New Camera Decisions: X-H2 vs X-H2s

I love this forum and read it almost every day with my morning coffee. It’s helped me make a lot of buying decisions the past few years, and so I’d like to hear some opinions.

I’ve been shooting an X-T2 for about 4 years. It’s probably got around 200,000 shots on it. I’ll be keeping it as a back-up/ 2nd camera. It’s been, and still is, a great camera, but It’s time to step into the new decade and I’d like to get the best that Fuji has to offer.

I live in the Dominican Republic but will be on traveling to the States in July and plan on taking advantage of my time there to get a new camera and a 16-55. (selling my X-E3 and 18-55 to my assistant)

I shoot all kinds of things, from real estate to some small weddings, all kinds of events, quinceaneras, models, boxing, volleyball, dancers, some studio, street.. lowlight performance is important.. I don’t do any professional video.

If the X-T5 had a battery grip it would have been a no brainer, as I prefer dials and tilty screen, but my main camera needs to have a grip for my personal needs and wants. The X-T5 seems great for what I use a 2nd camera, but my need for now is for a workhorse. The lenses that will usually be on my main camera are the 90mm or the 16-55.

So the decision has come down to the X-H2 or X-H2s. I don’t necessarily have the need for 40mp over the extra speed of the s version, or vice versa. I’m sure either camera will make me happy and be a big step up from my X-T2. I only upgrade every 4 or 5 years, so the $500 price difference isn’t really a deterrent, but is there a reason to spend the money on the s???

Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

It seems like a fair portion of your work requires some speed and performance. If it was me, I’d get the XH2s.

I second this advice, I own both for sports get the S, same for dancers, ....

You seem like the perfect X-H2s candidate really.

The X-H2S is very responsive.  I came to it from the XT-30 and was amazed at how responsive it is. It makes getting the shot you want easier.  It does not look like any of your mentioned subjects will be far away where the 40mp sensor of the X-H2 would benefit you  for cropping.  I have not used the X-H2 so I can not speak to the extra detail it may provide or perhaps the usefulness of the multi shot mode so my vote is for the X-H2s for its speed.

I have both.

The H2 when detail is absolutely necessary but for overall performance, speed and detail that is just a smidgen behind the H2, the H2S is a stunning camera and well worth the additional cost.

Were I in the market for just one body and with my experience thus far, the H2S is the one I would choose.

I’d go with the S if it was me. I also loved the top dials but once I got use to the one dial it’s actually easier to use. The stacked sensor with EL shutter, and auto focus makes for a great camera.

If you need for the battery grip is for power, then you might want to try the X-T5 using a USB power bank.

Morris

Thanks for the suggestion but my main reason for the grip is that the 90mm is my most used lens and I almost always shoot it in portrait mode. I do quite a bit of runway type modeling events and I've taken as many as 3,000 shots in a few hours. I just find it more comfortable with a grip and being able to have the shutter button in a better place.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The 'S' version definitely seems to be the way to go for my needs. I've had a great experience with the X-T2, but I'm looking forward to having IBIS and usable face/eye detection. My trip is still 4 months away, but I'll be sure to put it through its paces and report back in once I get my hands on it.

Yep as many have said, X-H2S sounds more fitting to your needs than the X-H2.
FWIW (and in my experience) you will notice a much bigger improvement with regards AF performance and general speed with the X-H2S than you will in comparison to what improvement you would notice going with the 40mp sensor in the X-H2.

I don’t have the H2 but I do have the X-T5 and X-H2S and I openly admit that the X-H2S is much more revolutionary than the X-T5. The T5 is lovely of course, but if you can only have one at this stage then the X-H2S is it.

If you don't need 40 mp, I suggest you also consider the X-T4, great camera.

Higher resolution and lower cost really are the only reasons to choose the XH2 over the XH2S.

I've been seeing some amazing deals on the X-T4 and I wouldn't say it's completely out of the running. I almost always buy used cameras and lenses. I don't think I've had a brand new camera since the Canon T2i back in 2010 lol. I NEVER spend money on myself (I have 2 young kids) and this time I'm hoping to treat myself and make a no compromise purchase. Thanks for the suggestion.

Oscar Richard wrote:

I shoot all kinds of things, from real estate to some small weddings, all kinds of events, quinceaneras, models, boxing, volleyball, dancers, some studio, street.. lowlight performance is important.. I don’t do any professional video.

So the decision has come down to the X-H2 or X-H2s. I don’t necessarily have the need for 40mp over the extra speed of the s version, or vice versa. I’m sure either camera will make me happy and be a big step up from my X-T2. I only upgrade every 4 or 5 years, so the $500 price difference isn’t really a deterrent, but is there a reason to spend the money on the s???

Seems like you an

Oscar Richard wrote:

I love this forum and read it almost every day with my morning coffee. It’s helped me make a lot of buying decisions the past few years, and so I’d like to hear some opinions.

I’ve been shooting an X-T2 for about 4 years. It’s probably got around 200,000 shots on it. I’ll be keeping it as a back-up/ 2nd camera. It’s been, and still is, a great camera, but It’s time to step into the new decade and I’d like to get the best that Fuji has to offer.

I live in the Dominican Republic but will be on traveling to the States in July and plan on taking advantage of my time there to get a new camera and a 16-55. (selling my X-E3 and 18-55 to my assistant)

I shoot all kinds of things, from real estate to some small weddings, all kinds of events, quinceaneras, models, boxing, volleyball, dancers, some studio, street.. lowlight performance is important.. I don’t do any professional video.

If the X-T5 had a battery grip it would have been a no brainer, as I prefer dials and tilty screen, but my main camera needs to have a grip for my personal needs and wants. The X-T5 seems great for what I use a 2nd camera, but my need for now is for a workhorse. The lenses that will usually be on my main camera are the 90mm or the 16-55.

So the decision has come down to the X-H2 or X-H2s. I don’t necessarily have the need for 40mp over the extra speed of the s version, or vice versa. I’m sure either camera will make me happy and be a big step up from my X-T2. I only upgrade every 4 or 5 years, so the $500 price difference isn’t really a deterrent, but is there a reason to spend the money on the s???

Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Seems like you answered your own question.  Sounds like the XH2S is you best choice.

For me, it would come down to the extra processing in the H2S, better video and the fact that you want PASM shooting and an LCD that flips round.

If none of that excites you, look at the X-T5. Does effectively the same job as the H2 (in my opinion) but with classic dials and an LCD better suited to photos.

Alan

I came from an X-T2 and chose the X-H2 since it shared the same premium body, controls, and many of the video features of the X-H2S for a not insignificant $500 less than an H2S.

If  they were the same price or was a professional that "needed" the particular advantages of the H2S I might have a different opinion. Good luck!

Truman Prevatt wrote:

Oscar Richard wrote:

I love this forum and read it almost every day with my morning coffee. It’s helped me make a lot of buying decisions the past few years, and so I’d like to hear some opinions.

I’ve been shooting an X-T2 for about 4 years. It’s probably got around 200,000 shots on it. I’ll be keeping it as a back-up/ 2nd camera. It’s been, and still is, a great camera, but It’s time to step into the new decade and I’d like to get the best that Fuji has to offer.

I live in the Dominican Republic but will be on traveling to the States in July and plan on taking advantage of my time there to get a new camera and a 16-55. (selling my X-E3 and 18-55 to my assistant)

I shoot all kinds of things, from real estate to some small weddings, all kinds of events, quinceaneras, models, boxing, volleyball, dancers, some studio, street.. lowlight performance is important.. I don’t do any professional video.

If the X-T5 had a battery grip it would have been a no brainer, as I prefer dials and tilty screen, but my main camera needs to have a grip for my personal needs and wants. The X-T5 seems great for what I use a 2nd camera, but my need for now is for a workhorse. The lenses that will usually be on my main camera are the 90mm or the 16-55.

So the decision has come down to the X-H2 or X-H2s. I don’t necessarily have the need for 40mp over the extra speed of the s version, or vice versa. I’m sure either camera will make me happy and be a big step up from my X-T2. I only upgrade every 4 or 5 years, so the $500 price difference isn’t really a deterrent, but is there a reason to spend the money on the s???

Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Seems like you answered your own question. Sounds like the XH2S is you best choice.

$500 is a pretty big difference if you are not sure you need the features (after all XT-5 owners seem happy). I personally like the controls and layout of the H series so went with the non S version. I used the extra money on a new flash and mic, CF express memory card, etc.