Last Updated on 02/20/2017 by Chris Gampat
I genuinely loved the Fujifilm X-T10 ([amazon_link asins=’B01N10DO3R’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’af589cf6-df70-11e6-a77e-8ff591c1ed8c’]), so when the Fujifilm X-T20 was announced, I was very eager to see how they’d improve an already fantastic camera. Indeed, Fujifilm has outdone themselves yet again. This camera takes a whole lot from the very good Fujifilm X-T2 and gives it the American Skin Milk treatment. You get a lot of the core features of the X-T2 as far as the image quality goes, but you’re not getting some of the most premium features like weather sealing and a few of the ergonomics upgrades.
One thing’s for sure: if you’re a fan of old school SLR style cameras, then you’ll seriously digg the Fujifilm X-T20.
Update 2/20/2017: Image samples have been added.
Video Overview
Tech Specs
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
- 3.0 inch 1.04M-dot tilting TFT color LCD touchscreen monitor
- 0.39 inch 2,360K-dot OLED color viewfinder
- Live View Display to preview pictures where you can
- New ACROS Film Simulation mode
- AF-C Custom Settings with five AF-C presets
- 4K video can be recorded at [3840 x 2160] 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98P, 100Mbps
- Full HD video can be recorded at 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps and 23.98 fps
- Touch AF in video mode
Ergonomics
Fujifilm’s X-T20 looks like a serious camera–and if you didn’t know any better you’d honestly think it’s the X-T2. But indeed it isn’t. The front for the most part looks the same.
The top of the camera has some of the same dials as the predecessor. You’ve got the exposure compensation, shutter speeds, and number of various modes on the top right.
Turn to the back of the camera and what you’ll find here is the tilting screen in addition to a number of controls. Surely, most photographers will peer through the viewfinder to compose and shoot.
The screen tilts up and down–this is really like the Sony style that’s been around for a while now.
Turn to the side and you’ll find a number of ports. Keep the flap closed so you can keep them protected!
Build Quality
The Fujifilm X-T20 feels really, really nice in the hand. Just imagine an old timey SLR camera, but update it for digital.
Ease of Use
The Fujifilm X-T20 uses the new menu system that’s been in use with the Fujifilm X Pro 2 and the Fujifilm X-T2. It’s very simple to use and makes sense that it would be here.
Autofocus
In the environment we were in for this session, the focusing was pretty standard for the newer breed of Fujifilm cameras out there at the moment. Despite the nice lighting in this image, it’s illuminated by a flash. It’s actually very dimly lit. We need to put it through more rigorous testing though. As it is, Fujifilm’s kit lenses aren’t the fastest to focus vs their newer primes.
Image Quality
We weren’t allowed to bring back image samples considering that this is a pre-production model being featured here. But it has the same sensor and roughly the same processor as the X-T2. I’m sure that the Fujifilm X-T20 will be similar. For what it’s worth, the Fujifilm X-T10 delivered the best classic chrome rendition that I’ve seen of any camera that the company makes.
Update: February 20th 2017
We’ve had the Fujifilm X-T20 for the weekend and have been using it with the Rokinon 50mm f1.2 and the new Lensbaby Trio. My 35mm f1.4 needs to go back to the shop and our Copy Editor is borrowing my 23mm f1.4 and my X Pro 1. But I’m going to get an autofocusing lens to work with this camera soon.
So far, I’m really liking the image quality that the Fujifilm X-T20 delivers. It’s been a little while since I’ve worked with a Fujifilm camera due to mine being on loan, but this immediately reminds me of how much I really miss the colors from this camera. To get even more out of it, I’m only shooting in Daylight or Incandescent white balances to truly try to emulate the look of film. Further, I’m also mostly working in specific F Stops unless I really have to otherwise. For example, Pro negative is shot in 400. Astia is in 100, etc. As a result, I’ve been working with both Sony and Canon cameras for a while and I’ve almost forgotten the special image quality that the X Trans Sensor can deliver.
When paired with the previously mentioned lenses you’re getting an image quality with a very specific character which to me (and many other film shooters alike) is the icing on the cake. It’s the difference between a Zeiss lens and a Sigma–you know you’re now getting potentially sharper images with Sigma but the Zeiss will deliver this character that absolutely no one does.
The high ISO output is also incredibly nice.
However, I feel I need to do more in-depth testing before I give my final verdict.
First Impressions
So far, I’m really excited to test the Fujifilm X-T20. It seems like a solid camera and also seems like Fujifilm is putting a whole lot into it. But I’ll need to spend more time with it just to make sure.