lencap
Established
I was hoping that the Fuji X20 would be a Leica M9 substitute for $600. I guess we know that isn't quite what happened. I've only had it a few days, but although it's not a Leica, it is a fine compact camera, but not perfect. I strongly considered the X100s before buying the X20, but for my type of shooting a single 35mm perspective is too restrictive. I mostly shoot a 50mm perspective. That, and the desire to find an inexpensive way to expand from the 50mm length of my M9, led me to explore the X20.
I can't comment on the new sensor, I don't have the tools or skill to make fine measurements and comparisons, but the camera produces very nice shots right out of the camera. As small as the pop-up flash is I wasn't expecting much, but it works very well. It seems to have a variable power output, working with the camera's electronics to give whatever light is needed relative to its total output. A nice feature.
One thing I'm not very happy about is the framing of the scene. Sean Reid noted in his X10 review that the viewfinder only shows 85% of the image that you will create when you take a shot. I was hoping that would improve with the X20, but it seems just as bad. Imagine framing a shot to be just the way you want it, and when you look at the image the framing is totally different from what you intended. Worse, at least to me, is that the framing is wrong in all directions. There is added image on top/bottom left/right of the shot you composed. It's very frustrating and, to me, a major turnoff.
The view through the finder is very good. It automatically switches off the rear LED screen when your eye is over the finder - a nice touch. The finder is also a big improvement over the X10 - you can see where the sensor is focused and all the detail of the settings. The finder also changes colors depending on the available light - another nice feature.
Picture quality if very good - regardless of sensor size. Colors are rich, but not excessive, and the range seems very wide. I've not played much with Lightroom yet, but the newest version of Lightroom has a special RAW process for decoding the newest Fuji sensors. Based on the out of camera shots I'm getting that should provide the potential for some amazing photos.
Build quality is fine - feels good in hand, not overly small despite my concerns. The ability to select different focal lengths is a very big plus. Settings for 28,35, 50, 85 and 112 are standard. A nice array.
Focus is very fast and accurate - Fuji's advertising is accurate on this. A big improvement. What is also a welcome surprise is the macro mode. You can focus within an inch or so of the lens - very nice. Good depth of field, or blur, you can select what you want. I haven't played with the video capabilities yet.
Overall, as an initial pass, a very good compact camera with superb features and color rendition. Easy to handle, well built and multiple focal lengths for $600. Can't think of anything that compares. If the finder gave 100% coverage there would be no need to buy anything else, but with the limitations of the finder just be aware that you may wind up using the LED display to frame your shots instead of the finder. That makes it a good camera, with a lot of competition, not a "rangefinder" camera at a bargain price.
Still, a worthwhile addition to your kit, especially if you travel or want something better than an iPhone. I guess if I were a professional reviewer I'd rate it "Recommended". Just be aware of the finder. That's my major (and really only) caveat, but since this is the RANGEFINDER forum, it's a pretty major caveat.
I can't comment on the new sensor, I don't have the tools or skill to make fine measurements and comparisons, but the camera produces very nice shots right out of the camera. As small as the pop-up flash is I wasn't expecting much, but it works very well. It seems to have a variable power output, working with the camera's electronics to give whatever light is needed relative to its total output. A nice feature.
One thing I'm not very happy about is the framing of the scene. Sean Reid noted in his X10 review that the viewfinder only shows 85% of the image that you will create when you take a shot. I was hoping that would improve with the X20, but it seems just as bad. Imagine framing a shot to be just the way you want it, and when you look at the image the framing is totally different from what you intended. Worse, at least to me, is that the framing is wrong in all directions. There is added image on top/bottom left/right of the shot you composed. It's very frustrating and, to me, a major turnoff.
The view through the finder is very good. It automatically switches off the rear LED screen when your eye is over the finder - a nice touch. The finder is also a big improvement over the X10 - you can see where the sensor is focused and all the detail of the settings. The finder also changes colors depending on the available light - another nice feature.
Picture quality if very good - regardless of sensor size. Colors are rich, but not excessive, and the range seems very wide. I've not played much with Lightroom yet, but the newest version of Lightroom has a special RAW process for decoding the newest Fuji sensors. Based on the out of camera shots I'm getting that should provide the potential for some amazing photos.
Build quality is fine - feels good in hand, not overly small despite my concerns. The ability to select different focal lengths is a very big plus. Settings for 28,35, 50, 85 and 112 are standard. A nice array.
Focus is very fast and accurate - Fuji's advertising is accurate on this. A big improvement. What is also a welcome surprise is the macro mode. You can focus within an inch or so of the lens - very nice. Good depth of field, or blur, you can select what you want. I haven't played with the video capabilities yet.
Overall, as an initial pass, a very good compact camera with superb features and color rendition. Easy to handle, well built and multiple focal lengths for $600. Can't think of anything that compares. If the finder gave 100% coverage there would be no need to buy anything else, but with the limitations of the finder just be aware that you may wind up using the LED display to frame your shots instead of the finder. That makes it a good camera, with a lot of competition, not a "rangefinder" camera at a bargain price.
Still, a worthwhile addition to your kit, especially if you travel or want something better than an iPhone. I guess if I were a professional reviewer I'd rate it "Recommended". Just be aware of the finder. That's my major (and really only) caveat, but since this is the RANGEFINDER forum, it's a pretty major caveat.
