a bit more reach when I use 135mm. I got free access to the race track, but I can't stand in the cars way
I had 100-400mm Sigma Contemporary and I did not like it. I just couldn't get acceptable photos with it as I do with 135mm GM. But I did like the way it squished the car against the background at 400mm.
I would surely be happy with A9 II and 70-200mm, but it's quite a bit expensive compared to H2s and 50-140mm and I'm not sure if I need FF and 61mpix. I always shoot during the day.
Also, A7r IV fps is is limiting the amount of good photos I can get. If I could squeeze another 10fps or so I'd probably have more keepers.

One thing about A9II - it’s 24mp.  Honestly the A9 is a big step up in buffer, tracking and AF and really affordable these days.  A9 / 70-200 GMII would likely make you very happy.

liggy wrote:

Nebell wrote:

liggy wrote:

Great shots, op. You’ll get excellent results from whatever gear you choose.

If you’re giving up the 135GM for the 50-140 (I still own the 50-140) that would give me pause personally but that’s clearly your call. The 70-200 is pretty much the same size as the 50-140. X-H1 on the left, A1 on the right.

I miss a bit more reach when I use 135mm. I got free access to the race track, but I can't stand in the cars way
I had 100-400mm Sigma Contemporary and I did not like it. I just couldn't get acceptable photos with it as I do with 135mm GM. But I did like the way it squished the car against the background at 400mm.
I would surely be happy with A9 II and 70-200mm, but it's quite a bit expensive compared to H2s and 50-140mm and I'm not sure if I need FF and 61mpix. I always shoot during the day.
Also, A7r IV fps is is limiting the amount of good photos I can get. If I could squeeze another 10fps or so I'd probably have more keepers.

One thing about A9II - it’s 24mp. Honestly the A9 is a big step up in buffer, tracking and AF and really affordable these days. A9 / 70-200 GMII would likely make you very happy.

A9 used + 70-200 GM II new would be about €1200 more expensive than H2s + 50-140mm f2.8, both new.
For those €1200 I could get a 1.4x teleconverter and 16-55mm F2.8.
Sony is extremely expensive in Sweden.

Nebell wrote:

Oh boy, this might trigger some Sony fans

A7r IV + 135mm GM produce image quality out of this world, but I shoot motorsport and it's a bit of a sluggish camera for that. I'm also a bit tired of waiting on the buffer to clear.
So I was thinking, H2s + fast CFExpress card with 16-50mm and 55-140mm lenses coupled with 20 fps would probably give a lot more keepers (I do shoot very slow panning, often down to 1/20th).
I always shoot during the day, almost always when it's sunny, worst case scenario cloudy and rain.
The only concern I have is that I do manipulate my photos a lot. Sometimes raise shadows by +100 in Lightroom. A7r IV manages this with almost no image degradation (with some noise cancelation). Not sure about a high end asp-c sensor.

So what do you think? Worth switching?

Personally I'd pick the 90/2 over the 55-140 since it's an equivilant 135 along with being one stop brighter than the 55-140 and is also one of the best AF lenses Fuji makes. If you need more reach you could always rent the 200/2 until it goes on sale which actually happens pretty regularly.

As for shadows the sensor in the H2s is only 26mp which IIRC is the same pixel density as the sensor in the A7r IV so that should be a very similar experience.