Fujifilm X20
Announced January 7, 2013
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 X20 is a premium compact camera that offers a refined enthusiast experience through its tactile manual controls, fast lens, and upgraded sensor. While it excels in build quality and image sharpness, the camera is hampered by a disappointing video mode and an optical viewfinder that suffers from parallax and limited coverage.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Robust build and retro design
- Fast, responsive autofocus performance
- Intuitive manual controls and quick-access menus
- Versatile zoom lens with manual ring
Cons
- Underwhelming video quality and limited video controls
- Optical viewfinder parallax and coverage issues
- Awkward lens-twist power switch
- Aggressive noise reduction at higher ISOs
- High price compared to competitors
- Launch price $599.95 (USD)
- Sensor 12MP CMOS
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 77/100
The Fujifilm X20 is a true enthusiast's compact, with solid build quality, a fast lens, unique optical viewfinder, and sharp, high resolution photos.
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The Fujifilm X20 is a major upgrade to the X10, with a brand new 12 Megapixel X-trans sensor and EXR II processor providing improved image quality and low light performance as well as new shooting modes, 1080p60 video and faster continuous shooting.
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Lacklustre video footage also disappoints, although these aren’t significant issues when the camera’s plus points are considered.
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[T]his Fujifilm X20, even with the smaller sensor, compares very, very well.
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The Fujifilm X20 may look the same as the X10 on the outside, but the insides where all the technology lives has been significantly upgraded, replaced and re-worked, with the camera delivering better than ever image quality and improved continuous shooting speed.
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$599 is admittedly a lot of ask for what is essentially still a compact camera at heart, despite all the fancy trappings, but for us the Fujifilm X20 delivers such a winning combination of old and new that offers so many important improvements over the original model [...]
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It’s a great choice for those looking for a compact camera that can take on a variety of different shooting situations.
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The Fujifilm X20 premium compact camera is a great choice for those who demand an optical viewfinder, but it can't keep up with the Sony DSC-RX100 in low light.
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With the X20, Fuji continues its dominance in the corner of the market reserved for high-end compact cameras with superb image quality that exude retro cool. No other manufacturer manages to mix those two qualities together quite so well as Fuji.
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With its dependable build quality, impressive AF, excellent resolution and generally pleasing images, it’s a welcome addition to an admittedly crowded market.
- CNET 7.8/10
[T]here’s a lot to recommend the Fujifilm X20, especially if you’re looking for a more old-school shooting experience in a digital compact [...] It delivers very good performance, a nice feel, and a streamlined interface.
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[C]onsidering what we’ve seen, who should buy the Fuji x20? I would say that any point-and-shoot user who has developed a passion for photography could grow very fond of this little camera, just as I have.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
[F]eaturing the same ‘retro’ styling as its predecessor, the Fujifilm X20 appears superficially identical to the X10. But inside there have been plenty of changes to bring this advanced digicam up-to-date.
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[T]he X20 is a great family camera, vacation camera or street shooter and it is one that will give you good results and fantastic style as it is around your neck.
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[A]nyone that was put off buying an X10, let the X20 take you under its photographic wing - you won't have any regrets.
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Like its predecessor, the X20 will appeal to anyone who has ever lusted after the build quality and handling of a Leica but could never justify buying one.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 is a better video camera, and its even brighter f/1.4-2.3 lens makes up for its slightly smaller sensor to put it roughly level pegging with the X20 for photo quality.
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The Fuji X20 is an excellent premium compact [...]
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I can’t think of another small camera with the mix of mechanical zoom and optical viewfinder, though this can cut both ways as it admittedly introduces some difficulties that many people wouldn’t tolerate.
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I think if you’re not particularly picky about image quality at 100%, then it’ll really put the fun back into photography for many; both because it’s responsive and because it’s such a tactile pleasure to handle (especially the chrome version).
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Brilliant, brilliant camera. And I'm glad it's mine.
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[W]hat you get when you acquire an X20 is a camera that can perform like a DSLR when a DSLR isn't available.
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[I]f you want to buy a real good camera with good picture quality and good functions, the X10 again is a real good choice, but the Fujifilm X20 is a little bit better, has more option, has the new optical viewfinder, has the peaking function for manual focusing [...]
