Fujifilm unveils the X-S20 far more powerful camera than its predecessor

Fujifilm X-S20, faster and more powerful

Fujifilm has unveiled the X-S20 , a far more powerful camera than its predecessor, with performance boosted by a new processor .

“The X-S20 is truly a dream camera for any content producer who wants to take their photography and video to the next level, but especially for those who document their lives, travel the world or broadcast,” explains Lisa Baxt, Chief Marketing Officer Fujifilm’s imaging division in North America. – The camera guarantees excellent image quality and portability, allowing you to shoot in all genres, from casual portraits to photo shoots and video shoots. As content creators turn to cameras more than ever before, we are confident that the X-S20 will be well received by users . ”

Fujifilm X-S20 has the same sensor, but got a new processor

While Fujifilm launched a pair of new fifth-generation X-Trans CMOS sensors last year (26MP layered and 40MP regular), the new X-S20 uses a fourth-generation sensor. This 26MP sensor previously offered an ISO range of 160 to 12800 and has now been extended to 80-51200.

The introduction of the 5th generation processor, which was first seen in the Fujifilm X-H2S camera last year, greatly improves the performance of the X-S20 and contributes to many updates and improvements to the camera over its predecessor.

With the new power, the X-S20 can buffer over 1,000 JPEG or compressed RAW frames using a mechanical shutter (8fps) compared to the Fuji X-S10’s buffer of up to 105 JPEGs and 23 RAW – a major upgrade. When shooting uncompressed RAW, the X-S20 allows you to load 35 frames into the buffer instead of 18.

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The camera’s 5-segment Image Stabilization System (IBIS) also improved thanks to the processor: the X-S10 provided up to six stops of compensation, the X-S20 up to seven.

X-S20 autofocus gets AI-assisted object detection functionality

Another feature introduced with the X-H2 has made its way into the X-S20: AI-powered autofocus. The X-S20 has subject detection autofocus, a feature not found in the X-S10.

The X-S20 can automatically detect and track human faces/eyes, animals, birds, insects, cars, bicycles, airplanes, drones and trains. Another new feature is that the X-S20 can automatically switch between subjects in “Auto” mode, which can be selected on the camera’s mode dial.
While not related to autofocus, another new feature in “auto” mode is the camera’s ability to automatically switch between Fujifilm’s popular film simulations.

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Design and ergonomics

Although the Fujifilm X-S20 is more powerful than its predecessor, it looks similar. The camera has undergone minor changes that should improve its use.

The shape of the power lever has changed to make it easier to turn, Fujifilm has increased the diameter of some discs, increased the size of some buttons (ISO and Q), added a second audio jack, and made the grip more comfortable.

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The handle is larger and accommodates the larger W235 Li-Ion battery, doubling the battery life. An “economy” mode has appeared, thanks to which you can take up to 800 frames when using the LCD monitor and 750 frames when using the electronic viewfinder. The X-S10’s best performance was in “normal” mode, which allowed for a maximum of 325 frames.

In terms of displays, the X-S20 has a 0.62x EVF with 2.36 million dots and a 100 fps refresh rate. Both the X-S10 and X-S20 are equipped with 3-inch displays. However, the X-S20 display has a resolution of 1.84 million dots, while the X-S10 has only 1.04 million dots.

The large grip adds the X-S20 about 1.7mm in width and 26g over its predecessor. The camera measures 127.7 x h85.1 x 65.4mm and weighs 491g with battery and memory card inserted.

Another difference between the X-S20 and X-S10 is that the new camera is compatible with the cooling fan (Fujifilm Fan-001) announced with the X-H2 camera. The accessory will cost $199 and significantly increases the recording time.


Fujifilm X-S20 with optional Fan-001 installed

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X-S20 Video Capabilities: Key Improvements

Video is an area of ​​focus for Fujifilm. The content creator market has grown significantly since the X-S10 went on sale in 2020 , and the X-S20 responds to the growing market.

With increased processing power, the X-S20 can record 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit video with Open Gate, and support DCI4K/60p, 1080/240p and 1080/60p recording modes.

When recording externally via HDMI, the X-S20 can record 12-bit Apple ProRes and Blackmagic RAW video at 6.2K/30p and 5.2K/30p.

The X-S20 has F-Log2, which promises 13-plus stops of dynamic range. This is a universal improvement over the F-Log version available in the X-S10.

The X-S20 has received a new “Vlog” mode on the mode dial. In this mode, vlogging functions are integrated into the camera’s touch menu, including self-timer, face and eye detection, product-priority focus mode, IS mode, high-speed recording, and background defocus mode options.

Product Priority Mode disables face/eye detection focus, while Background Defocus Mode opens the lens iris to blur the background more.

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The Fujifilm X-S20 will go on sale June 29 for $1,299.95, body only. Unlike some other Fujifilm cameras, it will only be available in black.
The X-S20 will also be available in two configurations: Fujinon XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ for $1399.95, Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS for $1699.95.

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