The Fujifilm X-S20 Camera Hands-On Review

It's Great, But Not Perfect

Built around an ASP-C sensor, the X-S20 retains the brand's legendary quality while promising to surpass the once-popular but now-discontinued X-S10. It's perfect for photographers and content creators who crave creative freedom in a compact, tight form factor—at just 1 lb, it’s smaller than an iPhone 14 Pro yet still ergonomically designed for all-day comfort.

The X-S20's autofocus may not be flawless, but once you understand its quirks, it works smoothly for most scenarios. I’ve found that keeping face detection on (while turning eye detection off) and setting the focus area to a single point instead of multipoint works best. With my thumb on the joystick, I can quickly toggle between subjects, and I’ve customized the AF-ON button to lock focus with a single press rather than holding it down. This setup helps reduce focus hunting, especially with stationary subjects. Just in case, I also have AF/MF mode on for manual focus adjustments, with red focus peaking highlights to confirm sharpness. If I need to switch back to autofocus, a half-press of the shutter returns everything to normal.

Shooting in open gate mode definitely calls for proxies in editing — 26 megapixels per frame is no joke. For reference, 4K video is only about 8.3 megapixels. While I can sometimes get away with reducing playback settings on 4K footage, that’s not the case with Open Gate. The upside, though, is that Open Gate lets you capture both 16:9 and 9:16 formats at once, perfect for mixing high-quality video and social media content in one go.

Depending on your projects, you might need the optional fan attachment. Shooting outside in nearly 100°F (38°C) weather, I used 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion shots. Unfortunately, the camera overheated and temporarily paused recording—which can be a tough spot in the middle of a gig. This could be a rare scenario or a common one if you're aiming to level up in videography. Either way, plan accordingly to avoid unexpected pauses in the heat.

Size-wise, I appreciate the X-S20’s small form factor, especially since it's almost always mounted on a monopod, tripod, or gimbal. The weight savings are noticeable, though its short height can be tricky. It’s worth noting that accessing the zoom can be a bit challenging when the camera is mounted, but the setup is manageable with the right accessories.

Really Great For Video, Though

“Vlog Mode” is Fujifilm's first tailor-made mode for creators who want to jump right into shooting without any fuss. One of its highlights is the streamlined touchscreen menu, where quick-access tools like self-timer, image stabilization, face/eye detection, and high-speed slow-motion are easily accessible.

The X-S20 might just be the entry-level camera that opens the door to serious videography and filmmaking. It’s rare to see an APS-C sensor camera in this price range packing 10-bit 4:2:2 F-Log, no recording limit, open-gate shooting, and even external RAW support — features typically reserved for pricier setups. These specs aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re tools that let both aspiring and seasoned creators get exactly what they need from their footage.

While it may lack weather sealing and have only a single card slot, for those new to the game, these aren’t likely to feel like sacrifices. Back when I started in 2016, I would’ve loved a camera like this as my gateway into the world of videography.

Additionally, the redefined Background Defocus Mode will defocus cluttered backgrounds for you. Insane, right? Now, I don’t have to clean up my living room before I press record. Just kidding. Kind of.

Get That Classic Fujifilm Look

For transparency, I'm a filmmaker, so I didn't take as many photos as I wanted. I mainly used this camera to vlog our YouTube video and to get a feel for the videography capabilities as a seasoned cinematographer ( especially since most X-series Fujifilm cameras perform similarly in the photo department)

The X-S20 sports the familiar 26.1MP X-Trans 5 sensor found in the higher-end XT4 and X100V. But with its upgraded processing power, this camera really stands out as the new go-to for hybrid shooting. Plus, its range of built-in film simulations lets you skip the Lightroom editing cave; a dream for anyone wanting a "shoot and upload" workflow.

The camera's built-in flash brings a warm, nostalgic touch to images, channeling the feel of classic point-and-shoot 35mm cameras. I don't typically go for the in-camera flash too often, but this one stood out to me. One shot of Natalie and Elliott in the cabin kitchen at sundown perfectly captured this vibe, evoking the film era while maintaining all the perks of digital.

In all honesty, the X-S20 offers stunning quality for both photos and video, rivaling even the X100V. This camera is truly a game-changer — and nearly ten times better than its predecessor for its size and versatility.

Market Competitors

Canon and Sony still dominate video, but Fujifilm is catching up quickly. Known for listening to user feedback, Fujifilm has been working to bring video features up to par with their top-tier photo capabilities. Even before the X-H2S, fans were eager for video tools that matched the quality and depth of their photography.

The X-S20 is an all-around choice for both pros and content creators. It offers serious tools for creators who want something as feature-rich as Sony’s FX3 yet still appeals to high-end photographers with that distinct Fujifilm quality.

Think of the X-S20 as the Sony ZV-E1's sibling but with the photo capabilities of the X-T5. It’s compact and reliable for filmmakers, has an interchangeable lens mount for flexible focal lengths, and maintains top-notch image quality. Plus, it doubles the battery life of earlier Fujifilm models—awesome for long shoots in the field where charging is limited.

New Fujifilm Simulation

The latest crafted simulation from Fujifilm kaes waves: ETERNA Bleach Bypass. This fresh take on that classic-looking Fujifilm color science delivers cooler highlights and a beautifully balanced contrast, which is excellent for shooting super dramatic outdoor scenes or sweeping landscapes. While the tone leans on the cooler end, it communicates a darker vibe and mood with richer depth, especially when shooting in overcast skies or in super lush forests. It brought out the shadowy atmosphere of a cloudy day in Arizona's Mollogon Rim, where it recently had thunderstorms over the span of a few days, and the skies grew ominous. It helps add that tinematic touch perfect for filmic-style storytelling.

Using the 8mm F/3.5 Lens

Fujifilm also released a new 8mm focal length to the X-Mount camera lineup at the same time that we got to test, and boy, it’s a riot. It effortlessly shows off the subject and the environment without harsh vignetting like most fisheye lenses. However, it's pretty damn wide and, therefore, more niche than I'd care to admit.

With its 12mm cropped focal length and over 120° view, it's best suited for vloggers and selfie lovers who like to capture high-fashion portraits or architecture shots from below. While it keeps the subject and a full backdrop in the frame, the warp is almost unnatural. I liked playing with it, but it's definitely not a preferred focal length for my style.

Check out the test footage in the video below at the end of the article!

Conclusion

The X-S20 is ideal for anyone transitioning from a simpler point-and-shoot to a more sophisticated setup while retaining classic manual cameras' tactile charm and ergonomics. Although it may not be the top pick for high-end professionals or filmmakers seeking a device to accompany them to high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival, it's a compelling choice for everyday creators who beg to satisfy videos and stills at once. Shooting with this impressive device was a blast, and I'm confident you'll feel the same.