My Problems with the Fuji X-H2

Not every camera is right for every person. In this video, I share why I returned the Fuji X-H2 after one month of owning it.
If you like this video, please like it and leave a comment. And, be sure to subscribe: bit.ly/subtowes.... I made this video because I appreciate you! If you appreciate me and this video, you can let me know by buying me a coffee at: paypal.me/wesk....
The new "secret" blog is beautifulfuji.com.
Help support the channel by purchasing the items below (the ones I talk about in this video) through these Amazon links:
The Fuji X-H2: amzn.to/3tbPXw0
Fuji 56mm 1.2 lens: amzn.to/3Th4gty
The Fuji X-H2s: amzn.to/3sXyvuS
Fujinon 16-55mm F/2.8 lens: amzn.to/3NFjHun
The Fuji 10-24mm Wide Angle Lens: amzn.to/2VENGbV
The Fujifilm X-T4: amzn.to/2U4z8kU
Fuji 23mm F/2 lens: amzn.to/2JJRQfD
Fotodiox EF to X-mount (Smart Fusion with ND Filter) adapter: amzn.to/3nXHnMy
Fotodiox EF to X-mount adapter: amzn.to/3k9Hbaz
Godox V860iic Speedlight: amzn.to/37XE6Xf
Godox XPro Trigger for Fuji: amzn.to/34aODgx
Rogue Flashbender: amzn.to/349RIxt
Magmod Starter Kit: amzn.to/3a4KaQo
The Movo VXR10 microphone: amzn.to/3fLYMDz
My favorite camera, the Canon EOS R: amzn.to/2sYn4av
My favorite lens for the EOS R: amzn.to/2YA6vh3
The RF 15-35mm lens: amzn.to/2rqfyVJ
My favorite audio gear, the Rode Go wireless mics: amzn.to/36sq3GR
LowePro Photo Classic Backpack: amzn.to/36h4cT2
Westcott umbrella: amzn.to/2rNbJtR
Polaroid OneStep+ Instant Camera: amzn.to/2MLS9Fy
A great shotgun microphone, the Rode VideoMic Pro+: amzn.to/3488hab
Lights I use for key light: amzn.to/2RASyhk
Another key light: amzn.to/2PAvnB0
Colored DJ light for background: amzn.to/35cx2Dt
#fujifilm #fujixh2 #fujixh2s

[@danielg3202]

Finally an youtuber who doesn’t clickbait you and respects your time by telling the conclusions at the beginning of the video. You have my subscribe!

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I appreciate you.

[@mattz9569]

Personally, I love the XH2. I’m a filmmaker with a feature film streaming on Amazon, and numerous short films. That 8k is amazing. Haven’t noticed any autofocus issues (but, I rarely shoot in autofocus for studio/client work in photography, and never in video). Additionally the higher resolution works well for me for prints, or clients wanting prints. But like you said not every camera is for everybody.

[@WesKriesel]

Awesome, thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I did notice that the 4k HQ mode, which I believe is oversampled 8k, produced really great footage! Shooting in 8k - is the main advantage for you being able to crop in to a scene, higher detail in the footage, or something else?

[@mattz9569]

@@WesKriesel all of the above really. Higher resolution and detail for larger screening (festival screens). Also the advantage of handheld shooting in tight spaces, or when batteries run out on my stabilizer. As post stabilization crops in.

[@visionz_n_media]

I have the XH2 as well and I find that the autofocus is actually good, and much better than the bodies before this year. There is definitely a learning curve to Fujifilm cameras when it comes to selecting the right focus settings. I also own and shoot with various Sony full frame mirrorless bodies as well as many Nikon mirrorless and DSLR bodies. The resolution increase is noticeable, though not game changing there is more visible detail at 200% zoom over my xt3. If you don’t retouch or recompose in post, then the extra MP will not matter much, but I often do so it makes a world of difference for me.

[@WesKriesel]

I appreciate you! Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! Good insights!

[@vishkumar]

The Autofocus issue with XH2 is not Lens Problem and I can confirm that as I own and tested XH2. There is an issue with "Focus Priority = RELEASE" which causes out of focus face and eyes even though the camera shows green box on face and eyes (false feedback) . FUJI ships cameras with default Focus Priority = RELEASE for AF-C. The intent of this mode is to still be able take the pics in cases when the focus would not achieved. But the way it is working right now, it is never trying to focusing in first place and always taking blurry face and eyes which is a defect.Fuji needs to fix this. Change to "Focus Priority = FOCUS" and you will get tack sharp pics. I have taken 3K pics with XH2 in studio portraits session and did not find a single tack sharp pics of face and eyes. i read about this setting and changed to Focus Priority and results are as good as full frame sharpness even with third party lens Viltrox. However, it is still a defect with Release Priority in AF-C which never focuses.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment.

[@jeroentune333]

I will try this and see it it make a difference.

[@cy9nvs]

Just means that chances of you completely missing an important moment are pretty high, because the camera will only shoot if it obtained perfect focus. Would be interesting to know if you actually get more sharp images that way, or if the only difference is that you don't get the unsharp images. Because obviously with release priority you're getting 15 or 20 images per second, with focus priority it's somewhere between 0-20.

[@JerredZ]

Great video, Wes. I have the X-H2 and X-H2s, and I love working wth them side-by-side. The X-H2 for landscapes and nature... the X-H2s for anything moving!

[@WesKriesel]

Thanks, Jerred! That was my plan - to work the X-H2 and X-H2s side by side. I remembered when I had two EOS R's and I just loved that setup for shooting photo shoots with one R and filming them for KZbin with the 2nd EOS R. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out for me this way. Any lens proclivities that you notice when you pick up one versus the other? For example, I notice that I don't pick up the 23mm F/2 lens as much with the X-H2s - yet it's my favorite for image quality. I just think the lens looks awkward/ugly on the S - dumb reason, huh! Any lenses you think work better or you are more likely to pair up with one vs the other?

[@praetorian3571]

Can you share some example of the auto focus issue on the Fuji X-H2? You keep talking about auto focus issues and didn't show any example.

[@WesKriesel]

Sure. I'll share in an upcoming video. Basically, with subject detect, eye AF, it wouldn't detect a person but would put the background in focus. These are instances where there is one central figure in the center of the frame. It would prioritize the background. On animal eye AF, it would look locked on euth the green box when taking pictures of dogs at the dog park and 80% of the shots would be focused on the dogs harness - so the chest of the fog - and be off CONSISTENTLY in that manner for like ten shots of ten different dogs. Not like one or two. I'll share examples and raw files next video on the topic.

[@Battlem0nk]

@@WesKriesel H2 & H2s has the same hardware/algorithm except the sensor. Interesting why AF was an issue on H2 but not H2s. Wonder if 40MP is too much for the processor to handle. Tested both H2s & A7IV side-by-side at the camera store. Found the Sony AF was much stickier. Some day Fuji will reach the same level. I've been waiting patiently since for years. They getting close, but Sony keeps stepping ahead.

[@praetorian3571]

@@WesKriesel I have bought the Fuji X-H2, but did not experience the issues you had, In total I think its very good cameras package.

[@TCinSoCal]

I own the X-H2S & am trying the X-H2. There is no doubt eye AF is faster/sticky’er with the X-H2S. But after just a few days with the X-H2 and 33 1.4 I can see a difference in images. I have taken shots of the same areas/subjects and some new subjects and can see more resolution in the X-H2 images. It’s not mind blowing but it’s there. I wanted to try the X-H2 as I was seeing less detail from my X-H2S than an A7IV (of course..) that I had previously used. I wanted to know if I gave up some AF (mainly eye detect) could I get sharper images and in my case so far the answer is yes. I do more urban/landscape than sports so lean towards keeping X-H2 at the moment.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for the comment! Good thoughts! When I review X-H2 images from last year, I see the higher resolution makes a bit of difference too! It's small but it's there. Good insights!

[@lumberjack3008]

More resolution should be visible at the same size and the same monitor/display? You won't see any difference between a photo taken with a XH2s or a GFX 100s.

[@WesKriesel]

I hear you, but I've had a different experiences that I can share anecdotally - at least with Canon. The first time I loaded an image from the Canon R5 (one I had rented to try it out) - a landscape shot with a bunch of oak trees in the frame - the amount of detail I perceived on the laptop screen blew me away - without zooming in. I was coming from the Canon EOS R - so from 30MP to 45 MP I saw a difference. I'm definitely not an expert, but there was a perceptible fineness to the rendering of the tree and branch detail that I almost felt the image had been processed/sharpened/manipulated compared to what I was used to on the EOS R. But it was just the raw file straight out of camera. Based on that, I do believe I could see a difference between the XH2s and the GFX100s on images - maybe not all images but I'd believe on some you'd be able to see or perceive a difference. Great idea for a video!

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Hmm. 40MP is roughly 35% more linear resolution than 26MP. Given that 15% more linear resolution is roughly the threshold at which people begin to see the acuity benefits, the difference between the X-H2 and X-H2S should be fairly apparent. As to the AF, yes, the X-H2S' stacked sensor with the much faster readout speed will definitely make a difference when tracking eyes/faces/subjects.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

[@wm1573]

There was a firmware update and the af got even better!

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

[@FotosyMas.]

I use my XH2 exclusively for wildlife with the 150-600mm. Bird detection is spotty but I shoot 15fps. That guarantees enough frames in focus. For people photography I prefer my full frame cameras.

[@WesKriesel]

That's great. Thank you for the insight! And you are shooting continuous AF? I read another comment from someone who said single AF produced more usable shots for bird photography but I'm not sure if I understand how that would be true.

[@FotosyMas.]

@@WesKriesel Yes, I’m using C-AF with Bird detection On. It’s not very reliable in the sense that, while you do see the box around the bird, the AF is constantly pulsating in and out of focus. At 15fps, I still get sufficient pictures in focus.

[@juleshorse9056]

I came from a XT4 and bought a XT5. If there had been the equivalent of a XT5s I would have opted for that, but sadly there is not. I opted for the XT5 because for hiking and landscape I far prefer the XT style, size and weight over the XH. I have not experienced any AF issues in AF-S for static subjects nor in AF-C for running dogs (Custom Setting 6 set accordingly), but these use cases are not that challenging.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I love that you are enjoying the X-T5. What's your go to lens for the X-T5 and hiking/landscape?

[@juleshorse9056]

@@WesKriesel 16-55/f2.8.

[@jamespong6588]

I am thinking of abandoning the Fujifilm system and going to Pentax k1 Because of all the software issues..

[@WesKriesel]

Ah. What issues are you having?

[@6969SpAcE6969]

After watching some videos on the comparison between Xh2 and s, it seemed to me that the xh2 was actually better. Anything to remark on that?

[@WesKriesel]

I did not have that experience. I prefer the X-H2s.

[@nickolaifrancisnebab141]

Wow. Not many KZbinr does that in the beginning of the video wherein you summarize the whole video because you value your viewers time. Yet I watched it til the end anyway 😅

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! 🙏

[@WesKriesel]

Leave a comment and let me know if you have the X-H2 or if you're thinking about buying it! Or if you're not thinking about buying it! Let me know either way.

[@njm2557]

I have the X-H2 and I regret the purchase. The autofocus is awful for me. Unfortunately it's too late to return it so I have to hope that it gets a firmware update or sell it off.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

Question... how did the new 56mmF/1.2 R WR perform on the X-H2s? Personally, I think the bigger culprit was the lens choice along with the scenarios it was utilized in. I think a firmware update of the lens needs to happen more so than the X-H2 body, but that's just my best guess. Although the new 56mm has several improvements over its predecessor, the focus motor not so much...

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. My apologies for the delay in responding! It's been good however I have always had the 16-55mm on the X-H2s so haven't done many photos with it yet. My X-H2s has been water damaged unfortunately and I have sent it to Fuji for a repair estimate so it'll be a little longer before I get the chance to test it.

[@eliaspap8708]

Thanks for your sharing your honest opinion. Personally I have never used the XH2, but im extremely happy with my Xh2s and XT4. For the type of weddings and prints i do on the odd occasions 26mpx is plenty, and working for Epson as a Large format print engineer during the week, you can print fairly big with 26mpx. It really comes down the quality of the file, especially the sharpness and the signal to noise ratio. Basically if u have clean sharp image? Even 10mpx can be blown up quite large.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I appreciate the insights, particularly on printing.

[@gwtaylor70]

You are a great reviewer and I have just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more of your videos. Thank you

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I appreciate you!

[@ColumbusO]

I'm using xh2, photos are amazing, went to an air show, auto focus worked amazingly, planes were flying all over with high speed, Photos are really sharp. But video wasn't that good, lost planes while recording and found them again after second or so, I used 70-300mm. and I noticed the camera performed better with fuji lenses.

[@Iamquiroga]

Great video, I’m loving my XH2S as well!

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

[@Vikingdescendent]

Seems to me, that you have issues with focus settings and understanding the cameras you are using. FUJI has bought my work to the next level. We all make mistakes when we shoot and too easily blame our gear. It took me a while to understand how complexity of the X T3 focus settings. It's an amazing camera! I'll be upgrading likely to the X H2 or X H2S and use the X T3 as my B camera. We should all expect lots of failures before we get it right when using new tech. Never easily give up.

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. I appreciate your insight. I definitely could use a class on how to optimize focus modes for different scenarios. I have learned most by shooting along other photographers when we go out to shoot for fun, on photowalks etc.

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

I have the X-H2. I returned one because it kept locking up on me. My replacement hasn’t done that yet but I haven’t been happy with the photos I have taken of my German Shepherds during their play. They look good on the back of the screen but not when I look at them on my computer. I’m wondering if I should exchange it for the X-h2s. I’ve never tried it but I wonder if that’s the direction I should go next.

[@WesKriesel]

All of my experience says that you should go with the X-H2s! I've never been disappointed when I take it out to shoot. The other consideration is what lens you are shooting with? And what camera are you coming from and how were your shots with the other camera.

[@njm2557]

Return it. I have the X-H2 and keep getting that same issue, the shots look in focus on the back but the focus is actually off.

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

@@njm2557 yeah, I returned it and bought some Nikon lenses instead.

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

@@WesKriesel I also have the z9 but I like the Fuji for when I’m out with my dogs. I decided to return the X-H2 and get z lenses instead. I really wanted to love it but my X-T3 really does do a good job for me so I’m just sticking with it.

[@heytgp]

Would you consider getting ang XT-5? or would stick to the XH2s?

[@WesKriesel]

Xh2s! All the way. The X-T5 has similar AF issues from what I hear. I'll definitely rent the X-T5 and think it will be a fun camera to try but based on my experience with the Fuji X-T4..... if you watched the video, you know how that goes. Actually, the X-S10 and the X-E4 are my top two cameras as far as most appealing - not that I need any other cameras!

[@heytgp]

@@WesKriesel thanks for the video and your thoughts. it's gonna help me decide on which camera to get next. or should i go down the path of Canon instead? hmmm. anyways, subscribing!

[@WesKriesel]

Thank you! I'm interested to know what you decide. What are your options/preferences in the Canon realm? R6 Mark II?

[@nosatori]

On XH2 autofocus issues: There appear to be a fair number of XH2 units that have hardware autofocus problems. I was getting consistent front and rear focus errors with eye recognition, even though both release options were set to fire only when focus is obtained. I was able to demonstrate this to Fuji support with demo raw files. (Apparently the files contain data with the coordinates of the detected eye point.) They immediately confirmed that the camera has a hardware issue, without any argument or quibbling, so my strong feeling is that it’s a known problem. This would also explain why some people complain loudly about the XH2 autofocus and others say they don’t know what we’re talking about. My camera is now in for repair and I’m going to have to wait a couple of weeks to see if it’s really solved. In the meantime Fuji has loaned me an XH2s for a flat rate of just €55, which I like so much more that I’m probably going to switch anyway. The increased resolution doesn’t really do it for me either.

[@balaji_subramanyam]

@nosatori Hi. Did you go with your replacement or XH2s ?

[@nosatori]

@@balaji_subramanyam They sent it back with new firmware and it seems to be better now. Not quite sure yet.

[@lolno1474]

lol who is operating the camera in the beginning? were they holding it in too long and had to go to the bathroom? they couldn't stand still for a single second

[@WesKriesel]

Pablo