Fujifilm has announced the latest addition to their X-Series lineup, the Fujifilm X-S20 camera, along with a new ultra-wide angle lens, the Fujinon XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR.
The X-S20 features the same 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor as found on the X-S10, but it is paired with Fujifilm’s powerful new X-Processor 5 imaging engine which allows it to capture video at resolutions up to 6.2K and to capture uncropped still images at up to 20 frames-per-second (electronic shutter).
In-body image stabilization has also been given a boost, now offering up to seven stops of compensation, one stop more than the six stops found on the previous X-S10.
Battery life has also been improved thanks to the higher-capacity W235 lithium-ion battery (housed in the larger front grip) and a new economy power mode option.
The X-S20 inherits the same AF algorithm as found on the X-H2S including Auto Subject Detection AF.
It can also automatically detect and track human face/eye, animal, bird, automobile, bike, airplane, train as well as two new subject types, drone and insect.
Another new features is the ability to automatically swap between subjects when “Auto” mode is selected from the mode dial located on the top of the camera.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Fujifilm camera without their incredible Film Simulation Modes and the X-S20 includes 19 of them, including the recently introduced Nostalgic Negative.
Video Features
The X-S20 is capable of capturing video with up to 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit open gate resolution internally as well as DCI4K/60p, 1080/240p and 1080/60p (Long Play) recording modes.
12-bit Apple ProRes and Blackmagic RAW video at 6.2K/30p and 5.2K/30p is also possible when recording over HDMI to an external monitor/recorder.
Fujifilm has also included support for 10-bit F-Log and F-Log2 colour profiles potentially providing an additional stop of dynamic range leeway when colour grading in post.
The camera also includes HVC/UAC support allowing it to be used as a webcam with up to 4K/60P resolution (without the need to a special app) when connected to a computer via a USB-C cable.
There is a new Vlog mode that can be activated via the mode dial on the top of the camera. This mode adds a bunch of vlogging-specific functions including, self-timer, face/eye detection, product priority focus mode, IS mode, high-speed recording and background defocus mode options, to the camera’s touch menu.
Speaking of which, the 3 inch 180° Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen has been given a slight boost in resolution over the X-S10 now with 1.84M dots making it brighter and easier to view.
A 3.5mm jack allows you to connect various accessories, including external microphones and Fujifilm’s versatile TG-BT1 tripod grip.
Expanded continuous video recording times are also possible with Fujifilm’s optional FAN-001 cooling fan accessory attached (as shown in the image above), essentially doubling the default recording time without risking overheating.
The X-S20 comes as a body only option, or in two different kits, one that includes the camera and XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens and the other that includes the camera and XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens.
Fujifilm has also announced the XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR ultra-wide angle prime lens and joins the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Zoom lens as one of the two widest angle lenses in Fujifilm’s current inventory.
Engineered to work with the latest 40-megapixel X-Trans sensors, the lens includes 12 lens elements in 9 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements) that promise to deliver outstanding edge to edge sharpness with minimal distortion.
The lens’s auto-focus system utilizes an inner-focusing mechanism with low focus breathing, making it great for video applications, which can focus in as little as 0.02 seconds and as close as 0.18 meters (7.1 inches) from a subject.
On the outside, the lens boasts a weather-resistant design and also features a 62mm filter thread allowing a variety of circular filters including polarizers and neutral density to be mounted to the lens.
Image Credits:
Cover Image: Francis Bellefeuille (Fujifilm)
Camera with Video Accessories Image: Take Kayo (Fujifilm)
XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens Sample Image: TH Kankavee KARNJANADECHA (Fujifilm)
