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Fujifilm X-S20 Review

Following on from the successes of the previous generation, the all-new Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera arrives with incredible capabilities for hybrid content creators. The interchangeable X series body-only is accompanied by two lens kits and an all-new, compact ultra wide angle XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens, for capturing spectacular landscapes, architecture, video and vlogging.

Our Fujifilm X-S20 review has everything you need to know about the hybrid all-rounder from Fujifilm, which is aimed at enthusiasts and more established creators. You can watch our video reviews of the camera and lens, as well as ogle sample images in order to decide whether the X-S20 is the perfect camera for you to upgrade, or join Fujifilm’s mirrorless X system for the first time.

Fujifilm X-S20 Key specs

Without further ado let’s see what this new hybrid camera has in store for photo and video creators:

• 26.1 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 BSI CMOS Sensor with X-Processor 5
• 2.36MP OLED viewfinder and 3.0” 1.84 million dot 3-Way tilting touchscreen LCD
• 8fps in mechanical shutter / 20fps blackout-free in electronic shutter
• 7-stop in-body stabilisation
• Face/Eye AF subject detection
• 19 Film Simulation Modes including Nostalgic Neg
• 10-bit HEIF images
• 6.2K Open Gate full-sensor recording with no crop
• DCI 4K/60p, 1080/60p Long Play Mode, 1080/240p and 4:2:2 10-bit up to 360Mbps
• ProRes and BlackMagic RAW via HDMI to an external video recorder
• UVC 4K/60p live-streaming / Webcam mode
• New Vlog Mode makes it easier to produce vlogs when combined with the tripod grip TG-BT1

Fujifilm X-S20 release date

The Fujifilm X-S20 was released 24 May 2023, around 2.5 years after the October 2020 announcement of the X-S10. The new model adds a x2 faster processor and a series of updates throughout, including the ability to record 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally and RAW via HDMI.

How much does the Fujifilm X-S20 cost?

The new generation Fujifilm X-S20 costs £1249.00 for the body-only and the two lens kits are priced at £1349.00 for the X-S20 with XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens and £1599.00 for the X-S20 with XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 Lens Kit. The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens costs £799.00.

Sample photo, no  EXIF

Fujifilm X-S20 vs X-S10 specs comparison

The table below outlines key differences between these two generations of Fujifilm’s hybrid X-S20 vs X-S10 cameras and what you can expect on paper from the newer model.

It’s safe to say this is a huge leap forwards with significant improvements to video quality internally onto SD card and externally to an external video recorder over HDMI. Likewise the addition of HEIF images not only increases quality, but reduces file sizes and storage requirements.

This is made possible by the X-Processor 5, which is Fujifilm’s most advanced processor that is found in halo models such as the X-H2S, X-H2 and X-T5.

Battery life is improved over the previous model to 750 frames in standard shooting mode (800 in economy), thanks to the high capacity NP-W235 rechargeable battery, while a number of easy-to-use features have been added for vlogging, streaming and product reviews.

X-S20 Image quality

Fujifilm’s in-house developed X-Trans CMOS 4 BSI CMOS Sensor captures detailed 26 megapixel images with a wide dynamic range of around 15 stops. When coupled with in-body stabilisation and the advanced AI-driven Hybrid AF system, you have the capabilities to capture excellent results handheld shots even in low light situations.

The new model now includes 10-bit HEIF support, which offers greater detail, more colours and significantly smaller file sizes than JPEG files. RAW images can be recorded in 14bit (RAF original format), across a variety of compression ratings to accommodate storage capacity and speed.

Hybrid AF system

AI-based subject-detection AF has been used in order to help capture sharp results for both stills and video. This adds animals and cars to human face and eye, for a subject set which now includes animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones. This works seamlessly even while shooting in AF-C mode, which provides autofocus, which is equivalent to the Fuji X-T5.

A new AUTO Subject Detection function automatically selects optimum settings according to a scene, automatically detecting a subject and tracking it while maintaining focus to produce high-quality stills and videos more easily.

Up to 7-stop in-body stabilisation

A five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism offers up to 7.0-stops advantage against camera shake, while digital stabilisation makes it easy to capture smooth scenes when recording movies.

New higher resolution LCD

The X-S20 is equipped with a 2.36-million-dot EVF as well as a 1.84-million-dot rear vari-angle LCD monitor. The LCD touchscreen can be positioned more freely in a range of angles, making self-portraits and difficult shooting easier.

Fast burst shooting

Fast burst shooting helps when you want to capture fast moving subjects and also when you need to nail the precise decisive moment. To this end, the Fuji X-S20 captures up to 8fps in mechanical shutter with a 1000+ frames compressed RAW buffer, or 20fps blackout-free in electronic shutter for up to 79 frames.

You can also increase continuous shooting to 30fps with a slight crop, when you need video-like performance from your stills.

Handling and useability

The X-S20 body is compact and lightweight, weighing just 491g when loaded with a battery and SD card, and sports the signature Fujifilm deep grip, which provides excellent hold on the body. On the top dial there’s a vlog setting, four custom buttons and there’s quick access to ISO, menus and many other features from the body.

You’ll find a 3.5mm microphone / earphone jack an instant webcam capabilities via a USB-Type C cable to connect to a computer and use the X-S20 as a webcam, without needing FUJIFILM X Webcam software. Shooting settings can be adjusted even while the camera is connected to a computer, making this an extremely versatile tool for all sorts of content creation.

Video capabilities

The X-S20 can record 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally in-camera to SD card and also supports an extensive array of video functions including 4K/60P and 1080/240P for slow motion playback. F-Log2 provides an expanded 13+ stops of dynamic range and you can record via HDMI to an external recorder.

An ATOMOS device allows 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW at up to 6.2K with 29.97fps frame rates, while the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G will record Blackmagic RAW at up to 6.2K and frame rates up to 29.97fps.

Sample image, no EXIF

Who is the Fujifilm X-S20 for?

With such comprehensive features within a compact form factor, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a brilliant hybrid camera for a variety of different applications and skill levels. Most notably, this is a camera which will grow as you develop your storytelling skills, making it a viable choice for many creators.

It can be used for anything such as:

• Filmmaking and vlogging
• Everyday snapshots and families
• Sports and wildlife
• Adventure
• Webcams and live-streaming
• Travel and landscapes
• Street and documentary
• Architecture and cityscapes

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR lens launch

Not to be overshadowed by the camera, a new Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens launched simultaneously, which arrives as the widest XF mirrorless Fuji X lens. The ultra wide angle prime is equally compact as the new body, weighing just 215g and measuring 52.8mm long.

Despite these tiny proportions the ultra wide lens (with 12mm full-frame equivalent focal width) packs advanced optics which render beautifully details images. Fuji has also surpassed focus breathing, making the new lens an excellent choice for video and in particular vlogging.

The wide angle view is an excellent choice for cityscapes, landscapes and architecture, and captures high resolution to keep up with the latest generation sensors. You can mount 62mm filters for long exposures and video, taking advantage of an ultra wide angle field of view for unique perspectives and dramatic images.

Fujifilm XS-20 Video Review

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR Lens Video Review

The Fuji X-S20 is a substantial upgrade over the previous model, which packs easy-to-use features for enthusiasts and advanced tools for established content creators. This generation camera adds a faster processor, improved stabilisation and Autofocus, significantly better battery life and even higher resolution video, both internally and to a recorder.

Head over to our product page to reserve your Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera Body today, or choose from either of the Lens kits. The X-S20 with XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens or X-S20 with XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 Lens Kit both include a versatile zoom for everything you need to start on your storytelling journey.

If you’re considering getting a free trade-in quote for your older Like New condition X-S10 camera, you can get up to £575.00 off the price of the X-S20 when you upgrade at the time of launch. Our trade-in process is completely hassle-free and we can even collect the old and drop off your new gear for free, depending on value.

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By Nick Dautlich on 24/05/2023