Big test
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE
SPEED KING This marbled white was shot with the 150-600mm lens at 600mm and 1/40sec at f/8 and ISO 6400. With the low light, swaying insect and long lens there were many failures, but this was a sharp one. Processed in Topaz DeNoise AI
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop, my go-to editing options. Colours looked lively and accurate, tonal range smooth, and resolution as detailed as I could hope for. With challenging subjects, such as sunsets, contrast was handled well. In terms of ISO, I explored the range fully and was very happy with using ISO 1600 and higher when I needed to. The X-H2S Raws are not
currently DxO PureRaw 2 compatible, so I put files through Topaz DeNoise AI and the high ISO shots cleaned up well. I took pictures of a roosting butterfly at dusk at ISO 6400 (shown above) and wings lost none of their intricate detail and definition at such high speeds. For further information, check out the Performance: ISO panel for more on its high ISO showing. WC
-3
-2
-1
Final word
Verdict
The Fujifilm X-H2S sets the bar high with stills and video performance, and while it all comes at a price, it’s undeniably very good value for money, with a cutting-edge feature set. Being able to shoot full Raws at 40fps is not one for everyday use, but when it is needed, it is remarkable – just make sure your workflow is up to scratch. The huge steps forward with tracking and subject detect AF system also have great potential. If you’re looking for a leading, high-performing APS-C camera, the X-H2S could well be it. 24 /25 FEATURES
0
+1
+2
New sensor, new processor, ramped-up AF system, high shooting rate, great video skills – the X-H2S is a well-endowed, thoroughly modern machine
tonal range and colour performance were close to what you’d expect from a correctly exposed shot. The same applies to the +1EV frame. With underexposure, the Raws fared much better and even the -3EV shots gave a high-quality result with minor gain in noise. The -2EV and -1EV shots looked no different from the correctly exposed image.
I shot exposure brackets of a variety of scenes using the X-H2S up to +/-4EV stops to check out Raw latitude. Images were corrected in Adobe Lightroom. Overexposure was less well handled, with the +3EV shot looking bleached out in the highlights and with a slight cast. At +2EV, the Raws showed a marked improvement and contrast, while
+3
24 /25 HANDLING
Great handgrip and sensible control layout make the X-H2S fabulous to use, and there’s huge potential with personal set-up
24 /25 PERFORMANCE
So capable in so many ways, and the images are unlikely to disappoint
23 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
The X-H2S is a significant price jump from the X-T4/X-Pro3, but has the next-generation sensor and some great skills
95 /100 OVERALL
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
The X-H2S is a superb, top-end camera that takes the X Series to the next level
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
PROS Image quality, high ISO skills, vast range of shooting speeds, feels great in the hands, custom options CONS AF less sure-footed in low light or with poor-contrast subjects
Issue 101 | Photography News 43
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook