Fujifilm takes things to the X-S with X-S20 & more!
Posted on Jun 22, 2023
Three products unveiled by imaging giant, including an updated camera, ultra-wide lens and improved app
The X-S20 camera, XF8mm f/3.5 R WR lens and XApp are all coming our way from Fujifilm. The compact and lightweight X-S20 boasts AI-based subject detection AF, said to deliver a performance equivalent to that of Fujifilm’s X-T5, plus up to 6.2K-resolution video at 30fps, or 4K at 60fps. Battery life via the supplied NP-W235 cell also impresses. Mirrorless cameras traditionally haven’t matched DSLRs when it comes to power performance, but the X-S20 puts that gripe to bed, if its claim of 800 frames per charge – more than double the previous model – works out in practice.
At the core of the X-S20 is a back-side illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, coupled with a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. Also worth noting are a large grip claimed to improve image stability, and five-axis IBIS said to offer a seven-stop advantage. The APS-C sensor camera weighs 491g including battery and memory card, and features a 3.5mm microphone/earphone jack. For those thinking to employ this camera for vlogging, an optional tripod grip is available – the TG-BT1. There’s also a new dedicated Vlog mode accessible via a twist of its mode dial, which alters camera settings to those most suitable for self-portraiture. With the insertion of a USB Type C cable, the X-S20 can also be hooked up to a computer for use as a webcam.
The new camera features 19 Film Simulation modes, which are available even during live streaming.
Traditional stills shooters will enjoy the 2.36m-dot resolution EVF with 0.62x magnification, plus there’s a 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD monitor.
Available from late June, the X-S20 will come body-only for £1249. For lens options, it comes with the XC15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 for £1349, or with an XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 for £1599.
At the equivalent of an ultra wide-angle 12mm in 35mm film terms, the Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5 R WR lens is claimed to offer a field of view wider than human eyesight. As well as promising to deliver edge-to-edge clarity, the lens should enable landscape photographers to capture a massive amount of information, with other possible applications including architecture and travel photography. Some 52.8mm long, the lens weighs 215g, offers a filter thread size of 62mm and comes with a suggested price tag of £799.
Also new this month is the Fujifilm XApp for Android and Apple phones, a piece of software free to download now which is compatible with the GFX System and X Series of digital cameras. As we’d expect, the new app allows users to remotely operate their Fujifilm camera from a connected smartphone or tablet and check images while in Live View mode.
Compared to the manufacturer’s previous Camera Remote app, the XApp is said to provide more stable and swift wireless communication, and a smoother transfer of images to smartphones and tablets. Using a new Backup/Restore function, users can save camera settings in the app and apply the setting back to the camera. Further functions include Timeline and Activity, which gather and display shooting information, allowing users to reflect on their image-making activities when viewing photos.
Originally featured in Issue 108 of Photography News.
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