FujiFilm is like the Avis of the camera world. They are simply trying harder.
And this time around, it has upgraded the X-S platform with the announcement of the new X-S20 Mirrorless Camera, which is so light, it could be a great tool for content creators on the move.
The X-S20 has boosted its imaging capabilities with a new 26.1 X-Tras CMOS 4 APS-C backside illuminated image sensor, X-Processor 5 imaging engine, which provides more reliable performance, and image stabilization, and a new Vlog mode which makes recording up to 6.2K video easier and faster.
The camera can capture video resolutions of 6.2K/30p video, 4K/60p, and 1080/240p video with 10-bit internal recording, with more natural color rendering at a wider dynamic range. There’s also a live-streaming option.
The camera supports H.264 All Intra, plus Long GOP/H.265 as well as 4:2:2 AVC and 4k DCI codecs.
The camera’s recording bit rate has been measured at between 50 and 360 Mb/s.
Fuji has also packed the X-S 20 with 19 separate film simulation modes for more cinematic color palettes without having to bog down a post-production workflow with fine-tuning through desktop-based color grading.
The camera has an ISO range of 50-12,800 in manual and auto modes, which can be extended to 25,600 for video and 51,200 for stills.
Exposure compensation can be adjusted from -5 to +5 in 1/3 EV steps. Burst mode can be achieved up to 8 frames in mechanical, and up to 30 frames in electronic shutter mode.
The camera’s autofocus supports continuous, single servo, and Manual focus, with contrast detection and phase detection options.
For audio performance, the camera can record 24-bit 48 kHz 2 channel Audio, as well as AAC support.
A larger hand grip has been added to make it easier to keep hold of the camera with one hand while vlogging or shooting selfie-style videos.
The camera is also helped by a combination of Sensor Shifting and five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) which promises to dampen up to 7 stops of camera shake, one stop more than the previous model.
The camera also has a three-inch, 1.84 million dot vari-angle LCD screen which can tilt up to 180° for use in self and vlogging modes, while the OLED electronic viewfinder has a resolution of 2.36 million dots with 100 percent coverage.
Other features include a redesigned NP-W235 rechargeable lithium-ion battery for twice the battery life of the previous model.
The battery cell can deliver 730 frames of continuous still image photography in normal mode, or up to 800 frames in economy mode.
The XS-20 has only a single SD slot which supports the slower UHS-I protocol but does have the ability to support external video recording through a micro-HDMI output.
There is also a single USB-C connection, and the camera also supports WiFi 5. Users can even control the camera through the FujiFilm XApp for adjusting settings, updating firmware, live view feed, and accessing stored image files directly from the camera.
Lastly, the camera only weighs just over 1.1 pounds (491g) with battery, or .9 pounds body only. That’s not too bad for use as a mobile-centric, vlogging-style platform.
Fuji has also announced the XF 8mm f./3.5 wide-angle prime lens. The lens incorporates two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical elements for effective suppression of lens aberrations and flaring.
The rectilinear design minimizes distortion from edge to edge and offers consistent and sharp images with low-focus breathing when recording video.
Pricing and Availability:
The Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera is available for preorder at a retail price of $1,299.95 (body only), $1,399.95 with a FUJINON XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens, or $1699.95 with a FUJINON 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit lens.
Meanwhile, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR has a retail price of $799.95. All models are expected to ship by Thursday, June 29, 2023.
[source: FUJIFILM]
Order Links:
- FUJIFILM X-S20 Mirrorless Camera, Body only (B&H)
- FUJIFILM X-S20 Mirrorless Camera with 15-45mm kit lens (B&H)
- FUJIFILM X-S20 Mirrorless Camera with 18-55mm kit lens (B&H)
- FUJIFILM XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens (B&H)
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