My Pros and Cons of the Fujifilm X-S20 Camera

[@pancakelens75]

I agree about having only four custom settings. Heck my equally AWESOME little X-E4 even has the seven custom settings. That said, I absolutely love my X-S20-what an amazing little high quality package to travel with!

[@karma13612]

Thanks! It’s always good to hear a practical , non-hyped review. I like your style! 👍🙋🏼‍♀️

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thanks I appreciate that! I know I’m not as captivating as some here, but it’s just my style so I’m rolling with it.

[@mousse4444]

Excellent review. I love the way you communicate as though you were talking to a friend. I bought the xs20 2 weeks ago and am just getting such a good experience with the form factor and those beautiful fuji colors. The things you don't like about the camera are pretty much the same for me. One important thing that you omitted to talk about is the outstanding video quality of this baby fuji. The video is on par with cameras costing twice as much. I compared it to my Sony a7siii and couldn't see any difference Fujifilm have almost hit a home run with the xs20. One final thought. The form factor of fuji cameras just make you fall in love with photography all over again. Looking forward to your next videos. Cheers

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thank you for the comment! You’re right! I just don’t feel like I have used it enough for video to comment yet however the specs are exceptional. It’s a great bargain given everything it can do! No qualms about purchasing it.

[@amermeleitor]

I'm still undecided about which mirrorless system to buy. I'm only a hobbyist and I have Nikon and Canon DSLRs and lenses. I like the full frame look and colors with my old Canon 6D. But having smaller camera and lenses may be a bless. Fuji seems tempting, small, good IQ, third party lenses...

[@MatthewRaifman]

Fuji has a lot of great class. It’s definitely different from full frame so you have to consider your options. I have crop, full, and medium format cameras and each is a bit different.

[@amermeleitor]

@@MatthewRaifman good thing it's there are more options, I'll wait until the next year. I'm between Fuji, Sony, Panasonic L mount and Nikon. But Fuji and Sony have the big advantage of being open mounts with third party lenses, and being the smaller bodies overall.

[@catherinegrimes2308]

I agree with you about the 40MP sensor. The 40MP sensor works better with the X-H2 than it does with the X-T5 and I put it down to the faster electronics in the X-H2. When Fuji Rumors predicted that the X-S20 would have the 26MP sensor, I was disappointed for a few seconds then realised that it was a sensible decision and the X-S20 with the latest processor would perform better than the X-T4, which has the 26MP sensor, the old processor and is a highly regarded camera.

[@43topspin]

Well thought out talking points! I decided to purchase one as a family camera. Would love to see some videos on your lenses for Fuji.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Solid! Thanks for the comment. I have some reviews of the viltrox 27 f/1.2, viltrox 75 f/1.2, and sigma 16 f/1.4 coming!

[@apinantpongsupaht872]

I am deciding whether to buy this camera and very much appreciate your view. Two more things I like about your clip are your calm and concise presentation which is pleasant and rare these days, also for not showing a massive mic in front of your face and yet the audio still comes out loud and clear.😊

[@MatthewRaifman]

Hey! Thank you so much for the feedback. It’s hard to stand out here on KZbin but I’m just doing my thing and hoping folks who are interested in my take will find me. Helps to hear from you! Good luck with your decision!

[@apinantpongsupaht872]

@@MatthewRaifman Just to let you know I have decided to buy the Fuji over the Sony a6700. (partly because of your review) What you don't like about it was probably from a perspective of a pro photographer. I just want a decent and affordable hybrid camera. Thank you again for making my decision easier.

[@larchofilms]

Nice review, can yoy please share the link of the L Bracket for this camera ? Thanks

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thanks! You bet. Here is it is. You can get it cheaper direct on eBay. There are little screw’s you can remove to make it a grip extension instead of L. www.glazerscamera.com/products/smallrig-l-bracket-f-fuj-x-s20?variant=41676631965741&currency=USD&srsltid=AfmBOop7jG5ao46PdnWx2VM2XP7j5qGtbbECdjFbivspdlO6OLdbpVd5tiA

[@craigcarlson4022]

Matt, Thanks, agree with all your pros and cons. I’ve been in and out of the Fuji system, but using Nikon for apsc last couple of years. If Nikon doesn’t release an update of the Z50 i’ll probably head back to Fuji and would go with this model.

[@MatthewRaifman]

How do you like the z50? I’ve considered getting one too. What’s missing?

[@craigcarlson4022]

@@MatthewRaifman Matt, I really like my Z50. Nikon’s, imho, do the best job of capturing the tonality of light in any scene. My experience is they also meter a scene best. The sensor does not have an anti-aliasing filter on it so even though just 20 mp, one gets good resolution of fine details. I find Nikon’s color science as good as Canon’s. A bit different from each other but both very appealing in their own rights. It is compact but has a great grip. The existing lenses are sharp and light to carry, but the slow minimum apertures are limiting. It is not a speed camera. With the low mps and dated autofocus it isn’t good for bird photography. Current APSC lens options are mostly really slow. And with just 20 mp, one can’t crop into a scene much. But as my vacation/travel and EDC camera i love it. I am betting that Nikon will upgrade it soon, adding its big brothers’ autofocus capabilities, probably a 24/26mp sensor and hopefully IBIS. And i hope Sigma will release their apsc 23mm 1.4 prime lens in Z mount. Really hope i’ve guessed correctly on all these predictions. 🤞

[@sabergo1]

Well presented! I have the X-S10 now and am considering the X-S20 or X-T5 as an upgrade. The X-S20 seems to improve battery and and autofocus, and the X-T5 -- battery, autofocus, weather-sealing, and adds resolution (though not as important to me). I really like the grip on the X-S10 and I'm now comfortable with the buttons/dials. I've improved as an operator, but still haven't figured out the autofocus system on the X-S10 for anything that moves. Looking forward to your future content.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Hey! Thanks for the comment! I’ll be sharing more Fuji content going forward. I’m working on a comparison with the Canon R5 autofocus. Hard to say which is better. Depends on your needs. I was shooting a massive telephoto with the xs20 and the grip made a huge difference.

[@merapi007]

Hi @sabergo1. I am in the same situation. I have been using x-e2 for 9 years or so, time to upgrade a bit, so I also consider x-s20 and x-t5. Use it mostly (99 %) for photograhy on my trekking (landscape, rural vilages, etc.) and a family photo. In x-t5 I would miss build-in flash, in x-s20 exposure compensation and weather sealing. Have you already chosen the camera? Thanks

[@dccoletrain]

I would rather have 2 more custom settings than the filter and vlog mode. I don’t think I’ve ever used filter mode on any of my cameras

[@MatthewRaifman]

Absolutely agree. I see zero value to either filter or vlog mode. I suspect they added those as beginner features. Part of why this camera is a sleeper. It’s marketed as a beginner camera but it packs a serious punch.

[@jrperezphotography]

Well done thoughtful and informative. I owned the xs10 and have been tempted to purchase xs20 but the $300 price increase Swede me to the xt5 instead. Are you using the xs20 for blogging or videos while your doing your photography? Thank you .

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thank you! I really like the xs20. It’s quite versatile. I haven’t used it much for video but I’m hoping to in the future.

[@connorsimms4675]

Is this camera good for wildlife photography/ videography aswell for someone wanting to get into wildlife photography

[@MatthewRaifman]

Yes, I think it’s a great hybrid photo/video camera. What lens were you thinking? 100-400 or 150-600 both will be good except in low light

[@gregoire8376]

Finally ... Somebody (you) confirmed my theory why this camera likely has better AF than the Fuji 40 megapixel models. Thank you for the very good "book pag / reader" analogy. This has a normal sensor (the page) with a faster processor (reader). Better comprehension = better pictures. This camera becomes the mid-priced beauty in the Fuji system. My looking can stop here. And, you have a new subscriber. 😊

[@vitorazinheira1739]

I had the S10 was very good for photo with great color with my long exposures and low ISO, but when I had shots with wildlife at 1600 iso was ok but @ 3200 ISO and higher was terrible, so I sold it. Also old batteries NP126 was just terrible at cold. Always had like 5 or 6 for a day

[@MarcoACasco]

Good video. Thanks. subscribed.

[@HENRY205566]

Where did you get the baseplate? Is it from smallrig?

[@MatthewRaifman]

Yes exactly. It’s the small rig L bracket and then you can remove the L and just use the baseplate

[@jozvic]

X-T5s (with 26 Mpix sensor)? I hope so. For 40 Mp better FF instead of APS-C sensor

[@marilynbettridge2889]

I want to shoot fast action sports and what Im hearing is that this camera I would not be happy with. Baseball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, demolition derby, horse events. True? your thoughts?

[@MatthewRaifman]

It depends. Can it do it? Yea, it can. Is it the camera I’d recommend for fast action sports? No. Set it in mechanical shutter, use AF zone, and it would be fine. But it depends on your budget. If you have the money, a canon r6ii or first gen Sony a9 would be better choices in my opinion.

[@christophpleininger5876]

I love the camera for photography (also came from a X-T30) but for video I find the IBIS a bit lacking, unfortunately.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Yeah, I have only properly tested it as a photo camera. I have noticed the AF is a bit unreliable with video however that might be my settings

[@mamumonkan]

very good review

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thank you!

[@RoyLouden]

I can't find that Smallrig bracket for X-S20.

[@MatthewRaifman]

I found it on Walmart but not Amazon. Here’s the link: www.walmart.com/ip/SmallRig-L-Shape-Mount-Plate-for-FUJIFILM-X-S20-4231/3850139599?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101088770&adid=222222222283850139599_101088770_169368568452_21392243211&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=704451498606&wl4=pla-2317150488460&wl5=9195510&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=468970560&wl11=online&wl12=3850139599_101088770&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIqoFk9U4IrbA3FnlFZFZWYGZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXCYJH3TRZQvFuW8idZWb1PlPYKeqCEZzYT_lYPlRVmskd1RXhsIbfxoC6W4QAvD_BwE

[@RoyLouden]

@@MatthewRaifman Thanks. It's not at B&H either... probably discontinued.

[@mex5341]

your 2 first flaws are pros for me ) I found this joystick so useful comparing with Sony . I would say 2 major flaws are Autofocus in video, Ibis and low light

[@MatthewRaifman]

Ha! Well there you go. To each their own. I think the Canon build and ergonomics is just about as good as it gets, so it’s definitely all relative. On your cons: are you saying IBIS doesn’t perform well in low light? I haven’t tested video autofocus a lot so I’m going to be experimenting more with that for sure. Thanks for watching it through! Be well

[@mousse4444]

I do a great deal of video shooting and have yet to have the autofocus give me any problems. I also work with the Fuji series of small f2 lenses that are a perfect match for the xs20. From my experience, I have had no problems with the ibis. I know that Sony has the best autofocus, but I also know that fujifilm is catching up very quickly.

[@mex5341]

@@mousse4444 so , you didn't work in serious conditions

[@mousse4444]

@@mex5341 what do you mean by serious conditions. I've done a couple of weddings and I had no issues with autofocus. I'm sure it would be more difficult to film a rugby match and that Sony would be the best choice in those kind of conditions.

[@nickdual]

I subscribed

[@edc5338]

I have this camera and enjoy using it with the 16-55mm. There is no perfect camera but this works for me. I don't do video.

[@AlexIsUber]

It’s just as good as XT5 with lighter more ergonomic package

[@SuperCern]

I love the looks of Fuji cameras but somehow Nikon and Sony have pretty much sharper photos everytime I compare them... I don't know how or why but I feel that Fuji with their sensor is closer to that "film look".

[@MatthewRaifman]

Interesting, I wonder what lenses you’re using and if that matters. When I put a top notch lens like the canon ef 500 f/4 on Fuji via adapter and Canon r5, the Fuji is sharper. Makes sense because it doesn’t have an AA filter. I don’t have a Nikon or Sony right now but they don’t use AA filter so that would make sense (larger pixels, less noise, looks sharper). I know, I love the images from the Fuji.

[@amermeleitor]

​@@MatthewRaifmanseems difficult to believe that Fuji could be sharper than the R5...🤔. You could make a video comparing the pictures. It could be a great help for everyone, and personally for me, because I'm thinking about going the Fuji route but most people say that Fuji image isn't sharp at all

[@belaacs5238]

Use Boost mode and you will get an even faster AF.

[@RonRacer100]

The XH2 has express cards..wich beat the speed of the XS20 and XT5 by a mile. So I don't understand your argument of the 26MP sensor being quicker. Compared to the XT5 yes, to the XH2, nope.

[@MatthewRaifman]

No problem, happy to explain. Two separate factors. One, sensor readout. A smaller sensor paired with the same processor will have a faster read out speed which allows for more AF calculations per second and less rolling shutter. Two, the read speed of the card will dictate how many images can be saved per second. The latter does not affect the read out speed of the sensor or the AF calculations, just the buffer size. So yeah, I still would argue the 26 MP sensor is faster read out.

[@RonRacer100]

Gotcha, AF and rolling shutter yes. Just seeing your negatives you mention in the video. All of them get solved by the XH2. Also the XH2 has a bigger grip so you won't need the L bracket. Seems to me like for you the XH2s would be perfect as it also has a 26MP sensor. I'm a big guy also (6,6) with huge hands. I held the XH2 and it felt so great and didn't feel big at all. Actually I thought it was small :p I think the XH2s would be the best Fuji camera for you.

[@MatthewRaifman]

@@RonRacer100Thanks! I think you’re right. No argument there. I do think the X-S20 is a compelling and rarely talked about wildlife option for half the cost too. Not sure if I’ll get more Fuji kit. I also have an XE3 that I use for casual fun work.

[@alfiolora3446]

What I DO NOT like is that overheats like crazy , almost impossible to use. I have tried everything and NOTHING works, not even the Fuji "Expert" sales rep can give me an answer. I feel is silly to have to buy an overpriced plastic fan . This camera is made for recording mainly, should not overheat like this. Any ideas. Also, it will not work with the record button on my DJI ronin gimbal, so every time I have to start recording I have to physically press the record button on the camera itself, I am sure you can guess how uncomfortable this is. Terrible !! I cannot believe no-one can come up with solutions for this.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Yikes, agree that the solution should not be purchasing the fan! Are you recording in 4k 30 fps? I haven't had an issue recording in 4k with overheating but haven't really tried 6.2k open gate. I'm in agreement with you, though, that a camera should be able to perform with its specs. Over-specing cameras for sales and then not delivering is very annoying.

[@christophpleininger5876]

I had the camera overheat once and I wasn't even shooting video, just stills. Granted it was 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) and I mostly moved in shadows. It took around 15 mins (I turned the camera off after I was done shooting) until it gave up on me. Was an extreme situation, but nonetheless it surprised me since it was just stills. However, haven't had any problems since and even shot outdoor 4k25 for nearly an hour without warning (temp. around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius)

[@alfiolora3446]

@@christophpleininger5876 I finally figured it out. I have to lower the FPS to 30, with 4K 60FPS, this baby falls apart. can't believe Fuji has made such a boo boo. terrible