Fujifilm has announced the new Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera (buy here) at the Fuji X Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. It offers a small, lightweight form factor similar to that of its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-S10 (buy here), announced in 2020 but comes with some new tricks. It shoots 6.2K 30p video, streams 4K 60p natively over USB and comes with an AI-based subject-detection autofocus system.
It features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, with a high-speed X-Processor 5 imaging processing engine. Fujifilm says this lets you create high-quality images with lower power consumption than the X-S10. So, at least in theory, your batteries should last longer. It includes 19 different Film Simulation modes, including “Nostalgic Neg”, with high saturation and soft tones.
Fujifilm X-S20 – Targeted towards content creators
From its feature set, you’d think the Fujifilm X-S20 were targeted towards filmmakers. It shoots 6.2K video in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, with high-speed 1080p at up to 240 frames per second. You also get F-Log2 with over 13 stops of dynamic range and RAW over HDMI support for recording Apple ProRes RAW on devices like the Atomos Ninja V+ (buy here) or Blackmagic RAW on the Video Assist 12G (buy here).
It seems, however, that Fujifilm is aiming it squarely at content creators:
X-S20 is truly a dream camera for any content creator looking to take their photos and videos creation to the next level, but especially for the ones that are documenting their lives, traveling the world, or streaming their stories online. It offers premium image quality and advanced portability, catering to a variety of image creation styles ranging from casual self-portraits to full-fledged photography and videography. With content creators turning to digital cameras more than ever before, we are confident that X-S20 will be well received by users pushing long-form content to platforms, like Twitch, especially since no fees are required to unlock the feature.
– Lisa Baxt, marketing director, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation
This level of capability in a camera targeted towards content creators is pretty impressive and just goes to show how seriously they’re being taken in the industry now compared to just a few years ago.
Lower power consumption, longer battery life
Inside the Fujifilm X-S20 is a backside-illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. The new sensor and processor combination allows the X-S20 to consume much less power than its predecessor. This, combined with the high-capacity NP-W235 battery, allows the Fujifilm X-S20 to shoot a lot more than the X-S10.
In fact, it’s able to shoot more than double the number of frames you’re able to shoot in Economy mode, bringing the number up to 800 images (730 shots in normal mode). So, if you’re often out shooting without the time in between to keep recharging – or you’re a spray-n’-pray kind of person – you’ll be able to keep going a lot longer without having to swap out for a fresh one.
Deep-learning AI-based AF tracking
The Fujifilm X-S20 features a subject-detection autofocus that Fujifilm says was developed with deep-learning AI technology. The AI system detects animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes, trains, insects and even drones. It uses what Fuji calls an “evolved AF prediction algorithm”, allowing for stable focusing of moving subjects even in continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode.
Auto mode, working in conjunction with the Auto Subject Detection mode, automatically selects the optimum settings according to the scene your camera’s pointed at to help detect and track your subject while keeping it in focus. And as well as being sharp, it also keeps your shot and video footage steady with a five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) system with up to 7 stops of stabilisation power.
6.2 K 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, RAW over HDMI
The Fujifilm X-S20’s sensor lets you shoot up to 6.2K video in 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 30 frames per second internally. You also get 1080p HD video at up to 20 frames per second for some super smooth slow motion. Externally, the Fujifilm X-S20 features RAW over HDMI, allowing you to shoot either Apple ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW using the Atomos Ninja V+ or Blackmagic Video Assist 12G, respectively.
It also features 4K streaming at 60 frames per second directly to your computer over USB-C. This lets you bring the camera straight into software like OBS without any other required software. This is a feature Fujifilm started to implement in its cameras in 2020 due to the need for online video conferencing during lockdowns, but it now seems to have hit the mainstream for regular live streaming.
The Fujifilm X-S20 sports a 3.5mm microphone/headphone jack to benefit both live streamers and vloggers. It offers compatibility with the wide range of on-camera and wireless microphones on the market today. A new vlog mode has also been added to the X-S20 to further benefit those picking one up for vlogging.
Price and availability
The Fujifilm X-S20 is available to pre-order now for $1,299.95 body-only. It’s also available in two kits. One contains the Fujifilm 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is available to pre-order now for $1,399.95, while the other includes the Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens and is available to pre-order now for $1,699.95. Shipping is expected to begin at the end of June.
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