New Camera Decisions: X-H2 vs X-H2s

X-H2S is an amazing camera. This is the most balanced camera spec vise, that I have used across both Sony and Fujifilm.

I have used most Sony A7R series models and over time have run into a limitation that sometimes is difficult to work around. Namely sensor scanning speed.

In various lighting conditions, including natural light using silent shutter to avoid making sounds at events like concerts causes banding. I also encountered that issue during photographing skittish wild life. This was with a Sony A7R III, sensors from Sony have gotten even slower since then, with the exception of the A1.

I also used Fujifilm X-H1 and it was less of a problem due to its smaller sensor. I was looking to replace it, when the X-H2S was announced.

The asking price for a stacked sensor camera is usually quite high. The X-H2S to me is amazingly well priced.

So, far this camera has turned out to be the most balanced and well made camera I have used so far.

You will really appreciate it in the long run, if you choose the XH2S. I think the $500 over the X-H2 is worth it for your primary camera.

I do think that the X-H2 would be a great complement to the X-H2S.

yatesd wrote:

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.

I hear you, I almost always try to save money when possible. I can't say I NEED the new features of any of the new camera. The X-T2 has been, and continues to be, a very reliable workhorse, but I am looking forward to having IBIS, better AF and overall responsiveness. Although I'm sure all 3 of the new cameras would offer that, the overwhelming consensus seems to be that stacked sensor of the X-H2s has its advantages in the areas I'm looking for. I'm not a 'big money' pro, but 80% of my photography is paid gigs. For the past 13 years I've put my kids and family first and so this one time I'm looking forward to being selfish (lol) and getting the best I possible can. Thanks for your input

JSalk53 wrote:

You will really appreciate it in the long run, if you choose the XH2S. I think the $500 over the X-H2 is worth it for your primary camera.

This is my thinking also. Almost everyone seems to agree that the X-H2s is a better camera (if you don't need the 40mp). I usually keep a camera 5 years or so before changing, so over time the $500 difference doesn't really make a difference.

I do think that the X-H2 would be a great complement to the X-H2S.

I think at some point I'd like to have the X-T5 as a second camera, as I do prefer the dials and tilty screen. Thanks for your input

GreatOceanSoftware wrote:

It seems like a fair portion of your work requires some speed and performance.

I live in a medium sized town in the Dominican Republic so I can't limit myself to any one type of photography, plus I enjoy almost any type. So I'm looking for something that can handle anything that may come my way.

If it was me, I’d get the XH2s.

It is me lol, and I think you're right. Thanks for sharing your opinion

GMacF wrote:

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.

This is basically exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience with the new cameras