I am now convinced that cameras have fully evolved to cater to the creator economy which imaging companies see as its next big opportunity. After a few years of baby steps towards this segment, camera companies are now unabashedly manufacturing for these creators. Nothing else can explain a dial slot for ‘Vlogs’ in the Fujifilm X-S20 camera. But is that enough? I used the camera for a few weeks to understand.
I have never had so many misfires with a camera review as I did with this one. I was planning to take this on a trip to the US, which I aborted last-minute. So I had to find a good opportunity to shoot and tried out a few camera walks in Delhi. This was when I realised that something was amiss and there was an awkwardness here beyond me being a Canon user struggling with Fujifilm’s button layout. That’s when it became clear the camera had to be used with top-of-the-line SD cards that offer a write speed of above 250 Mbps. Once I got this upgrade the camera started working like a dream.
The Fujifilm X-S20 follows the company’s design language to a large extent. But there are new buttons and dials you will need time to get used to. For instance, just next to the clicker are Q and ISO buttons that help you adjust settings even while framing a shot on the 0.39-inch OLED Color Viewfinder. There is the 3.0-inch vari-angle Touch Screen Colour LCD Monitor, but I am still one of those who need a viewfinder to frame confidently. Interestingly, there is even a pop-out flash which is not something you get on most DSLRs now.
Using the Vlog mode
The camera is small and compact for what it offers. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
What I was most interested in was using the Vlog mode. Interestingly, Fujifilm has kept in mind that this would not always be handled by users who are very good with the camera. As a result, this is a very easy-to-use part of the camera. You can set the dial to this mode and select what you want to do. I loved how this is a product priority mode which is great for reviewers who do unboxing videos and even a face detection mode if I want to record a monologue — when using the latter, you can switch on the background defocus too. You can use a USB-C cable to connect the camera to your laptop and start streaming directly with these settings, even using a microphone connected directly to the camera.
Many extra features
The camera has plenty of extra features for vlogging. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
There is a film simulation dial that lets you recreate trademark Fujifilm colours and hues like Velvia, Provia, Eterna Cinema, and so on. Then there are preset filters you can turn on as you are shooting, though the results here appeared a bit too strong for my liking — it is harder to adjust these once you have shot it that way.
One aspect that really impressed me is the auto-focus that lets you select exactly what you want to shoot and lock to that subject with just a tap on the screen. Also, the image stabilisation ensures a smooth video even if you are shooting a vlog as you walk around a new destination. Interestingly, in the Auto mode, the camera adjusts all the settings to the scene and also locks on to the subject even if it is moving. I found this the easiest way to shoot with the X-S20 and it will be one reason a lot of content creators choose this camera over others.
Image quality
Fujifilm X-S20 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Captured using the filter feature on the camera. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
The Fujifilm X-S20 comes with a 26MP 23.5mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor which offers great low-light performance and produces vibrant colours even in the most difficult circumstances. The sensor makes this camera equally capable with stills and video. You can shoot up to 6.2K at 30P taking your content quality way beyond what your smartphone can offer. But the camera does heat up after a few minutes of this and you might need to invest in a fan if this is the workflow you have planned. Also, this is the only camera I have seen with an economy mode for the battery that extends life considerably — 800 more frames as per the company.
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Fujifilm X-S20 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Fujifilm X-S20 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Fujifilm X-S20 camera sample. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
The best connectivity
Fujifilm has really worked on the connectivity part with this camera. The Fujifilm X-S20 syncs with its phone app every time you switch it off. Once you have connected the app and phone with the camera, it remembers the Wi-Fi link and you can connect in one tap to download your latest videos. You can also control the camera remotely using the app, another great feature for creators who are shooting themselves without any help.
The Fujifilm X-S20 body is priced at Rs 127,000 and you will have to pay more for the Fujinon X-mount lens of your choice. But if you are a creator who is trying to make a career with unique content then the Fujifilm X-S20 can take you to the next level, even if you are not an expert with the camera. As you learn how to master the rest of the camera this becomes a full-fledged mirrorless that can unleash your true potential.
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