Preview: Fujifilm X-S20

Thursday 25 May 2023, 15:30 by Elja Trum | 2,447 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

Yesterday, Fujifilm announced a new mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-S20. It is the successor to the X-S10, with quite a few nice upgrades. We were able to test the camera in practice straight away.

Fujifilm X-S20 specifications

- 26-megapixel X-Trans BSI-CMOS sensor (4th generation)
- 5th-generation X-Processor
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (up to 7 stops)
- On-sensor phase detection
- 3-inch tilting and swivelling display with 1.84 million pixels
- Electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million pixels (OLED, 100 fps)
- 8 photos per second
- 6.2K video at 30p
- Microphone and headphone connections (3.5mm)
- 1x UHS-II memory card
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
- Weight: 491 grams (26 grams more than the S10)

Although the sensor is the same as in the previous model, the fifth generation of the X-Processor is now being used. This sensor can also be found in all other newer Fujifilm cameras and can easily handle a 40-megapixel sensor.

That makes processing the information from this 24-megapixel sensor easy for it. This means that the camera will not heat up quickly.

At first glance, the differences from the Fujifilm X-S10 do not seem very large, but quite a lot has been improved when you look at the details.

There have been some small changes to the body. Such as larger buttons and dials with a better grip. It all feels a little nicer and more mature now.

A complaint about the previous model was its short battery life. This has now roughly doubled through the use of a new battery. This NP-W235 battery is used in all Fujifilm fifth-generation cameras. In the Fujifilm X-S20, it is good for around 800 shots.

In addition to this larger battery, the camera's energy consumption is also 20 per cent lower than in the previous model.

Also new is the addition of the HEIF file format, and the ability to shoot more than 1,000 images continuously one after another

Fujifilm claims improved image quality compared with the X-S10. The autofocus has also been improved with the new processor.

The algorithms used for the autofocus are the same as in the X-H2s (and other fifth-generation cameras). So you also get autofocus subject recognition, with two new modes added (insects and drones). Predictive autofocus has also been improved.

The X-S20 already includes Fujifilm film simulations (19 in total). In the 'Auto' setting, it recognises the scene and now also applies a suitable film simulation (optional)

Fujifilm therefore now sees the camera more as a mid-range model rather than the entry-level camera that the X-S10 was.

Video

Filmmakers could be an important target audience for this camera. Fujifilm is targeting vloggers, for example.

The camera offers quite a few options in this area. You can record in F-log 1, F-log 2, ProResRAW and Blackmagic RAW, for example. The camera can shoot 4K/60 4:2:2 10-bit.

You can also connect quite a few accessories. This was somewhat awkward with the previous model, using a USB adapter, but the X-S20 has two standard 3.5mm connections, one for a headphone and one for a microphone.

If you need to record video for a long time in warm conditions, you can connect the FAN-001 as active cooling.

The Fujifilm X-S20 also has a special vlog mode. It is simply located on the mode dial on top of the camera. You then get a video mode in which you can easily adjust several matching settings via the touchscreen.

For example, a product mode. The camera then automatically focuses on the product you hold towards the camera. It also makes the background as blurred as possible, using the aperture.

This camera is also easy to use as a webcam, as you do not need any additional software. Connect it to your computer via USB and it will automatically be recognised as a webcam.

In practice

After yesterday's presentation, I was able to try the camera out straight away at Burgers Zoo. A great location for this, as you can immediately try out all kinds of different situations.

Fujifilm sees this camera as an ideal travel camera. After my walk around the zoo, I can also agree with this approach.

f/5, 1/500s, 640 ISO @ 267mm
I shot many of my test photos with the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm. This is a perfect lens to take with you to somewhere like a zoo. Thanks to the crop factor, you can zoom in to 450mm.

It is also a reasonably compact and light lens. So there is no problem carrying it around all day. Combined with, for example, a standard 18-55mm, you can photograph almost anything with it. So it is indeed a great kit for a holiday too.

f/6.4, 1/550s, 3200 ISO @ 450mm
What struck me was how remarkably well the camera fits in your hand. I did not have a camera strap with me, so I held it in my hand constantly during my walk through the zoo.

At no point was I worried that I might accidentally drop it. The grip feels comfortable and secure in your hand.

You can also walk around with this camera for several hours without it becoming a nuisance. The combination of camera and lenses is so lightweight. Everything worked smoothly in terms of operation, even though I am used to a different brand.

In my view, this is a great all-round camera. As a first camera, as a travel camera, or perhaps as a second body alongside a more high-end Fujifilm body.

Price and availability

The Fujifilm X-S20 will be released in mid-June and will cost 1,399 euros. That is 300 euros more than its predecessor, but you do get more camera in return. A kit with an XF 15-45mm lens will be available for 1,499 euros.

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

Yesterday, Fujifilm announced not just a new camera, there was also a new wide-angle lens, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR.


With the crop factor, the 8mm lens gives a view equivalent to 12mm on full-frame. So it is still a fairly wide angle. It is also a very specific lens that will not appeal to everyone. After all, you get a great deal in the frame.

f/7.1, 1/420s, 160 ISO @ 12mm
The lens weighs 215 grams and is pleasingly compact. It has 12 lens elements in 9 groups. It will cost 899 euros and will be available in July.

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