Fujifilm X-S20 Camera Review – Content Creators Rejoice

In this article, we’ll review the Fujifilm X-S20 – arguably one of the best hybrid digital mirrorless cameras released by the Japanese company.

The Fujifilm X-S20 supersedes the first-generation Fujifilm X-S10 in a lot of ways.

Fujifilm has delivered upgrades ideally suited to videographers, vloggers, and visual content creators.

The Fujifilm X-S20 targets the entry-level vlogger and videographer market by promoting its flip-out screen, quick menu, and video output.

It’s an impressive mid-range offering with surprises galore in a compact size.

Let’s get stuck into the Fujifilm X-S20 camera review.

Fujifilm X-S20 Review: Introduction

 

The Fujifilm X-S20 is an APS-C digital mirrorless camera with performance, features, and output for vlogs and videos that meet the needs of visual content creators.

While every Fujifilm X Series camera includes current-generation video performance, the Fujifilm X-S20 makes video content creation a breeze.

Furthermore, the camera easily meets professional-level demands while offering ease of use for newcomers to the genre.

It stands out from the crowd thanks to its retro aesthetics, customizable command dials, and access to Fujifilm X Series lenses.

Let’s take a look at its specs:

• Sensor – 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4
• Processor – X Processor 5
• Maximum resolution – 6240 x 4160
• ISO -Auto 160-12,800 (Expands to 80-51200)
• Viewfinder – 0.39″ 2.36 Million Dot EVF
• LCD – 3.0″ 1.84 Million Dot vari-angle Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor
• Stabilization – 7-stop 5-axis Sensor-Shift
• Focus – 425 point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)
• Max Shutter – 1/4000 MS 1/32000 ES
• Storage – UHS-II single SD Card slot
• Flash – Pop up/Hot Shoe
• USB -USB 3.2 Gen 2/1
• Battery Life – NP-W235 up to 800 frames/ 6.2K up to 85 minutes
• Weight -491g (1.08lb) with battery and memory card
• Dimensions -127.7 x 85.1 x 65.4mm (5.03 x 3.35 x 2.57″)

Build & Appearance

The Fujifilm X-S20 is built tough, like every other Fujifilm camera.

The magnesium alloy body provides rigidity and endurance while retaining lightweight usability.

While smaller than the pro-level Fujifilm X-H2S, it has the same look and appeal.

Furthermore, it retains the retro-inspired design aesthetics of every Fujifilm digital mirrorless camera.

Think sleek metal surfaces, a soft-textured camera body wrap, accessible command dials, and minimal buttons.

The most notable element of the front of the camera is the protruding grip, now housing a bigger NP-W235 battery.

The left side houses a 3.5mm microphone input, and a mini-HDMI and USB C port are also under a separate flap.

On the right side, a single flap neatly hides away the 3.5mm headphone jack – you don’t need an adaptor to turn the USB C port into a headphone port.

The rear of the Fujifilm X-S20 features the 3.0″ 1.84 million-dot vari-angle color LCD touch screen.

The fully articulating screen rotates to safely hide away the panel when using an external monitor.

Or, move it out of the way when attaching the FAN-001 Cooling Fan to manage overheating.

Moreover, the screen flips 180 degrees for vlogging or video production – a super handy feature.

Unfortunately, the camera features the same small 0.39″ 2.36 million-dot EVF as the X-S10.

Normally, most cameras receive a resolution boost for the electronic viewfinder with each new generation. There’s no such thing as too much resolution!

The first thing any photographer notices about a Fuji camera is the top plate, where the essential command dials sit.

It features a large command dial for selecting various shooting modes and switching to full auto mode, video, or dedicated vlog mode.

To the left, a raised customizable command dial includes a switch to pop up the flash.

Above that is a a hot shoe for speedlight and trigger connections.

The grip provides more top-plate real estate, including ISO/Q buttons, an independent video record button, and a large shutter button.

The On/Off toggle sits under the shutter button, but I found it fiddly and stubborn to power on and off quickly.

Ergonomics & Handling

The Fujifilm X-S20 is an ergonomic dream to hold.

It’s lightweight at 491g (1.08lb), and the large curved grip fits perfectly in your hand.

The camera is balanced even when shooting one-handed with easily accessible controls.

Aside from the stubborn On/Off switch, all command dials spin with satisfying clicks and the right amount of resistance.

The larger mode selection dial is marked and shifts from one mode to the next with a satisfying click and lock.

One of the great joys of shooting with a Fujifilm X Series camera is the ability to set command dials and buttons to various functions.

Fujifilm menus have a natural and sensible flow, from top-level menu options to detailed settings changes.

Videography menus appear separately, allowing you to manage videography settings independently.

Focus Performance

Each generation of Fuji cameras boasts enhanced autofocus and tracking performance.

The X-S20 has a range of autofocus modes well-suited to creative minds.

Its faster sensor and the use of AI-enhanced autofocus algorithms boost tracking performance.

Subject tracking is available for animals, birds, cars, bikes, motorbikes, airplanes, and trains.

Fujifilm claims that the improved autofocus algorithm significantly improves the focus system over the X-S10.

Face and eye subject detection modes quickly find and follow the focus point, ensuring subjects are in focus.

This system is also great for video shooters who shoot selfie-style.

The autofocus tracking system is fast and responsive, especially with newer X Series lenses.

Low Light Performance

The Fujifilm X-S20 delivers excellent performance in low-light conditions for still photography.

The 26.1MP X Trans sensor and powerful processor deliver a standard ISO range of 160-12,800.

Including 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, this camera delivers up to 7 stops of light in low-light situations.

Coupled with a fast, OIS-equipped Fujifilm lens, you’ll confidently drop shutter speed.

The mechanical shutter provides a maximum 1/4000 shutter speed that expands to 1/32,000 with the electronic shutter mode.

As for low-light videography performance, the higher resolution sensor delivers a 125～12800 ISO range that extends to 25600 ISO.

Videographers and vloggers will love the camera’s Digital Image Stabilization and IS Boost Mode for crisp and shake-free content.

Image Quality

While the Fujifilm X-S20 still houses the same 26.1MP APS C X Trans sensor as the X-S10, it’s no slouch on image quality.

It’s essential to note that it’s the same sensor as the Fujifilm X-T4, XPro 3, and X100V.

The newer model is a mid-range choice for photographers and videographers, so using the powerful 40MP X-T5 sensor wouldn’t make sense.

It’s a generation behind, but the image quality and dynamic range are still exceptional.

RAW image files deliver excellent resolution, and nothing can beat the quality of Fujifilm JPEGS.

The Fujifilm X-S20 features 19 Film Simulations replicating the look of Fujifilm analog film stock.

Classic Chrome is a favorite for street photography, and Eterna Cinema gives any footage a gorgeous, washed-out look.

Fujifilm X-S20 Sample Images

I took some sample images using the Fujifilm X-S20 with a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 lens.

Overall Performance

I only noticed minor issues with the overall performance of the Fujifilm X-S20.

The powerful processor and the faster UHS-II SD Card slot support fast data recording even at Continuous High with an impressive 20fps utilizing the electronic shutter.

The buffer handles up to 256 files if you shoot JPEG and 79 compressed RAW files with the right card.

The lack of an upgraded processor didn’t affect the RAW file’s dynamic range, especially with the exposure mode and bracketing options.

Furthermore, the bigger NP-W235, with its excellent battery life, delivers up to 800 frames and 6.2K video up to 85 minutes.

One complaint is its clumsy On/Off toggle, which caused me to miss shots while I fumbled with the switch.

Regardless, it’s quick and responsive once that switch moves to the On position.

Other Useful Features

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a perfect video camera for entry-level hobbyists and professionals shooting video.

They’ll appreciate the video mode menu options, quick selection mode dial, video autofocus, and output.

Here are the video specs.

• 6.2K 30P 4:2:2 10-bit Internal Recording
• 6.2K 30P 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW to ATOMOS HDMI external recorder
• 6.2K 30P Blackmagic RAW with Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G
• 4K 60P Non-Crop Recording
• 1080/240P High-Speed Recording mode for silky slow motion
• Dual 3.5mm Mic and Headphone jacks and micro HDMI port
• HEVC/H.265, Linear PCM (Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)
• MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Linear PCM (Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)
• Record up to 85 minutes of 6.2K 30p video.

The new VLOG Mode offers a range of handy video recording functions.

With the touch screen rotated 180 degrees, vloggers use on-screen touch commands to control stabilization, face and eye detection, product priority, and more.

Furthermore, once the recording starts, the screen perimeter is framed in red as a recording indicator.

When capturing product review videos, the Product Priority option directs autofocus to snap to an item held towards the lens.

The background Defocus Mode changes the lens aperture to keep you in sharp focus while the background focus softens.

Another excellent feature of the Fujifilm X-S20 is its webcam capabilities.

Connected to a computer via the USB C port, it outputs a 4K 60P live stream via the UVC/UAC standard.

The camera delivers comprehensive pro-grade video features in a compact body.

How I Tested the Fujifilm X-S20

I tested the Fujifilm X-S20 in and around Melbourne’s (Australia) inner city suburbs in various lighting conditions.

Given the ergonomic camera grip, I shot handheld without a strap.

Thanks to the improved battery life, I didn’t need to pack a spare battery.

I paired it with the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 and the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8, and both proved well-balanced.

Alternatives to Fujifilm X-S20

The full-frame Sony A7C II is an impressive alternative for hybrid shooters looking for a very capable video camera.

It’s one of Sony’s entry-level cameras, roughly the same size and weight as Fujifilm’s offering.

The Sony A7C II features a 33Mp full-frame CMOS image sensor, built-in 5-axis image stabilization, and Sony’s BIONZ XR processor.

However, its video features top out at 4k and 10fps continuous shooting.

It’s hard to beat Sony cameras’ other subject detection modes, dynamic range, and autofocus performance.

However, it’s nearly US$650 more than the X-S20.

Value for Money

The Fujifilm X-S20 features excellent performance and retails for around $1,500 USD ($2,300 AUD).

For comparison, the Fujifilm X-H2S retails for around $2,600 USD ($4,000 AUD).

Content creators who want to take their craft seriously have a lot to gain by purchasing this camera over previous Fujifilm models.

The hybrid, mid-range Fuji camera offers a comprehensive range of features, making creative videography and photography more achievable than ever.

I recommend picking up the Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8-5 kit lens instead of the XC 15-45mm option. It features a faster autofocus system and wider aperture.

Fujifilm X-S20 Review | Conclusion

The Fuji X-S20’s video capabilities and more significant performance outcomes make it an easy recommendation.

Improved battery life, a powerful processor, refined subject detection modes, and overall output quality elevate it from its previous generation.

Furthermore, it’s an easy camera to recommend for both newcomers to the craft and seasoned professionals.

In this Fujifilm X-S20 camera review, it performed admirably in each area with only minor concerns around ergonomics.

What are your thoughts on this vlogger’s camera from Fujifilm? Feel free to comment and ask questions below.