Fujifilm X-H2S vs. Nikon Z9 vs. Canon EOS R6: Autofocus Camera Test

FULL VIDEO:

Introduction

Autofocus performance is a critical factor for photographers, especially in dynamic environments such as sports and wildlife photography. In this comparison, we evaluate the autofocus capabilities of three high-end mirrorless cameras: the Fujifilm X-H2S, Nikon Z9, and Canon EOS R6. Each camera boasts advanced autofocus systems, but their approaches and performance may vary significantly.

Key Specifications

Fujifilm X-H2S:

• Sensor: 26.1 MP APS-C
• Autofocus Points: 425 phase-detection points
• AF Speed: Fast hybrid AF with subject tracking
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 40 fps (electronic shutter)

Nikon Z9:

• Sensor: 45.7 MP Full Frame
• Autofocus Points: 493 phase-detection points
• AF Speed: Advanced subject detection (humans, animals, vehicles)
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 20 fps (RAW)

Canon EOS R6:

• Sensor: 20 MP Full Frame
• Autofocus Points: 1,053 AF points with Dual Pixel AF
• AF Speed: Eye-detection for humans and animals
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 20 fps (electronic shutter)

Autofocus Performance

Speed and Accuracy:

• Fujifilm X-H2S: The X-H2S features a fast autofocus system that excels in tracking moving subjects. It locks onto subjects quickly, especially in good lighting conditions, making it suitable for action photography.
• Nikon Z9: Renowned for its exceptional autofocus performance, the Z9 utilizes advanced subject detection algorithms. It quickly adapts to fast-moving subjects, maintaining focus even in challenging conditions. The high number of AF points helps ensure accuracy across the frame.
• Canon EOS R6: The R6's Dual Pixel AF system offers smooth and precise autofocus, particularly effective in low-light situations. It performs exceptionally well in eye-tracking for both humans and animals, making it a favorite for portrait and wildlife photographers.

Subject Tracking:

• Fujifilm X-H2S: Subject tracking works effectively, but it may struggle slightly in fast-paced scenarios compared to the full-frame competitors. Its tracking is reliable, particularly for sports.
• Nikon Z9: The Z9 shines in subject tracking, with the ability to recognize and track various subjects dynamically, including animals and vehicles. It excels in maintaining focus as subjects enter and exit the frame.
• Canon EOS R6: The R6 features robust subject tracking capabilities, particularly with eye-detection. It locks onto faces and eyes quickly, providing excellent performance for portraits and wildlife photography.

Low-Light Performance:

• Fujifilm X-H2S: While it performs reasonably well in low light, the APS-C sensor can struggle more than full-frame counterparts in extremely low-light environments.
• Nikon Z9: The Z9’s large sensor provides superior low-light autofocus performance, maintaining accuracy even in dimly lit situations.
• Canon EOS R6: The R6 excels in low light, offering reliable autofocus even at high ISOs, making it suitable for night photography and indoor shooting.

Usability and Features

Fujifilm X-H2S:

• The user interface is straightforward, and the camera offers various customizable autofocus modes to suit different shooting scenarios.
• Great for hybrid shooters who need a balance between photo and video performance.

Nikon Z9:

• Offers a professional-grade interface with extensive customization options for advanced users.
• Robust build quality and ergonomics make it ideal for professional photographers in demanding conditions.

Canon EOS R6:

• User-friendly interface with intuitive controls, making it accessible for both enthusiasts and professionals.
• Excellent battery life, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

In this autofocus test, each camera has its strengths:

Choose the Fujifilm X-H2S if:

• You prefer a lightweight and compact option with great video capabilities alongside solid autofocus performance.
• You are primarily shooting in moderate lighting and need reliable tracking for action shots.

Choose the Nikon Z9 if:

• You need top-tier autofocus performance for fast-moving subjects in various lighting conditions.
• You prioritize high resolution and advanced subject tracking for professional photography.

Choose the Canon EOS R6 if:

• You want excellent low-light autofocus performance with reliable eye-detection capabilities.
• You appreciate a user-friendly interface that caters to both novice and experienced photographers.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Each camera offers robust autofocus systems that can excel in different scenarios, making them all worthy contenders for photographers looking to capture fast-moving subjects with precision.