I Bought A Fujifilm X-H2S; First Impressions; Initial Use; What Did I Find? Will I Keep It?

One of my initial test images using the new Fujifilm X-H2S. (click to enlarge)
More images below.  I've included the cameras settings if anyone is interested in that data.
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/1250th sec. @ f/2.8; ISO 160

As you might be aware, Rick Walker of The Image Doctors podcast and I have been collaborating on the Fujifilm AF inconsistency issue over the past few months.  About two weeks ago Rick emailed me and told me he had a Fujifilm X-H2S as a loaner and was thoroughly testing it.  One of his intents in obtaining this camera was to test the AF (among other things) for the same issues we had found in other Fujifilm cameras.  

In that email, he sent me his preliminary findings, which were not good (don't stop reading here, there was a problem and he corrected it).  When I read that I cringed as I had been considering purchasing an X-H2S mainly for the subject detection autofocus features.  However, I had been waiting to hear from any reviewer or user as to whether or not the camera suffered from the same issues as does my X-T4.  

Initially, I had not considered this new camera (I was waiting for the X-T5 to be introduced) but the more reviews I read and viewed about it I had come to realize that this camera was, indeed, quite remarkable in what it had to offer.  In fact, if it turned out to not have the AF issues I saw in my X-T4, it was the answer to my photographic gear future.  

Thankfully, upon further review (he was having an Adobe Bridge issue which made the image files not render correctly), he let me know that the AF seemed as though it functioned as it should.  After additional extensive testing in many different scenarios, he wrote to me and said he was very pleased with the X-H2S and now was planning to keep the camera.  That, to me, is quite an endorsement as Rick is as picky about image quality as am I!

His endorsement was the go-ahead I needed to make my own purchase.  I then tried to find one online but the usual places I purchase my gear did not have them in stock.  Luckily, I checked Amazon.com and they had five listed as available from Amazon itself, not a third party vendor.  I ordered one on August 15, 2022.  It arrived a few days later on Friday evening.  As an aside, being that I have an Amazon credit card, I used points to knock off  $400 from the price plus Fujifilm North America is giving to each U.S. purchaser a Delkin Black 325gb CFExpress memory card.  That card is listed at B and H for $425.  Those two 'perks' really go a long way in mitigating the price of the camera.  Win-Win!

Introduction

Being anxious to get my hands on and try the camera, I opened the box and spent Friday evening just handling it, getting the 'feel' of it as well as partially configuring it to closely resemble how I have my X-T4 configured.  If you have used a Fujifilm camera in the past, you will feel comfortable configuring this camera.  As of today, however, I have not finished fully configuring it.  I still have a couple of things to decide, one of which is how I want to configure some or all of the seven top dial custom settings (C1-C7) to best allow me the ease and flexibility to switch among the types of photography I practice.

I want to be clear.  This is NOT a review, only my initial thoughts after using this camera for a week, which isn't a very long time.  In other words preliminary use of the camera to get acquainted with it, better understand any changes from my X-T4 and ensure everything about the camera is functioning properly.  That said, here are some of my initial impressions.  

I have gone out three times and made over 850 images with two categories of subjects.  First, using many of the same subjects I used to recently test the AF in the X-T4, I tested the X-H2S for AF accuracy and consistency using AF-S, AF-C with single point autofocus and AF-C with 9-point Zone AF.  I made nine identical exposures of each subject, three exposures with each AF mode and then later examined each file for sharpness in LR Classic at 100%.  I am pleased to say all the images were in sharp focus!

Second, I photographed a dozen or more typical scenes and subjects that I normally select when I go out and wander in my area.  Besides those typical subjects I really looked hard for some birds to try out the bird subject detection.  I wasn't very successful in finding many but I did manage to photograph a few Great Blue Herons, a couple of Ospreys, an Egret, a few crows, etc.  I'll be looking for birds and testing the bird detection more thoroughly as time passes.  I did not replicate the original indoor, measured distance test shots that I conducted  when initially testing the X-T4.  I chose real world subjects instead.

An oysterman bring his freshly dredged oysters to shore. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 34mm; 1/350th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 320

With the X-T4, I found that the wider the angle and more stopped down I set the aperture, the more AF variation I saw.  I made these new photographs with the same wide angle and stopped down settings so I could, as closely as possible, compare the two sets of images.  I shot from 10mm to 400mm, from close up to infinity and from wide open to f/16.

Handling and Feel 

If you bought a Fujifilm camera because of the retro top dials, controls, etc. as well as the camera being relatively thin with the shutter button on the camera's top plate like film SLRs of old, you probably won't like this camera.  But don't get upset.  Fujifilm is not abandoning you.  Fujifilm as stated publicly that they will keep those traditional controls in the upcoming X-T5.  

The X-H2S is thicker than T-cameras. It has a built-in hand grip (and my pinky finger fits on the hand grip. It doesn't hang down below the camera) and a forward positioned shutter button that nicely and naturally fits under the index finger.  It is much like my Nikon Z7II but has a somewhat different shape.  In my opinion, if feels good and natural.  It 'fits'.  I think it has a nice heft to it.  If you have used a DSLR or another brand's mirrorless camera, you will recognize the feel of this camera and it should feel familiar to you.

I think the camera is nicely engineered.  Fit and finish is very good, as good or better as any Fujifilm camera I've owned (X-T1, X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-H1).  It doesn't feel amateurish or cheap by any means.

The camera has 79 weather-sealed points. I would suspect that gives it high levels of dust and moisture resistance.  It is designed as a professional level tool and can operate in temperatures from 104°F (40°C) to as low as 14°F (-10°C).  If it is as warm or as cold as that, you won't catch me outdoors for very long anyway.

I'm not going to go over all of the specifications or features.  Suffice it to say, this camera is fully featured.  If you want a single page snapshot of all of the specs, here is the DPReview summary page.

Size/Weight 

X-H2S on left, Z7II on right (click to enlarge)

The camera with the 16-55mm f/2.8 lens is about the same size and weight as the Nikon Z7II with the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 lens attached.  No surprises for me when I initially picked it up.  Not too big or too heavy..  I think the size and weight are just about right.

Setup 

Set up was easy and familiar.  Pretty much the same as the X-T4.  Fujifilm retained the 'My Menu' feature, which I find very useful.  I don't think I would buy another camera body that didn't have a configurable My Menu, joystick or in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS).  This camera has all three.  They have become too valuable and useful for my photography.

Controls, Dials and Menus 

The controls are different from other Fujifilm cameras by design.  The main menu and Q-menu are pretty much the same.  They should be familiar to any Fujifilm camera user.  The small, secondary LCD (called a sub-monitor) on the right side of the camera's top plate can be configured to include or exclude a number of different parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture, battery life, number of frames left on the memory card, ISO, WB, and more.  It can also be configured to either be black on white or white on black.  There is a button on the right side of the viewfinder housing to turn a small light on to see it in the dark.  Nice touch.  

One important question I had was, "Can I still use the aperture rings on my lenses or did I have to lock them in the 'A' position and change aperture with a dial?"  Well, the answer is happily YES!  You can use your aperture ring as with other Fujifilm cameras and configure the dial for exposure compensation instead of aperture control.  Perfect for me!

The joystick and AF-on buttons are in different and, I think, better locations.  Depending upon your hand size and thumb length, they should naturally fall under you thumb.  However, I think the AF-On button is just a little too flat against the body so I will add a dab of Sugru to raise its profile, thereby allowing my thumb to immediately locate it.  Adding a dab of black Sugru also allows the AF-On button to be more easily fully pushed in.  (The Sugru can easily be removed if you don’t like it or if you sell the camera.)  Adding Sugru is nothing new.  I have done this will all of my Fujifilm cameras as well as my Olympus cameras.  I find adding Sugru to selective buttons works wonders in allowing me to immediately identify and find the button without having to look.

This Great Blue Heron came flying by.  The AF immediately detected it and quickly locked focus.
This is cropped to 45% of the original image. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 1600

Some people have commented about losing the three way AF switch on the bottom right corner of the front of the camera.  Instead of flicking a switch between AF-S, AF-C and Manual focus, you press the button and a menu item appears.  You then make a quick press of either the up or down buttons of the 4-way controller to change focus modes.  I found it quick  and easy.  I didn’t have to take my eye away from the viewfinder to do so.  It isn't as quick as just flicking a switch but I can live with it with no problem.  It's not a big deal to me.  The other buttons on the camera’s body are just fine and you can configure each to a wide variety of functions.

Also, I've heard some complain about the front and rear command dials no longer having the ability to be pushed in and utilized for a secondary function.  I say, so what.  If that is all you have to complain about, you are fortunate.  That inability made absolutely no difference to me or my photography.  A non-issue.  Fujifilm says that the push-in feature was eliminated as that was a point for potential water incursion.  They consider this a professional camera with 79 seals against water, dust and dirt.  

Since my Nikon camera utilizes front and rear command dials to adjust shutter speeds or other various functions, I don't miss the shutter speed and ISO dials of the X-T cameras.  I can easily adapt to either.  That said, I prefer the dedicated top dials to the command dials.  But that is just me.

The dial on the left side of the camera’s top plate, the often criticized 'PSAM dial,' is just fine.  It has a button lock to keep if from accidentally being moved.  Also, and most intriguing to me, is the ability to set up to seven custom banks of settings.  I have become a believer in custom banks of settings over the past few years as, just by the quick click of the dial, I can go from my normal aperture priority, to a setup for people photography with eye detect, static bird photography, birds-in-flight, auto, train, airplane photography, fast moving general subjects, focus bracketing, exposure bracketing, etc.  I find that in quickly unfolding situations the ability to click and immediately change a dozen or more settings is invaluable.  As I mentioned above, I haven't yet set that up as I want to carefully consider how to do it to best serve my anticipated needs.

I do have one criticism about the controls.  In my prior Fujifilm cameras, I had the joystick set up to a) re-center the AF square when pushed in as well as b), when pushed it it would also turn the AF square green so it could be enlarged, reduced, changed from single point to zone, etc. with the subsequent rotation of the rear command dial.  That worked very well for me.  The X-H2S won't quite allow me to configure its joystick in the same way.  Yes, I can re-center the AF square with a push, but I can't just push in the joystick to turn the AF point green for resizing.  You actually have to move the AF square to a slightly different location to turn it green so it can be resized.  That just isn't a good way to operate.  It is cumbersome, inconvenient and slows you down as then you then have to move your AF point back to where it was.  It is a nuisance and I hope Fujifilm changes that with a firmware update.  

To try to find an alternative method, I added the 'Focus Area' menu item to 'My Menu' and placed it at the top of my list.  Now, without taking my eye from the viewfinder, I can push the main 'Menu' button which activates the 'My Menu' list, then I can press the button immediately to the right of the main 'Menu' button on the 4-way D-pad to turn the AF square green.  I then can use the rear command dial to change its size or mode.  Instead of one push of a button, I now have to push two buttons.  This works but it doesn't feel as natural to accomplish.  As I said, it shouldn't be this complicated and they had a system that worked fine.

This was part of the AF testing I conducted.  I made multiple exposures of this scene focusing on
the same point. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 10-24mm f/4 lens @ 10mm; 1/900th sec. @ f/8; ISO 320

Autofocus Including any AF Inconsistency Issues 

This was the area of which I was most interested and most fearful.  The autofocus is extremely fast and, to me, kind of amazing in many ways.  In fact, the camera overall is very fast.

I am happy to report that the X-H2S passed all of my AF tests 100%!  I photographed with several different lenses from 10mm to 400mm, from close up to infinity and from wide open to stopped down to f/16.  I shot with AF-C, AF-S, Back Button AF-C, single point autofocus and zone focus.  I feel confident the camera focuses accurately and consistently.  But, there was an unexplainable anomaly when checking focusing distances.

This was weird (a technical term? lol).  When I was checking focus accuracy, I had the distance scale visible on the LCD and EVF.  I would half-press the shutter, momentarily note where the distance scale indicated the lens was focusing, then fully press the shutter, making the exposure.  When I did this repeatedly at the same distance, I saw the some of the same variation as I did with the X-T4.  This was very disheartening, to say the least.  Now, here is the weird part.  When I looked at each of those images in Lightroom Classic at 100% magnification all were in tack sharp focus.  Not even a very slight deviation in sharpness.  Explain this to me, please because I have no way of understanding this.  Rick Walker believes that potentially the distance scale readings can’t keep up with the speed of the autofocus.

I tried the face/eye detect AF as well and it was flawless.  I have here two images of an oysterman dumping oysters included here.  I made about 50 images of him with face/eye detect AF turned on.  The AF immediately locked in to his eye and even when his head was turned around and he was looking in the other direction, the AF box stayed locked on to his head.  His eyes were in focus in 100% of those images.  I’m impressed.

First try at bird subject detection.  A really easy target.  The AF system picked up on the black
crow against a bright sky easily. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1250th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 320

This is a crop representing 10% of the image above.  I'm pleased with the AF, detail, color
rendition, sharpness and contrast. (click to enlarge)

All in all, I am happy with the AF so far.  I will continue to use the camera normally and continue to check my images at 100% for any focus variations of softness.  So far, so good.

UPDATE:  I think I need to add two comments about the bird detect AF.  First, I don’t want to leave you with the impression that it is perfect and all you have to do is point the camera in the direction of a bird, press the shutter button and every image will be perfectly focused.  It still takes skill and work on your part.  This is Fujifilm’s first and initial attempt at subject recognition AF and it is very good, but I think with some refinement using firmware updates, it could improve.  Second, I have not yet fully explored the best Custom AF-C settings to maximize my success rate for birds or other moving subjects.  I have tried Custom Setting #2 and I created my own Custom Setting #6 to see how that effected the AF.  I want to fully understand them and then set the best Custom AF-C Setting that works for me.

Features/EVF/IBIS 

The 5.76mp electronic viewfinder (EVF) is excellent.  The best I've ever used.  It is bordering on believing it could be an optical viewfinder.  I find it large, bright, detail clearly resolved, the ability to see into dark shadows and without any noticeable lag.  I do have it set for 'frame rate priority (120 p)' but you can set it for 'low light priority', 'resolution priority' or 'frame rate priority (240P)'.  I've only used the camera up to 10fps using the electronic shutter but the blackout free EVF is welcomed.  The camera will record 40 blackout-free frames per second but I cannot imagine a situation where I would need making photographs with that speed.  But, who knows?

The shutter is rated for 500,000 actuations.  I suspect that kind of longevity is really not applicable to me.  I can’t imagine keeping and using a single camera for long enough to make over a half million images.  But what is welcomed about the shutter is that the stacked, backside illuminated sensor is very fast and I found myself using the electronic shutter without noticeable rolling shutter effect.  I couldn’t do that in any of my other digital cameras.  Another benefit of the speed of this camera.

This is a little thing but I like the change in strap lugs.  I no longer have to keep those triangle shaped clips on the camera when I attach my Peak Design anchors.  Thank you for the little things.

If you are one that demands dual memory card slots, the X-H2S has the primary slot configured for a CFExpress card.  The secondary slot is for an SDXC UHS II card.  You can use only one card and configure the camera to use only an SDXC card if you don't currently have a CFExpress card.  But, you lose buffer capacity and speed and, I think the ability to capture video in its highest quality setting.  Additionally, you will need a new card reader for the CFExpress cards.  Also, the old XQD card readers will not work with CFExpress cards.  But there is a bit of money saving news.  You can simply use the SDXC memory card to transfer images to your computer.  Slower but no hassles.  

If you buy the X-H2S before September 4, 2022 and you live in the U.S., Fujifilm is giving you a free Delkin Black 325gb CFEpress card, so there's that.

I think all of the features of the X-T4 are kept for this camera.  I use exposure autobracketing, the Pre-Shot feature as well as Focus Bracketing.  The automated version of the Focus Bracketing from the X-T4 is carried over, thankfully.  I find it very useful.

The day was heavily overcast and the clouds told me rain was imminent. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 20mm; 1/100th sec. @ f/16; ISO 320

I suggest you download and read the X-H2S's user manual, I did even before I received the camera.  I found it worthwhile in trying understand upgrades and changes in functions.  You can download it from Fujifilm here.  

The only feature that I think is becoming somewhat mainstream that Fujifilm didn't include is the ability to pixel shift and make high resolution images.  That allows the sensor to move a pixel or less in all directions, then the files are merged in-camera into one huge file, 150mp or so.  Olympus, Sony and some others provide this.  Maybe on the X-H2 or X-T5 since they will have 40mp sensors and more oriented toward landscape photography. (The latest rumor from FujiRumors.com is that the X-T5 will have this feature.)

Image Quality/Noise/Dynamic range/Color/Film Simulation 

I think the image quality, noise profile, dynamic range and color are about the same as the X-T4's.  They did expand the ISO range, however.  I'm not a high ISO kind of photographer so that is inconsequential to me.  I try to go no higher than ISO 6400 and that is only when there is an extreme condition.  Also, as a user of Topaz DeNoise AI as well as DXO’s Prime Noise reduction and their camera/lens combination modules which correct for edge softness, vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration, I’m fine with the image quality.

Happily, Fujifilm has given us their newest film simulation, Nostalgic Negative, which I like very much.  This was previously only available on the GFX cameras.  Another small item that deserves thanks.  I would equate this film simulation look to what the street photographers of the 1940s, 50s and 60s who shot with color film achieved.  It has a nice warm palette.  I will play with this more.  Nostalgic Negative is a nice compliment to Classic Chrome.

In the Field/Changing Settings/Seven custom settings on Top Dial 

No surprises here.  With the exception of the controls and dials, I felt the X-H2S was like most other Fujifilm cameras I have owned.  I will again say that it is a bit bulkier than the X-T4.  By bulkier I mean thicker from front to back.  That was noticeable to me but it doesn't take but a time or two using it to feel comfortable in my hands.  

The bird detection was simply amazing to me!  I've never had a camera that had an autofocus feature like this, especially as good as it seems.  I was looking for a lot of birds to photograph but there just weren't many in the areas I was in.  However, for example, I saw a crow flying about 60 yards away from me.  I swung the lens up, half-pressed the shutter and the camera instantly picked up and locked on to the crow.  Wow!  Another example is an egret fishing in a creek in ankle deep water about 200 yards from me.  Again, the camera not only locked onto the egret, but locked on to its head only.  A third example was a Great Blue Heron up on a high tree branch somewhat obscured by leaves and pine needles.  The AF managed to find the heron and lock onto it.   I did photograph a few flying birds, but I can't do the AF abilities justice with my rudimentary skills.  However, I achieved some success where previously I would have had none.  I have found birds-in-flight photography the most challenging I’ve tried.

I did find one situation where the bird detect really struggled.  In fact, the normal AF struggled.  I was trying to photograph a Great Blue Heron at the edge of a creek.  The sky was very bright overcast, fully backlit, and the muddy bank was more like a mirror with some really high shine from the smooth surface.  At first I thought it would be a relative easy AF target but the AF struggled.  It wanted to lock onto the bright muddy bank instead of the bird.  It did get 12 of the 19 exposures properly focused, but as I said, the system struggled.  Afterwards, thinking about it, I’m not fully surprised it struggled as this scene would be a tough subject for any AF system to handle well.

Nothing special about this image.  Just a pleasant scene. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 100mm; 1/0000th sec. @ f/4.5; ISO 320

I think the in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS) is noticeably improved.  When I was handholding the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at 400mm to photograph birds, I was surprised at how stable it was.  Also, I made some images with that lens, again, at 400mm with a shutter speed of 1/150th sec. and the resulting photos were sharp.  The IBIS is much better than in my X-T4, I believe.

Since I am using the aperture rings on my lenses, I can use the rear command dial for exposure compensation.  That is, with aperture priority set.  When I set shutter priority, the front command, by default, dial becomes the exposure compensation dial.  I changed the command dial configuration in the menu so that no matter whether set for aperture or shutter priority, the rear dial is for exposure compensation.  I don't want to have to do any mental gyrations when things are quickly unfolding in front of me.  Same dial, consistent function.

Editing the Image Files 

First, I noticed that the CFExpress card in my card reader became very hot!  I've never felt any other card type to be so hot.  I now know why they use heat sinks inside the card to help dissipate the heat.  I suspect, during video recording the CFExpress card is another heat source besides the sensor itself.

I found editing the files in Lightroom Classic no different from any other Fujifilm files.  The film simulations (Profiles) are there for you to use if desired.  Everything else about editing the files were pretty much identical to the X-T4's files.  Now, I may discover something being a bit different as time and more editing goes by, but preliminarily everything looks normal.

I found the colors looked good, the files responded to editing quite well and, as I said, the new Nostalgic Negative film simulation was enjoyable to use.

Also, I did shoot some JPEGs along with the RAW files for comparison.  I set the in-camera settings (contrast, shadows, highlights, clarity, color, sharpening, etc) as I have in the X-T4 and the results looked basically the same.  They were very pleasing.  That said, I still would recommend shooting RAW to retain the most flexibility and potential from your files.

Video 

I don't do video so I have no comment.  Video seems to have a a tremendous number of settings available!  I guess from what I've seen that is a very good thing!

That said, I re-programmed the red video button on the camera's top plate to toggle the subject recognition on and off.  I have the rear most button on the to- plate set to toggle person/eye detection on and off.

Cost 

The camera body retails in the United States for $2500.  At first, at least to me, that seemed pretty high.  That is in the territory of mid-range full frame digital cameras.  But, I don’t believe sensor size should be the predominant factor in camera cost as it is not nearly as important to image quality as it once was.  It is now only one factor of many when you compare cameras.  The number of advanced features, artificial intelligence, autofocus, etc.  play a very big role in calculating the worth of today’s digital cameras.

When you consider the ability and quality of the focusing system, a stacked, backside illuminated sensor (which to my knowledge is only found in a few new cameras, all but one selling for more than twice the price of the X-H2S), a brand new image processor four times more powerful than the last generation as well as the near top of the line video capabilities, it seems to me to be a fair price.  I think the X-H2S’s competition are the Sony A1 and A7r4, the Sony A74, the Canon R5 and R6, Nikon Z9 as well as the new OMD Systems Olympus OM-1, which has a sensor half the size.  When comparing the AF and video capabilities of these other camera's, the X-H2S is right up there with them, not quite equal in all respects, but I'll take it being just a little less capable for a price of $2500 instead of $6500, $6000, $5500 or $3800.  I consider it a bargain.

Watching paint peel! (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 16mm; 1/850th sec. @ f/8; ISO 320

Overall Impressions 

I like using this camera.  If feels good in my hand.  All of the menus, dials and controls feel familiar since I use both Fujifilm cameras (menus and buttons are the same) and controls (very similar to Nikon's).  I'm already comfortable with it.  I haven't had to think about where a menu item is or where a button or dial is when I'm out and want to change a setting.

My biggest fear was this camera would suffer from the same issues as my X-T4.  It does not. I found 100% of the images I shot of my test subjects and other scenes (with the exception of those pesky fast flying birds.  But my skills are not up to the AF system yet.) were in sharp focus.  I need much more practice and experience with the subject recognition so my success rate is not what I want it to be.  In other words, I'm not a very good bird photographer—yet!  I plan to be the more I use this camera.  It has all the capability that I need to make the kinds of bird, wildlife, train, etc. photos I want to make.

I think the X-H2S is an excellent camera.  I think it has a lot of potential.  I think it has more than enough capability to fully satisfy my photographic needs.  More than any other camera I've owned.

Who is this camera for? 

If you are looking for better image quality than you get from an X-T3 or X-T4, this camera is not for you.  You most likely won't see a difference.  The two main strengths of this camera are its subject recognition and excellent super fast autofocus as well as its extensive state-of-the-art video capabilities.  If you are a bird, wildlife, wedding, portrait, street, automobile racing, railroad or aircraft photographer, you will probably find this camera suits you very well.  If you are a landscape and nature photographer, you might want to wait for the upcoming X-H2 or X-T4 with a 40mp sensor.  Additionally, if you are into video, from everything I've seen and heard, you should be very happy with the results you will get from the X-H2S.

Will I keep it? 

Yes.  I am happy that I no longer have to seriously contemplate selling all my Fujifilm gear.  Fujifilm has been the most enjoyable digital camera system I've owned or used.  Two thumbs up for that.  Additionally, I've a) needed a reliable replacement and/or backup for my X-T4.  The X-T4 will now become my backup camera to the X-H2S.  B) I've wanted a camera with subject detection AF as I like to photograph birds, wildlife, trains and family events and c), the 26mp sensor in the X-H2S will nicely compliment the 46mp sensor in my Nikon Z7II.  The Fujifilm camera will most likely be used for general photography, birds and wildlife and the Nikon camera for landscapes, nature, macro and other subjects where I want high resolution and fine detail.  Now that the X-H2S's controls are similar to Nikon's, the transition between the two becomes moot.

So there you have it.  In my opinion, Fujifilm has produced an excellent camera with what I think has great potential.  It is not the best camera out there but it 'punches well above its weight," so to speak, when you compare this camera's cost and feature set against its much more expensive competitors.

Here are some additional images I made with this camera over the last week.  As I mentioned above, I’ve included exposure data for those who might be interested.  All photos were made handheld.

This is another one of the AF test images I used for the X-T4.  I made several identical 
exposures using AF-S, AF-C and 9-point Zone focusing and all were critically sharp.
The X-T4 missed sharp focus for at least one of three images when I tested it.  
The focus point was the John Deere logo. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 33mm; 1/240th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 320

(click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 22mm; 1/140th sec. @ f/16; ISO 320

Colorful crab pots with their identifying floats. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 18mm; 1/60th sec. @ f/11; ISO 160

Found treasure!  Some people collect this old barnacle covered bottles. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 28mm; 1/1250th sec. @ f/11; ISO 320

The various colored floats identify who owns the crab pots in the local waterways.  There are 
dozens of crab fisherman so the various colors and designs on the floats makes it easy to see
who owns which ones. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/680th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 160

(click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 22mm; 1/340th sec. @ f/16; ISO 320

This osprey seemed to come out of nowhere.  I threw the camera up toward it and tried to follow
it in the viewfinder.  I'm still not much of a bird photographer.  I have trouble tracking birds well in
the viewfinder but I'm hoping the AF system in this camera helps me be more successful.
(click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 160

This kind of target is very easy for the AF Bird Detect.
(click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 160

The Bird Detect AF feature locked on to the head of this Great Blue Heron in one of my first
attempts at tracking flying birds. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 400

This is the image I mentioned in the narrative.  The regular AF system, as well as Bird Detect,
had a difficult time locking on to the heron.  The mud behind the bird was very bright, reflecting
the bright sky and the sun is from behind the bird. Out of 19 exposures, only 12 were in
sharp focus. The camera wanted to focus on the bright mudbank instead. In editing, I toned
down the mud back considerably. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 312mm (~468mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.2; ISO 400

These tiny Fiddler Crabs are only about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8cm) across.  They have
one giant claw and one normal sized one.  The giant claw can be either the left or
the right one. When you get anywhere near these crabs, they quickly scurry to safety. 
Fun to watch. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 100mm; 1/150th sec. @ f/11; ISO 320

I normally see large turtles sunning themselves in the ponds in SE Virginia.  This is the smallest
one I've seen.  He (or she) is about 2 inches (5cm) across. This is cropped to 45% of the original
frame. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 2000

This Great Blue Heron came swooping in from my left.  I saw it coming and tried my best
to track it.  When it slowed to land, I finally got it squarely in my viewfinder.  The Bird Detect
AF locked on and I made this image. This is cropped to 36% of the original frame. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens @ 400mm (~600mm FF); 1/1000th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 3200

As prevalent as oysters are in my area, I don't eat them.  No thank you. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 44mm; 1/680th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 320

These oyster can't get any fresher.  They just were offloaded from the boat! (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-H2S; 16-55mmf/2.8 lens @ 34mm; 1/280th sec. @ f/8; ISO 320

I hope you found this post informative.  I will be using the camera regularly and if and when I use and/or test other functions, I’ll update you on what I did and the results of any tests.

Fuji deserves accolades.  They’ve done a very nice job in creating this camera.

If you have a question or comment about this camera, please leave it below.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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