[ENG] - Fujifilm X-H2s/X-H2/X-T5 Image quality and buying guide

Purchasing one of the latest Fujifilm flagships may be confusing due to the differences between sensors and body layout.
Let's break this up and discuss about what works best for each one of you.
------------------------------------- Video Content -----------------------------------
00:00 - Intro
01:55 - Image Quality
14:38 - Video
20:50 - Conclusions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link to the Official Website:
fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products...
fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products...
fujifilm-x.com/global/product...
Instagram & Facebook:
/ lucapetraliaphotography
/ lucapetraliastudio
/ streetsbylp
/ lucapetraliaphotography
Link to Sicilians On The Road:
/ @siciliansontheroad
Video Recorded with the following gear:
Camera: Fujifilm X-H2s
Lens: Fujifilm 18mm F1.4
Microphone: Rode VideoMic Go II
Various lights

[@scottallen6172]

I have the X-T5. I bought it because I am stills oriented with less interest in video, and I love the form of the camera over the PSAM approach of the H series. I have watched a lot of videos on this subject. Anyone interested in Fujifilm cameras will benefit from your excellent and fair summary of the differences, advantages and 'drawbacks' of each camera. All are great cameras but they have their individual purposes. I'm very happy with my X-T5. Thank you.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The X-T5 is a great camera, I miss that design for myself, but I can't afford to have that many cameras😅

[@demonsaint1296]

Same story for me BUT the T3 could not keep up with the H2 as far as buffer. I shoot fast action enough that the T3 would have run out of buffer way too often. That was one of the thing I would have to think about when using the T3. I no longer have to wait for the buffer to catch up.. ever. Should I have got the H2s? Thought about it but I would rather have the sensor from the H2/T3

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

If you're shooting with fast cards, you won't have issues with the X-H2

[@laughwithoutsmiling]

I watched so many videos on these 3, you’ve finally help me make my final decision on the xh2s as a film maker with an xt3. Thank you!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Happy to have been helpful

[@blakerichards8369]

I own the Fujifilm X-H2s. I've been a pro photographer my whole life, 66 years. I would not trade this camera for any other camera in the world. I had a Fujifilm XT4 and Canon R7, and sold them both, after testing the 3 in open shade, sun light, and low light. Fujifilm X-H2s was the best of all in all situations. I like it so much; I bought a second one.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

It's a great camera, and even after more than one year I keep using it with satisfaction

[@stanleygabrel1045]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I am thinking about buying X-S20.

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you, very informative! Keep up the great comparisons, really needed. Would love to see some more comparison pictures embedded in the video, if you find the time. Thank you for the great effort you put into this!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks! I'd really love to compare more pictures and video, the issue is how long the video is going to be. But I definitely have to improve the production level

[@karlowma]

Great breakdown, really appreciate it. I picked up the X-T5 last year and have been more than happy with it. One thing I've noticed, and you mentioned it, is the focus stepping on the new Fujinon AF lenses (I have the 18mm and 33mm f/1.4). I find it's hard even to do manual focus pulls without seeing the stepping effect in video. Otherwise amazing lenses though. I actually bought the camera with very little intent to produce video, but find I am getting pretty interested in it now. Good to know that the X-H2s is a good upgrade path from that perspective.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. If you get very interested in video the X-H2s is definitely a huge step up... But I'd try to push the X-T5 beyond its limits before thinking about going the X-H2s route

[@erik6678]

Thank you Luca for this great video! 😊👍 Thumbs up for sure! I really appreciate how much effort you put into these videos. I like my x-h2s really, although i do not understand why fuji did not implement the stills/movie switch (as they have done it on the x-t5). I am still interested in your personal lense line-up which you use. Habe a nice weekend. 😊greets from germany

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thank you! I'll shoot a lens lineup video soon as I have to somehow shrink my set of lenses. I just need to find the time to do it

[@DavidFontanari]

Great video! I check only english content, and when I saw your video I thought: "no, an italian review, I'm not interested". Then I gave it a try, and bang, one of the best, interesting, argued and well donne review I've heard! I'll subscribe and follow your toughts for sure, and if you're dooing this from the boot country, then compliment: you're increasing the level of content in a land of too many (d)funboys/nerds. Keep go! 😃

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks a lot!

[@stanobert3475]

Fnally, I found a thorough comparison between the XT-5/Xh2 vs XH2s cameras for high iso noise and image quality! Your video covers all of the bases. I own the XT-5, which I use for nature, travel, etc. I use my full frame Nikon Z cameras for lowlight dance performances, but I have been thinking about trying out the Fuji system for lowlight photography. From your video, it seems like the XT-5 is capable, but the XH2s would give me cleaner images at high iso's. I rarely go beyond 12500 iso. I appreciate your excellent video and the work that you put into it!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks! I definitely use 6400 iso on the X-H2s with no problems. However noise is a bit more than you can find on a low megapixel count full frame camera.

[@stanobert3475]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography 24 megapixel full frame cameras have the best high iso image quality. Iso 6400 is very clean.

[@jakaufma1933]

I am coming from canon r3.r5. Many heavy lenses. I now have x-h2s instead of r3 and x-t5 in stead of r5. I program it like the canon Fv mode using the dials. I will use x-t5 in studio and personal use. Use x-h2s for events and speed. Getting a stacked sensor is amazing.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

You definitely cut a lot of weight and size going this way. And yes, the stacked sensor is a bless

[@Snapit551]

Great video!! I have the xh2 and xt5 as well as four other Fuji cameras and I definitely find that the new sensor is a lot better in terms of image quality but I still think Sony has better auto focus and better low light abilities and I might buy a Sony to actually test out a Sony a9

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I'd love to test drive a recent Sony as well, to be able to finally compare autofocus performance in my use case.

[@andreiporoshine2725]

Thank you, Mr. Luca for very informative video. As 100% stills funtographer do not see reason to go from legendary X-T3 to T5. But I'm planning to get action ready H2s by end of the year.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

You'll love it

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Outstanding review! XH2s having more dynamic range is a good surprise. I guess 8K of XH2 can be used for cropping to reframe with stationary camera. Say for church or conference events, where rolling shutter is hardly an issue.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Definitely true... The real issue is storage, more than editing. Even shooting everything in 4k I'm having hard times storing all my data... I wouldn't be able to afford storing 8k footage

[@69leehammond]

Great comparison, thank you 🙂

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thank you!

[@julieholland9639]

I recently got the XT5 as a buddy to XT3. I do photograph wildlife but don't often need high speed, I love the new sensor and the fact that I can crop in a bit. My reason for the XT5 was that I wanted to have two cameras with same buttons etc. I've set both up the same and I know I can grab either in any situation. Nice to have image stability on XT5 for my primes. I did spend a lot of time researching before I came to my conclusion to buy XT5. I'm mainly a stills person and I think the small bit of video I do did not warrant spending more for the XH2s. I love the build of all Fuji cameras and still have my original X100

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I'd say your choice is definitely sound. It makes a lot of sense and I myself called the X-T5 an X-T3 on steroids. They both match really good

[@SL-jo4om]

Thanks for the very informative video. I am most interested in street photography and the X-Pro3 is my camera of choice. I use an X-E4 as a backup body and an X-T4 for macro, nature photography and video. I find the X-T4's flippy screen to be a better and more versatile complement to the X-Pro3 screen vs the tilting screen of the X-T5. I would love to have a stacked sensor in a future X-Pro4 in order to be more confident doing my street photography with electronic shutter alone. 40 megapixel sounds like a waste of storage space for me. The analog controls were (and remain) a key reason for my switch from Canon to Fuji. I tried an X-S10 recently and could not get used to it. I'm too old to switch back to the PASM dial. For these reasons, and because I don't need a dedicated video camera, there is no X-H2 or X-H2s in my future.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@TheJ_G]

Super helpful comparisons! Thanks for putting all this together!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks!

[@matt88169]

Great video! I have to admit that the added noise of both these new sensors is “unwelcome”, but overall I think the new 40mp sensor is quite a triumph. Like others I won’t get an XT5 because of the lack of battery grip. But I also think the XT needs a better buffer and more processing power. It’s telling that it can’t hit the same burst rates of the older cameras and has a slower AF rate (even if it is supposedly more accurate). It’s sort of 1 step forwards, 2 steps back. I’m not convinced that the XH series was the right move either-I liked the setup of the XH1 and it stood apart better from the ocean of SLR bodies. I hope Fuji keeps cranking out more updated/modern lenses since they’ve mostly been on a roll on that front, and they perform great on older bodies!

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I think this year is going to be about lens more than bodies. I really hope so

[@immanuelkuhrt8508]

Thank you for this video, Luca :-) I know it's been a while since you made it. I wonder about the pictures with the road and the sun shining through the trees. Do you recall wether you used a fixed and matched white balance on both cameras? The green grass has quite some colour difference. Or could it be a shadow from a cloud causing it?

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

It's been a long while to be honest. I don't remember. I'm sure I set both cameras the same way, but there may be several factors that play into it

[@MikeBanom]

Thanks for your video - Was looking specifically to see your opinion on the XT5 vs the other two. I just made a video on the XH2 vs XH2s and am currently testing out the XT5. I think its a great camera, I just was curious on your thoughts of the XT5 being a more amateur camera. Do you feel the lack of grip and top screen are pro features?

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

No no, i didn't mean that. I meant it's a camera that is built for the fun of shooting, not necessarily as a tool. The difference with the X-H2 is with some features such as the better buffer, which i failed to mention in my video, more video oriented features, and overall completeness. Sometimes as a pro those features save your day, even if you have to use them once a year. That's what I meant But you can definitely get pro results with the X-T5, don't get me wrong.

[@MikeBanom]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography Well said! Thanks for elaborating. Looking forward to your next video!

[@55whiplash]

Excellent critique of these three. I was bummed that the X-T5 didn't come with a grip as I will be shooting with the 100-400, I'm now leaning toward the s since it has a little faster AF, and the 4K 120 sounds perfect for birds and wave action I enjoy shooting. The larger grip is needed, I'm upgrading from an x-t2 with a grip.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

It's a huge jump from the X-T2 to the X-H2s. You'll see a noticeable performance improvement

[@brianmuscat1012]

Thanks for Video!!!! Great explanation, much appreciated. I'm still happy with the good old xt20, but thinking to upgrade to xt5, mainly to take soccer armature pics of my son, as at 16y, kids getting pretty fast. And also need better evf cos my eyes need bit of help growing older 😂

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Your eyes will thank you! Your wallet won't😅

[@marcelfotografie6046]

I'm not sure if you mentioned it, but when choosing between the two series, do not forget that you can NOT get a vertical grip (with buttons) for the X-T5. There are no contacts, so a third party can't make a grip with buttons either.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I didn't mention it in this video, but I did in the ones dedicated to the X-T5. Unfortunately Fuji decided to go this route and it doesn't make too much sense

[@juan.carlos.lazaro]

Hi Luca, thanks a lot for the video. I am considering the X-T5 and the X-H2. I think I would go with the X-H2 because of the grip. I have kind of big hands, and going with the X-T5 and the fuji grip is almost same price as the X-H2. I will do mainly photography and shoot some action, and for this I believe the buffer in the X-H2 is better. What do you think? What would you recommend? Thanks

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

You just answered yourself. The H2 is a better camera, I'd go for the X-T5 only if you value the manual dials and the weight more... Otherwise the X-H2 makes more sense

[@saurabhprasad4499]

Very indepth video

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Thanks!

[@bernie_xj]

Excellent overview of these 3 bodies. I am still somewhat uncertain whether or not to go for X-T5 or X-H2. I am currently using a combo of X-H1 & X-E3. That's a perfect combination setting aside an extra bit of resolution for cropping in and in body stabilisation on the compact X-E body since I prefer using prime lenses on this body... Do you have any views on using older lenses such as 23/f1.4, 56/f1.2 Mk1 or 10-24/f4 on the 40 MP bodies in terms of image quality and AF-focus? Thanks again, Bernd

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Focus, even with old lenses, gets a real boost on the X-T5 or any new generation camera. As for the image quality, I wouldn't worry too much. Those lenses gets a boost in resolution anyways, even if they can't take full advantage of the 40mpx. But my test with the old 56 shows that the lens is still really good. As for your choice, if the plan is to use it alongside those cameras you mentioned, I'd stay with the X-T5, due to the completely different layout of the X-H2. It would confuse the hell out of you when using them at the same time

[@bernie_xj]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography Thanks Luca, I am mainly into photography anyhow. That's why I still like the X-H1 somewhat hybrid dial concept...

[@CBTheMechanic]

I have the X-T2, T3 and T5. With the T5 I'm a bit disappointed regarding low light performance (knowing well about sensor size limitations). I like taking low light shots (sunrise/sunset, fog scenes etc.) and have multiple fast lenses (f/0.95, f/1.2, f/1.4 etc). Taking pictures of fishing boats leaving the harbor into the sunrise on Elba a few years ago, I already noticed a small difference between the T2 and T3, the T2 showing less noise. Same goes for astro. Last week I tested out a new lens, the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 with the T5, taking pictures of airplanes landing during sunset. (fantastic and extremely !! sharp lens, although AF is a bit slow for some portrait situations, bit of vignetting at f/1.2 and very shallow and sometimes difficult to handle depth of field at even great distances.) What shocked me though, was the sensor noise in the shadowy areas (underbelly of an airplane) in a picture taken at ISO 125, f/1.2 and shutter speed 1/4400.... (corrected by +0.5 EV in post). I don't have a comparison with an older T, but it still disappointed me a lot for a picture taken at ISO 125. I just don't understand... I would not have expected this from an older T. But it's to early for a final verdict. So far, I tend to go back to the T3

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I think I know what you're talking about. It may be worth editing the raw starting from a flat profile rather than the embedded one (if your simulation of choice is velvia, the raw converter starts from that unless you choose the flat profile).

[@CBTheMechanic]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography Grazie mille! Your suggestion worked and it made a big difference!

[@cche26]

had that same issue with godox firing a v1, x2t radio, on a x-e4. It happened mostly when i was turning the camera on and off without turning the radio on and off with it. Had the same shoot recently with the x-h2 without any issues. Face detection was on, dont think that was the problem.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

It definitely was a combination of things, but hopefully Fuji found what it was and fixed it

[@michaelfarkas50]

I have the X-H2S and the only time I experienced freezing was when I shot a burst of shots and I tried to play back before it finished writing to the memory card. I was also using slower SD cards. I never had the issue again when I started using faster SD card. In my situation I was using CFExpress and SD with backup so images would write to both cards. Did you notice a difference in continuous AF performance between the X-H2S vs X-H2? I want to get a second body and wouldn’t mind having the X-H2 for the higher res option, and it’s cheaper.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

There is a minimal difference, but nothing to really worry about

[@lumberjack3008]

Pixel shift is very problematic (or not useable, dependingon the risk management perspective), as you don't get any error messages or warnings when taking the shots, if something goes wrong. Only the external software shows this information later, when every chance to repeat the shot is gone.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I get that message all the time, but most of the time the file doesn't show any visible issue

[@a_latzz2993]

I am trying to decide between the xh2 or s, I'm 100% photography but need it to cover everything from action sports (snowboarding/Skateboarding) to landscapes..also mostly use the images for making photo books and social media so don't really blow anything up to crazy sizes but at the same time I find myself cropping into images...a perfect world would be a 40mp xh2s but looks like I will have to decide...I'm currently using an old canon 6d mk1 so guess any one of these would be a marked improvement. Any suggestions or advice??

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

I'd go for the X-H2s for its flexibility and speed. The 40mp would allow you to crop a bit more, but then your storage will explode and you would lose buffer, frames per seconds burst, high ISO and overall flexibility

[@a_latzz2993]

@Luca Petralia Photography thanks! Yes I thought this would be the answer 👍

[@wm1573]

Xh2 buffet is equally great..

[@lumberjack3008]

I had the same freezing issues with the XH2 and the XH2s. I don't expect that the new firmware will solve it, as the cameras freeze when there's no under- or overexposure.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

Let's hope they did address the issue somehow. If they're stating it, I really think they found what it was

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Now that the camera AF is better, what are good lenses for this faster AF?

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

The linear motor lenses, the F2 primes, the new zooms. All of them are really great autofocusing lenses

[@hpaula1946]

Great video as usual Luca. One question that I have is that at one point in the video you seem to say something to the effect that the X-H2s definitely has better autofocus than the X-H2, and don't let. anyone tell you otherwise, but toward the end of the video you state that it's only slightly better. Could you please clarify, as I have to try to get in focus a 2 year old and a 5 year old running around in unpredictable patterns, and I would like to try to get as many keepers as possible.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

No I meant it's way better than previous generation's AF. Non the X-H2 's. In that case the difference is minimal

[@hpaula1946]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography Thank you for clarifying that. I got the X-H2, and was concerned, and as I'm within my 30 day return period, I was thinking of possibly returning it, and ordering the X-H2s, but I'm mainly a family photographer; although I will do the occasional video. As I've had all of the XTs from the X-T2 to the X-t4, I'm sure that it will take some adjustment to using the X-H2, but for the $300 price difference over the X-T5, I thought that it might be the better overall camera.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

It is a better overall camera. It only takes quite some time to adjust

[@hpaula1946]

@@LucaPetraliaPhotography Approaching 77 in 3 weeks, I guess it’s always a good thing to keep challenging the mind! Again, thank you for the great informative videos, and especially for taking the time to respond to viewer questions.

[@jimofmarseille]

noise should be compared at equivalent print size.

[@LucaPetraliaPhotography]

True

[@tobiascrow2792]

Gerald Undone did an in-depth video test... XH2 4KHQ VS XH2S 4K was pretty much identical... XH2S is as expected better in 4k 60 than XH2 and the rolling shutter which I don't care about, but that is it