The Fujifilm X-S line of cameras is positioned as a multipurpose and user-friendly camera, intended at enthusiast photographers, multimedia creators, and vloggers who want a powerful camera that is also easy to pick up and use. The Fujifilm X-S10 was released by Fujifilm in November 2020, and it featured a lot of the cutting-edge Fujifilm technology that was available at the time from Fujifilm’s larger cameras, such as the X-T4, but in a more compact and easier-to-use chassis. The Fujifilm X-S20 follows the same philosophy, utilising the CPU and battery from Fujifilm’s most recent flagship X-Series cameras.
Fujifilm has just released the well-received Fujifilm X-H2 and Fujifilm X-T5, while its X-Mount lens line has grown into a fully filled out system of outstanding optics. Can the X-S20 maintain Fujifilm’s winning streak?
Overview
The X-S20’s headline feature is its improved battery, which Fujifilm claims can take an additional 800 shots on a single charge when compared to the previous model. This major upgrade more than doubles the total number of shots possible. To achieve this increased battery life, the X-S20 is currently using the higher-capacity battery used in premium Fujifilm cameras such as the X-T5 and X-H2.
Despite the upgraded battery, the X-S20 is still light at 491g, and its overall size and shape are identical to the previous generation. The previous model’s comfortable handgrip and simple button and dial arrangement remains available. The X-S20 sports a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder and a 1.84 million dot LCD screen that is completely articulating, making it ideal for handheld vlogging.
The X-S20 now has internal recording capability for 6.2K 30p video in 4:2:2 10-bit format. When connected to an Atomos device via HDMI, it can also output Apple ProRes RAW or use Blackmagic RAW with the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G. Furthermore, the X-S20 supports Fujifilm F-Log recording, which provides a greater range for colour grading in post-production, as well as 13+ stops of dynamic range. The X-S20 provides flexible video recording options, with 4K capabilities up to 60p and 1080p HD at 240fps. It also features a 3.5mm jack for audio recording.
The “Vlog” mode on the main dial is a new feature in the X-S20. This mode enables quick access to vlogging-specific options, including Product Priority Mode, which improves recognition and focus on products exhibited to the camera, and Background Defocus Mode, to improve background blur in videos.
Build and Handling
The X-S20 looks and feels exactly like its predecessor. The body is identical, even down to the button and dial configuration, which is a good thing because the X-S10 had a much simpler and more versatile layout than many Fujifilm cameras, with its two primary top dials being unmarked and programmable. The “Vlog” mode on the main dial is a new feature in the X-S20. This mode enables quick access to vlogging-specific options, including Product Priority Mode, which improves recognition and focus on products exhibited to the camera, and Background Defocus Mode, to improve background blur in videos.
The X-S20 looks and feels exactly like its predecessor. The body is identical, even down to the button and dial configuration, which is a good thing because the X-S10 had a much simpler and more versatile layout than many Fujifilm cameras, with its two main top dials being unmarked and programmable.
Electronic Viewfinder
The electronic viewfinder is good; it is not the biggest or clearest I’ve seen, but it is clear and functional, with a smooth refresh rate. Shooting settings are visible in the EVF but may be enlarged in the settings, which is useful if you’re anything like me and forget what value I set the lens aperture ring to. When developing photographs, I miss having an eyecup to rest against, as the X-S20’s firm ring was occasionally uncomfortable.
Display
The resolution of the LCD screen on the back is enough for looking at photos and videos or changing settings, and it can get pretty bright; even in full sunlight, I found it possible to compose photographs on the LCD. The screen bezels, on the other hand, are fairly hefty, with a somewhat wider bezel on the left, which is a shame on what is otherwise a very visually beautiful camera. The screen, on the other hand, is fully articulated, which I found quite beneficial while testing and attempting to shoot up high over barriers, and is necessary for any vlogger.
Performance
The X-S20’s 26.1-megapixel sensor is more than enough to produce amazing photographs, especially if this camera is mostly used for saving memories or generating content for social media. Larger megapixel counts can be appealing, but they are frequently overkill, resulting in larger file sizes and longer editing times. The X-Trans IV sensor utilised in the X-S20 has previously been used in numerous Fujifilm cameras and has always delivered on image quality, and the X-S20 is no exception.
In my first hands-on with the camera, I was blown away by the image quality; the images are amazingly clear and detailed for a tiny APS-C sensor, and even when cropping, I was able to crop in quite tight and still have a really usable image.
Video Performance
The video performance appears impressive at first glance, but I’ll have to wait till I get more material into editing to see how it shines. One quick positive to mention is the in-body image stabilisation, which has so far really impressed me. While filming handheld in extremely difficult situations, such as on a very bumpy speedboat or a Jeep hurtling down narrow lanes, the image stabilisation has done an excellent job of keeping what would have otherwise been completely unusable footage, at least somewhat steady.
Verdict
With its intuitive and straightforward designed controls, the Fujifilm X-S20 offers a seamless shooting experience for users of all levels. The X-S20’s compact and portable form factor makes it easy to carry around and capture stunning moments on the go, but it also conceals deceptively powerful components. The X-S20’s strong CPU allows for the recording of high-quality 6K films as well as excellent subject identification tracking, making it a great choice for photo aficionados, content creators, and vloggers.
