Camera Review, Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJanuary 08, 2024Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR, Fujifilm X-S20 Review, Fujifilm X-S20 sample images, Fujifilm X-S20 sample photos, Fujifilm X-S20 vs. X-T5, Fujifilm XF 8 mm f/3.5 R WR review, Fujifilm XF 8 mm f/3.5 R WR sample images, Fujifilm XF 8 mm f/3.5 R WR sample photos, Fuji xs20 review, Fuji 8mm, Fuji 8mm review, Fuji XF 8mm, Fuji XF 8mm reviewComment

Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Review

The Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR — Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

Fujifilm X-S20 and FXF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

I only had a brief encounter with the X-S20 predecessor, the Fujifilm X-S10, but overall it was a positive experience. I had a few gripes and interestingly so, one of the issues is the fact the X-S10 has very good specs, and yet my recommendation was to skip it and go up a level if you were planning to use the camera for pro gigs.

Everyone, however, is not looking for specs such as dual card slots, ultimate build quality, higher-resolution EVFs, or weather sealing. Affordability, weight, video specs, and Vlogging attributes may be the specs that will sway buyers to an X-S20 instead.

In Fujifilm’s presentation, the new X-S20 is hailed as the ultimate travel camera. You are reading this on a travel/camera review site so let’s see if they have a point.

Fujifilm X-S20

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada I had the Fujifilm X-S20, XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR, and XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR over the holiday period. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t all that agreeable with mostly dark and wet days but I still managed to grab a few sample images for this review when the sun came out and at the polar bear swim at English Bay.

The X-S20 was released at an X-Summit in May of 2023 along with the XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR.

Huge crowds at the annual polar bear swim at English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5. R WR. — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

Fujifilm X-S20 Specs

X-S20 is equipped with a back-illuminated 26.1MP sensor X-TransTM CMOS 4
High-speed image processing engine X-Processor 5 keeps power consumption lower than its predecessor model, X-S10
Subject-detection AF developed with deep learning/artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In this case, AI is used to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones. The evolved AF prediction algorithm enables stable focusing even in AF-C mode
19 Film simulation modes including Nostalgic Neg.
The use of the high-capacity battery, NP-W235, has more than doubled the number of frames in Economy Mode to approximately 800 compared to that of the previous X-S10
model
Five-axis IBIS mechanism that offers up to 7.0-stops
2.36-million-dot Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 0.62x magnification
1.84-million-dot rear LCD monitor with a vari-angle structure
Video: 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally and supports extensive video functions that include capabilities, like hi-speed 1080/240P slow motion and 4K/60P streaming through USB-C
3.5mm microphone/headphone jack
new Vlog Mode has been introduced to facilitate Vlog production
Weight: 1.1 lb, 491 g including battery and memory card
Price: $1,299.00 (at the time this review was posted)

My Thoughts on the X-S20

It is perhaps disappointing that Fujifilm stuck the last generation X-Trans 4 sensor in the X-S20. It does, however, have the latest X-Processor 5 and as it is with most new releases nowadays it’s a race to provide better and better autofocus performance. Deep learning AI is the buzzword. My test shots were not especially demanding on the autofocus system and I had no issues during my test period.

The same X-Trans 4 sensor means that you will get the same image quality as with an X-T3 released in 2018. It is, however, great to see the NW-235 battery in the X-S20 and as seen in the X-Summit video, they managed to get more than a thousand shots on a single charge. When you travel this is indeed wonderful.

The X-S20 is aimed at the hybrid travel shooter and 6.2K is quite impressive at this price point. The fully articulating screen and dedicated Vlog mode also give signals as to who this camera is for.

Calm waters on a winter day at English Bay by the Stanley Park Seawall. The Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR — Stanley Park Seawall, Fujifilm X-S20, XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

The grip on the X-S20 is slightly larger than on the X-S10 and it does help a bit. This is a small camera for my taste and the grip is not large enough for all your fingers. You would, however, have to commend Fujifilm for making such a powerful camera in such a small and lightweight package weighing only 1.1 lb, 491 g counting in the battery and SD card.

I find the X-S20 quite attractive with a sleek design and it has an almost stealthy appearance. Overall the fit and finish are quite good with perhaps only the fully articulating screen feeling a tad flimsy.

You are left with the same 2.36-million-dot EVF as in the X-S10 but the 1.84-million-dot rear LCD is an improvement which is great as chances are you will be looking for the X-S20 for video.

For $400.00, 30% more, you can get the Fujifilm X-T5, and depending on your needs and taste it may be a good idea. The biggest difference will be the 40-megapixel X-Trans 5 sensor in the X-T5 but the 3.69 million-dot EVF, dual card slots, dedicated shutter speed, and ISO dials may also lure you in. As a Vlogger though the fully articulation screen will be missing.

The fully articulating screen on the Fujifilm X-S20 — The fully articulating screen

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

I always tend to get more excited about lens releases than camera releases although the cameras often tend to get all the attention. I have often heard the saying; Cameras come and go but lenses stay with you for much longer.

The XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is an exciting lens in the XF lineup and at the same time, it is on the fringe. It will not be for everyone but for some, it will be a blast and very important.

Paired with the X-S20 it would certainly make for an exciting Vlogging lens and I could see myself using it for travel, architecture, industrial, or real estate photography.

In this review, my favorite application for the XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR was for the polar bear swim where I simply put the lens on on f/5.6, held it up high above the crowds or in front of me, and used the camera as a point-and-shoot.

English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Specs

With a full-frame equivalent field of view of 12mm, the XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR offers the widest angle of view to date in Fujifilm’s family of X Mount lenses
12 lens elements in nine groups, including three aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements
Inner focus system
Weight: 7.6 oz, 215 g
Filter size: 62mm
Weather-sealed
Price: $799.00 (at the time this review was posted)

Buttons and dials of the Fujifilm X-S20 — The Fujifilm and X-S20 top view and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR shown with the lens hood attached

Wrapping it Up

The Fujifilm X-S20 has become a popular choice, especially if you are a hybrid shooter. What I enjoyed the most was the fact that the X-S20 is a lightweight and capable jack-of-all-trades camera. What I liked the least was the position of the joystick which resulted in me repeatedly moving the focus point away from the center inadvertently.

Pricewise I do find it a bit high for what you get and I would probably be looking to see if I could find the extra $400.00 it would take me to get an X-T5 with the latest 40-megapixel sensor and a camera that would fit my hands a bit better.

With that said the X-S20 has struck a nice balance between size, weight, and performance and as a travel camera it is certainly appealing.

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below.

Check availability and current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-S20 - B&H Photo
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR - B&H Photo

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