Fujifilm Finepix X20: Review

The Fujifilm FinePix X20 is a high-end bridge camera with a large sensor and an innovative design. It has a 12Mp sensor with a 28-112mm zoom lens, but it's the retro-style design that really makes it stand out from the crowd.

The Fuji X20 is an update to the X10, which was very popular. The X10 was a great little camera but was not perfect and the X20 continues on with the same tradition of the X10. Small, cool, vintage retro vibe with good Fuji colors and fast performance. The X20 is available in both black and two-tone black and silver in India.

Fujifilm X20 key features:

1. 12MP 2/3″ X-Trans CMOS II Sensor – New 2nd gen sensor delivers sharper results with no low pass filter for more micro contrast.
2. Fujinon 28-112mm f/2-2.8 Zoom Lens – Same lens from the X10 which stays pretty sharp corner to corner once stopped down a bit.
3. Advanced Optical Zoom Viewfinder – Improved the viewfinder that now shows detailed camera setting info but it is only showing you 85% coverage, which kind of sucks. 
4. 460k-Dot LCD Monitor
5. EXR Processor II
6. Intelligent Hybrid AF System
7. ISO 100-12800 – At ISO 800 it starts to really show so do not expect X100s High ISO performance
8. Full HD 1080 Video at 60fps
9. Film Simulation and Advanced Filters
10. Die-Cast Magnesium Body Construction
11. Focus Peaking in manual focus mode – great addition if you want to use MF.

PROS and CONS of the X20:

PROS

1. Same design and size as the X10
2. Improved OVF with info display
3. Faster Auto Focus
4. Focus Peaking for manual focusing
5. Faster overall feel with the camera
6. Phase Detect AF
7. Fuji colors and film presets are here
8. Great as a B&W shooter
9. Love the way the camera turns on with the lens activation
10. Lens has good range at 28-112mm
11. Camera is DEAD SILENT, which is awesome
12. Great controls with dials so no need for menu diving
13. “Advanced Mode” where you can access filters and effects
14. The top “function button” can be assigned to almost any setting you desire.
15. Super macro allows you to get as close as 1cm to your subject.

CONS

1. Can get noisy in low light at ISO 400 and up where images appear “muddy”
2. Files are not crisp and sharp at 100% viewing – no huge prints here
3. Overall IQ is different and flatter than the X10 in my opinion and findings
4. Files are not as smooth as the competing Sony RX100
5. Battery is small so life is short at 250 shots or so
6. OVF only has 85% coverage
7. If camera goes to sleep you will have to re-tiwst the lens on and off to restart. Kind of a pain.

I feel the X20 would be nice as a take anywhere family camera. The Macro capabilities of the lens are also fantastic and using Macro and Super Macro is easy as it gets.
The X20 is a great family camera, vacation camera or street shooter and it is one that will give you good results and fantastic style as it is around your neck. If you love Fuji, the X20 may be right up your alley.If you enjoy the looks and style it is the one to get in the price range of Rs 39,999(MRP). 

Some sample images provided by Fuji film: