Fujifilm X-S20
Announced May 24, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Fujifilm X-S20 is a powerful, compact hybrid camera that excels at both stills and video, offering significant performance upgrades over its predecessor. It is an ideal choice for content creators and enthusiasts who prioritize portability, excellent image quality, and advanced video features.
Weighted from 37 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent video capabilities including 6.2K open-gate recording and dedicated vlogging modes
- Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic body design with a deep, comfortable grip
- Significantly improved battery life using the high-capacity W-235 battery
- Advanced autofocus system with AI-based subject detection
- Highly effective seven-stop in-body image stabilization
Cons
- Lack of weather sealing
- Single SD card slot
- Underwhelming electronic viewfinder resolution and size
- Increased price compared to the previous generation
- Potential for overheating during intensive video recording
- Launch price $1,299 (USD)
- Sensor 26.1MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 6K 29.97p 4K 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 7 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 30 fps electronic 20 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 37 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The X-S20 has become a very powerful hybrid camera but still retains what made the X-S10 such a great camera.
- DPReview 86/100
The bottom line is that Fujifilm’s X-S20 gives you a lot of value for the money. Although it’s a little more expensive than (and a dead ringer for) the previous X-S10, this is a meaningful upgrade in most regards – especially if you’re hoping to capture video with it.
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Ultimately the X-S20 is a very strong proposition, enhancing what was already a great stills camera and upgrading the video capabilities to become one of the best at this price point.
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That being said, the “mid-range” camera arena surely got upgraded with the introduction of this new filming device.
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With a proven track record of exceptional image quality from the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, the X-S20 builds on this success by providing a camera that is both highly skilled for stills photography, as well as videography.
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For those that want a smaller, lighter, simpler camera that has many similar features to the higher end Fujifilm X-T5 (my review here), the X-S20 offers a compelling package. It has solid autofocus, competitive buffer depth, long lasting battery life, and very good image quality.
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Fujifilm has packed a lot of stuff into a very small body that's a pleasure to use in both stills and in video.
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The X-S20 is a perfect example of what Fujifilm do best – light, compact but well-made and sturdy cameras that handle superbly and produce the highest quality of results. All this is at a competitive price as well.
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Ultimately, though, the X-S20 builds on the success of its innovative predecessor, continuing to offer most of the core features of the X-T5 in a smaller, lighter and simpler package at a still cheaper price point.
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The Fujifilm X-S20 is a solid mid-range hybrid camera and a worthy upgrade on the Fujifilm X-S10 that came before it.
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The Fujifilm X-S20 is the perfect camera for most people, with its very straightforward controls, excellent fully automatic modes, and its small and compact size.
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The Fujifilm X-S20 is an exceptional mirrorless camera for creators and photo enthusiasts thanks to its stabilized sensor, excellent battery life, and healthy video toolkit.
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It's a shame that these updates have warranted a steep price hike over that camera, which makes the X-S20 a hard sell when the older model is still excellent.
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The Fujifilm X-S20 is a phenomenal mid-tier camera, which gives its target market of enthusiast hybrid shooters everything they could need. It’s worth the upgrade from the X-S10, but only if you’re shooting video.
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If you happen to be in this audience, the Fujifilm X-S20 should be a very compelling potential camera for you.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The X-S20 is a very competent all-round model that caters to a wide variety of photographers and videographers.
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Ergonomic points aside, there is a lot to love in this camera, a heck of a lot.
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Sharing many of its key components and functions with Fujifilm’s flagship cameras that cost almost double its price, the X-S20 is one of the best enthusiast-level cameras that you could consider right now.
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The perfect jumping off point for enthusiasts, with some of the best all-round ability you’ll find anywhere in its price range, for both stills and video.
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To wrap it up, the Fujifilm X-S20 is an excellent camera for today’s modern content creators who work with photo and video content. It’s especially well-suited for social media influencers generating content for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
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In general, this was a very fun camera to use. I had a great experience and found it handled all the situations I put it in really well.
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The Fuji X-S20's video capabilities and more significant performance outcomes make it an easy recommendation. Improved battery life, a powerful processor, refined subject detection modes, and overall output quality elevate it from its previous generation.
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For the film, Fujifilm X-S20 offers output and performance that is very tough, if not impossible, to beat at this price point. It is an excellent package that offers excellent value, which means that I can highly recommend it.
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So if you're a content creator, if you're a travel vlogger, or if you're just after a little travel go-around camera—maybe you've got an X-E4, maybe you've got an X-T5 or something like that and you want maybe a secondary camera—I really think this is a perfect camera for you.
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For the price, this camera is actually amazing. It's $1299 US, and I'd probably take this over an XT4.
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[I]f you're somebody who can take those extra few seconds to think about your scene, to maybe switch to a different film stock simulation, you're going to have a lot of fun with this camera.
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The X-S20 is a very likable, but not lovable tool. It'll stick around in the gear closet as my casual camera until something better comes along.
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As I’ve said before, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a mighty camera in a tiny body. Paired with the right lens, it can be perfect for a street photographer, traveling shooter, enthusiast, hobbyist, or even a fun camera for a pro to use on their days off.
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By all means it is still more expensive than a flagship camera phone, but really if you value image quality over anything else and want absolute control over your photos and videos without the influence of computational photography, you can't go wrong with the Fujifilm X-S20.
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It's a camera that wants to be everything to everyone - from vloggers to street photographers, beginners to seasoned shooters. But in trying to please everyone, does it stand up to its promises?
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Now overall then I think this is an excellent camera.
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It's exceptional for stills and excellent for video. It's only June, but I'm predicting this will be the best APS-C format camera of 2023.
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I personally love this camera and the lens. It's perfect for someone stepping up from a smartphone, like I said in my previous video, and is learning the more advanced features.
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Perfect for content creation and travel, the new X-S20 is the mirrorless digital camera that you want if you’re looking for capabilities across the board, including high resolution, stable video, and even a few print-quality photos if paired with the right lens.
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[T]his is probably the best APS-C camera that I have ever used.
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So the Fujifilm X-S20 is a pretty good camera overall, but of course it also has some competition.
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The introduction of weather-sealing would make this a go-anywhere camera and therefore bring it closer to being the perfect travel companion – something it’s already close to being.
