DPRTV: Fujifilm X-H2S vs Panasonic GH6 for Video Shooters
Released within months of each other, at similar prices, the Panasonic GH6 and Fujifilm X-H2S are some of the most compelling mirrorless cameras available for video shooters. Jordan Drake takes you through the strengths and weaknesses of these outstanding cameras.
Here is a summary:
- similar price point
- for stills the X-H2S is absolute winner, so if you look for hybrid camera, the X-H2S is the way to go
- this video focuses on X-H2S
Handling end Ergonomics
- both have excellent handling
- Panasonic has more buttons optimized for video (like button for quick access to audio menu, etc)
- Panasonic has tilt and fully articulating screen. Works incredible well
- X-H2S has still a great handling body, but it feels it was originally designed for photography, but still gives lots of customization so still works well as a video camera
- he misses the Photo/Video selector switch available on X-T4
- on X-H2S you can set custom dials optimized for video
- GH6 wins overall
Displays
- Similar LCD’s (slightly higher resolution for Panasonic)
- better LCD design for GH6
- X-H2S has also top LCD
- X-H2S has superior EVF, great for punch in to focus
- for most the winner will be the Fujifilm X-H2S
Autofocus
- neither of this cameras is perfect and has quirks
- GH6 is only contrast detection, hence occasional hunting. Has focus limiter in video
- X-H2S is very good at detection faces, eyes and subject. But has no generic tracking where you can tap on something (like a product) and the X-H2S will keep tracking it
- X-H2S still can occasionally get confused
- overall Fujifilm X-H2S wins
Assist Tools
- Panasonic has more features like waveforms, vectorscopes and you can load your own LUTs to the camera
- Panasonic has the best assist tools over any camera
Stabilization
- both have IBIS
- when handheld walking, Panasonic is smoother and X-H2S has a bit of a jerky look
- both have a Boost mode for tripod alike look, both work similar
- overall Panasonic wins
Recording Formats
- Panasonic tons of record options
- Fujifilm has endelss options in type of compression and datarates
- Fujifilm wins because it can record ProRes in LT format, which is the most efficient of the ProRes options and still quite gradable
- both allow for external RAW recording, but GH6 captures ProRes RAW only using Atomos Ninja, whereas with Fujifilm you can record ProRes RAW with Atomos or Blackmagic RAW to the Blackmagic video assist
- Fujifilm wins
Video Image Quality
- Panasonic DR boost mode which reads out sensor in 2 different gain levels which gives more dynamic range over GH5
- very fast sensor readout allows X-H2S to record in F-Log in 14bit and F-Log 2 for more dynamic range
- interestingly the F-log curve seems to be leaving some headroom for a future camera with even more dynamic range like a GFX
- dynamic range is similar, but in shadow and midtones you get cleaner images on X-H2s
- he loves ETERNA profile
- stacked sensor in X-H2S has less rolling shutter
- Panasonic great for slow motion as it shoots 4K/120p with no crop, whereas the X-H2S has a substantial crop
- 1080/240p is much better on Panasonic
- X-H2S is better in most situation, but if you shoot a ton of slow motion Panasonic is better
- X-H2S is overall better
Battery Life
- Panasonic GH6 battery life is worst than GH5. A little over 1 hour recording
- X-H2S over 2 hours of battery life
- X-H2s clear win
Lens Lineup
- Fujinon lenses are often not optimized for video
- Fujifilm starts to deliver some, like the XF18-120mmF4
- Panasonic has more lenses great for video
- Panasonic wins
Final Ranking
- Fujifilm wins a bit more categories
- for slow motion Panasonic is better
- better image quality on Fujifilm
- for a lot of people the X-H2S will be the smarter buy
That’s it :).
- Fujifilm X-H2S: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Moment / Focuscamera
- Fujinon XF18-120mm f/4: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Moment / Focuscamera