Canon R3 vs Fujifilm X-H2S

The Canon EOS R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2021 and May 2022. Both the R3 and the X-H2S are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (R3) and an APS-C (X-H2S) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 26 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon R3		Fujifilm X-H2S
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Canon RF mount lenses		Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor		26 MP – APS-C sensor
6K/60p Video		6.2k/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)		ISO 160-12,800 (80 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.2" LCD – 4150k dots		3.0" LCD – 1620k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second		15 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
760 shots per battery charge		580 shots per battery charge
150 x 143 x 87 mm, 1015 g		136 x 93 x 85 mm, 660 g

Check R3 price at
amazon.com
Check X-H2S price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-H2S is considerably smaller (41 percent) than the Canon R3. Moreover, the X-H2S is substantially lighter (35 percent) than the R3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the R3 gets 760 shots out of its Canon LP-E19 battery, while the X-H2S can take 580 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-W235 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the R3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the X-H2S, Fujifilm provides the VBG-XH vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon R3	150 mm	143 mm	87 mm	1015 g	760	Y	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
2.		Fujifilm X-H2S	136 mm	93 mm	85 mm	660 g	580	Y	May 2022	2,499	amazon.com
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999	ebay.com
4.		Canon 1D X Mark III	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1440 g	2850	Y	Jan 2020	6,499	amazon.com
5.		Canon 5D Mark II	152 mm	114 mm	75 mm	850 g	850	Y	Sep 2008	3,499	ebay.com
6.		Canon 5D Mark III	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	950 g	950	Y	Mar 2012	3,499	ebay.com
7.		Canon R5	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	738 g	320	Y	Jul 2020	3,899	amazon.com
8.		Canon R6	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	680 g	360	Y	Jul 2020	2,499	amazon.com
9.		Canon R6 Mark II	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	670 g	450	Y	Nov 2022	2,499	amazon.com
10.		Fujifilm X-H1	140 mm	97 mm	86 mm	673 g	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-H2	136 mm	93 mm	85 mm	660 g	680	Y	Sep 2022	1,999	amazon.com
12.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X-T5	130 mm	91 mm	64 mm	557 g	580	Y	Nov 2022	1,699	amazon.com
14.		Leica SL2-S	146 mm	107 mm	83 mm	931 g	510	Y	Dec 2020	4,895	amazon.com
15.		Sony A850	156 mm	117 mm	82 mm	895 g	880	Y	Aug 2009	1,999	ebay.com
16.		Sony A900	156 mm	117 mm	82 mm	895 g	880	Y	Sep 2008	2,999	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X-H2S was launched at a markedly lower price (by 58 percent) than the R3, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon R3 features a full frame sensor and the Fujifilm X-H2S an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X-H2S is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the X-H2S offers a slightly higher resolution of 26 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the R3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 6.00μm for the R3). However, it should be noted that the X-H2S is a somewhat more recent model (by 8 months) than the R3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-H2S has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon EOS R3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-H2S are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with Stacked BSI-CMOS (Stacked Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Like most digital cameras, the R3 uses a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. In contrast, the X-H2S employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon R3	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/60p	25.0	14.7	4086	96
2.		Fujifilm X-H2S	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	6.2k/30p	24.3	13.9	2224	86
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.1	13.5	3207	88
4.		Canon 1D X Mark III	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.2	14.5	3248	91
5.		Canon 5D Mark II	Full Frame	21.0	5616	3744	1080/30p	23.7	11.9	1815	79
6.		Canon 5D Mark III	Full Frame	22.1	5760	3840	1080/30p	24.0	11.7	2293	81
7.		Canon R5	Full Frame	44.8	8192	5464	8K/30p	25.3	14.6	3042	95
8.		Canon R6	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4k/60p	24.2	14.3	3394	90
9.		Canon R6 Mark II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4k/60p	25.4	14.6	3154	96
10.		Fujifilm X-H1	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24.0	13.3	1806	82
11.		Fujifilm X-H2	APS-C	39.8	7728	5152	8k/30p	24.3	13.9	2249	86
12.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	24.1	13.6	1995	84
13.		Fujifilm X-T5	APS-C	39.8	7728	5152	6.2k/30p	24.3	13.9	2264	86
14.		Leica SL2-S	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	25.2	14.1	3504	95
15.		Sony A850	Full Frame	24.4	6048	4032	none	23.8	12.2	1415	79
16.		Sony A900	Full Frame	24.4	6048	4032	none	23.7	12.3	1431	79
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X-H2S provides a better video resolution than the R3. It can shoot movie footage at 6.2k/30p, while the Canon is limited to 6K/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The R3 and the X-H2S are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 5760k dots. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon R3 and Fujifilm X-H2S in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon R3	5760	Y	3.2 / 4150	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
2.		Fujifilm X-H2S	5760	Y	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0/s	n	Y
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	optical	Y	3.2 / 1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	16.0/s	n	n
4.		Canon 1D X Mark III	optical	Y	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0/s	n	n
5.		Canon 5D Mark II	optical	Y	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.9/s	n	n
6.		Canon 5D Mark III	optical	Y	3.2 / 1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0/s	n	n
7.		Canon R5	5760	Y	3.2 / 2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
8.		Canon R6	3690	n	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
9.		Canon R6 Mark II	3690	n	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
10.		Fujifilm X-H1	3690	Y	3.0 / 1040	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	14.0/s	n	Y
11.		Fujifilm X-H2	5760	Y	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0/s	n	Y
12.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0/s	n	Y
13.		Fujifilm X-T5	3690	n	3.0 / 1840	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	15.0/s	n	Y
14.		Leica SL2-S	5760	Y	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0/s	n	Y
15.		Sony A850	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0/s	n	Y
16.		Sony A900	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the R3 and the X-H2S write their files to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS R3 and Fujifilm X-H2S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon R3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Fujifilm X-H2S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon 1D X Mark III	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon 5D Mark II	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon 5D Mark III	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon R5	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
8.		Canon R6	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
9.		Canon R6 Mark II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
10.		Fujifilm X-H1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-H2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
12.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
13.		Fujifilm X-T5	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
14.		Leica SL2-S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
15.		Sony A850	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony A900	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the R3 and the X-H2S are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The X-H2S replaced the earlier Fujifilm X-H1, while the R3 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the R3 and X-H2S can be found, respectively, in the Canon R3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-H2S Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS R3:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (4150k vs 1620k dots).
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (760 versus 580) on a single battery charge.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2021).

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-H2S:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (6.2k/30p vs 6K/60p).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.8x vs 0.76x).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (136x93mm vs 150x143mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 355g or 35 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (58 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (8 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the R3 comes out slightly ahead of the X-H2S (10 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon R3 and the Fujifilm X-H2S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the R3 and the X-H2S in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon R3	5/5	o	4.5/5	..	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
2.		Fujifilm X-H2S	5/5	+	5/5	90/100	5/5	5/5	May 2022	2,499	amazon.com
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	..	..	4.5/5	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999	ebay.com
4.		Canon 1D X Mark III	..	+ +	5/5	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jan 2020	6,499	amazon.com
5.		Canon 5D Mark II	4/5	91/100	..	79/100	4/5	..	Sep 2008	3,499	ebay.com
6.		Canon 5D Mark III	..	+ +	..	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2012	3,499	ebay.com
7.		Canon R5	4.5/5	+	4/5	91/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2020	3,899	amazon.com
8.		Canon R6	5/5	+ +	4/5	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2020	2,499	amazon.com
9.		Canon R6 Mark II	5/5	+ +	4.5/5	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	Nov 2022	2,499	amazon.com
10.		Fujifilm X-H1	..	+	5/5	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-H2	5/5	+ +	5/5	89/100	5/5	5/5	Sep 2022	1,999	amazon.com
12.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	5/5	88/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X-T5	5/5	+ +	4.5/5	90/100	4.5/5	..	Nov 2022	1,699	amazon.com
14.		Leica SL2-S	4/5	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Dec 2020	4,895	amazon.com
15.		Sony A850	3/5	..	..	75/100	..	4.5/5	Aug 2009	1,999	ebay.com
16.		Sony A900	..	+ +	..	+ +	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2008	2,999	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Check R3 price at
amazon.com
Check X-H2S price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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