X-H2 and X-H2S: Genre Showdown

There are currently not one but two professional flagships in the X Series line up.. They look identical, but don’t be fooled. As they say, it’s what’s inside that counts. FUJIFILM X-H2 and FUJIFILM X-H2S are very different cameras, designed with the diverse creative needs of image makers in mind.

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 distinct approaches you may wish to take.

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 megapixels found inside X-H2S are more than enough for most, but when resolution is the be-all and end-all, X-H2’s 40 megapixels cannot be beaten.

Verdict: FUJIFILM X-H2

Wildlife

This genre’s subjects are among the trickiest around. You can spend days on the hunt, 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 Zone AF tracking of moving subjects and blackout-free 40fps burst are simply phenomenal. Drop down to 30fps and over 1,000 frames can be made.

Verdict: FUJIFILM X-H2S

Portrait

When you add the likelihood of producing huge prints to the mix, X-H2’s quality becomes more appealing than ever. The 160-megapixel stills of Pixel Shift mode could fill a billboard, while even standard 40-megapixel stills are high-resolution enough to make significant crops. 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 maximum 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.

Verdict: FUJIFILM X-H2 

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.

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 X-H2’s. The camera also supports the HEIF format, retaining all the quality of X Series’ renowned JPEGs with a 30% cut in size.

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.

Verdict: FUJIFILM X-H2S

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, as well as slow-motion 120p clips at 4K. Autofocus performance remains a distinct benefit, so the camera lends itself to a documentarian approach.

Verdict: Too close to call!

Read more about FUJIFILM X-H2 and FUJIFILM X-H2S in our Products section.