Canon EOS R7 vs. Fujifilm X-H2S

By Michael Cammack Last updated Jul 28, 2023

The Canon EOS R7 and Fujifilm X-H2S were announced within days of each other, both at the top of their maker’s lineup of APS-C mirrorless cameras.

They are also both vying for the attention of dedicated avid photographers who want the smaller size, lighter weight, and greater “reach” of an APC-S format mirrorless camera system instead the bulk and extra cost of a full-size model. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key specs of the Canon EOS R7 and the Fujifilm X-H2S to see how they compare to help you decide which is the best APS-C format camera for you.

1. Sensor

Canon EOS R10 vs. EOS R7 — Both cameras have APS-C sensors, but Canon’s has a higher resolution of 32.5 MP. (Photo credit: Canon)

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• Canon EOS R7: 32.5MP APS-C CMOS
• Fujifilm X-H2S: 26.1 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans 5 HS CMOS

With over 6 million additional pixels, the Canon EOS R7 is potentially capable of capturing larger and potentially more detailed images than the Fujifilm X-H2S. However, it’s worth noting that the X-H2S’ sensor has a stacked design which helps improve its performance across the board. Canon, on the other hand, used a similar sensor to the Canon EOS 90D for the R7, tweaking the micro lenses and electronics to improve performance. We can be pretty sure it’s not back-lit or stacked, because you can be sure Canon would be screaming about it if it was.

2. Continuous shooting

Fujifilm X-H2S — The EOS R7 and X-H2S seem close for burst speeds, but the X-H2S tops it with its maximum buffer depth of 40fps and above. (Image credit: Hannah Rooke)

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• Canon EOS R7: Mechanical shutter: 15 fps for 224 JPEG frames or 51 raw frames, Electronic shutter: 30 fps for 126 JPEG frames or 42 raw frames
• Fujifilm X-H2S: Mechanical shutter: 15 fps for more than 1000 JPEGs or 1000 uncompressed raw files, Electronic shutter: 40 fps for 184 JPEGs or 140 uncompressed raw files

Both cameras deliver a maximum continuous shooting rate of 15 frames per second (fps) when their mechanical shutters are in use, a figure we couldn’t have dreamed of until a few years ago. However, switch to the electronic shutter and things pick up speed with the Canon R7 taking up to 30fps and the Fujifilm X-H2S hitting 40fps. For most photographers 30fps is more than enough, but sometimes the ability to shoot full resolution images at 40fps can be useful and the Fujifilm’s burst depth is impressive.

3. Video

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• Canon EOS R7: 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 60p with or without 1.8x crop
• Fujifilm X-H2S: 6.2K (6240×4160) 29.97/25/24/23.98p, DCI 4K (4096×2160) 59.94/50/29.97/25/24/23.98p 720Mbps/360Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps, 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording

While both cameras can shoot 4K video at up to 60p in their standard mode, the Fujifilm can push up to 120p in high-speed mode for more spectacular slow-motion video. The X-H2S also wins in the resolution stakes with a maximum of 6.2K – also up to 60p.

Both cameras feature a Log mode (the X-H2S has two), to extend dynamic range, but with the ability to shoot in MOV format as well as MP4, plus Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 LT, and Any Intra (or Long GOP) compression rather than inter frame, the X-H2S is the more serious video camera of the two.

4. Autofocus

• Canon EOS R7: Dual Pixel CMOS II phase detection AF with up to 5915 positions and 651 auto-selectable points
• Fujifilm X-H2S: Intelligent hybrid with up to 425 points, face/eye detection, subject detection

While Canon exclusively uses phase detection focusing in the R7, the Fujifilm X-H2S has a hybrid focusing system that uses both contrast and phase detection. Both are quick and decisive.

There’s also subject detection at your fingertips with the R7 being able to detect humans (eyes/face/head/body), animals (dogs, cats and birds) or vehicles (race cars or motorbikes) and the Fujifilm X-H2S offering a similar array but grouped as human face/eye, animal, bird, automobile, motorcycle and bicycle, airplane and train. You have to select the type of subject you want to detect with either camera and there are advantages and disadvantages to grouping or separating animals and birds. The honors are equal.

5. Stabilization

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• Canon EOS R7: Built-in 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS) up to 8EV
• Fujifilm X-H2S: Built-in 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS) up to 7EV

In-camera stabilization is pretty much a given for any new camera, so it’s no surprise to see it in the Canon EOS R7 and Fujifilm X-H2S. Both offer impressive shutter speed compensation, but with the R7 offering up to a stop more than the X-H2S, it has an edge.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the actual degree of stabilization you get depends on the lens mounted and some people will be able to pull it off more than others.

6. Construction and checks

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• Canon EOS R7: 132.0 x 90.4 x 91.7mm, 612g with card and battery
• Fujifilm X-H2S: 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6mm, 660g with cards and battery

Overall, the X-H2S is larger and around 8% heavier than the Canon R7. However, the metal body of the X-H2S also seems sturdier than that of the R7, which is made of magnesium alloy and high-strength engineering plastic. Both cameras are also listed as weatherproof and in the absence of ratings it’s impossible to quantify that, but we bet the X-H2S will fare better in the rain than the R7.

We usually associate Fujifilm cameras with traditional exposure controls, but like the Canon R7, the X-H2S has an exposure mode dial (with 7 custom options) and dual control dials.

7. Viewfinder and screen

• Canon EOS R7: EVF: 0.39-type 2.36 million-dot OLED, Display: 2.95-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.62 million dots
• Fujifilm X-H2S: EVF: 0.5-type 5.76 million-dot OLED: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.62 million dots

While there isn’t much to separate the two cameras when it comes to their primary screens, the Fujifilm X-H2S’s viewfinder is way ahead of the R7’s as it’s larger and has a much higher resolution. bigger. Both cameras have a maximum viewfinder refresh rate of 120fps, but the larger size and extra detail visible in the X-H2S’s EVF makes it a nicer option to use.

8. Lentils

• Canon EOS R7: Canon RF-S/RF Mount
• Fujifilm X-H2S: Fujifilm X mount

The Canon EOS R7 (and R10) are like APS-C versions of Canon’s full-frame EOS R cameras. It is common for camera manufacturers to produce full-frame and APS-C camera lines. However, the APS-C models need standard and wide-angle lenses designed specifically for the smaller sensor, and so far Canon has only released two “standard” zooms. The only other lenses that can be used directly with these cameras at present are Canon’s larger and more expensive full frame RF lenses, which will result in a 1.6x “crop factor”, thus reducing their angle of seen. It’s fine for sports and wildlife photography, but not for wider-angle shots. The alternative is to use Canon’s EF-RF lens mount adapter and the company’s older EF DSLR lenses.

The Fujifilm X-H2S, however, has access to a wide range of Fujinon lenses designed specifically for this sensor size, from ultra-wide angles to compact lenses, “fast” lenses, portrait and macro lenses all the way up. to professional telephoto lenses. For lens support, the X-H2S is a pretty clear winner.