Fujifilm X-S20 detailed, hands-on, not sponsored review (stills)

[@bmeclipse]

So glad to see you still cranking out reviews. Excellent and thorough as always.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Much appreciated! Thanks for your kind words.

[@stanpowers600]

You were and always will be the best reviewer out there, Maarten! I hope you are happy and healthy and having fun! (I sold off lots of gear, including my X-S10 and just picked up the X-S20 - after vacillating between X-T5, X-T50 and X-S20 - with the new 16-50 so am re-watching your excellent review). Thank you for all of your good work!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words. Always nice to know my videos are appreciated.

Superb video! I have recently watched a lot of videos/reviews regarding cameras but yours stand out. I appreciate how it truly focuses on the subject and less on the bells and whistles for a video. Your delivery has its authority and charm. Thank you for the video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad it was helpful! A pleasure to read your kind words.

[@maczorcom]

Dziękujemy.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Dziękuję! To było bardzo miłe i bardzo doceniane.

[@sabergo1]

Thank You -- this is very useful. Would love to see a specific tutorial/video on just the P mode, since I'm learning in reverse from Auto to Manual.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind contribution, it is appreciated. Although I've really given up on reviewing cameras - that is an interesting suggestions for a tutorial. Let me see if I can come up with a script for that.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Here's the P mode video you requested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6K3g4x4aN9oeKs

[@robojobot77]

My favorite overview of this camera. Thanks a ton !

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, always nice to hear that viewers appreciate my approach.

[@JackieDElia]

Thanks!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That was very kind of you, thanks very much!!

[@johnvienna3422]

Thanks

[@johnvienna3422]

Sooo good to see you back, Maarten! Still the best reviewer and tutor by far.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thank you for your kind contribution to my work, it is gratefully appreciated.

[@sebichaos]

Awesome review !! Only person I’ve seen go into more detail about the menus and settings.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, always nice to know my detailed work is appreciated!

[@catherinegrimes2308]

Very nice review. It is amazing how you can pack in so much in 18 minutes. Not only did you review the camera but gave some useful hints and tips. Testing autofocus using a toy train is ingenious. I bought one last week from a local retailer, but apart from charging the battery I have been too busy to use it. I need a small light capable camera for photographing wildlife with the XF 70-300mm lens and for taking away on holiday flights.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Godox has some nice small flashes that are compatible with Fujifilm's hot shoe. Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.

[@tibble2]

Even if I’m not interested in the particular brand of camera, you’re reviewing which is most definitely not the case here as I love Fuji I am always relaxed when listening to your voice. Thank you for all the effort you put into making these videos it’s certainly appreciated by me❤

[@MaartenHeilbron]

A pleasure to read your very kind words, thank you!!

[@edc5338]

Another great video that I will put to good use.! I just ordered the X-S20.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always a pleasure to read that viewers enjoy and appreciate my videos, thanks!

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

Hey Maarten! I live in Georgetown Ont. I just grabbed this camera last week. and I'm loving it! great video my man. all the best.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johndoherty1336]

Great balanced review, I purchased the camera a couple days ago, it is super awesome

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad to hear that you've found a camera that brings you satisfaction. Thanks for your kind words.

[@RastadasPT]

Amazing review and explanations! Delightful.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It was a pleasure to read your kind comments, thanks for taking the time.

[@dougmacmillan1712]

Another very helpful dive into the settings of the S-20!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Festvangelist]

Thanks for the still version of the XS20. Lost my XS 10 while on vacation 😞 I am looking to replace it and the XS20 looks great with the latest 5th generation Processor, enhanced video and all the XS10 features I loved this sure looks an upgrade worth considering. Still competitive at $1300, but hard to not love the XS10 used for a $500+ savings. I love the controls which are very easy to use when you keep your eye on the viewfinder to keep control in real time. Either way, for me the XS 20 is a better fit than the XT5…each of which have their fans.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Akagami753]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm going to buy Xs20 next year.

[@jaumeolle3127]

Hi, Has anybody used this camera for infrared photography? If so, does it perform well. Thank you.

[@poserp]

I am excited to put mine to use (on order, delivery Friday) for open-gate anamorphic video. I believe this is currently the cheapest camera on the market that can do true open-gate recording. Also, I want to test out using the 6.2k video mode as a way to capture "continuous" still images. I plan to test recording internally as well as to an Atomos external recorder. It requires a bit of post-processing (using Davinci Resolve to output tiffs, or writing out the command for something like ffmpeg to do a similar thing), but might be useful in certain situations since the frame rate is guaranteed to match and the "burst" sizes are practically limitless.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Please keep me posted, sounds like an interesting project.

[@DJDLS]

This was very detailed and helpful. Thank you for making this. Cheers!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your kind words.

[@MikeAdams49]

Excellent video. Thank you. I have had my S20 a couple of weeks and have watched a lot of videos and have read the manual a number of times. So far I have encountered a number of issues that I hope, possibly with assistance, to overcome. First, my photos don't load with my cable so I need to insert the chip. Second, there is no exposure compensation method that I can find. Best I can do is determine the auto recommendation and then adjust in manual. Some experimentation may be helpful. Third, raw RAF files aren't accepted by Photoshop Elements and the program says that the S20 is not a compatible camera.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Hard to troubleshoot a cable issue - I recommend using the cable included with the camera and using a port on the computer directly. Otherwise, I always insert the card to transfer photos. The manual's explanation of exposure compensation (page 107) works for me. Note that EC is only available when using one of the auto exposure modes. You may need an upgraded version of the app, possibly your version dates from before the release of the camera.

[@russellgosse7274]

Looks like a very capable camera followed by a great review/tutorial. Thank you!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for watching! And for taking the time to comment.

[@rohitpatgaonkar174]

I really like your videos. Thankfully you are the one who dedicates one entire video for photography where as other reviewers give more priority to video (my opinion though). I am thinking of buying a new camera soon, do you feel this is still the best camera to have in 2024 or if there's any alternative to look for.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I think this is the best camera you could get, unless you're willing to go full frame.

[@Tom4ick]

Thank you for this review! Important note about HEIF - iPhone uses 8-Bit HEIF photos, but Fuji takes 10-Bit HEIF. This causes weird color representation on the iPhone, and will cause apps to crash. Unfortunately I'd avoid using HEIF untill Apple adds full 10-Bit support.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

What workflow are you using to transfer 10 bit HEIFs to your iPhone? Thanks for the kind words.

[@Tom4ick]

@@MaartenHeilbron I tried straight from SD, or via the XApp transfer. Both with the same result - it looks like the image is fine, but the colors are off, many apps crash when they try to open it

[@tedsclickz2535]

Very useful video Maarten. We cannot shoot time lpase in this camera?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words, Yes, the stills mode has a time lapse feature with unlimited shootiing.

[@schnellbratpfanne3606]

Whenever I see a new video from you I instantly watch it! Please keep going like this. If the time comes and I have enough money, I will buy myself a used X-S10 or 20 to replace my canon 77d dslr

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, appreciated!

[@wilfs1196]

It's been awhile since I watched your videos & I must congratulate you on this video & your XS20 Introductory video, both of which I've watched twice. Always catch something that I missed first time around. Had a very difficult time finding a body only XS20 between BC & Quebec, several hours of searching. Shortly after my search ended I received 2 phone calls saying that they just happened t o find one in stock. Bought one in Toronto. Enjoying it so far as the weather has not been kind recently & will use it for travel & compliment my XT4. First step, download the online manual & use it ! Non video shooter (at this time anyway)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Why do we keep reading reports that camera sales are down? This lack of stock either means they're selling out or there are very few available for sale? Thanks for your kind words.

[@paulie_b-007]

I really enjoyed this tutorial! Thank you.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I'm so glad! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

[@ramonarias1234]

Great review, thanks. This looks like a fantastic stills cam

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for watching, and for your kind words.

[@severy-zk2ig]

hello, loved your review, thankyou so much it was a treat watching haha

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind words.

[@shy-guy5544]

Very nice video as usual. One limitation of the camera is that as far as I know it only has one card slot.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words. I thought I mentioned that, but yes, just one card slot.

[@johngoodwin34]

Will always find time to watch you

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks! Appreciated.

[@ladosvec5478]

This video was sooo much helpful .I just bought the xs20 and I can't use my manual lenses.Will appreciate any advice, thanks in advance

[@MaartenHeilbron]

How do you mean, "can't use"? What's the issue? Thanks for your kind words, always appreciated.

[@ladosvec5478]

Shuter release does not work when manual lens is attached. Maybe something with the settings?@@MaartenHeilbron

[@MikeAdams49]

Have you tried AF MF menu, choose Release/Focus priority and choose Release instead of Focus?

[@richardswizz221]

I absolutely love your videos. They have helped me with all kinds of questions about cameras. Wondering if you would have any idea if Fuji will produce any more X100V?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

They have not shared any information with me about that model.

[@Zerge6095]

Thank you for the video! Looking forward to see the review of the X-E5 if it ever gets released

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Yes, that would be nice. On the other hand, they could just bring the X-E3 back.

[@Philonic]

Thank you, Maarten! Now to scrape together the cash. Wonder how much I can get for my X-S10?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

No idea. Have you tried baby-sitting? Bake sale?

[@emrg777]

Maarten, I love your reveiws...thanks... I have been watching gear for a couple of years and this might be the time I pull the trigger... I might wait to see what you think of the new Sony A6700 and how it compares.... Lots of glass for those camera's and it sounds not bad

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words. I've put in my review loan request to Sony.

[@emrg777]

@@MaartenHeilbron Looking forward to it... your reviews provide such a comprehensive overview without hype.... your archive is a great resource.....

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I appreciate your kind words.

[@akanbilincoln1307]

Good day, sir. Very good review. After the x-s20 was introduced, I took a u-turn from buying Sony A74, thinking that it is more valuable to me in every aspect, thinking, I felt it is not important for me to have weather sealing. Please, sir, I need your candid advice. I don't care about the FF it's the person behind the camera.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words. If you are a reasonably careful person, unless you are headed to extreme weather locations, I would not worry about weather sealing very much.

[@akanbilincoln1307]

@MaartenHeilbron Thanks so much, sir, for your candid advice.

[@shanbesu]

Excellent video. Thanks a lot. I just bought it 3 days back. I have updated from XT-2 to XS-20. Is it worth? Need your opinion please..

[@MaartenHeilbron]

What specific new features helped you make your decision? What aspects of the X-T2 no longer pleased you?

[@shanbesu]

@@MaartenHeilbron the IBS and video capability mainly. Still love my XT2

[@MaartenHeilbron]

The video features (H.265, 10 bit 4:2:2 and 360 data rate) might be enough to push me over, but in general, I would not be in a hurry to upgrade from the X-T2, or any camera that I love.

[@EZ-lj3hv]

Hello, I have the X-S20 since the last 2 weeks with the standard 45mm lense. As an amateur, I am trying to figure out the best most versatile lense some of you could recommend me. I am not impressed with the pictures I have taken, only because I am a noob and shooting with the auto function on. I will dig into the settings more and more and try different ones. But I think this standard lense is limiting the pictures quality. Thank you.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

While it's correct that's likely not the best lens, you should be able to take high quality images with the auto settings. It's possible that lower light situations may result in less than ideal images.

[@EZ-lj3hv]

@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you Maarten. Any good more versatile lens you would recommend by any chance? Cheers.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Virtually any lens that Fujifilm designates at XF (not XC) would be better.

[@EZ-lj3hv]

@@MaartenHeilbron Cheers

[@EZ-lj3hv]

@@MaartenHeilbron Just got a Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR today. I am already very impressed with the improved pictures quality. Thanks.

[@dccoletrain]

Mine just arrived. I’m curious to see how much better auto mode is on this model. I didn’t use it much on the X-S10. Did you find it hunting in video with eye detection on?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I found the face/eye detect in video to be solid and reliable. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4auXoydo9iWrtk

[@dccoletrain]

@@MaartenHeilbron I plan on running some tests once I have some time. Thanks and I’m glad you’re back making videos

[@martingreenberg870]

Thank you Maarten for this video. I don’t enjoy reading the manual. It frequently isn’t easy to use or understand. Your videos subsume the manual. After watching your reviews I ALWAYS better understand how to best use my cameras. Suggestion to manufacturers. Provide a video owner’s manual similar to what you provide. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Great to hear! Always nice to hear from viewers who appreciate my work.

[@mikhailaronov4084]

May be good idea add additional review after 1 y when you post review

[@MaartenHeilbron]

While this is a great suggestion, it’s usually not possible as I have returned the camera.

[@walkingmeditation61]

excellent video, would you agree that this X-S20 has faster AF than the X-T4? with the same sensor as the X-T4 so for stills the X-S20 is an improvement yet its marketed as a "VLOG" camera. Do you have any "best lenses" recommendations for the X-S20? the kit lens gets high marks from others. The X-T5's 40MP sensor has resolution issues with some of the lenses in the Fuji line. I don't think I need 40MP either so with spending about half the money than the Fuji flagship camera X-S20 is the current most bang for the buck from Fuji. July 12 let's see what Sony delivers us? with their new APSC camera?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Marginally faster, yes. New processor. The 18-55 is suitable (one of the better kit lenses). Otherwise, the XF16 or XF23mm are good choices. My best lens is the 1XF6-55.

[@walkingmeditation61]

@@MaartenHeilbron thank you

[@garylambe1187]

Hi Maarten, this camera doesnt have an exposure compensation dial which I use all the time. How do you use EC on this camera?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

By default, the rear dial sets the exposure compensation, however this can be customized. You'll find more details in the manual - fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x-s20/

[@ajeesh3485]

Can you recommend a good lense that goes with xt-1 for a beginner

[@MaartenHeilbron]

The XF18-55 is good if you can't afford the XF16-55. For a slightly longer reach the XF16-80 is also worth considering.

[@Strokkkk]

Hi, would be a nice a review comparison of X-S20 and a6700 :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That would be nice. I've asked for a review loan of the A6700.

[@DA-yd2ny]

Thanks for the review

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always nice to read that viewers appreciate my videos.

[@zabivalovtv]

Thank you

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words.

[@andreasneumann3205]

I wonder why Fuji didn’t include the aspect ratio 5:4, which is my favorite for portrait mode.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I wonder why they provide any i camera aspects that crop the full sensor readout. It's always possible to create alternate aspects in editing.

[@andreasneumann3205]

@@MaartenHeilbronIt helps me to compose my image.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Of course, sorry to overlook that.

[@bartmaas437]

Beste Maarten, thanks for making a stills video. I never shoot video, but the last few years it seems all KZbin reviewers focus more and more on that aspect. This camera is definitely on my whish list. Now I just have to convince the wife that spending € 1399 on a new camera is a good investment. One question though, i scrolled through your photo's on Flickr and the one of the Canadian Geese seems to have missed the front goose's eye when focussing and hit the other goose’s butt. Was that a common problem?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I think a camera that brings you pleasure and encourages you to get out and create photographs is a great investment. The question is, (if indeed the amount fits in your budget) is whether it is the best purchase based on the alternatives. The issue for me with tracking focus is the time it takes to switch subjects in a rapidly changing situation. I should use touch more. It's actually focussing on the chick's eye behind the parent, I was tracking the chick. Bedankt voor je vriendelijke woorden.

[@JohnKrill]

Is the S20 the only camera Fujifilm’s their only camera?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

No, they make many models of camera using both APS-C sized and medium format sensors.

[@audriusliesys]

@audriusliesys Hi, have you reviewed XT30ii ? I cant decide between XT30ii and H-S20. Does ibis really really needed if lenses like 15-45 or 18-55 have inbilt ibis . Or maybe to got for a6700? But then 6700 is the same price of XT-5. I'm lost :) please help. Thanks a lot !

[@MaartenHeilbron]

In body and optical stabilization are complementary, so when hand holding video, or with long lenses and longer shutter durations they are useful. Of those, the X-T5 is the better choice, but the X-S20 is not far behind.

[@audriusliesys]

Great. Thanks a lot for.your reply. I know, X-T5 is better, but then we're nearly touching £2k pounds. Also, I don't know why, I've tried and I didn't find comfortable to hold the X-T5. Maybe it'll have to be the XS20 for me :). Thanks a lot for taking time to reply!

[@shyamray1988]

Is it worth to upgrade from x-s10 ?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Depends on what about the X-S10 is annoying you and the benefits you believe you'll get from the upgrade.

[@shyamray1988]

@@MaartenHeilbron AF performance and Battery life. Is AF performance better now since they got an upgraded processor?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Battery life is way better (but a second battery for the X-S10 is a much less expesnive option). AF performance has improved, I notice it most in video, where face/eye detect is now reliable enough to use.

[@Duckquack-1]

I like this Mr Rogers vibe

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's a comparison I can appreciate, thanks!

[@ruff1draft]

The Fuji XS20 reminds me of a supped up Nikon D5500, Nikon D5600 and Nikon D7500.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That sounds good. Also, mirrorless!

[@ruff1draft]

@@MaartenHeilbron The Nikon D5600 and Nikon D5500 are DSLR camera's

[@MaartenHeilbron]

And the X-S20 is not.

[@KNAPPAID]

How so

[@JahangirAlam-oz6fy]

❤❤❤ From Bangladesh

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind emojis.

[@kieronseth]

I liked the video until the trite last two words.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks I appreciate your kind words.

[@leebloketube]

“Not sponsored” but you didn’t pay for the camera

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's why I returned it. Not sponsored means no money changed hands, I did not receive any gifts or compensation in any form from Fujifilm or any other company.

Superb video! I have recently watched a lot of videos/reviews regarding cameras but yours stand out. I appreciate how it truly focuses on the subject and less on the bells and whistles for a video. Your delivery has its authority and charm. Thank you for the video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words.