XT5 vs XH2s - Which Premium Fujifilm Is Best?
Over the last 6 months I have been using the Fujifilm XT5 and XH2s in conjunction for all my photography and video work. During that time I have also had many of you ask if I prefer one or the other. So in this blog I will share with you my thoughts on which one I would recommend, which one is better and which one I personally prefer.
Important bit
Let me start by saying that both of these are amazing cameras and are way more than what most people will ever need both in terms of photo and video. Photography, Videography and YouTube is my business and how I make a living. So for me this makes financial sense especially given the cameras are tax write offs. However for most people it is a huge financial commitment. If you want one of these cameras and you can afford them, I can 100% recommend either one. However please don’t put yourself in unhealthy financial positions just because some YouTube gear nerd or ambassador told you that this camera will change your life.
Why I have both
The first and main reason for owning two cameras is that they back each other up. If I am on a 2 month trip and I drop the XT5, then I can use the XH2s and carry on as planned. Same for client shoots. Can’t really tell a paying client that you can’t shoot today because your camera broke. Having two camera also means that I can use them together. For example I can use a wide angle prime on one and a telephoto on the other for scenarios where I don’t have time or possibility to change lenses. Also I can shoot on the XT5 and have someone film me on the XH2s, or vice versa.
Why pick XH2s over XT5
The XH2s is a photo and video workhorse. However it is bulky and feels more like a tool. If I am out with the sole purpose of getting videos and photos with the end result being a priority, I will pick the XH2s. The XH2s has a much better grip and ergonomic layout. So if you’re using larger lenses, it would make your life easier. Even with smaller lenses, this camera is just nicer to hold. The actual layout is designed for efficiency and speed. You have more custom buttons, a top screen and 7 custom modes.
Each mode can have a totally different camera set up. For example C3 is spot metering but C4 is shutter drag. I can switch between these photo modes and video modes instantly without having to do anything else. This simply means less missed shots. Also I can assign a video mode to C1 and then assign a custom button for C1. This allows me to go from taking photos to filming a video almost instantly.
Moving on the XH2s is simply a quicker camera. This is partly due to having a CF card but even when writing to the SD, this camera is more responsive. From the autofocus, to changing modes to even switching it on. Everything is more responsive and happens faster. Finally the XH2s has far better build quality and reliability. If I wanted a camera I can depend on and even take it into adverse conditions, I would reach for the XH every single time.
Why pick XT5 over XH2s
The XT5 is more compact and more fun to shoot with and does not look as professional. If my aim is to be light, minimal and appear more like a tourist, then the XT5 would be my choice. If I want to shoot in full manual mode, be more present and feel like I am more involved in the process, the XT5 is the winner. Also if I am just having a chill day where getting shots is not a priority, then the XT5 wins out. Finally if I want to shoot JPEGs, then the XT5 is better for that too due to the virtual custom modes. I can have up to 7 saved and switch between them with ease whilst still maintaining the core functionality of the camera. Another thing to note is resolution. If I want to crop in or want the highest resolution, I would pick the XT5.
Which one I prefer
So although there is a lot of cross over, the XT5 and XH2s serve different purposes. The XH2s is my workhorse for photo and video. It is optimised for speed and for getting the end results at the expense of size and a more removed shooting experience. The XT5 is my photography camera for when I want to slow down and enjoy the process of photography. It is not as efficient as the XH2s however it is smaller, lighter and has a more hands on photography experience. If I had to pick one and sell the other I would definitely go for the XH2s as overall it is a far superior camera. However I personally think they complement each other if you’re a professional and rely on cameras to make money.
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