X20 vs. X10

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by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (questions & feedback) – Sample images set – Comparison images set

Same, same, but different! That’s what Fujifilm’s new X20 compact camera is for those who know its predecessor, the X10. From the looks of it, the X20 and X10 are quite the same, so X10 users will immediately feel at home. However, it’s a new and different home, one with a more conventional X-Trans sensor. Yep, compared to EXR even an X-Trans sensor is pretty old-fashioned. So in order to get the best results from an X20, you might want to shoot it less like an X10 and more like a X100(S), X-E1 or X-Pro1.

In order to compare the image quality of the X10 and the X20, we have to shoot with image resolution M, aka 6 megapixels. That’s because the X10 is an EXR camera with a split-sensor of 2 x 6 MP. Sure, you can also use it in HR mode to get full-size 12 MP output, but why would you buy an EXR camera in the first place if you weren’t interested in its unique features, such as hardware-based DR expansion, or pixel binning to reduce noise and artifacts under low light?

So I took both cameras and shot a series of samples. Click here to open the X20 vs. X10 shootout set on Flickr. While you are at it, you might also want to take a look at my ever growing X20 samples set.

In order to get comparable results, I put both cameras in 6 MP (size M) mode, set DR to Auto (or DR100% for some shots) and also used matching film simulation modes (Astia, Provia and Velvia). Noise reduction was set to -1, the rest was all default settings. After completing the series, I redeveloped each X20 image in 12 MP resolution using the camera’s internal RAW converter. This way we got two versions of each shot from the X20, one with 6 and one with 12 MP.

Looking at the full-size samples, you will recognize that even at 6 MP, the X20 is able to resolve better midtone and highlight detail while keeping noise levels lower and the image cleaner. Have a look at this example:

X10:
DSCF6416 - X10, DR200%, M

X20:
DSCF0139 - X20, DR200%, M

However, it’s a different situation when you look at dark shadow details in images that were shot with DR200% and, even more so, DR400% dynamic range expansion modes:

X10:
DSCF6415 - X10, DR400%, M

X20:
DSCF0137 - X20, DR400%, M

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X20 and X100s impressions and samples + FR-reader interview with Fujifilm at focus on imaging show

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1) The Polish site fotopolis posted some samples at different ISO’s. For the X20 samples click here (translated version) and for the X100s samples click here (translated version). On fotopolis you can also read the first impressions of the X100s here (translated version). They say that the X100s is a “very successful evolution of the already very good camera.” Thanks for the link Jakub.

You can also read and see samples at the Polish site optyczne. The X100s impressions here (translated version) and the X20 impressions here (translated version). They seem to be very happy with the X100s (compared to the X100 better speed, focus accuracy, start up time, EVF…). The first impressions of the X20 are “positive”.

2) FR-reader Adam made an interview with Fujifilm at the focus on imaging show (UK). At the beginning of the video the Fuji-guy demonstrates Digital Split Image focusing, and Focus Peaking on the new X100s, and then he answers a few questions about the possibility of silver XF lenses, release dates, and future firmware updates for the X-Pro1 for auto ISO and Focus Peaking… to what concerns the firmware updates the Fuji employee just said “I’m not so sure, I haven’t heard anything about it yet“.

He also takes a closer look at the upcoming lenses. Many thanks Adam.

X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK
X20: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / AmazonUK (black – silver) / ebayITA /  / AmazonDE / AmazonITA

–

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Technology of the Year: Fujifilm’s X-Trans Sensor (Imaging resource)

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photo wwwimaging-resourcecom_zps98e0380b.jpg

[The X20 arrived at Rico‘s home! See his first samples on Flickr here.]

“For our inaugural Camera of the Year Awards, we came up with seven categories we felt spanned most of the great cameras we were privileged to test and review in 2012.” And here are the “The Magnificent Seven“. Let’s begin with point 7, technology of the year:

7) Technology of the Year: Fujifilm’s X-Trans Sensor:

” […] Because the X-Trans pattern includes red and blue pixels in every horizontal line of the array — whereas Bayer-filtered cameras display these two colors only in alternating rows — it can produce more consistently accurate colors and color boundaries. The net result is a real step forward in image resolution and crispness, as well as a more “filmic” look to its image noise pattern. […] With their X-Trans technology, though, they appear to have finally delivered something truly special. In testing the X-Pro1, we found exceptionally sharp images, with clean detail and very few artifacts — and the X-Pro1’s image sharpness was realistic, not oversharpened and rife with halos like we often see in JPEGs from even top DSLRs. […] Everyone talks about the importance of out-of-the-box thinking, but few are willing to endure the struggle that’s needed to bring something truly radical to market. Fujifilm stuck it out, and we’re happy to see them finally enjoying the fruits of their long years of effort and innovation in sensor technology.” Read the whole text here.

X-Trans is probably one of the reasons why Thomson Reuter named Fujifilm to the world’s Top 100 Global Innovators (2012). From the Fujifilm press release: “With this award, Thomson Reuters recognizes the world’s top 100 companies that strive to protect inventions via intellectual property rights and lead the world with innovative discoveries and initiatives, based on the concept of regarding patent activity and other intellectual properties as an indicator of technological innovations and future trends.“

… and here are the other imaging resource winners:

1) Overall Camera of the Year: Sony RX1 (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 8518]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 8518 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]

2) Compact System Camera of the Year: Olympus OM-D E-M5 (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 8520]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 8520 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]

Not the winner, but close enough, the X-PRO1. Imaging resource says: “Quality prime lenses and a tack-sharp sensor come together with a unique hybrid optical viewfinder to form the Fujfilm X-Pro1, a digital camera built exclusively for enthusiast photographers. The X-Pro1 really hits the nail on the head, driving deep into high-ISO territory with tack-sharp images. Its controls and feature set are also ideal for the target market, and its available lenses are reasonably priced, small, well-made, and light weight. We found it to be a terrific photographic tool, easy to control, and a joy to use.”

3) Enthusiast DSLR of the Year: Canon 5D Mark III (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 7748]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 7748 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]

4) Pro Camera of the Year: Canon 1D X (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 8522]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 8522 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]

5) Pocket Camera of the Year: Sony RX100 (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 8524]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 8524 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]… let’s see if the X20 can endanger the RX100 next year edition of the imaging resource award.

6) Entry-Level Interchangeable Lens Camera of the Year: Nikon D3200 (BHphoto / Adorama / [shoplink 8527]your Amazon[/shoplink] / [shoplink 8527 ebay]ebay)[/shoplink]

Here is a list of all Fuji X-series cameras with X-Trans sensor

Check in Stock info and price at
Fuji X-E1: [shopcountry 8614] Fuji X-PRO1: [shopcountry 8616] Fuji X100s: [shopcountry 8618] Fuji X20: [shopcountry 8620]

X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK
X20: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / AmazonUK (black – silver) / ebayITA /  / AmazonDE / AmazonITA /

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X100s: High ISO review at Brian Krafts website

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Keep the X100 or jump to the X100s? Brian says that, if you shoot in low light, you should definitely buy the new Fuji X100s. It’s a huge improvement to the previous model and “I have to say that I am quite impressed with the usability of these files.”

Click here to see the High ISO 25,600 shot with different noise reduction (NR) settings.

Remember that Brian updates continuously his X100s review with PROS and CONS and images.

X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK
X20: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / AmazonUK (black – silver) / ebayITA /  / AmazonDE / AmazonITA /

image courtesy: Brian Kraft – ISO 25,600 NR at 0

photo X100S-ISO-25000_zpsb888c168.jpg

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New Zeiss X-mount lenses to be announced soon?

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While we are still waiting to get some news about the future X cameras we may soon get new X-mount lenses! Not from Fuji…from Zeiss! Some sources confirmed that Zeiss will announce three new X-mount primes in early April. Those are the 12mm f/2.8, 32mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/2.8. All priced at around 1.000 Euro and all with electronic Aperture and Autofocus control.

Two of the lenses may a bit too close to current Fuji offerings. The 12mm f/2.8 Zeiss will be a tiny bit wider but also more expensive than our Fuji 14mm f/2.8 (Price check at [shopcountry 6152]). And the 32mm f/1.8 will be slower and more expensive than the already very good Fuji 35mm f/1.4 (Price check at [shopcountry 386]). At the end the 50mm f/2.8 is likely the most unique lens within the X range.

Now it’s up to you….

Which equivalent focal length would you prefer?

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