(Pocket-lint) – Fujifilm impressed us earlier this 12 months with the X-H2S, its strongest hybrid mirrorless digicam to this point. We had been anticipating an X-H2 to reach in some unspecified time in the future, given the naming scheme, however when it did, the specs had been fairly stunning.
Not solely does the X-H2 come at a lower cost level, however it additionally shoots at a better decision in each photograph and video modes.
So, it looks as if the X-H2 is the one to purchase, proper? Properly, not so quick, there’s rather more to the story right here. We have performed a deep dive into each cameras to seek out out the place they differ, and who will profit from them essentially the most. Let’s get into it.
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Design
- Each: 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6 mm 660g
- 1.28-inch settings LCD, 3-inch flip-out monitor, OLED EVF
- Full-size HDMI, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone and mic sockets
Each cameras use the very same physique and tip the scales at the very same weight. The one distinction you may discover is within the title printed on the rear and the presence, or lack, of an “S” badge on the entrance.
What this implies is that they each profit from the identical top-notch weather-resistant construct high quality and fantastic ergonomic grip and thumb relaxation. The design is much less pictures centric than we’re used to seeing from Fuji, there is no shutter pace or ISO dials. As a substitute, you get a single mode choice wheel with a particularly beneficiant quantity of customized preset choices.
The standing LCD is current on each fashions and may be very good to have, it means that you can see your remaining pictures, document time and battery life with out even having to show the digicam on. The port choice is identical throughout each fashions, too, that includes a full-size HDMI port, headphone and mic jacks and USB-C.
Pictures
- X-H2: X-Trans CMOS sensor – 40MP stills
- X-H2S: Stacked CMOS sensor – 26MP stills
- X-H2: As much as 20fps burst (1.29x crop) / 15fps with mechanical shutter
- X-H2S: As much as 40fps burst taking pictures / 15fps with mechanical shutter
The primary distinction between the 2 fashions is the sensor. The X-H2S makes use of a stacked CMOS sensor which permits it to shoot at extremely quick burst charges, in addition to having speedy autofocus monitoring. The X-H2 makes use of a extra conventional sensor, which is slower, however a lot increased decision. In reality, it is the highest-resolution sensor we have ever seen in an APS-C physique.
Curiously, the X-H2 additionally will increase the utmost digital shutter pace to a staggering 1/180000 sec (up from 1/32000 on the X-H2S) so there may be a minimum of one space the place the X-H2 has the pace benefit.
Each cameras use the identical hybrid autofocus system with section detection and distinction detection factors. Each profit from animal, hen, automobile, bike, airplane and practice topic detection modes, too. The X-H2 has extra PDAF factors, due to its increased decision sensor, however the X-H2S must be higher at monitoring fast-moving topics.
The X-H2 presents pixel shift multi-shot, whereas the X-H2S doesn’t. This implies that you would be able to mount the digicam on a tripod and it’ll bodily transfer the sensor to mix 20 frames into an ultra-high decision 160MP photograph. This function was beforehand solely supplied on the model’s very costly GFX medium format cameras.
The primary drawback of the X-H2, for stills taking pictures, is that it may solely shoot at as much as 15fps burst with out making use of a 1.29x crop, then, even with the crop, it may solely deal with 20fps. The X-H2S alternatively can shoot as much as 40fps bursts with no crop.
Video
- X-H2: As much as 8K 30fps/ 4K 60fps / 1080p 240fps
- X-H2S: As much as 6.2K 30fps/ 4K 120fps/ 1080p 240fps
- Each: Inside ProRes 422, HQ and LT assist
- Each: 7-stop in-body picture stabilisation
In relation to video taking pictures, the X-H2 presents 8K recording, whereas the X-H2S maxes out at 6.2K. Simply as was the case with photographs, the lower-resolution X-H2S finds its benefit with its pace. It could possibly shoot at 4K 120fps, whereas the X-H2 solely presents 4K at as much as 60fps.
You would possibly anticipate the cheaper X-H2 to stint on a few of the skilled video options supplied by the X-H2S, however surprisingly, that is not the case. Each our bodies supply in-camera ProRes recording at as much as ProRes 422 HQ.
Except for the shortage of 4K 120fps recording, the drawback with the X-H2 comes from its rolling-shutter efficiency. Because of this it is not suited to quick panning pictures, and sports activities shooters will certainly be giving this mannequin a miss. It is notably dangerous throughout 8K recording, at a mere 1/33 sec.
The X-H2 presents a digital zoom operate that may crop in on the 40MP sensor to offer a 2x zoom at 4K decision with no noticeable loss in high quality. This isn’t achievable with the lower-resolution sensor on the X-H2S.
Each cameras have the identical IBIS system and each can utilise the non-obligatory fan accent to stop overheating at increased settings. Although, in our testing, we have not managed to get both digicam to overheat thus far. This accent could also be extra helpful in hotter climates.
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Pricing and verdict
- X-H2: $1999 / £1899
- X-H2S: $2499 / £2499
The X-H2 carries an MSRP that’s round $500 decrease than the X-H2S, making it a really interesting choice, particularly when you think about the decision positive factors supplied in each video and photograph taking pictures. The pixel shift multi-shot might be a giant draw for panorama photographers, too.
Nevertheless, many video makers are prone to worth 4K 120fps sluggish movement over 8K decision. And, until you favour locked-off pictures greater than handheld, the rolling shutter current at 8K will make it rather more troublesome to make use of.
It is actually unimaginable to say which digicam is best, it simply will depend on what you’ll want to shoot. The X-H2S is superior for occasion and sport taking pictures due to its extraordinarily excessive burst charges, whereas the elevated decision of the X-H2 makes it extra appropriate for portraiture and promoting.
In any case, each our bodies are improbable and supply fantastic building together with a wealth of helpful options and configuration choices. In case you’re attempting to find the very best APS-C digicam round, these two must be excessive in your listing.
Writing by Luke Baker.
