ade towell

You sure there were actors Ade?
I thought it had Gerard Butler in it…

Ha yes couldn't make it  through that film, was such a disconnect between the characters and their environment - reminded me of the early days of the 5d mk2 when everyone was filming everything wide open - just because you can doesn't mean you should

Ha yes couldn't make it  through that film, was such a disconnect between the characters and their environment - reminded me of the early days of the 5d mk2 when everyone was filming everything wide open - just because you can doesn't mean you should

Ha yes couldn't make it  through that film, was such a disconnect between the characters and their environment - reminded me of the early days of the 5d mk2 when everyone was filming everything wide open - just because you can doesn't mean you should

I mostly lurk here but I got the X-H2S about a month ago. Because I got it together with the Tascam XLR adapter, my order was delayed significantly so I missed the chance to use it on most of the gigs I had lined-up originally.
 
The one time I've used it for video, it was the Wide of a three-camera interview setup (with R5Cs as the CUs) feeding an ATEM Mini ISO. Lens was the XF 23mm f/2 (set to f/4) with AF-C / Face Detect-on. The R5Cs were set to 4K/S35 mode and one had an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II (set to f/4) while the other had an RF 24-105mm f/4.
The Good:
Color: The X-H2S was set to Astia and the R5Cs were set to EOS Standard Profile and their footage was relatively interchangeable (this I already knew from my previous experience mixing Canon and Fujifilm cameras).
Video autofocus: The X-H2S autofocus is significantly better than my previous X-T3 -I didn't notice any focus hunting during the multi-hour shoot which is something I can't say for my previous X-series bodies in similar setups.
Keeps going: It records for longer than 29.99 minutes! That's all I want in my hybrid cameras since my main moneymaker is long form documentary.
Formats: ProRes! h.265! h.264! I've always appreciated the level of control Fujifilm gives the operator over file output. Anyone who's used a BMPCC will know the frustration of being format-limited by resolution and vice-versa.
CF-Express -as much as I hate that I'm back to cameras that have non-matched dual card slots, at least they're the same type as what I use in my R5Cs. And GB for GB, CF-Express is cheaper than SDXC UHS-II. But holy hell do they get hot.
The Bad:
The button and dial layout is significantly different from my other X-series cameras and it drives me nuts. One of the main reasons I skipped the X-T4 was specifically because they altered the layout and this has the same problem. I can re-map some of the functionality to standardize with my other X-series bodies but there are wholly deleted buttons and switches (the drive-mode and exposure-mode are two glaring examples) that is going to force me to change mindset whenever using the X-H2S with another of my X-series cameras. I might have to sell all my older bodies and just get another X-H2S (or the 40MP model) so that I don't get annoyed.
The fan works and I'm glad I have it. The problem is, as I type this... I can't remember where I put it. It can only be attached when you're using the camera, as it prevents the screen from closing/cannot remain attached permanently. It also has two sets of rubber covers that are easily lost if you're frequently attaching/detaching it. It's a very dumb implementation and is probably going to get lost and re-purchased. I wish they had just gone the route that Canon did and elegantly integrated into the body.
No anamorphic view. I have three Sirui anamorphics for XF-mount and I still have to use my Atomos Ninja Inferno.
No Waveform - I come from a "traditional" video production background so I was so excited to get these back into my workflow on my R5Cs when I don't want to attach a larger monitor. At least the Zebras on the X-H2S are still well implemented...
HDMI frame stuttering -this is something that happens on my X-T3 frequently, and I haven't had a chance to really figure out why it happens (is it thermal? is it a framerate mismatch? etc...). I noticed it happening to the feed coming from X-H2S but, again, I've only used it once so I can't rule out user error here, either.

The Jury is still out:
Photos: My other money maker is photography. One of my main clients is a symphony and so I'm constantly shooting in fast-moving, high contrast scenarios using electronic shutter. The X-series cameras I own (T2, H1, T3) have been as-good-as the R5C in all aspects except resolution, autofocus and extreme high-ISO. Previously, choosing a body has been a trade-off between auto-focus performance vs rolling shutter artifacts. I'm hoping that the X-H2S solves both those issues but I know there's a shadow recovery penalty with the new stacked sensor. The new season starts in about a month so only time will tell if it's actually going to be problematic.

Video autofocus: I haven't had a real-world opportunity to test the X-H2S's video autofocus against the R5C's. Hopefully, it'll be as good as the R5C -which is a low standard :-). Honestly, I was surprised by how inferior the Canon cinema implementation of DPAF is compared to the non-cinema version. Tracking moves I could do with robotic automation on the 70D/80D/5D4 I wasn't able to do with the R5C. It's made food documentary and product video capture more... annoying than it should be.
Conclusion:
I'm still stuck in the value-conscious mindset I was in a few years ago -when it would definitely have been an either/or situation- so, I'm kind of torn on whether I wasted $3000 USD on the X-H2S or $5000 USD on the R5C. If only one or the other existed, I'd probably be happy but since they both exist and they both have respective strengths and weaknesses... it's weirdly still a toss-up. I am happy that I have enough work to justify owning both.

After re-reading what I wrote above (and how non-committal I still am), I will say this: the X-H2S is what I wished the BMPCC 6K Pro would have been. It is definitely more expensive when kitted-out equivalently but it does almost everything better.
If $5000 USD is within your budget and rolling-shutter isn't a big deal, the Canon R5C is the better tool versus the X-H2.
But at $3000 USD (base+TASCAM audio unit) the X-H2S is the only hybrid camera that does all the things it does, and does them well.

JP

It seems quite a few of us were on Fuji for some time and then moved on. They are back to being that really niche company nobody is really hyped about. and that's kind of good in my book, I'd go as far as to say that even appeals to me. I hate having the same gear as everyone and Fuji has its own kind of visual imprint. The hardware too with the top dials & compact lenses. It's kind of like Leica, without the prestige & price tag. 
I'm not about to ditch Canon or Sony by the way. Too invested in them, and they do the job, I can operate them with my eyes shut. But that's also the problem, they're utilitarian, boring. Fuji is a breath of fresh air, even the idiosyncrasies make you work a little different. Long story short, I have humongous GAS for this XH2S. It really ticks the boxes as far as feature ratio/price. Adding a fourth system is a little nuts but my projects are really diversified and this would be my creative/experimental system for more artsy/fine art projects.
 
@MrSMW What did you end up pulling trigger on?

I've been using the Meike nd adaptor for a little while now and it has been faultless, so much nicer than usual vari nd, no obvious colour change as you get to maximum nd and the 9 stops is enough here for me in the UK afternoon sun with f1.8 lenses at 800 iso. It may be a different story If you use faster lenses and live in brighter parts of the world of course...

I've been using the Meike nd adaptor for a little while now and it has been faultless, so much nicer than usual vari nd, no obvious colour change as you get to maximum nd and the 9 stops is enough here for me in the UK afternoon sun with f1.8 lenses at 800 iso. It may be a different story If you use faster lenses and live in brighter parts of the world of course...

I've been using the Meike nd adaptor for a little while now and it has been faultless, so much nicer than usual vari nd, no obvious colour change as you get to maximum nd and the 9 stops is enough here for me in the UK afternoon sun with f1.8 lenses at 800 iso. It may be a different story If you use faster lenses and live in brighter parts of the world of course...

I've been using the Meike nd adaptor for a little while now and it has been faultless, so much nicer than usual vari nd, no obvious colour change as you get to maximum nd and the 9 stops is enough here for me in the UK afternoon sun with f1.8 lenses at 800 iso. It may be a different story If you use faster lenses and live in brighter parts of the world of course...

https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-to-finally-bring-a-successor-to-the-cinema-eos-c200/
Looks like there may be a C200 mk2 coming, sounds like a C300 mk3 with swappable EF and Rf mount.
Seems Canon are investing in apsc they just need some decent RF lenses to show they're fully committed as I agree the lens situation isn't great at the moment

https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-to-finally-bring-a-successor-to-the-cinema-eos-c200/
Looks like there may be a C200 mk2 coming, sounds like a C300 mk3 with swappable EF and Rf mount.
Seems Canon are investing in apsc they just need some decent RF lenses to show they're fully committed as I agree the lens situation isn't great at the moment

A big pro for me is no 30 minute limit recording
Biggest con is the lower quality 4k50p unless you take a big crop
Solid camera though for 4k25p

A big pro for me is no 30 minute limit recording
Biggest con is the lower quality 4k50p unless you take a big crop
Solid camera though for 4k25p

I have read good things about the Meike nd adaptor and looks much better value than the Canon version. I have the plain Meike ef to rf adaptor and it has worked flawlessly since I got it about a year and a half ago
CVP seem pretty positive about it
 
 

Yep you have got to do more than just apply a rec709 conversion. Believe me I’m learning this right now with Nikon N-Log. We keep telling you it’s experience you (and myself lol) need. Please, please stop complaining over your Canon R6, which I am jealous of over my Nikon Z6 due to its internal 10 bit. So in my eyes your camera is already better, and I think the Z6 10 bit is beautiful. All bad results I get are totally my fault, be it the way I light or grade. You are just avoiding what will actually make you better. 

Was interesting seeing Gerald show how to squeeze out 14+ stops with the NR off and doing it in post though. Not seen those sort of numbers on mirrorless before
Props for Fuji using full size hdmi too

Yes to the OP this is a proper case of chasing your tail - the R6 you already have is capable of creating similar to the examples you have shown - with all respect you just need to learn how to use it properly (I include myself in this). Together with lens choice and grading, use of light and framing are 2 major factors in creating beautiful images  - these skills can be learnt but a new camera won't help

There’s definitely an advantage. 
The bodies are usually more compact. 
Lenses are smaller and more affordable. Also more choice. (Sigma 18-35!) 
Get closer to the subject for less money (crop factor). 
Easier to manual focus, not always crazy shallow. Probably more useable shots.
Not everyone likes the “gigantic” frame / shallow depth look. Easier to achieve deep focus look. 
More traditional shooting format. Still the standard. 

 

So I got a R5c for a week to test to decide if to switch one of my R5 to a R5c.
 
After the first two days these are my observations in comparison to the R5, that are hard to get from the youtube reviewer madness.
 
The good:
8K 60 RAW is the same quality as 8K 30. Btw in Resolve on my gaming notebook I can playback on a 4k 60 timeline with no issue with some basic color grading. I was expecting worse
4k 60 is great and better than R5 4k 60 logically
S35 6K RAW is also very good
4k 120 it seems also a tad better than the R5 but I need more test here to confirm
XAVC is a way better format to edit than h265 so the fact that you can do 4k up to 120 fps 10bit Clog3 in XAVC is great
The Cinema menu system is much more logical and better organized.
Waveform! False Color and Magnifying all during recording.
All the right info on the recoding display, the R5 is a bit of mess while recording video.
You can decide what you show where for almost anything LCD vs VF vs HDMI
You can really decide what you want to record on the second card in parallel, the R5 is ok but fairly restricted
More DR, is it 1.5 stop more than R5 as Gerald claims I cannot judge but is definitely better than the R5
No limits, no overheating
Still very small body
With long lens with IS I really don’t miss IBIS, I see no difference vs R5 (70-200 and 100-500), non IS lens is a no go compared to the R5 logically.
Face Only AF is really good for filming person as it will not focus on the bg and back to the face if it looses the face. R5 does not have this mode.
AF at the maximum speed settings is on pair with the R5 it seems but I need more test to confirm
Media playback has waveform and vector scope, R5 has nothing
2TB delikin cards are fast enough for 8K RAW LT 60 fps
 
 
I can work with but it could be better:
Switching from Photo to Video is slow but not as terrible as I thought, disabling in both Photo and Video the sensor cleaning make it somewhat usable
Maximum shutter speed is 1/2000….. I sometime use the camera in 8K RAW as remote camera for pictures and I need more that 1/2000….R5 is 1/4000  Why is like this I have no idea,?
The media playback part is not that great, no magnification on playback (same as R5), UI not great, no slow motion playback speed (R5 has it), need a lot of button press to delete videos, you cannot scroll through videos with the wheel, although  on the plus side it plays back one after the other (R5 cannot do this). Would be super useful that you could cut RAW video files in the media playback (R5 cannot do neither)
No audio controls for the onboard mic. R5 has it.
The body is wider so balancing on a Ronin S with the nd adapter and EF 24-70 2.8 is not ideal as the VF bumps on the motor…. with some weights or having the motor work more is fixable.
With EF lens no auto Iris but the R5 can do it.
Prerecording does not work in RAW
 
 
 
The bad:
Battery is really miserable and if you record or not it consumes basically the same, the problem that when the menus are displayed the camera still capture video at the frame rate that you set….. the only way that it seems to stop chewing battery is to call the media playback menu, so this is the only trick that seems to work to save battery instead of turning it off.
Using PD power banks solve the issue but the USB-C is bound to break and is on the main board.
Using a Dummy battery coupler with a V-Mount battery currently is not a good solution because all the dummy ones regulate at 7.2v not enough for 60fps! The only one that serves 9v is the canon one Canon DR-E6C DC Coupler for EOS R5 C 5664C001 B&H Photo Video (bhphotovideo.com) that is overpriced and a piece of junk as you need another adapter for the D-Tap Anton Bauer P-Tap to Canon 9V Barrel Cable (20") 8075-0271 B&H (bhphotovideo.com). Really a bad solution.
It desperately needs a third party dummy battery that regulates at 9v similar to this Kondor Blue D-Tap to Canon LP-E6 Dummy Battery KB-DTAP-CLPE6 B&H (bhphotovideo.com)
Or the real better solution a battery grip with 1Dx,R3 battery…….
If I keep it my plan is to buy a FXLION Nano One and use the USB PD port until somebody sells a 9v D-Tap dummy battery and then simply switch the cable.
AF is way less features rich than the R5: no animal, vehicle, helmet tracking. No various AF sizes only whole, large and small. AF > 60fps  is limited to Continuous AF, so no face tracking and no object tracking. This is the second biggest issue other than the battery
I could not find a way to store and recall settings like C1, C2, C3 on the R5…… so changing from 8K RAW 24p to 4k 120fps XAVC you need to touch multiple menu items. This should really be added.
Onboard WiFi is not working in Video mode.


Canon should enable the video feature in photo mode like in the R5 so if you need more rich AF and better battery is there.
Second they should optimize the battery management while not recording and add more features to the AF. The HW is capable so why not?
Third they should sell a D-Tap 9v dummy battery and a R3 battery grip too.
Forth they should remake the media playback part, with zoom, minimum video editing and better usability


I love the cinema OS for video but they really need to fix the battery and add AF feature then it would be the best camera. I’m even happy if they just re-enable video on the photo mode.
 
More tests in the next days. 

Here is a pretty nice deep dive from an actual pro Fuji shooter. 6K Open gate + Sirui anamorphic test included:
 

Hello all. 
In the appraisal of small mirrorless cameras, here’s a music video I shot, DP’d, edited, graded for Dit h artist Charlotte Wessels, ex-singer of Delain. 
Shot in SLOG3 and a bit of 2. 
Lenses used were Tamron 17-28, Tamron 28-75, Sony 24-105mm, Lensbaby Sol45, 7artisans 35mm and ProMist 1/4. 
Most of the video was lit with an Aputure 600d through 8x8 white diffusion and bounce / reflectors. 
Fire scenes lit by fire light only and a 2x2 silver bounce. 
Stick around for the credits. 😊
 

I'd say it's the type of Canon apologists that I read on this thread and all over the internet that allow them to get away with this crappy kind of crippling because despite al the gotchas they know that people will keep buying their cameras in droves.
I'm a Canon user (damn you Canon for your great lens legacy), but will call them out whenever they're low balling their customers - there is no excuse for the ridiculous crop on 4k 50p on a new camera in 2022. The jury is still out on overheating but the signs aren't great, they've seen what they can get away with in the 'best selling' R5 and R6. Saying it's better than Sony's ancient half arsed A6xxx series is hardly praise worthy
The 7d was Canon's flagship crop dslr camera, the 7R seems like a toy in comparison. I hope they are going to bring out a properly weather sealed mirrorless crop camera with decent video specs, cause this isn't it. This is Canon dropping the quality - a worrying sign

You can still operate a camera without autofocus. You can't operate a Canon camera if it's overheating. They aren't remotely similar.
 
No one has had the camera long enough to do any real stress tests, re: overheating. Dan Watson said it's about 50 minutes. Virtually every other video has said the same, outside of Gordon Laing who did a test indoors under controlled conditions. Even Canon said it will last about an hour in 4K fine mode. 🤷‍♂️

I think these are overpriced and under spec'd for video, the crops in 4k 50p are indeed lame in 2022, the Fuji XT3 has been out many years and offers more. I am being asked for 4k 50p footage a lot these days so that it can be used as slow mo if needs be. These cameras are no good for this.
Also a bit disappointing there are no reasonably fast crop lenses to go with the cameras or for the C70. Hopefully soon 
For wildlife photography though am sure the R7 will be a big seller