The Fujifilm X-S10 was one of my favorite Fuji cameras of the previous generation.  I gave it a positive review when it was released roughly 2.5 years ago as I liked the balance of bringing some of the best features of the X-T series into a smaller, cheaper package.  A lot of Fuji cameras occupy the premium end of the APS-C space, and the X-S10 provided a strong camera at the roughly $1000 USD price point that largely had superior specs to alternatives from other brands.  The Fujifilm X-S20 is the successor to the X-S10, and, as always, there’s some pros and cons.  On the plus side, there are a number of core improvements (particularly on the video side), but, in the negative column there is a jump in price from the $1000 range up to $1300.  There was nearly a $700 gap between the X-S10 and the X-T4; the gap between the X-S20 and the X-T5 is only $400, which will certainly leave a few buyers strongly considering that camera instead.

The X-T5 received the higher resolution sensor of the X-H2 (40.2 MP) while the X-S20 carries on with the older 26MP X-Trans BSI-CMOS sensor found in a number of other Fuji cameras.  This might be part of Fuji’s market strategy, however, as not everyone needs (or wants) the higher resolution point.   

The X-S10 was a bit more revolutionary than the X-S20 as it was the first of Fuji’s lower priced models to get features like IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization), the 26MP X-Trans sensor, faster burst rates, and a fully articulating LCD screen.  The X-S20 is more evolutionary than revolutionary with more subtle improvements.  A lot of the core features remain the same:

• 26.1MP BSI X-Trans IV CMOS sensor
• ISO 160 to 12800 (80 to 51200 extended)
• Hybrid AF system (117 contrast / 425 Phase Detect points)
• Up to 20fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter (30fps with 1.25x crop)
• 1/4000th second max. shutter speed (1/32,000th using the electronic shutter)
• 0.39-in OLED EVF with 0.62x magnification, 100Hz
• Similar Dimensions (the X-S20 is 1.7mm wider and 26g heavier)
• Single SD card slot

Key improvements include:

• Larger NP-W235 battery (from higher end models) that nearly doubles shots and video record time
• Deep AI learning autofocus tracking (similar to X-T5 and X-H2)
• Newer/faster X-Processor 5
• Slightly improved IBIS
• Up to 6.2K video and 4K60 options
• Improved LCD resolution
• Card slot now supports UHS-II
• Deeper buffer
• Can be used as a webcam via the USB-C port

When you add all of these up it equals an improved camera in a number of key areas, but there really isn’t a lot of new features that jump off the page.  This is a pretty common trend in camera development, in my experience, as while some generations really push the envelope for new features, the next generation is often where those features are refined and the camera matures.  In short, it’s in that second generation that things start to work as they should!  The challenge here is that Fuji has elected to do a significant price increase on the cycle where there isn’t a lot of headline new features or upgrades.  Will that present a marketing challenge?  Will the X-S20 be as successful at $1300 as the X-S10 was at $1000?  That remains to be seen.

For those that want a smaller, lighter, simpler camera that has many similar features to the higher end Fujifilm X-T5 (my review here), the X-S20 offers a compelling package.  It has solid autofocus, competitive buffer depth, long lasting battery life, and very good image quality.  It also happens to be quite a little video powerhouse, as we’ll see.  It also comes at a great time for the Fuji ecosystem, as Fuji’s opening up to third party lenses has opened a floodgate of new development from Sigma, Tamron, Samyang, Viltrox, and more.  I’ll use a few of those new lenses in this review, including the Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 RXD and the Viltrox Pro AF 75mm F1.2.  I’ve also got some interesting new lenses on hand from Fuji, including the new XF 8mm F3.5 wide angle lens and the XF 18-120mm F4.  I’ll also throw in a few shots from the extremely inexpensive XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens.  The question to be answered is if the X-S20 ends up feeling “worth the money” relative to Fuji’s alternative offerings.  You can get my thoughts by watching my definitive video review or reading my text review…or just enjoy the photos below.

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Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for sending me a review sample of the X-S20 and some lenses.  As always, this is a completely independent review.  All conclusions are my own.

Photos of the Fujifilm X-S20 

Photos Taken with the Fujifilm X-S20

Gear Used:

Purchase the Fujifilm X-S20 @ B&H Photo | Adorama  | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Purchase the Fujifilm X-T5 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Find it Used at KEH 

Purchase the Fujifilm X-S10 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Purchase the Fujinon XF 8mm F3.5 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

Purchase the Fujinon XF 18-120mm F4 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

Purchase the Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

Purchase the Fujinon XF 30mm F2.8 Macro @ B&H Photo  | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK 

Purchase the Viltrox Pro AF 75mm F1.2 @ B&H Photo  | Amazon | Viltrox (use code DUSTINABBOTT for 10% off) | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Pergear Store 

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