Equipped with revolutionary new professional features, these Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2S mirrorless digital cameras offer a diverse range of features, including 8K video, high-resolution 40 megapixel photos, high frame rate burst modes, and much more. On top of that, Fujifilm has recently introduced two compelling firmware updates to this professional line.
In contrast to the traditional form factor that Fujifilm offers in it’s X-T lineup of cameras, the X-H line of bodies offers a new take on ergonomics, usability, and flagship level performance that’s typically reserved for much more expensive full-frame bodies.
Although these two new X-H cameras have identical bodies, they differ in some important areas. Creators will find it relatively easy to decide which camera may be the right fit for their needs. As you’ll learn, both of these options are specialized for slightly different use cases. Let’s dive into the similarities and differences, so you can decide on which one might be the best choice for you.
Key Features of the X-H2
- 5th generation 40MP X-TRANS CMOS high resolution sensor
- Low signal-to-noise ratio, with native base ISO of 125
- 1/180,000 maximum electronic shutter speed
- 160MP pixel-shift multi shot mode
- 8K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording
- 8K oversampled 4K HQ mode
- 7 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
The Fujifilm X-H2 camera combines a multitude of pro-level features that can handle a wide variety of scenarios and appeal to a diverse set of professionals and enthusiasts. It packs a 5th generation 40 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, which gives it the crown as the highest resolution APSC camera currently available.
Adding to it’s focus on high-resolution imaging, it takes first place yet again as the only APSC camera to offer internal 8K video recording at up to 30fps. This is also with 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma sub-sampling. Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode takes the amazing resolution of the X-H2 to yet an even higher level, allowing for the capture of 160 megapixel images. This is ideal for large scale prints and other commercial uses.
In addition to it’s 8K video option, the X-H2 also offers 6.2K up to 30P, and 4K up to 60P. This is all with its high dynamic range capable, 10-bit 4:2:2 F-Log 2 picture profile. External RAW video capabilities are also available with the X-H2, allowing professional filmmakers to choose between Apple ProRes RAW, or Blackmagic Design’s RAW video codecs.
Who Should Purchase the X-H2?
Given those two best-in-class flagship features, it’s clear to see that the Fujifilm X-H2 is ideal for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. It’s a powerful camera capable of high-resolution photo and video capture.
The high-resolution 40 megapixel sensor of the X-H2 is ideal for photographers, especially those who want to shoot macro photography. Its high level of detail and resolution allows for the capture of fine details that would otherwise be hard to attain.
Filmmakers and video creators will be happy to know that the video specs of the X-H2 are just as impressive as it’s photo capabilities. If you’re looking for a professional-grade camera that can offer the highest resolutions offered in a hybrid APSC mirrorless camera, then the Fujifilm X-H2 is the perfect option for you. It can deliver flagship level performance in both photos and videos.
Key Features of the X-H2S
- 5th generation 26.1MP stacked back-side illuminated sensor
- 40fps blackout-free burst shooting with AF/AE
- 30fps burst shooting for over 1000 frames
- Subject-detection AI autofocus
- 6.2K 30P open gate 3:2 full sensor video recording
- Apple ProRes internal recording codec
- 5.76 million dot EVF with 0.8X magnification, and 120fps refresh rate
It’s no secret that the “S” in X-H2S signifies an emphasis on high-speed performance. Blazing fast autofocus, high frame-rate burst shooting, and AI subject-detection focus tracking modes are headlining features of this flagship professional camera. The X-H2S is capable of a whopping 40 still images per second. This not only sets an industry standard for APSC mirrorless cameras, but also outperforms other flagship full-frame cameras that are well above it’s price and weight class.
Many of the features and benefits of the X-H2S are derived from it’s stacked, back-side illuminated CMOS sensor. Stacked sensors enable a significantly faster data readout speeds. This make it possible for cameras — like the X-H2 — to capture 40 photos per second and shoot 4K 120P high frame-rate video.
Faster data readout speeds are also beneficial for reducing “Rolling Shutter” effects. These are motion artifacts that are typically a result of fast camera movements on slower sensors.
Reduced rolling shutter performance is typically reserved for high-end cinema cameras and other full-frame stacked sensor cameras with higher price tags. It’s pretty impressive that such a compact and affordable camera like the X-H2S can provide access to it.
Who Should Purchase the X-H2S?
Photographers and filmmakers that work in fast-paced industries — like sports photography — would benefit from the performance of the stacked BSI sensor on the X-H2S. Another genre of photography that would appreciate the performance of a fast camera is wedding photography.
Given the speed of the X-H2S is enabled through the use of its BSI sensor and electronic shutter, capturing decisive images in complete silence is now a possibility. Shooting in quiet environments, like wedding ceremonies, where complete silence is necessary is one of the major strengths of a camera like the X-H2S.
Key Difference Between X-H2 vs.X-H2S
The build and ergonomics of the X-H2 and X-H2s are identical. The key differences between the two cameras come down to the sensor resolution, sensor design, autofocus performance, burst rates, video features, and other unique features that may be of particular interest to certain types of creators.
Resolution
Starting with the X-H2, it’s primary differentiator is its emphasis on high-resolution. Having 40 megapixels vs 26.1 megapixels gives it an advantage for landscape and commercial photographers who need to print large-scale images. This is also great for photographers who like to have additional pixels for cropping and re-composing in post.
The X-H2 continues the resolution differentiation by offering a mode called Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot. This is a feature that enables the creation of 160 megapixel photos. It is not offered on the X-H2S.
Electronic Shutter Speed
Another differentiator of the X-H2 versus X-H2S is the maximum electronic shutter speed. The X-H2 can actuate it’s electronic shutter at up to 1/180,000th of a second, versus 1/32,000th on the X-H2S.
Video
The X-H2 is also different in the video department, with the same theme and focus on increased resolution. Filmmakers that require the highest resolution video will want to consider the 8K 30P capabilities of the X-H2, as the X-H2S will max out at only 6.2K 30P.
Sensor and Speed
There are also significant differences that may be of interest to photographers who need the speed and unique sensor design of the X-H2S. The biggest differentiator of the X-H2S is it’s stacked, back-side illuminated CMOS sensor. The super fast data read-out speeds of its sensor are what enable the 40 frames per second photo bursts, the precision autofocus tracking with fast-moving subjects, and high frame-rate 4K 120 FPS video.
Photographers who shoot fast-moving subjects would greatly benefit from the X-H2S. It differs from the X-H2 in its ability to shoot bursts of images with a black-out free EVF that has a 120 FPS refresh rate. Although the X-H2 features the same EVF resolution as the X-H2S, it doesn’t offer the super-fast refresh rate or blackout-free shooting during bursts of photos.
Rolling Shutter
Rolling shutter performance is another key differentiator of the X-H2S, versus the X-H2. With both cameras having the ability to shoot fast bursts of images using electronic shutter, the increased data read speed of the stacked BSI sensor on the X-H2S will be the ideal choice for photographers and filmmakers who specialize in shooting fast-moving subjects.
Aspect Ratios
Filmmakers who shoot projects that need to be delivered in both landscape and vertical aspect ratios will benefit from the 6.2K 30P Open Gate video feature on the X-H2S. That is a feature that is not offered on the X-H2, and allows the use of the full 3:2 sensor aspect ratio of the X-H2S for video recording. This is in contrast to the typical 16×9 aspect ratio that is traditionally offered on most cameras for video recordings. The additional resolution and aspect ratio of Open Gate video on the X-H2S allows for convenient re-composing of horizontal videos, for use on vertical social media platforms, and is a key differentiator of the X-H2S versus X-H2.
| Feature | X-H2 | X-H2S |
| Sensor Resolution | 40 MP | 26.1 MP |
| Max Burst Rate – Stills (Electronic Shutter) | 20 FPS | 40 FPS |
| Max Burst Rate – Stills (Mechanical Shutter) | 15 FPS | 15 FPS |
| Stacked BSI Sensor | No | Yes |
| 8K Video | Yes | No |
| 6.2K Open Gate Video | No | Yes |
| 4K 120P Video | No | Yes |
| F-Log 2 Picture Profile | Yes | Yes |
| Blackout-Free EVF Burst Shooting | No | Yes |
| Apple ProRes Support | Yes | Yes |
| External RAW Video – ProRes RAW & Blackmagic RAW | Yes | Yes |
| Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot Capture | Yes | No |
| Max Electronic Shutter Speed | 1/180,000 | 1/32,000 |
| Subject-Detection AI Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| CFexpress Type B card Slot | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Resistant Design | Yes | Yes |
X-H2S Firmware Update 3.0
Fujifilm has recently introduced a major firmware update for the X-H2S. Its optimized its autofocus performance, added additional AI subject-detection modes, and other notable improvements.
Human subject detection has been significantly improved in backlit situations where the subject is looking sideways, and situations where the subject may appear small in the frame.
In addition to the current X-H2S subject types — including human faces and eyes, animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains — the subject detection on the X-H2S is now capable of recognizing insects and drones.
Conclusion
Fujifilm has delivered two highly innovative cameras in the X-H2 and X-H2S. Both of them deliver true best-in-class performance in both photo and video, and set the standard for professional performance in APSC cameras. There are no other APSC hybrid photo/video mirrorless camera systems on the market that can deliver the powerful set of features that are offered by the X-H2 and X-H2S.
Some of the accolades for the X-H2 and X-H2S (as of January 2023) include:
- Highest resolution of any current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera (40MP) – X-H2
- Highest video resolution of any current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera (8K 30P) – X-H2
- Fastest blackout-free burst rate photo frame-rate of any current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera (40FPS) X-H2S
- Only current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera to offer internal Apple ProRes recording support – X-H2/X-H2S
- Only current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera to offer external Blackmagic RAW video recording – X-H2/X-H2S
- Only current hybrid mirrorless APSC camera to offer Open Gate video recording – X-H2S
These are just some of the revolutionary features of the X-H2 and X-H2S that demonstrate why these cameras re-define what is possible in compact hybrid mirrorless APSC cameras. They demonstrate why these cameras are so revolutionary, and how they set a new benchmark by which all future offerings will be measured in the hybrid APSC mirrorless camera space.
