Fujifilm X-S20
Image courtesy: Fujifilm

Fujifilm has launched a new APS-C sensor mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-S20. The camera has many great features for shooting video, including internal recording up to 6K.

High image quality

The Fujifilm X-S20 has a back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. The new camera also has a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. Fujifilm says that the new camera has a lower power consumption than its predecessor, the X-S10. In addition, the X-S20 features subject-detection autofocus enhanced with deep learning AI technology. The autofocus AI can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and even drones.

Video recording

The X-S20 can record video internally up to 6.2K 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit quality. You can also shoot 240p slow-motion video in 1080 HD resolution and livestream 4K 60p video via the camera’s USB-C port. The X-S20 features Fujifilm’s F-Log2, which gives you more than 13 stops of dynamic range. This means you have more scope to color grade your footage in post-production. The X-S20 comes with 19 Film Simulation looks, which can be applied to your video even during live streaming. In addition to internal recording, the X-S20 can externally record ProRes RAW to a compatible Atomos device or Blackmagic RAW to a Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G.

Other features

The X-S20 has 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which Fujifilm says offers up to seven stops of stabilization. This will help reduce camera shake when you shoot video handheld. The camera also has a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder and a 1.84-million-dot rear LCD monitor. In addition, the X-S20 has 3.5 mm audio sockets for both an external microphone and headphones to monitor your audio. This means your video should sound as good as it looks. Despite all these features, Fujifilm has kept the X-S20 lightweight, weighing only 1.08 pounds (491 g)

Image courtesy: Fujifilm

What we think

The Fujifilm X-S20 has some very impressive video features at a great price. The internal 6.2K 10-bit 4:2:2 video is much better for color grading than 8-bit video. In addition, compatibility with both ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW gives you even more high-quality video options with an external recorder. The ability to apply the Film Simulations to the livestream output also means that your online content will look good. If you are looking for a new camera and don’t need a full-frame sensor, the X-S20 is one to consider.

Pricing and availability

The Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless digital camera will be available in the US at the end of June. The camera will be available as a body-only option for $1,299. The X-S20 will also be available with the Fujinon XC15-45mm OIS PZ lens for $1,399 or the XF18-55mm OIS lens for $1,699.

Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.