Is The Fujifilm X-H2S Gaining Feature Parity or Better with The X-H2 & X-T5?: X-H2S Firmware Version: 3.00 – This article is now updated

Fujifilm X Global: X-H2S Firmware update, Version: 3.00, Last Updated: 12.01.2023

https://fujifilm-x.com/en-au/support/download/firmware/cameras/x-h2s/

Details of X-H2S Firmware Update Ver.3.00

  • Enhanced subject detection based on AI for various situations like backlighting, subjects looking sideways and small subjects.
  • Newly added subject types includes insects and drones.
  • Improved AF algorithm for tracking moving subjects at high speed.
  • No display lag before and after the AF when set to “Performance Boost EVF Frame Rate Priority”.
  • X-H2S is now compatible with the new Tripod Grip TG-BT1.

FUJIFILM X Series: X-H2S FW3.00 Auto Focus Promotional Video/ FUJIFILM

“See the story of X-H2S Firmware Update Ver.3.00

“I am confident that the performance of this camera is good enough to be used in any scenario.”(Product Planner, Jun Watanabe)

“I’m happy that the performance has improved to the point where I don’t think it could be any better.”(Photographer, Tadateru Takahashi)

“With the release of X-H2S and especially with the new firmware, I’m confident to say that it’s up to par with any other camera”(Photographer, Hendrik Osula)”

This update has already been well received and some videographers have been asking for more video-oriented firmware improvements:

“Now that AF is even better than before, and since H2s is a very capable video camera, why not adding some missing options/features to the camera especially for video? Particularly, I would love to have the option to see a red box around the LCD screen when video is being recorded. Since on-camera tally lights might interact with the subject/scene, by having a red box on screen while recording would be very helpful for the user.” … Christophe Anagnostopoulos

“We need tap-to-track continuous autofocus in video, please! More video features as a whole would also be welcome: shutter angle and false color (or waveforms) would be amazing.” … Grahm Doughty

“Awesome! One thing I think would really make the AF top notch is AUTO subject detection. Sometimes, swiping through different types of subjects in the menu leads to a missed moment.” … Kamau

“There are still have two problems need to be solved. One is video AF tracking is very easy to lose tracking when the subject was covered by another subject for just 1 or 2 seconds, as people coming across. Another problem is about the non-living things touching tracking, as a cup, a wedding ring or any products, it’s one of the most important function, hope they are to be solved soon.” … Matthew Qin

Fujifilm X-H2S, X-H2, Tripod Grip TG-BT1, File Transmitter Grip FT-XH, Fujinon XF 18-120mm f/4.0 LM PZ WR & XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, all improved by this and related firmware updates

Postscript

I published this article in its original form just after reading the email announcement about it and before downloading Fujifilm’s related X-H2S New Feature Guide and X-H2S Network and USB Setting PDFs.

Users of the X-H2S downloading the new firmware have begun reporting on their experiences in online fora including Fuji Rumors and video reviews will  doubtless be appearing over the coming days.

I received just one email notification of the Fujifilm X-H2S version 3.00 update but three more firmware updates were also released according to Fuji Rumors:

We’re now looking forward to more firmware updates coming to the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5 especially relating to video functionality and autofocus for stills and video.

Fujifilm’s plastic fantastics

We’ve also been impressed by reviews of two of Fujifilm’s XC-series plastic-bodied zoom lenses, the Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ and XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II, rated very highly for the quality of their optics.

We’d love it if Fujifilm made the XC 15-45mm available once again as a lens-only purchase and not just bundled with their lower-priced cameras such as the Fujifilm X-S10 – is there an X-S20 on the cards for 2023?

The option of carrying a small, lightweight and versatile stabilized zoom lens like the XC 15-45mm with an X-Pro series or X-T series camera instead of a set of primes or a larger, heavier zoom lens is an attractive one.

The idea of carrying the XC 15-45mm alongside its natural companion lens the XC 50-230mm is also appealing.

What next for Fujifilm firmware?

After ensuring as much feature parity as possible between the X-H2S, X-H2 and X-T5, the company should integrate Director of Photography Edward Lachman ASC‘s EL Zone System into its more video-focused cameras if not all cameras from now onwards.

Derived from Ansel Adams’ Zone System for analog photography, Lachman’s evolution of it for the digital hybrid age cuts through the constant confusion and debate about how exactly to expose for video.

The EL Zone System is finding its way into video production hardware and software after being incorporated into Panasonic’s VariCam cinema cameras and we’ve been hearing from other vendors in the process of licensing the system from Mr Lachman.

Wouldn’t it be terrific if the simple-to-use EL Zone System became standard throughout the industry at all levels, supplementing if not replacing the often confusing array of traditional in-camera exposure tools?

The EL Zone System by Director of Photography Ed Lachman ASC

“Ed’s adaptation of Ansel Adam’s Zone System to the digital world is a game changer.

For any disciple of photography, Ansel Adams’ stunning and iconic landscapes underscore the paramount need for precise exposure control in the creation of indelible images.

EL Zone is a tremendous gift to all of us who have been endlessly frustrated by the imprecise nature of digital exposure.

We finally have a tool that is much more accurate than false color, zebras, or waveforms.

EL Zone brings back the direct relationship between lighting and lens stops that inform so much of image creation.

Thank you Ed!” … Buddy Squires ASC, co-founder with Ken Burns of Florentine Films, in Film and Digital TimesEL Zone [System] by Ed Lachman ASC.

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