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Fujifilm X-S20 Comparison Review

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in May 2023 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 26 megapixel.

camera

Is the Fujifilm X-S20 a good camera? The X-S20 has a Camera Elo of 2917. This rating puts the X-S20 among the top 20 percent of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the X-S20 ranks among the top 10 percent.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm X-S20
Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses
26 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/60p Video
ISO 160 - 12 800 (80 - 51 200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1840k dots
Swivel touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization
750 shots per battery charge
128 x 85 x 65 mm, 491 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Fujifilm X-S20 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Fujifilm X-S20 vs credit card front
X-S20 versus credit card top view
X-S20 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Fujifilm X-S20 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-S20 128 mm 85 mm 65 mm 491 g 750 n May 2023 1,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-H2S 136 mm 93 mm 85 mm 660 g 580 Y May 2022 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-S10 126 mm 85 mm 65 mm 465 g 325 n Oct 2020 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3 133 mm 93 mm 59 mm 539 g 390 Y Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T4 135 mm 93 mm 64 mm 607 g 500 Y Feb 2020 1,699ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T5 130 mm 91 mm 64 mm 557 g 580 Y Nov 2022 1,699 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 121 mm 84 mm 55 mm 370 g 270 n Jan 2020 699ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X100F 127 mm 75 mm 52 mm 469 g 390 n Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X100V 128 mm 75 mm 53 mm 478 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A6700 122 mm 69 mm 64 mm 493 g 570 Y Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Fujifilm X-S20 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,299. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Fujifilm X-S20 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Fujifilm X-S20 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Fujifilm X-S20 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-S20 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.314.0231586
2.
 
Fujifilm X-H2S APS-C 26.0 6240 41606.2k/30p24.313.9222486
3.
 
Fujifilm X-S10 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.7205785
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.013.4185383
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.113.6199584
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T5 APS-C 39.8 7728 51526.2k/30p24.313.9226486
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4182983
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6199184
9.
 
Fujifilm X100F APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.913.2170481
10.
 
Fujifilm X100V APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.6199684
11.
 
Sony A6700 APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/120p24.314.0232986
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X-S20 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the X-S20 can use is 4K/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-S20 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2360k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.62x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-S20 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm X-S202360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Fujifilm X-H2S5760 Y3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-S102360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T33690 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T43690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T53690 n3.0 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X100F2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X100V3690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Sony A67002360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Fujifilm X-S20 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the X-S20

One convenient feature of the X-S20 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-S20 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-S20Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm X-H2SYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-S10Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T5Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Fujifilm X100FYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X100VYstereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A6700Ystereo / monoYYYES3.2YYY

It is notable that the X-S20 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the X-S20 can be found in the free online Fujifilm X-S20 Manual or on the Fujifilm support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-S20 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-S205/5+ +5/586/100..4.5/5 May 2023 1,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-H2S5/5+5/590/1005/55/5 May 2022 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-S105/5..4.5/586/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T35/5+ +4.5/588/1005/55/5 Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T45/5+ +5/588/1005/55/5 Feb 2020 1,699ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T55/5+ +4.5/590/1004.5/5.. Nov 2022 1,699 amazon.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T2003.5/5..4/582/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2020 699ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X100F5/5+3.9/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X100V5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2020 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A67004.5/5+4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Fujifilm X-S20 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the X-S20.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Fujifilm X-S20?

The camera has a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Fujifilm X-S20 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Fujifilm equipped the X-S20 with the X-Processor 5 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Fujifilm X-S20?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-51200.

Does the Fujifilm X-S20 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the X-S20 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Fujifilm X-S20?

Fujifilm does not publish a shutter rating for the X-S20. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Fujifilm X-S20?

Fujifilm embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your X-S20 has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Fujifilm X-S20?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Fujifilm X-S20?

No, the Fujifilm X-S20 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Fujifilm X-S20?

The X-S20 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Fujifilm X-S20 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Fujifilm X-S20 for flash photography?

The X-S20's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.

Does the Fujifilm X-S20 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards (data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s).

Which battery does the Fujifilm X-S20 use?

The camera gets its power from the Fujifilm NP-W235 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Fujifilm X-S20?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Fujifilm.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-S20
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2023
    Launch Price USD 1 299
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 367 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 26 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 240 x 4 160 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 12 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 51 200 ISO
    Image Processor X-Processor 5
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1840k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 8 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W235 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 128 x 85 x 65 mm
    (5.0 x 3.3 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 491 g (17.3 oz)

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