First Impression & Review Of The Newly Released Fujifilm X-S20 Camera

The Fujifilm X-S20 was announced back on 24th May 2023 by Fujifilm.

It’s been over 2+ years since the release of the Fujifilm X-S10 camera. I was not a previous user of the Fujifilm X-S10 camera, so when the opportunity came to get my hands on the pre-production Fujifilm X-S20 camera, I jump for it!

Who is this camera for?

It’s an mid-range mirrorless camera that is part of the ever popular Fujifilm X Series line up of camera.

It fits squarely in the mid-range camera range that targeting beginners and enthusiasts photographers or videographers. But don’t let that fool you. It also serves as an excellent second camera for the more seasoned or professional photographers who want a more compact/travel-sized camera body to compliment they’re existing X series Fujinon lenses.

Here’s a brief list of the kinds of people who would love using this camera:

• Vloggers
• Portrait photographers
• Beginner videographers
• Content creators & Youtubers
• Travel or urban photographers who are looking for both video and photo capabilities
• Mounting it on your PC for high end video conferencing if you’re working from home etc.

This is by no means a definitive list, but it gives you a sense of who the target market is for this camera

Tech & Specs

For such a tiny camera, the Fujifilm X-S20 camera packs a punch with some really high end specs for the price point.

Here’s a brief summary of the key specs for the Fujifilm X-S20, and if you’re interested you can find the full spec sheet here.

• 26.1 MP
• PASM Dial
• Vlog mode
• 19 Film Simulation modes
• IBIS 7 Stop image stabiliser
• 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording
• APS-C Sensor, X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter
• Significantly better subject-detection autofocus, using AI tech
• Articulating LCD flip out screen (due to the video centric nature of the camera)
• Larger battery, using the NP-W235 battery, so that you can shoot more on the run
• X-Processor 5 (the very same one found in newer camera models such as the X-T5, X-H2 and X-H2S)

Looking at this brief spec run down, it’s already (unsurprisingly) better than my Fujifilm X-T4 camera that I purchased back in 2020. That’s how quickly technology evolves!

Design

The Fujifilm X-S10 camera was one of the first cameras Fujifilm opted for a PASM mode dial instead of the typical Shutter Speed and ISO dials found on other X series cameras.

Many photographers who come from the DSLR world and other camera systems are familiar with the PASM mode dial so it was an understandable strategic decision for Fujifilm to transition to this camera design to attract more consumers to the brand.

Starting a new X series camera line for this was a smart move. Because people (like me) who enjoy or gotten used to the tactile shutter speed and ISO dials still got to keep it in the X-T line up.

Adding in new modes like VLOG, Filter and Auto was a smart move by Fujifilm. It’s again really honing in the niche for this camera. Enthusiasts and beginner photographers who want to just get straight into creating beautiful images or creating video content without the friction.

But don’t let that deter you if you’re a professional photographer, because the the quick access functions on the dial means you get right into it without fiddling around with your settings and saves you time.

The flip out screen seems to be a contentious issue amongst Fujifilm photographers. I for one have no issues with the flippy screen (It’s on my X-T4, but I do remember that it cause a lot of controversial back when the X-T4 was released!).

But given that this is a video and vlogging centric camera, it made total sense to have a flippy screen to make video creation much easier.

Personally I like the flippy screen as a photographer because it allows me to take very high and very low shots much more easily.

Performance, Ease of Use and Handling (Ergonomics)

I mainly tested the Fujifilm X-S20 with the Fujinon 23mm f2 lens and the Fujinon 30mm f.28 macro lens.

Due to the small form factor, the X-S20 went very well with these 2 lenses. When I held the camera/lens combination it just felt right in the hands.

The build quality of the X-S20 is also pretty good.

It feels solid in the hands, and looks and feels like the quality found in its higher-end siblings. Weighing in at only 491g, it’s lightweight and compact to carry around as an everyday carry camera if you want.

Given the lower-price point, it’s no surprise that there was no weather sealing on the X-S20.

7-stops IBIS was fantastic when I did some quick vlogging and video work just to test out the function. The vlog mode was great. The auto background defocus mode worked pretty well. The autofocus was speedy, tracking and detecting subjects quite accurately.

The hand grip on the camera made holding such a small camera for hours on end pretty comfortable.

First Impressions

Even though I only had the Fujifilm X-S20 camera for a few days, I got to put it through it’s paces by doing some urban and street photography (my favourite genre!).

I loved how small, light and compact the camera was in my hand. Very easy to chuck it into your bag and it becomes your everyday carry camera.

Although it’s a small camera, the chunky camera grip still made it comfortable to hold without your hands cramping up. It also helped with stabilising the camera when I was recording video handheld. Exactly what you need when you’re vlogging!

I was also pleased to see they’ve used the more powerful NP-W235 battery for this camera. The same one that I have in the Fujifilm X-T4 camera. I can see how the X-S20 could be my lightweight vlogging and content creation camera that I carry around me, and the X-T4 for my client photography work.

It would be a great combination of cameras to have on hand as both use the same battery type. Makes for easier battery management.

I shot in both JPEG and RAW. For the JPEG I shot on the in-camera Nostalgic Neg film simulation for my testing. And I absolutely loved that film simulation! Most of the images (other than the camera gear shots) were taken SOOC using that film simulation!

As an aside, as a photography lover, I liked how Fujifilm built-in graphical representations of each film carton flap that relates to the Film Simulation mode that was being selected in camera. It’s a nod to the Fujifilm film heritage that we love.

More Samples SOOC

Images below taken straight out of camera using the built-in Nostalgic Neg film simulation.

Conclusion

I view the Fujifilm X-S20 camera as the baby brother in some ways to the Fujifilm X-H2 / X-H2s. And the price points also speak to that.

The X-S20 truly is an enthusiast’s mid-range entry-level camera by Fujifilm. It’s packs a punch, enticing curious photographer-to-be’s and those who are interested in jumping ship to another camera brand.

It’s a compact, light-weight and travel friendly camera. Excellent for both photo and video shooting if you’re just getting started and want something with little friction to get you going. It truly is the perfect hybrid camera if you’re after a bit of everything.

When you pair it with a compact prime like the Fujinon 23mm f2 or the 35mm f1.4 lenses, it’s a match made in heaven.

For travelling, my go-to lens is still the lightweight yet versatile Fujinon 18-55mm f2.8-4 lens, which will also pair very well with the Fujifilm X-S20 camera.

For now I’m contented with my 3+ years old Fujifilm X-T4. But if I was on the hunt for a video or hybrid camera, the Fujifilm X-S20 camera will pair perfectly with my Fujifilm X-T4.

Let me know what you think about the new Fujifilm offering in the comments below.

Thanks for dropping by today! Happy shooting.

Your friend,

J.

Disclaimers.

1. Many thanks to Camera Electronics for providing me the Fujifilm X-S20 to play and test at the end of May 2023. However this is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. There are plenty of comprehensive reviews of the Fujifilm X-S20 out in the world. This is simply my experience and first impressions, and not a comprehensive technical review.
2. All images of the Fujifilm X-S20 camera were photographed by me.
3. All images shared in this blog post was photographed with the Fujifilm X-S20, a sample pre-production set running version 1.00. Almost all images were straight out of camera using the in-built Fujifilm Nostalgic Negative Film Simulation.