However, while the Fuji X100S and the Fuji X-Pro1 have APS-C format sensors, the Fuji X20 uses a 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II device with 12 million effective pixels.
In her Fuji X20 review video, Amy Davies takes a look at what this new Fuji camera has to offer.
This is the Fuji X20, the upgrade to the popular and well-respected X10.
If you’ve seen or used the X10, you probably won’t see much of a difference between the two cameras, as they use pretty much the same body design.
Fuji says that there have been over 50 improvements made to this camera, most of which take place inside. Probably the most notable is the sensor design, which, has a random colour filter array that means the sensor doesn't need an anti-aliasing filter, like the X100S and X Pro1.
This is quite a chunky compact camera, and because of its protruding lens, you’re unlikely to be able to fit it in a trouser pocket. As with the other cameras in the X range, Fuji has gone for a retro design, with a textured coating and a protruding grip here that makes the camera feel very secure in the hand.
It’s via the lens that the camera is powered on, by twisting it around like this. It’s great for capturing quick action, but, on the downside, when the camera auto-powers off, you need to twist it off and on again to reactivate the camera.
Here on the top of the camera we’ve got two mode dials, one for switching between the various modes the camera offers, and another for adjusting exposure compensation. This dial is easily reached by the thumb and is handy for making quick changes.
On the mode dial you’ll find fully automatic modes, semi automatic modes – such as aperture priority and shutter priority – and, usefully, two slots for custom functions. You can save groups of settings to these, handy if you often find yourself shooting particular types of scenes.
Also on top of the camera is a small function button. By default this is set to ISO sensitivity, but there’s a number of options you could assign to this – such as Film Simulation.
The back of the camera is pretty similar to many other digital compact cameras on the market. Here we’ve got a four way directional pad, with a Menu button in the centre and surrounded by a jog dial.
One small change from the X10 is that this button, which was previously marked with RAW, is now the Quick Menu button.
This scrolling dial here can be used to alter aperture or shutter speed, depending on the mode you’re in. When in fully manual mode, you can either push in the dial to switch between the two, or use this dial for altering one and the scrolling dial for the other.
Several of the key options have direct access buttons. For instance, white balance can be accessed here, drive mode here and metering – called photometry by Fuji – here. When you need more extensive settings, the Quick Menu is a great way to access them. Use the arrow keys to scroll around these options, and then scroll with the thumb dial to make changes.
There’s no touchscreen on the X20, so to change the autofocus point, first you’ll need to hit the up key, then use either the scrolling dial or the arrow keys to move around to the point you want to use.
The thumb dial can then be used to alter the size of the autofocus point for more precise focusing. Macro focusing is activated via the left key, and you can choose between standard macro and super macro which allows you to get as close as 1cm from the subject.
The X20 has an optical viewfinder. There’s a sensor here which detects when you’ve lifted the camera to your eye, switching off the rear LCD screen.
One of the more noticeable improvements to the X20 has been made to the finder, which now includes a Digital Trans Panel to display key information such as aperture, shutter speed and focus area.
This 460,000 dot screen is the same as that found on the X20. It’s a reasonably good performer, not suffering too badly from glare and reflection in all but the brightest of light. It also has a good angle of view, helping when you want to shoot from slightly awkward positions.
We had very high hopes for the X20, since the X10 performed so well. Happily, we have not been disappointed with the image quality from the camera. Images are bright and punchy, and the new sensor design means it is capable of resolving more detail.
The X20 makes a great standalone camera, but it is also worth considering for owners of larger cameras looking for an excellent backup, or everyday, camera.
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