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

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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)

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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)

 

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. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

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

Thank you for being supportive.


Sample Images From a Fujifilm X-S20

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos.

Please click to view larger images.

 

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

 
 

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

 
 

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

 
 

Harry Jerome Statue, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

 
 

Brockton Point Lighthouse, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

 
 

Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

 
 

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

 
 

Downtown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

 
 

Downtown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

 
 

Robson Square, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

 
 

Robson Square, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR

 
 

Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R

 
 

Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R