A Fuji X-H2S Review And is it good for Street Photography

On Fuji X-H2S And Street Photography

There are days when I just love life, days such as this when I get to tell you all about the Fujifilm X-H2S. And then there are days like the one I got soaked through to the skin testing its weatherproofing qualities when I question my sanity. Now, in case you are interested, and since you’re reading this, I’m assuming you are; despite getting drenched the Fujifilm X-H2S functioned flawlessly, something I wish I could say of many cameras that professed such weatherproofing properties, then fell at the first fence at the first sign of drizzle. And that was just one of the many things that impressed me as I got to test this amazing device.

Copyright ⓒ Andy Blackmore

Now you may think it odd that I say device rather than a camera, however as I explored the features of the X-H2S it struck me that we are at that point in device evolution where this is more a computer with a lens than simply a camera. For a start let’s consider its autofocus, if you wish, Fujifilm’s new AI subject detection software can recognise and focus specifically on animals, birds, cars, motorbikes, aeroplanes, or trains, with the subject selection available via the onscreen quick menu. Like Fujifilm’s previous models, the X-H2S can also detect and focus on human faces and eyes. Depending on your point of view, either a feature perfect for those sneaky super swift candid street photography shots or another case of AI putting you out of a job. Given the sensor’s rapid 120fps readout speed, the camera takes autofocus readings faster, ensuring greater accuracy. In fact, in low light, it’s simply the best autofocus I’ve ever used.

Copyright ⓒ Andy Blackmore

Then there is the quality of 26.2 MP files created by the stacked sensor – they are sublime, especially at higher ISO’s plus you have Fujifilm’s excellent Film Simulation modes providing a smorgasbord of in-camera colour processing styles. In respect of the other features, one normally considers in judging a camera the X-H2S also excels, as you would expect from the new flagship of the range, build quality is superb, and the body is surprisingly compact given how much technology is packed into so little space. It sits nicely in my hand and the integral sculpted handgrip is a nice touch, feeling natural and precise, and given how long I can be carrying the thing, it’s refreshingly lightweight and balanced. Again, considering how much technology has been crammed into so little space, I am dumbfounded as to how long that single battery lasted. Gone are the days of having to cram your pockets with batteries just to shoot half a job, and I’m not sure how, but one battery lasts a whole day searching the streets for that illusive street photography gold.

Copyright ⓒ Andy Blackmore

Given the constraints of any review, it’s difficult to explain all of this camera’s amazing features but I’d be doing you and it a disservice if I failed to mention the 5-axis in-body stabilization that’s rated for 7 stops of shake reduction, the staggering 40fps shooting rate – even with full resolution raw files or 6K video capability. Given the features, in comparison to some brands I’m not going to mention here, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a bargain. Why, who needs full frame when you have a system that punches way above its weight like this?

Copyright ⓒ Andy Blackmore

Copyright ⓒ Andy Blackmore

Now, I’ve been lucky enough to have a Fujifilm X-H2S on loan for just over a month. In that time, I’ve lost my heart completely to this amazing camera. Now, all reviews and opinions are subjective. However, sometimes it’s difficult to put your finger on just what exactly it is that makes you favour one camera over another. Why you hate one. Yet indeed fall madly, truly, deeply for another. In this case it’s perhaps it’s something as simple as the whole; is a whole lot greater than the sum of the parts. Whatever the boffins at Fujifilm did I loved it. And now it’s time to give it back. And that breaks my heart…