There are currently not one but two professional flagships in the X Series line up. They look almost identical, but don’t be fooled. As they say, it’s what’s inside that counts
You’d be forgiven for mistaking FUJIFILM X-H2 and X-H2S for one another, but as the creative process begins, a much greater level of depth is revealed. Below the surface, FUJIFILM X-H2 and X-H2S are very different cameras, designed with the diverse needs of image makers in mind. Those who straddle multiple subjects can rest assured that both bodies are fit for any challenge, but as we dig into the finer details of each genre, distinctions must be made.
We thoroughly recommend you take a close look at the astounding potential of each camera before making your choice. For now, with the most popular genres in mind, here are the key factors you may wish to consider.
Landscape
Photographing scenic vistas is all about the richest depiction possible. The most successful landscapes transport the viewer, and that means detail is key.
Both cameras have a lot going for them, including weather resistance, lightweight design and an array of Film Simulations to help craft your landscape scene. That leaves only one deciding factor. The 26-megapixel stacked sensor found inside X-H2S is more than enough for most, but when resolution is the be-all and end-all, X-H2’s 40-megapixel sensor is the highest in the range.
Wildlife
This genre’s subjects are among the trickiest around. You can spend days searching, without spotting a single photo opportunity. So, when you do come across a stunning creature, documenting it in a split second is vital.
X-H2 has powerful autofocus performance, and its 20fps burst mode is far faster than most. But outright speed is where X-H2S excels. The camera’s stacked sensor works brilliantly with Zone AF tracking of moving subjects. With animal detection modes and blackout-free 40fps burst, the results are simply phenomenal. With a large buffer, the X-H2S can make over 1000 frames at 30fps.
Portrait
When you add the likelihood of producing huge prints to the mix, the X-H2 and its exceptional image quality becomes more appealing than ever. The 40-megapixel stills are high-resolution enough to make significant crops, and give you the flexibility to reframe the image after it’s made. On set, digital zoom puts you 2x closer to your subject, without losing notable quality or redressing an entire scene.
An extended sensitivity of ISO 64 and fastest shutter speed of 1/180,000 sec mean bold lighting looks remain on the table, even with the fastest apertures. So, while X-H2S is still capable of gorgeous people pictures, there’s one clear choice for most.
Street
In busy street settings, X-H2S’s speed makes it an obvious front runner. Unposed human subjects present plenty of photographic moments that are easily missed. But that’s not all. Due to the extremely fast read speed of the stacked sensor, the X-H2S’s electronic shutter can be used in a wide range of situations where being inconspicuous is key.
With up to a whole day’s images collected far from home, file size is important. X-H2S’s 26-megapixel images fill less space on a card than the X-H2. The camera also supports the HEIF format, retaining all the quality of X Series’ renowned JPEGs with a 30% cut in size and a higher bit rate.
There’s also a 5.76 million dot EVF, for unblurred and uninterrupted street action. The feather-touch shutter release helps you document the exact right moment, where a burst may not be appropriate. A vari-angle touchscreen increases the subtle approach further.
Video
Moving pictures are a whole other story entirely, with varying camera spec requirements depending on what’s being recorded. Both X-H2 and X-H2S are capable of recording quality 4:2:2 10-bit footage to an internal SD card, or cinematic 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW externally via HDMI. Recording times are longer than most will ever need, while the gorgeous F-Log2 mode offers 14+ stops of dynamic range. Up to seven stops of IBIS prove perfect for smooth handheld recording.
But where do they differ? X-H2’s more detailed sensor facilitates 8K resolution at frame rates up to 30p. It also features a new focus meter tool to aid manual focusing. Both suggest more controlled, film-style use. X-H2S is still capable of highly impressive 6.2K footage, and the stacked sensor’s reduced rolling shutter makes it perfect for action. When we also consider its 120p slow-motion clips at 4K and advanced autofocus performance, it’s clear X-H2S lends itself to a documentarian approach.
Learn more about FUJIFILM X-H2 and X-H2S.
