Is this the perfect camera to get into Fujifilm’s X line of APS-C mirrorless options?
We’re lucky to be living in a time with so many great camera manufacturers pumping out high-quality camera after high-quality camera. Every day for the past several years has felt like Christmas morning waking up, expecting news of a new digital video and photo camera from the likes of Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, Blackmagic, etc… to be announced.
Today is another one of those days as we have news to share of a new Fujifilm camera which is set to start shipping as early as next month. This new Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless hybrid is also exciting in its own right because it very well might be the new best entry-level professional photo and video camera for content creators (and maybe even budget filmmakers?).
Let’s explore everything we know about this new X-S20, and how it might be just right for those aspiring video pros looking to make their first investment into Fujifilm’s X line of APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Introducing the New Fujifilm X-S20
Comparatively sleek and small to some other cameras in Fujifilm’s X line, this new X-S20 still packs a punch despite its weight and price point. Also, for the first time in an X-S-series model, the X-S20 is going to include a 26.1-megapixel X Trans CMOS 4 sensor which is paired with Fuji’s X-Processor 5 imaging engine, which should result in the high-speed image and video processing with improved autofocus speed and accuracy.
Here are the rest of the specs as well as pricing and availability:
-
26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor
-
X-Processor 5 Image Processor
-
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
-
6.2K at 30 fps, 4K at 60 fps
- 19 Film Simulation Modes
All said this new sensor should power the Fujifilm X-S20 to be capable of recording up to a whopping 6.2K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps. For a camera that’s well under $2,000, we’re getting into some insane territory for 4K+ video capability, which we used to only associate with high-end cinema cameras and overpowered (prone to explode) mirrorless cameras pushing beyond their limits. It seems 4K really is the default standard now.
Combined with Fujifilm’s color science (which is growing in popularity amongst creators) and five-axis in-body image stabilization, this should be a solid offering through and through for both videographers and photographers alike. Plus, as a personal fan of Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, the X-S20 will get 19 to start with, including ETERNA Bleach Bypass, a powerful in-camera color palette.
The Perfect Entry-Level Fuji Hybrid Camera?
As we’ve covered with the recent news of Canon and Sony seeming to double down on vlog-style content creators, it’s no surprise to see Fujifilm making this investment and announcement now. This new Fujifilm X-S20 is also an excellent option for content creators on the run and looking to shoot vlog style or streaming content—but at perhaps a better clip than a point-and-shoot option.
Set to be introduced at $1,299 (and with the option of a $799 XF 8mm f/3.5 WR super-wide lens), a complete Fujifilm X-S20 kit should really get any hybrid content creator locked and loaded to launch themselves into projects big or small. Its video output is competitive with any other (even pricier) camera out there, and Fujifilm’s reputation for quality video camera design has grown significantly over the years.
As an entry-level offering, you can always move up the line later and invest in the Fujifilm X-H2 or the X-H2S if you’d like to bump up your specs even more, in which case the X-S20 would simply become a great B or C camera in your arsenal.
If you’ve ever been interested in making a small or big jump into Fuji, this might be a good camera to start with.
Video is no longer available: www.youtube.com/watch?v=seHymxnPfH4
Pricing and Availability
With excellent video and photo specs, plus a host of vlog and streaming features (including the ability to stream in 4K), along with improved battery life and those fun aforementioned Film Simulation modes, if the Fujifilm X-S20 can settle into the entry-level position for Fuji’s growing X-line, I can see it being a hugely popular camera for a few years to come.
The Fujifilm X-S20 is expected to be available and begin shipping by Thursday, June 29th, 2023, and can be purchased and reserved online starting today.
How do you feel about Fujifilm’s new X-S20? Is this the entry-level Fujifilm hybrid camera for you? Or are you interested in another option on the market?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
