The viral recognition of the Fujifilm X100 sequence has pushed into the model’s different cameras – and that’s very true for the model’s smaller, extra reasonably priced choices. Cameras just like the Fujifilm X-M5 are nonetheless onerous to seek out, even six months after launch. However there’s a digital camera from the model identified for its retro look that’s nonetheless comparatively simple to seek out in inventory: The Fujifilm X-S20.
The Fujifilm X-S20 is without doubt one of the model’s extra reasonably priced choices, but its myriad of hybrid options make the digital camera a tempting alternative. The Fujifilm X-M5 is extra reasonably priced, however the Fujifilm X-S20 isn’t too far-off and sits just under the X-T50 in worth.
The viral recognition of the Fujifilm X100 sequence has made plenty of the model’s cameras onerous to seek out. The Fujifilm X-M5 is a primary instance of the compact digital camera’s recognition bleeding over into different fashions. As a compact and finances mirrorless, the X-M5 makes numerous sense as an X100VI different.
The issue? The Fujifilm X-M5 is tough to seek out, even months after the November 2024 launch date. The difficulty has solely been exacerbated within the US by tariffs. Pre-orders of the X-M5 have been paused within the US fully, whereas the digital camera additionally stays onerous to seek out in inventory within the UK. The one cameras that Fujifilm’s US web site lists as in inventory at present are the X-S20, the X-T5, and the X-H2S. Some retailers could have availability past these choices, however the commerce struggle appears to be exacerbating inventory points that began after the X100 sequence went viral.
The Fujifilm X-M5 holds a bonus in a couple of completely different areas, beginning with the budget-friendly checklist worth. It’s additionally the smallest of the model’s present mirrorless selections. However the X-M5 shares a couple of options in frequent with the bigger however available X-S20.
The X-M5 and X-S20 each use a 26.1MP X-Trans sensor. One of many causes that the X-S20 sits at the next worth level, nevertheless, is as a result of the digital camera additionally consists of in-body stabilization, whereas the X-M5’s is simply digital video stabilization. That added stabilization goes to assist with handheld photographs at slower shutter speeds.
Whereas the X-M5 is the smaller of the 2, the bigger dimension leaves the X-S20 sufficient room for an digital viewfinder, the place the X-M5 depends on the LCD display screen. The X-S20 additionally has a bigger grip that may assist make the digital camera extra comfy to carry for longer stretches. It lacks the retro-styled dials just like the X-T5, however nonetheless has an assortment of dials and a traditional form to it.
Each the X-S20 and X-M5 could possibly be thought-about hybrids, boasting options like 6K at 30fps, Open Gate, and RAW recording by way of HDMI. There are a couple of video variations between the 2, nevertheless, together with a 50-minute most recording time in 4K on the X-M5, whereas the X-S20 specs don’t checklist a restrict. (Elements like warmth and battery life can nonetheless issue into recording lengths.) The in-body stabilization on the X-S20 will even come into play for video in addition to stills.
Whereas the an identical sensor and processor specs imply each cameras will supply comparable picture high quality, the X-S20 has a couple of benefits. The X-S20 has 16-bit RAW, whereas the X-M5 has 14-bit. Each cameras have the same burst velocity, however the X-S20 has a bigger buffer to take extra photographs in a row.
The Fujifilm X-M5 is newer than the X-S20, nevertheless, and that offers the smaller digital camera a couple of benefits. The most important one is arguably the autofocus system. The X-M5 has extra autofocus factors, in addition to smarter topic detection choices.
Whereas the X-M5 could have the benefit in worth, dimension, and autofocus, I’m the kind of stills photographer that actually prefers a viewfinder, grip, and in-body stabilization. For me personally, I’d select the X-S20 if I had to decide on between Fujifilm’s most reasonably priced mirrorless choices. Creators prioritizing a small dimension, worth, and autofocus could wish to anticipate the provision of the X-M5.
As a Fujifilm photographer nonetheless utilizing the X-T4, I feel the model’s rising recognition is lengthy overdue, however I can’t assist however be a bit irked that the pattern is making many choices onerous to seek out in inventory. Within the meantime, although, I feel the X-S20 is an effective finances possibility for the suitable creator.
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The Fujifilm X-S20 is at present DCW’s choose for video among the many greatest Fujifilm cameras. Or, browse the greatest mirrorless cameras or the greatest retro cameras.