FujiFilm X-H2S vs Olympus E-M5 II: A Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a camera often boils down to understanding what exactly you need it to do - and which compromises you’re willing to accept. Today, I’m diving deep into two worthy contenders from different eras and sensor systems. The FujiFilm X-H2S represents Fuji’s latest 2022 powerhouse in APS-C mirrorless, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is the seasoned 2015 Micro Four Thirds champ that still rings loudly for enthusiasts and professionals on a budget. Having put both cameras through their paces in a variety of photography styles and shooting conditions, I want to give you an authoritative, hands-on comparison - no fluff, just honest insight to help you decide.

Let’s start by looking at the big-picture design and sensor differences - because those set the stage for everything else.

Size, Weight, and Ergonomics: Handling at a Glance

Anyone who spends hours shooting needs a camera built around solid ergonomics. FujiFilm’s X-H2S sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, weighing in at around 660 grams, with dimensions roughly 136 x 93 x 95 mm. Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, being smaller and lighter (469 grams, roughly 124 x 85 x 45 mm) reflects Micro Four Thirds’ philosophy of portability without sacrificing too much performance.

The Fuji is a more substantial grip machine, featuring pronounced dials and controls that feel robust in clubs-for-thumbs fashion - perfect for those who demand precision and tactile input. Olympus's layout is more compact, which benefits street and travel shooters who prefer ease of carry and quick handling in tight spots. The fully articulating 3-inch touchscreens on both cameras offer framing flexibility, but the Fuji’s screen packs higher resolution at 1620k dots vs. Olympus’s 1037k dots, yielding a crisply detailed liveview experience.

Additionally, the Fuji includes a top info panel that’s often appreciated by pros for quick settings checks without needing to look away from the viewfinder, while the Olympus misses out there.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds

This is where we get technical - and trust me, your lenses, files, and final shots feel it in the end. FujiFilm’s X-H2S features a 26-megapixel stacked BSI X-Trans APS-C sensor, measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm. Olympus E-M5 II uses a 16-megapixel traditional MOS sensor at Four Thirds size (17.3 x 13 mm). Sensor size significantly affects depth of field control, low-light performance, and dynamic range.

In side-by-side settings, Fuji’s bigger sensor produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, with less noise evident from ISO 12800 (extendable to 51200) compared to Olympus’s native max ISO 25600 but with performance deteriorating notably above ISO 3200. Fuji’s stacked sensor design also enables faster data readout, which translates into better burst rates and reduced rolling shutter effects in video and fast action shots.

Another uniqueness in the Fuji is the X-Trans color filter array, known to reduce moiré and increase color fidelity without an optical low-pass filter. Olympus sticks with a traditional Bayer filter and includes an anti-aliasing filter, which can soften fine detail slightly but reduces artifacts.

Of course, lens quality and choice influence image output heavily. Fuji supports 82 lenses natively in the X-mount ecosystem, ranging from exquisite primes to professional zooms. Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount boasts about 107 lenses, a wider variety due to the shared mount with Panasonic and others, but the smaller sensor sometimes limits ultimate resolution and shallow depth of field.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) prowess can make or break your shoot, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography where split-second decisions matter. Fuji’s X-H2S brings 425 phase-detect AF points supported by a sophisticated hybrid AF system including phase and contrast detection, along with eye and animal eye detection. Olympus’s older E-M5 II relies on 81 contrast-detect points exclusively - no phase-detect, limiting quick focus lock and continuous tracking in fast-moving subjects.

Practically, Fuji’s AF excels in low light and complex scenes thanks to deep learning algorithms driving subject tracking, while Olympus lags - functional but prone to hunting under challenging conditions. Burst mode strengths tie into AF too: Fuji’s mechanical shutter supports 15 fps, electronic shutter goes blazing at 40 fps. Olympus caps at 10 fps, electronic shutter unavailable at that frame rate.

Photographers shooting sports or wildlife will find Fuji’s AF system far more reliable and versatile - trust me, when birds or athletes dart erratically, having effective eye and subject-tracking AF is worth its weight in gold.

Body and Build Quality: Weather Sealing and Durability

For outdoor shooters, weather sealing is more than a feature - it’s insurance. Both cameras offer environmental sealing, but Fuji’s X-H2S implements it at a higher professional-grade standard, better resisting dust and moisture on extended rough use. Olympus’s E-M5 II also has weatherproofing, but the older technology and lighter build signal a more cautious approach in harsh weather.

Build-wise, the Fuji features magnesium alloy body panels giving a solid feel, while Olympus’s body is similarly magnesium alloy but with less heft and substantial rubberized grips, favoring portability over raw durability.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Images

Besides resolution differences touched on earlier, let’s examine the viewfinders. Fuji’s X-H2S features a high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 5760k dots, 100% frame coverage, and 0.8x magnification, making it extremely bright and detailed, especially beneficial in bright outdoor conditions. Olympus’s EVF is smaller in resolution at 2360k dots with slightly less magnification at 0.74x, still fairly sharp but not quite on Fuji’s level.

The advantage with Fuji extends to smoother EVF refresh rates and less lag, critical for tracking motion. As for articulating screens, both fully articulating, I found Fuji’s to be more responsive to touch commands and crisper for manual focusing - hugely helpful in macro or video work.

Video Features: Upping the Production Game

When filmmakers step up to Fuji’s X-H2S, they gain 4K DCI 60p video capabilities with 10-bit 4:2:0 4K internal recording, and multiple bitrate options up to 720 Mbps via H.265 codec - a boon for cinematographers and content creators who crave detail and flexibility in post-production color grading. The camera supports headphone and mic jacks, useful for audio monitoring and input.

Olympus E-M5 II caps at 1080p Full HD (1920x1080) up to 60 fps with more limited codec options (MPEG-4, H.264). It offers a mic input but no headphone jack, limiting audio control during recording.

Fuji’s hybrid autofocus system in video performs noticeably smoother during continuous AF, reducing hunting and delivering cinematic tracking. Olympus, while competent for casual video, can feel somewhat dated due to missing higher resolution and slower codecs.

Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Portrait Photography

For natural skin tones and lovely bokeh, Fuji’s APS-C sensor and X-Trans color science deliver beautiful results. Coupled with Fujifilm’s lens lineup famous for smooth aperture blades and sharp optics, portraits from the X-H2S have a creamy background separation perfect for eye-catching result. Fuji’s improved eye and face detection AF ensure tack-sharp portraits, even with moving subjects.

Olympus’s smaller sensor and Four Thirds crop factor (2.1x) makes achieving silky bokeh trickier. While capable, you’ll see less subject-background separation and a somewhat softer rendering. However, the in-body 5-axis stabilization can allow slower shutter speeds handheld for artistic blur effects. Eye detection autofocus is absent, making manual focus or contrast-detect AF more critical.

Landscape Photography

With the Fuji’s larger sensor area and 26MP resolution, landscapes come alive with fine detail and excellent dynamic range. The lack of an anti-aliasing filter further enhances sharpness. Weather sealing also empowers outdoor ravagers to shoot confidently in rain or dust.

Olympus offers a useful focus bracketing and stacking feature, aiding depth-of-field stacking which is great for precise macro-style or landscape close-up work. However, Olympus’s smaller sensor with 16MP means less resolution and a slightly narrower dynamic range, which can constrain post-processing latitude in tricky lighting.

Wildlife and Sports

Burst rates, AF tracking, and responsiveness are king in these genres. Fuji’s 40 fps electronic shutter and vast, hybrid AF array handily outperform Olympus’s 10 fps contrast AF. Eye and animal eye AF sensors meaningfully increase in-focus captures. Olympus’s autofocus simply cannot keep up with fast erratic movements, so Fuji is the hands-down winner here.

Street Photography

Street shooters often prize discretion and agility. Olympus’s smaller size and lighter weight make it easy to carry and less intimidating in candid scenarios. Its quiet shutter mode helps too. Fuji is bulkier and louder, but offers much faster AF and higher image quality.

The decision here depends on your priorities: size and stealth (Olympus) or responsiveness and image quality (Fuji).

Macro Photography

Olympus E-M5 II supports focus stacking natively and has superb 5-axis image stabilization to combat shake under extreme magnification - great for macro shooters. Fuji lacks in-body focus stacking but compensates with excellent manual focus aids and touch AF precision.

Night and Astrophotography

Fuji’s superior high ISO performance helps maintain clean images at ISO 6400–12800, crucial for starscapes and low-light scenes. Olympus struggles beyond ISO 3200 due to its smaller sensor and noise levels. Dynamic range especially favors Fuji, letting you pull more from shadows and highlights.

Battery Life and Storage: Real World Shooting Endurance

Fuji claims about 580 shots per charge, versus Olympus’s 310 - nearly double capacity. This is significant if you’re traveling or shooting all day without access to spares. Both cameras use proprietary battery packs, but Fuji uses the newer NP-W235 with better power management.

Olympus sports a single SD card slot, while Fuji offers dual slots - CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD - providing safer backups during shoots, a must for professionals.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern connectivity matters for sharing and workflow efficiency. Fuji comes built-in with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offering fast image transfer and remote control. Olympus also has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth, causing slower connections in my tests.

USB ports differ too: Fuji’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 allows rapid file transfers; Olympus’s USB 2.0 is a bottleneck for large file dumps.

Price-to-Performance: Stretching Your Dollar

With a retail price near $2,500, Fuji’s X-H2S sits in the higher-end APS-C market aimed at serious pros and enthusiasts demanding speed, resolution, and versatility. Its performance justifies the cost by a long shot if you capitalize on its feature set.

Olympus’s E-M5 II launched around $700, reflective of both its vintage and smaller sensor. It remains a compelling entry or secondary body for enthusiasts on a budget or those invested in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose FujiFilm X-H2S if:

• You need a fast hybrid AF for wildlife, sports, or fast action.
• Image quality in tight dynamic range and high ISO environments is critical.
• Video capabilities including 4K60p and audio monitoring are important.
• You demand high-resolution EVFs and robust ergonomics for extended shooting.
• You want dual memory card slots and longer battery life.
• Budget allows for a professional-level APS-C system.

Choose Olympus E-M5 II if:

• You seek compactness and light weight without sacrificing too much image quality.
• You are a cheapskate (or just budget-conscious) looking for a capable advanced mirrorless.
• Focus stacking and 5-axis stabilization for macro and handheld shots appeals.
• Primarily shooting landscapes, travel, or street photography where stealth matters.
• You’re invested in the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
• Video is secondary, and 1080p resolution suffices.

Real World Sample Gallery

To illustrate the practical impacts, here are images taken with both cameras under similar conditions, highlighting differences in bokeh, detail, and color reproduction.

Fujifilm X H2S front Fujifilm X H2S screen back Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back

Performance Ratings Breakdown

Here’s an aggregated view of overall scores based on real-world tests including autofocus speed, image quality, video, and usability.

Specialized Performance by Photography Genre

To drill down further, this chart shows how each camera performs by discipline:

Final Thoughts

The FujiFilm X-H2S and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II represent two very different approaches catering to different user needs and budgets. The X-H2S is a powerhouse that brings cutting-edge sensor and processing tech, outstanding autofocus, and modern video specs - all tailored for pros and passionate enthusiasts who want the best APS-C mirrorless package.

The Olympus E-M5 II holds its ground through portability, competent stabilization, and affordability, making it a lasting favorite among street shooters, travelers, and macro enthusiasts who don’t need the absolute bleeding edge but appreciate solid fundamentals.

In my own workflow testing thousands of bodies, I see Fuji as the go-to for serious career or advanced hobbyist photographers hungry for speed, quality, and versatility. Olympus remains an excellent entry into mirrorless or a handy second camera for those prioritizing size, ease, and budget.

I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you confidently match these cameras against your photographic ambitions. Happy shooting!

As always, feel free to ask questions or share your experiences with these cameras. Hands-on use beats specs sheet pinning every time.