Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2S: The True Difference is not Video vs Stills, but Resolution vs Speed

 

Fujifilm X-H2 vs X-H2S

Since the day FujiRumors unveiled that there will two Fujifilm X-H2 cameras, the whole internet world was sure: one is going to be the video centric version, and the other the still oriented one.

The main theory out there:

  • Fujifilm X-H2S is the video oriented version
  • Fujifilm X-H2 high resolution is the stills oriented version

But in my eyes this differentiation makes no sense at all, and never did.

I mean, we know the non stacked 40MP Fujifilm X-H2 will shoot 8K video. So why is it considered the stills oriented version? Isn’t 8K something videographer might also appreciate?

And if the Fujifilm X-H2S is supposed to be the video centric version, why is it the only one with a stacked sensor, allowing for crazy bursts with the electronic shutter and making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography?

The True Difference

We should stop making the differentiation between a “stills” and “video” camera.

Truth is, both, the X-H2S and the X-H2 are highly capable hybrid cameras.

If you need 8K video, then the X-H2 is for you.  But if 6K video is enough, you can also go with the X-H2S. As for stills, if you do lots of wildlife and sports, go with the stacked sensor X-H2S and it’s staggering 40 fps, but for general use and landscape photography, go with the non-stacked 40 megapixel X-H2.

It makes much more sense in my opinion to differentiate them in terms of speed vs resolution rather than video vs stills.

For ultimate speed, get the Fujifilm X-H2S. For a significant higher resolution, go with the Fujifilm X-H2.

We Need Both

Some might say Fujifilm should have launched only one X-H camera.

But to me two cameras make sense, as both cameras are different enough to justify their existence.

And it also simplifies the choice for us.

If you need all the virtues that come with a stacked sensor, get the X-H2S. If instead what you want is more resolution, the X-H2 is for you.

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Jason at TCSTV: “The IQ Difference between Fujifilm GFX and Sony A1/Canon R5 Tortured me, I couldn’t Unsee it, so I bought into GFX”

I don’t buy into the narrative that wants you to believe you can make professional work only with full frame gear.

And it’s not just a “feeling” of mine. It’s a hard core fact proven by the irrefutable reality that you can win the Pulitzer prize or the World Press Photo Award with images taken by Fujifilm APS-C cameras.

And I also don’t buy that “sensor size is everything” narrative.

Look, I’ve shot it all: from my loved Micro Four Thirds to APS-C and Medium Format, and yes, even quite some Sony Full Frame as I have easy access to that system thanks to the SonyAlphaRumors guy living not far away from my home.

So I can confidently say: every system has its Pros and Cons and every system, from M43 to MF, can be used for professional use, of course with some cameras being better suited for certain uses than others.

So if somebody tells you that you absolutely need a system with a 70% larger sensor than full frame (the GFX system) to really stand out with the quality of your images, then you better don’t trust that person.

And yet, as we said, every system has its Pros and Cons, and the advantage of the GFX system is undeniably that it offers the best image quality you can get for a more than reasonable price.

Then add to this that the Fujifilm GFX100S and GFX50SII have the size of the Canon R5, are even smaller than the Panasonic S1 cameras and cheaper than full frame cameras like the Sony A1, and you start to get a combination of advantages that might make the Fujifilm GFX perfect for your needs.

And it sounds like the combination of advantages the GFX system offers was perfect for Jason Eng, who, in a talk with Evelyn from TCSTV explains his move to the GFX system.

Here is a quick summary:

  • Jason’s assistant Aiden was looking to buy into a new system. He looked at Sony, Nikon and Canon and almost pulled the trigger on the Canon
  • Jason suggested him to try the GFX50SII which costs about the same what Aiden was about to spend for the Canon
  • Aiden put his hands on the GFX50S and it had “these magical files“
  • then they also shot the GFX100 side by side with Sony A1 and Canon R5
  • even by just comparing the images on the laptop sized screen, they noticed the detail in shadows and the way that the camera handled gradation from highlight to shadow was just… “I could not unsee it, it tortured me until I inevitably bought the system“
  • he bought the GFX100 with a classic pro body with integrated grip and fully usable autofocus
  • he often shoots vertical, so having the integrated grip is important
  • he was and still is a Sony shooter, enjoying a smaller and lighter body
  • then Fujifilm offered the GFX100S with its smaller and lighter body and it reached a larger target audience than what the GFX100 could do
  • both options, GFX100 and GFX100S, are great
  • he often shoots tethered and loves that the film simulation he uses goes right into Capture One
  • as a long time Sony user for 10 years, color was always hard. The standard was Canon
  • when Fuji released their APS-C mirrorless cameras he loved the colors, but he could not commit to a smaller sensor than FF
  • but now they have exceeded his expectations and gone larger than full frame
  • skin tones are great, reds are beautiful, rich and deep
  • he uses also legacy glass adapted to the GFX system
  • Fujifilm offering GFX cameras from $4,000 to $6,000 is a game changer for medium format
  • color and shadow tonality range, you can’t unsee it once you see it side by side

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Inside Rihanna’s Vogue Cover Shoot with Annie Leibovitz (and Fujifilm GFX100S)

Annie Leibovitz is not new to the Fujifilm X system.

But it seems that she added some gear to her Fujifilm collection.

In fact, she has been spotted using a Fujifilm GFX100S for her Rihanna Vogue cover shot.

And to be clear, this post is not meant to say “you need a GFX to create well paid work“. In fact I have seen Annie also using Sony, Phase One and other cameras. Fujifilm is just one of the options she has.

You can see the final result at the Vogue page here.

New Firmware Features Guide for Fujifilm X-T4 and X-S10 (and New Firmware for X100V, X-Pro3, GFX100S, GFX100)

Earlier today Fujifilm has released these firmware updates for the following cameras: X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro3, X100V, GFX100S and GFX100.

And since the firmware for the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-S10 add support for the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR, Fujifilm did release also a New Features Guide for these two cameras.

A future update should bring support for Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR also to the Fujifilm GFX100S.

For the full list of firmware details and download links, check out this article here.

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Fujifilm Firmware Updates for X-T4, X100V, X-Pro3, X-S10, GFX100S and GFX100

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-S10 to add support for the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR as well as new firmware for the X-Pro3, X100V, GFX100S and GFX100.

Down below all the details and download links.

So, it’s 3 AM here in Italy, I am going back to bed now… if my son (who btw shows signs superior intelligence ;)) allows it.

Firmware Details & Download

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