Review of Fuji X20

I nearly missed the Fuji X20 review on the DPReview site. The camera got a "silver" award. The X cameras are aimed on certain group of photo-enthusiasts, people who enjoy extensive controls and manual zoom lens and don't mind to pay a premium for the camera. It is an indulgence. The X20 is a unique camera on the market, with unique hybrid viewfinder, fairly big 2/3" sensor, bright manual zoom lens. The image quality is essentially the same in current advanced compact cameras, so the other features are more relevant. Want a truly compact camera - get Olympus XZ-2 or something similar. Nikon P7700 offer 7x zoom, up to 200mm (eqv), with relatively bright lens for such compact design. Fuji gives a feel of "the _camera_". It is joy to use. Obviously, not everyone has the same perception as me: as I wrote at the start of the post, this camera is aimed on certain people.

Both Fuji X10 and X20 are available in Brisbane camera shops, at $600+. Fuji X10 comes with some promo option. People can choose between the two models equipped with different sensors. Fuji X20 shows more resolution and has vastly superior viewfinder, but Fuji X10 has an unique sensor.

Fuji X20 vs X10 and X100S vs X100

Link to comparison shots between Fujifilm X10 and X20. I am curious to see L to L comparison at 12MP, not 6MP for Fuji X10. For Fuji X20 sample images follow this link. Have a look and make your own conclusion.

For people interested in Fuji X100S vs X100 comparison ricopress got a dedicated set with several test images and interesting observation on auto white balance, difference in film simulation modes and iso rating. Obviously, the account has other images from both cameras but not many. I guess more sample photo will follow soon.

I followed this blog before buying into the X system. You've been warned, it can be very tempting and addictive :)

photos from Fuji X20

Images from Fuji X20 on flickr: link
Another link

Usual grumbling, or why I don't need a new camera

I came across a blog with a short preview of Fuji X20 and X100S written a couple weeks ago. According to the author of the blog, autofocus on both cameras is very fast. This is consistent with observation of DPReview team. With new sensors, new viewfinders and new autofocus units both cameras represent a big upgrade from the previous models.

Anyway, Fuji X100S is already available in Japan, and X20 is expected to be available in Australia next month, hence comprehensive reviews will appear in nearby future. The X20 is priced ~650 in couple camera shops in Brisbane (Digital Camera Warehouse and CameraPro), fairly attractive price considering new features. Personally I am not interested in X100S, and I would have hard time to justify acquisition of X20: our "family camera" X10 is is fairly new. But at least on paper (and from small bits of info from around the web) the X20 looks very attractive. Not that X10 is bad camera, the specs of X20 are better.

However, I  happy with the autofocus speed on Fuji X10. Generally I would consider myself as a limiting factor, not the camera :) The resolution of X10 is also "plentiful" for my needs. The viewfinder was / is a major disappointment, first for lack of any information including focusing points, second, it turned to be very painful to my eyes. I have this problem with several optical viewfinders including DSLR's but not on Fuji X-E1 (which was a pleasant surprise). So, I probably would not benefit from the new otical / hybrid viewfinder on X20. The quality at high iso is already good on X10 but it depends on amount of light. I wish X20 would have build-in ND filter and non-fixed screen but even these features would not be sufficient for me to justify the new camera.

Fuji X20: low noise & high resolution

According to the slide in this post on Mirrorless Rumors, Fuji X20 has better Signal to Noise (S/N) ratio than the old 12 MP sensor used in 4/3 and m4/3 cameras, and even out-resolve 1" 20 MP sensor. The only camera with such sensor I am aware of is Sony RX100. Now I am really curious to see a review of Fuji X20. Well, RX100 JPEGs undergo heavy correction - price for very compact body, while X-Trans sensor does not require anti-aliasing filter. Also, Fujifilm did some woodoo magic with diffraction in their latest cameras, X20 and X100S. As for old 12 MP 4/3 sensor... My Olympus E-30 is noisy. The slide also has 1.5" 12 MP sensor. Canon used 1.5" sensor in PowerShot G1 X but it is 14 MP sensor. A bit of confusion here.

First look at Fuji X20 and X100S

Imaging Resource had published previews for Fuji X100S and X20. Quote: "Fujifilm's X-Trans sensor technology was arguably one of the most significant technical developments of 2012 for the photo business." I wish these guys will be able to test the new Fuji cameras in nearby future. Right now it is essentially the specs and excitement.

In meantime Nikon added two new lenses for Nikon 1 system, wide angle and compact version of super-zoom.

Official samples from Fuji X20 and X100S

The official Fujifilm X site was updated with info on both X20 and X100S. The  sample photos are also there as well as description of key features including a "hybrid" viewfinder on Fuji X20. Both X10 and X100 are gone.

Fuji X10 is my first Fujifilm camera and now I am hooked on user interface and Fuji colors. I am happy with the resolution and have not used EXR modes much. For high contrast scenes I prefer to use 200% dynamic range because the noise at iso 200 on Fuji X10 is very low. With BSI CMOS sensor on Fuji X20 the noise probably will be even lower. The resolution probably will be better, too. But, as all cameras with small sensors, it will struggle in low contrast areas. The inclusion of an information panel into optical viewfinder is the most interesting upgrade. This thing can make OVF on the X20 useable. It seems that only Fuji and Canon keep the OVFs on the compact cameras, and at least on paper, Fujifilm has an edge here. Olympus XZ-2 can be used with an external EVF, so it is also a reasonable alternative for very bright light. While I have not seen any X20 review yet, on paper it looks like a serious upgrade over the X10.

Appearance of X-Trans sensors on two new models increases chances of good third-party support of RAW development which is important for some people. I was really happy to switch back to JPEG with Fuji X10 and now with the X-E1. In most situations I am very happy with the white balance on both cameras, and Fuji X-E1 at 200% has amazing dynamic range. The resolution exceeds my needs on both cameras.

This time Fujifilm recycled the mechanical part of the X10 and updated the electronics (sensor, processor, information panel, fast hybrid autofocus). The same or similar lens, the same button layout, no ND filter this time. Very wise decision considering how good and well-thought is the X10 body. In comparison to X10 the UI of Fuji X-E1 feels a bit immature because of "dead controls": inactive buttons and dial in some shooting modes. Fuji X-E1 UI definitely can be better.

It seems that Fujifilm will make many people happy :-)

Price of Fuji X100S in Australia

Some shops in Brisbane already listed Fuji X100S for pre-orders for about $1,300 (AUD). The price is essentially similar to the X100. Very tempting camera for some people, and the price is about 1/3 of Sony RX1 (if you fork in an external viewfinder for the Sony).

The availability date for the X100S is not clear, even B&H does not have it.

However, B&H has Fuji X20 for pre-order for about $600. It is cheaper than Fuji X10 in Australia. Well, now in Down Under we can get the camera with extra things like a camera case from Fjifilm.

Fuji X20 and X100S are officially announced

The DPReview posted the First Look previews for both cameras. According to their preview, the X20 got BSI sensor, and with the back-illuminated sensor the noise at high iso should be low. The Q menu button of X20 is just renamed RAW button of X10. The autofocus probably will be fast on both cameras because of on-chip phase detection elements. The viewfinder got an overlaying electronic panel, and probably will be the best current OVF on current compact camera. Both Fuji X20 and X100S are designed for specific groups of photographers based on preferences of camera handling and intended use. No sample images were posted yet on the DPReview.

Also, Pentax joined the club and announced an advanced compact camera based on 1/1.7" BSI sensor. The MX-1 has  28-112mm eqv f/1.8-2.5 lens and a flip-out 920k rear screen.

Announcement of the X20

Fuji X20 is real: press release. I got the link through Fujirumors.

The X20 apparently keeps the lens of it's predecessor, Fuji X10: 4x zoom, f/2.0-2.8. The sensor is 12MP 2/3" X-Trans CMOS II. The X-Trans sensors do not need low pass filters, so Fuji X20 has ~ 20% higher resolution and 30% less noise compared to the X10. The resolution is measured at f/8. First, Fuji X10 was not famous for it's resolution, and second, at f/8 the diffraction should kick in. Fuji X20 has the new magic EXR Processor II, the same as in the X100S, that apparently can "decode" the diffraction. The viewfinder is upgraded with  Digital Trans Panel and now can display "the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focusing area and other shooting information". The camera got a hybrid autofocus system and apparently can focus very fast. The video is upgraded to Full HD at 60fps with possibility of manual focus.

So, Fujifilm decided to bet on X-Trans sensors. The company also addressed several critical issues of Fuji X10 such as viewfinder info and autofocus speed. The resolution probably will be in range with other advanced compact cameras. Based on specs, Fuji X20 is a better camera than the predecessor, in several aspects. Hopefully, the X20 samples will be available on Monday. 

Sensor in Fuji X20

Fujifilm is about to announce new cameras including replacement models for Fuji X100 and X10, and some specs for Fuji X100s and Fuji X20 are leaked. This rumor is somewhat confusing. First, it was expected that Fuji X100s will have a hybrid viewfinder. Maybe the upgraded HVF is based on OLED. It is confusing because Fuji X-E1 has electronic viewfinder. It seems that Fuji X100s will also have a hybrid viewfinder, and upgraded electronics. Also, the same source claims that Fuji X20 will have X-Trans sensor while it was expected that the successor of Fuji X10 will keep EXR sensor. Maybe it will combine both technologies. After all, the main feature of X-Trans sensor is essentially just non-standard color filter. But now I am curious to see the real specs. If Fuji X20 will get X-Trans sensor, than the camera can be the best compact with small sensor for shooting at high iso. And, on top of that, both cameras are getting focus peaking for manual focusisng and hybrid autofocus. 

Focus peaking on Fuji X100s

The announcement of both Fujifilm X100s and X20 is expected next week on CES show. In addition to X-Trans sensor Fuji X100s is expected to have a focus peaking (link). If true, than it will be implemented on Fujifilm X-Pro2.

Fuji X20: old rumors

I've missed this post on Fujirumors about Fuji X10 replacement. It is still rumor but from 'trusted sources'. Fujifilm X20 will get an updated optical viewfinder. Apparently some information will be displayed in the viewfinder.


According to some rumors, Fujifilm X20 will get the same / similar 3" screen as XF1. Fuji X10 has 2.8" screen. 

Rumored specs of Fuji X20

It seems that Fujifilm use 2/3" sensor in 'Fuji X20', replacement of Fujifilm X10 (Mirrorless Rumors). This is great news because all other manufactures reduced the sensor size in current models of advanced compact cameras. If true, kudos to Fujifilm! The MPs go up to 14 (I guess it is unavoidable, people need more MP :( ), but the most interesting update is the lens: 24-120mm (eqv) F1.8-2.8. If true, the  new lens gains on both wide and tele end of the zoom range and essentially maintain the brightness. No word on build-in neutral density filter. Well, Fuji XF1 has build-in ND, and hopefully the 'X20' will have one, too. Why it is important: the speed of a leaf shutter depends on aperture, and on Fuji X10 the maximal shutter speed at F2.0 is about 1/1000. Obviously,  on sunny day this is not enough, and sometimes the aperture must be closed to >5. The ND filter reduces amount of light and allows to take pictures at bright light with open aperture (good for background). I am also curious about Supermacro option. Even at 28mm (eqv), as on Fuji X10, the front element is very close to object. I hope that in 'Fuji X20' Supermacro mode is not implemented at 24mm (eqv). No word for screen (tiltable of fixed). My guess is fixed, to keep the size down. 

It seems that the replacement of Fuji X10 will keep the optical viewfinder. I practically do not use OVF on Fuji X10: it is small, does not show accurate framing, has no information whatsoever, not even focus point or focus confirmation. It is still useful on sunny day.