X-H2S Handling First Impression

Just got my X-H2S and setting it up. I am coming from an X-T2 with an after market metal grip. Just a few quick observations on the handling.

• I took the first photo with my nose! First setting i change is to disable the touch screen.
• I like C1-C7 which can store so many camera settings
• The front and rear dials are too close to the right edge of the camera, making them harder to turn compared to my X-T2 with metal grip
• The Fn1 button is hard to reach
• With the 50-140 lens, the X-H2S feels much heavier. Probably due to the locations of the dials. I am supporting the lens with my left hand.

The last PSAM camera I owned was Canon. I think the layout of the buttons and dials are still better on the Canon.

I am sure I will get use to the X-H2S. Looking forward to test it with the new AF when the weather is nicer.

If Fuji ever makes an X-T5S, that would be my choice 

Joe

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

10sj03 wrote:

If Fuji ever makes an X-T5S, that would be my choice

I would probably buy this camera too.  I have zero interest in the X-H line.

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

Cheers,

Artur

Artur Darulewski wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

I can't really comment on Sony ergonomics, but I do know I'm far from the only one who ran screaming from Sony to Fujifilm based on their menu system alone.

Bast Hotep wrote:

Artur Darulewski wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

I can't really comment on Sony ergonomics, but I do know I'm far from the only one who ran screaming from Sony to Fujifilm based on their menu system alone.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone rave about the Fuji menu, I kind of hoped this new generation would bring a refreshed design but sadly not.

I’m no Sony fan but credit to them, they’ve worked on their menu, it’s re-organised and touch capable in newer models.

I don’t hold out much hope for a new Fuji menu anytime soon, but there are some quick wins Fuji could address in firmware for the XH2/s, like fixing the weird inability to map ISO directly to a dial (with no button press).

nightowlnz wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

Artur Darulewski wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

I can't really comment on Sony ergonomics, but I do know I'm far from the only one who ran screaming from Sony to Fujifilm based on their menu system alone.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone rave about the Fuji menu, I kind of hoped this new generation would bring a refreshed design but sadly not.

I’m no Sony fan but credit to them, they’ve worked on their menu, it’s re-organised and touch capable in newer models.

I don’t hold out much hope for a new Fuji menu anytime soon, but there are some quick wins Fuji could address in firmware for the XH2/s, like fixing the weird inability to map ISO directly to a dial (with no button press).

Funny but my only X-T5 gripe is I want ISO on a command dial

DelnT wrote:

nightowlnz wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

Artur Darulewski wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

I can't really comment on Sony ergonomics, but I do know I'm far from the only one who ran screaming from Sony to Fujifilm based on their menu system alone.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone rave about the Fuji menu, I kind of hoped this new generation would bring a refreshed design but sadly not.

I’m no Sony fan but credit to them, they’ve worked on their menu, it’s re-organised and touch capable in newer models.

I don’t hold out much hope for a new Fuji menu anytime soon, but there are some quick wins Fuji could address in firmware for the XH2/s, like fixing the weird inability to map ISO directly to a dial (with no button press).

Funny but my only X-T5 gripe is I want ISO on a command dial

You can assign ISO to the front command dial.  Once you have done that, selecting C on the physical ISO dial moves control to the command dial.

nightowlnz wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

Artur Darulewski wrote:

Bast Hotep wrote:

The biggest problem I have with the X-H2S is that the joystick is just a bit too far up and to the left for my thumb.

I agree. Unfortunately I found gripped X-T3 body much more convenient than X-H2s, even smaller joystick is much better placed and more precise for me. Moreover we still don't have possibility to assign ISO control to front dial which is very annoying and so easy to fix via firmware (I don't like d-pad ISO solution as well). I think I'd rather have X-H1 body with X-H2s guts.

I read many complaints about Sony ergonomics, but for me A9/A1 controls looks much better: 3 dials, PASM dial under right thumb and better placed buttons and joystick.

I can't really comment on Sony ergonomics, but I do know I'm far from the only one who ran screaming from Sony to Fujifilm based on their menu system alone.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone rave about the Fuji menu, I kind of hoped this new generation would bring a refreshed design but sadly not.

To be fair to me, I was not "raving" about the Fuji menu at all.

I’m no Sony fan but credit to them, they’ve worked on their menu, it’s re-organised and touch capable in newer models.

To be fair to you, I had a 2010-era Sony. I'm sure the newer ones are better.

I don’t hold out much hope for a new Fuji menu anytime soon, but there are some quick wins Fuji could address in firmware for the XH2/s, like fixing the weird inability to map ISO directly to a dial (with no button press).

I hear this from a number of people, but the D-pad hack works fine for me. The Fuji menu could definitely be improved though!

If they were to change the menu structure, every body would be up in arms about it. I found it was easy to transgress from the menu structure on the X-T2 to the X-H2 with little to no learning curve. The ISO issue is not a problem for me as I don't continually change ISO during a shoot. I usually change it prior to the shoot and just concentrate on the aperture and shutter speed just like in the old film days. All in all I'm happy with the X-H2. Although, I wish I would have got the X-H2s.

"I am supporting the lens with my left hand"

This is widely recommended as the best way to hold any camera with a reasonably sized lens.

I'm getting used to the X-H2.  I've disabled most buttons.

NickDakota wrote:

The touch screen was the first thing I disabled too. Unless it had touch focus lock like Sony, there's no need for me.

I wish there was something that would display the name of the custom setting when selecting.

The Q menu shows both the shooting mode and the name of the custom setting.

10sj03 wrote:

After playing with the X-H2S for a couple of days, I think what makes it faster to operate for me is the C1-C7 stored settings. I don’t think the PASM and buttons are any faster to operate compared to me using the physical dials on the X-T2. I shoot manual mode and having used the X-T2 for 5 years I am very familiar with it. Now, I need to build up the muscle memory for the X-H2S.

C1-C7 are completely useless for me, as this dial is on the wrong side of the body. My philosophy is  to use physical controls and muscle memory and handling camera in old style (left hand supports the lens and operates aperture ring while the most important control elements are under right thumb and index finger (eye on EVF). This worked fine for me with X-T3 for years, but H-X2s forced me to tamper with menus much more. This body is definitely not my favorite and I still feel much better with X-T3, despite using X-H2s very often few months. I love H2s speed, and wish I could get it in X-T3 body (which is in my opinion better than X-T5/X4) with CFE and NP-W235 battery.

Cheers,

Artur