First impression with X-S20 + XF 8mm F3.5

After using the X-S20 for awhile; I think this is possibility the ultimate camera for this price point. If you are looking for a camera that could do more, get a X-H2S or maybe the GFX100S. If not the new X-S20 could be it. It’s like a mini X-H2S. ( according to me, LOL)  X-S20 is way more than enough for beginners and in the hand of a pro; doesn’t feel inferior.  This camera commands great value, just like X-S10 when it was launch. The X-S20 could be the ultimate back-up camera for professionals too because this camera do have some real muscles to flex. CMOS 4 sensor, X-processor 5, 750 shots battery life. (CIPA.)

Now let me share my user experience with the new 26 MP X-S20. If you own a X-S10; The X-S20 feels right at home. Physically they are identical. Except under close observation, one will notice the new X-S20 have certainly put on a little weight and also grown a tiny bit bigger. The grip does feel chunkier especially the X-S20 now uses NP-W235 battery. Which is a very good thing.  When I was told that X-S20 will have a same 26MP sensor. I was rather disappointed. Felt like nothing really changes. But I was wrong. 

OK; let start with Stills and later video. 
As a still camera I feel the AF capabilities have improve much. It’s a very able camera. Subject detection is standard feature now. When one set to full auto, X-S20 is able to detect all the subjects in the scene. If there is a cat; it will focus and the animal icon will appear bottom left of the LCD. And if there is car, it will detect and AF box will be around the car. As much as this feature is very intuitive, personally I perfect to set the subject detection specifically.  I was just tracking a bird with subject detection ON. I was pleasantly surprise that it lock on very very well. Very sticky indeed. 
As for film simulation, Nostalgic Negative is standard. A total of 13 film simulations for X-S20. Mechanical shutter is at 1/4000 and electronic shutter its at 1/32000. No change from X-S10. Another upgrade is the 7-stop Ibis. Perfect for those with shaky hands when photographing a bikini model.  

I am no expert on video; The X-S20 feature 4K in 60P. 6K in 30P. Some may wish for 8K. But hey, 6K is a huge upgrade. Here is a chart to show you how much the differences between the 2. You will be surprise. 

There is new Vlog option in the top dial. If you are into vlogging this is a valuable tool. Once you turn on this feature; you will be greeted with a 6 tiles option. In 2 rows of 3.All the essential features you need for vlogging is all here.

1. Self-timer ON/OFF

2. Face detection ON/OFF

3. Product Priority.ON/OFF

4. IS Mode ON/OFF

5. High Speed Rec ON/OFF

6. Background Defocus Mode ON/OFF 

Lastly if you are planning to shoot a video over a long period of time. Heat is always an issue. The good news if you own a X-H2S or X-H2 and have a Fan-001 cooling fan, it will also fit the X-S20.  So in conclusion, the X-S20 is a very able camera. As I mention in the beginning of this blogpost, the X-S20 is more than enough for beginners and in the hand of a pro; doesn’t feel inferior to the higher end model. 

Now let me share with you the new ultra wide XF8mm F3.5 R WR lens. This is definitely the widest prime lens for XF range of lenses. It has a 62mm diameter and weights 215 grams. To me, it pretty small in term of size. Focusing is quick. Optically it’s sharp enough. Sun star is not extremely define. I like the wide feel and it’s not that difficult to use at all. How should I put it; its doesn’t have a crazy “stretch” toward the side of the frame. Rather its nicely “stretch” across the frame. Thus making it an amazing wide angle lens. Lastly I will let all the photos below do all the talking for me.