Just when you have finished lusting after one camera, another one comes along for you to gawp at. This time its the new Fujifilm X-T20, which has been unveiled alongside the Fujifilm X100F. The may look nearly identical to it predecessor, but the new camera has some impressive new features.
Fujifilm X-T20: There are only a few minor differences between the physical appearance of the new X-T20 and its predecessor the X-T10
Although the button layout is virtually identical to the X-T10, there have been a few tweaks to the labelling. For example, the video record button has now become a function button. As a result, video capture now has its own space on the mode dial. The exposure compensation dial now has a C option that allows of the +/-5EV to be selected via the front control wheel. Besides these tweaks the camera control remain largely the same. Other than that, the strong, but lightweight magnesium alloy top and bottom plates remain, as does the silver or black finishes of the camera.
The key new feature of the X-T20 is the 24.3-million-pixel X-Trans sensor
However, the key new feature is the 24.3-million-pixel X-Trans Sensor. For those who have been in cave for the last few years, the X-Trans sensors use a slightly different sensor pattern array. This array appears less uniform in design compared to a standard Bayer pattern sensor. As a result moire patterning can be reduced. This in turn means that the sensor can be free of an anti-aliasing filter, which results in greater resolution of fine details.
The 24.3-million pixel sensor allows for shooting between ISO 200-12,800 - which is one step higher than the previous X-T10. There is also an extended ISO 100-51,200 output, which is 2EV more than its predecessor.
As well as a mechanical shutter, the Fujifilm X-T20 also has an electronic shutter feature that can fire as fast as 1/32,000 sec, and is obviously complete silent.
The rear LCD screen is touch sensitive and allowing for the point of focus to be adjusted whilst recording video
Images can be composed on the 0.39-inch, 2,360K-dot OLED colour viewfinder. Making full use of this large and detailed viewfinder is the digital split prism manual focusing mode. Although this mode harks back to the golden age of manual SLR cameras, it is surprising fast and accurate it is to use to manually focus, even in the digital age.
Alternatively there is a 3-inch 1.04-million—dot LCD screen. This screen also tilts for low and high angle viewing. It is also a touchscreen with a variety of different gestures. You can double tap, or pinch in or out, to zoom, as well as being able to swipe left or right to view images in sequence. Obviously you can simply tap to select an AF point, or use the Touch Shot mode to touch to focus and fire the shutter to take the focused image.
As standard, there is a good range of different colour modes that pay tribute to Fujifilm’s heritage as a film manufacturer. New to the X-T20 is the ACROS mode. This black and white style promises deep blacks and smooth graduations that Fujifilm claim to produce ‘images that are superior to the standard Monochrome mode’.
Fujifilm X-T20: Autofocus
Many of the major improvements from the X-T10 are to do with the autofocus system. The number of AF areas has increased from 49 to 91, with 325 selectable points. Of these 91 areas, 49 of these in the centre of the frame are phase detection AF pixels.
The sensor readout speed has also been doubled, which results in faster contrast detection AF, which Fujifilm claim will result in smoother focusing transitions when recording video.
Speed seems to be very much at the heart of the improvements to the X-T20, with Fujifilm claiming that ‘the unique on-sensor phase detection AF system focuses in an ultra-fast 0.06 secs’ and the camera has a startup time of just 0.4secs, with a shutter time lag time of just 0.050secs.
Fujifilm X-T20: Video
Fujifilm made a big impression when they revealed the X-T2 would feature 4K video capture. Previously the company had been somewhat slow with the uptake of video technology. However, having now fully embraced video, the X-T20 can capture 4K, 3840 x 2160, footage at 100Mbps data rate for up to 10mins. To record 4K footage you will need a U3 class SD card. Full HD video can be record at a 1920 x 1080 resolution at up to 60fps, at 36Mbps data rate for around 15mins.
There is the ability of making manual exposure adjustments whilst recording video. And for those that want to record footage at a higher quality there is a clean HDMI output. It is not yet clear if this offers a higher bit depth or colour sub-sampling, but we will find out and let you know.
If colour grading isn’t for you, then each of Fujifilm’s built-in film simulation presets can be applied whilst recording. And, to make life even easier for filmmakers, the touchscreen focus can be used whilst recording to perform focus pulls.
Fuji X-T20: Other Features
The Fujifilm X-T20 is crammed full of the features including a time lapse mode that can shoot for up to 24 hours. As is now standard the X-T20 has built-in wifi for remote control of the camera, and the transfer of images. To top things off there is also a multiple exposure mode.
Fujifilm has also decided to take Eye Detection focusing to the next level. First we had face detection, then eye-detection, and now we actually have the option in the X-T20 on whether to focus on the right or left eye. An Auto mode is also available that will simply focus on the eye that is nearest to the camera.
Fuji X-T20: Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm X-T20 will be available in Black and Silver finished from 23rd February 2017
X-T20 Body Only: £799
X-T20 with XC16-50mm lens: £899
X-T20 with XF18-55mm lens: £1099
We are currently using the camera and hope to get our first look video up in the next few days, so keep checking back for more information.
You can find out more about the X100F here
