When a manufacturer introduces a new model or a new version of an older model, photographers often face a dilemma.

Should they upgrade to the new model (which usually means shelling out more money) or stay with their current camera? 

Well, Fujifilm enthusiasts have probably been asking themselves these questions over the last week. The brand announced its new flagship model camera, the X-H2S, due out in July. It will join the X-series lineup of its APS-C mirrorless cameras. We decided to compare the X-H2S and XT4.

Although they have very different price points, we think XT4 users might be wondering if they should upgrade to the X-H2S. We decided to take a closer look, comparing their specs since the X-H2S hasn't been released yet. 

Given the vastly different price points, we thought we'd start there and work our way through the specs. 

Price

The new Fujifilm X-H2S is priced at $2,499 USD, body only. Yes, that price tag makes it the brand's most expensive X-series APS-C sensor camera released. 

The Fujifilm X-T4, introduced two years ago, is priced between $1499-$1699, body only.  

Presuming you can get the X-T4 at its lowest price of $1499, it's a full thousand less than the new X-H2S. 

Is the newer model worth it? Here's a comparison of the specs for each one.

Sensor

The X-H2S and the X-74 have the same number of megapixels - 26.1. As you might expect, however, the X-H2S sensor technology is more advanced than the X-T4. It will launch with the latest technology available, knocking the X-T4 into an older generation bracket. 

The X-H2S is the newest generation with its APS-C sized, X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor. If this sounds somewhat familiar, it's because it's a stacked sensor design found in other recent flagship cameras, like the Canon EOS R3, Nikon Z9, and Sony Alpha A1.  

ISO Speed

Both cameras have an ISO native sensitivity range of 160 to ISO 12,800. It can be expanded from ISO 80 to ISO 51,200.

Video

The X-H2S video specs beat out the X-T4, making it a better choice if you're more a videographer than a photographer. The XT4 can't record in 6K, but the X-H2S offers the highest quality rate of 6K/30p, with no crop recorded in 4:2:0 8-bit internally and 4:2:2 10-bit via the micro-HDMI port to an external recorder. 

It can also outperform the older camera, featuring DCI 4K/120p with a 1.29x crop recorded in 4:2:0 8-bit internally and 4:2:2 10-bit externally. The X-T4 only supports 4K/60p with a 1.17x crop factor, while the X-H2S doesn't crop its 4K/60p footage. 

You'll get longer recording times, up to 240min at an ambient temperature. You'll get 17min at 40 Celsius. With a fan accessory, it improves the maximum time to 51 mins at 40 Celsius. The XT4 is limited to 20 minutes of maximum recording time.

For the first time in any Fuji X-series, the X-H2S supports Apple ProRes RAW and BlackMagic RAW. It also offers the new F-Log 2 profile with up to 14+ stops of dynamic range.

Autofocus

You'll find the same hybrid autofocus system with phase detection and contrast detection points in both cameras. However, the X-H2S has significant improvements. There are up to 425 selectable AF points in a 25 x 17 grid in the Single-point AF mode. You can also set it to 117 points in a 13x9 grid and vary the size of the points. There's also a Zone AF, which allows the AF points to be selected in 3x3, 5x5, or 7x7 groups, and Wide/Tracking AF!

The X-H2S is the first Fujifilm camera to have a new auto-detection feature. Thanks to the X-Processor 5's AI deep learning capabilities; the camera can now automatically detect animals, birds, cars, bikes, planes, and trains. That's not the only new auto feature, though. Fujifilm says it has improved the auto-focus algorithm, making the X-H2S AF system three times faster than on the X-T4, with better eye/face detection than the older model.

Battery Life

Here is another similarity. Both the Fujifilm X-H2S and the X-T4 use the same NP-W235 batteries. However, you can expect a CIPA-rated battery life of up to 720 shots on a single charge in normal mode on the X-H2S (Real-life usage yields an even longer life.) The X-T4 is rated at 500 shots.

Both cameras can be powered or charged via a USB-C connection and have a compatible power bank.

Burst Shooting

The X-H2S, with its X-Processor 5 and stacked sensor, is even faster than the X-T4, which was hailed for its speed when first introduced in 2020. 

The XH2S can shoot at 40fps when using the electronic shutter, without any crop, and completely blackout-free vs. the XT4's 20fps. Both models offer 15fps continuous shooting speed when using the mechanical shutter.

LCD Screen

Both cameras have precisely the same 3" LCD screen that's fully articulating, vari-angle and 1.62M-dot resolution. You can rotate the screen, fold it flat, or flip it to the side. It's highly versatile for shooting photography and videos.

Viewfinder

Here again, we see a difference (and improvement) between the two cameras. The X-H2S has a far more detailed 5.76M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with a larger 0.80x magnification and a faster 120fps refresh rate. Compare that to the X-T4's 3.68M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.75x magnification, 100fps refresh rate, and a built-in eye sensor.

IBIS

The X-H2S is the fourth Fujifilm camera to feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the best of any Fujifilm camera so far. The X-H2S offers up to seven stops, half a stop better than the X-T4's shutter stops of compensation for stills.

Memory Cards

Both cameras have dual memory card slots. However, the new model has one UHS-II SD slot and one CFexpress Type B slot.

Design

The design of the body isn't just for beauty. It can affect ergonomics, and there's a big difference between the cameras on these points. The X-H2S measures 135.5 x 92.9 x 86.9mm (5.38 x 3.66 x 3.33 inches) and weighs 660g (23.28 ounces), making it just a tad larger and heavier than the X-T4. 

So there's not much difference in weight and measurements. What is different, however, is the layout. Gone are many of the traditional controls and dials. Instead, you'll find many more Function buttons. 

The X-T4 has a front MCS dial. It's an unmarked Function button on the X-H2S. The classic Fujifilm ISO, Shutter Speed, and Exposure Compensation dials on top of the XT4 have been replaced by a PASM dial on X-H2S. Some users won't appreciate these changes. We'll know more once the camera is released. However, Fujifilm has added seven new Custom modes to the Shooting Mode dial.

Conclusion

So it is worth forking out another $1,000 for the new X-H2S or hanging onto your X-T4? Well, there is a significant difference in the speed, design, and technology between the two models. How badly do you need to keep up with ever-evolving technology, and how soon do you need it? 

Fuji says that the speeds are four times faster than the previous sensor generation. Combine that with the new X-Processor 5, and there is an entirely new level of speed for the X-mount system. If you shoot a lot of action shots, the X-H2S might be a worthwhile investment for you. (Don't forget it means buying new CFexpress Type B memory cards for the speed gains.) On the downside, devoted Fujifilm fans might not like the design changes to the X-H2S.

If you shoot a good number of videos if your budget allows for it, and if design changes don't typically faze you, the X-H2S is an excellent camera.