Fujifilm X20 vs X100F

The Fujifilm X20 and the Fujifilm X100F are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2013 and January 2017. Both the X20 and the X100F are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 2/3 (X20) and an APS-C (X100F) sensor. The X20 has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the X100F provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X20		Fujifilm X100F
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-112mm f/2.0-2.8		35mm f/2.0
12 MP, Two Thirds Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12800		ISO 200-12800 (100-51200)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
2.8" LCD, 460k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
270 shots per battery charge		390 shots per battery charge
117 x 70 x 57 mm, 353 g		127 x 75 x 52 mm, 469 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X20 and the Fujifilm X100F? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X20 and the Fujifilm X100F is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100F is notably larger (16 percent) than the Fujifilm X20. Moreover, the X100F is markedly heavier (33 percent) than the X20. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X20 nor the X100F are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the X20 gets 270 shots out of its NP-50 battery, while the X100F can take 390 images on a single charge of its NP-W126S power pack. The power pack in the X100F can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X20»	4.6 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	12.5 oz	270	n	Jan 2013	599	-		Fujifilm X20
	Fujifilm X100F«	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Canon G1 X Mark III« »	4.5 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299			Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon G7 X« »	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.6 in	10.7 oz	210	n	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon G15« »	4.2 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.4 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Fujifilm X30« »	4.7 in	2.8 in	2.4 in	14.9 oz	470	n	Aug 2014	599			Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100T« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.0 in	15.5 oz	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.6 oz	350	n	Jun 2013	699	-		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm XQ1« »	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.3 in	7.3 oz	240	n	Oct 2013	499	-		Fujifilm XQ1
	Fujifilm X10« »	4.6 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	12.3 oz	270	n	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Fujifilm X100« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	300	n	Sep 2010	1,199	-		Fujifilm X100
	Leica D-LUX 6« »	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.8 in	10.5 oz	330	n	Sep 2012	699	-		Leica D-LUX 6
	Nikon P7800« »	4.7 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	350	n	Sep 2013	549	-		Nikon P7800
	Panasonic FZ2500« »	5.4 in	4.0 in	5.3 in	32.3 oz	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2500
	Panasonic LX7« »	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.8 in	10.5 oz	330	n	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
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Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X20 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the X100F, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X20 features a 2/3 sensor and the Fujifilm X100F an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X100F is 534 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 1.5. The sensor in the X20 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X100F offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the X100F offers a higher resolution than the X20 (12MP), but the X100F nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 2.20μm for the X20) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X100F is a much more recent model (by 4 years) than the X20, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X100F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X100F for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X20 are 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Fujifilm X20 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X100F are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X100F has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the X20 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm X20 and Fujifilm X100F in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X100F is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X100F has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The X20 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X100F comes with a built-in prime. The X20 has a 28-112mm f/2.0-2.8 optic and the X100F offers a 35mm f/2.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the X20 provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the X100F. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X20 and the X100F write their files to SDXC cards. The X100F supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X20 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity 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 X20 and Fujifilm X100F and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X100F offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X20 does not offer wifi capability.

The X100F is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the X20 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X20 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X30. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm website.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X20 or the Fujifilm X100F – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X20:

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x70mm vs 127x75mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 116g or 25 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2013).

Advantages of the Fujifilm X100F:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 44%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 460k dots).
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (390 versus 270) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the X20 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X100F is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X20 and the Fujifilm X100F place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X20 or the X100F. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X20»	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Jan 2013	599	-		Fujifilm X20
	Fujifilm X100F«	+	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Canon G1 X Mark III« »	+	79/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299			Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon G7 X« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Canon G16« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon G15« »	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Fujifilm X30« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599			Fujifilm X30
	Fujifilm X100T« »	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	+	77/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699	-		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm XQ1« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Oct 2013	499	-		Fujifilm XQ1
	Fujifilm X10« »	-	76/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Fujifilm X100« »	-	75/100	4/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	1,199	-		Fujifilm X100
	Leica D-LUX 6« »	-	-	4/5	-	4/5	Sep 2012	699	-		Leica D-LUX 6
	Nikon P7800« »	-	-	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549	-		Nikon P7800
	Panasonic FZ2500« »	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2500
	Panasonic LX7« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Fujifilm X20 vs Fujifilm X100F

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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